Hot Ghetto Mess: Positive or Negative?

Do you remember not too long ago when comedian Bill Cosby was criticized for what some saw as harsh remarks about the African American community? Cosby said that parents were to blame for student's shortcomings (gasp!) and he implied that the behavior of some low-income African Americans might contribute to the school drop out rate. On parenting, he said, ""People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around. . . . The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting." He was also criticized when he said, ""We as black folks have to do a better job. . . . Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard."

Now, Jam Donaldson has also come under fire for her web page - http://www.hotghettomess.com. The 34 year old African American lawyer founded the web page in order to show what she says is the "dysfunctional elements of our black community." The web site has spawned a television show on BET (Black Entertainment Television), which shows videos of ghetto life.

On her website, Donaldson shows photos such as those of African American men with gold teeth and pimped out cars as well as African American women scantily clad. On her page, she says "Changing our image begins with us. Although many don't like to admit it, these photos are indicia of much larger and complex issues in our communities. Issues that only we can resolve. The government can't legislate pride in ourselves." I love it when she was quoted as saying, "Culturally, you used to be ashamed to have a baby and not a husband. You were ashamed to go out with a revealing dress on. We lost that shame." To me, this statement doesn't just speak to African Americans, but society in general. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen a young girl scantily clad on television and wanted to scream "Girl, put some clothes on!"

Among other things, the website features a "Not Ghetto Mess of the Month," highlighting positive African American role models. This month, the site talks about Nuttin But Stringz, two young musicians who blend classical music, jazz, R&B, and hip hop. If you haven't heard these guys, you need to check them out - they are good!

Some people say that Donaldson's website plays on black stereotypes and that her words lend comfort to racists, citing that the website has been praised by the Ku Klux Klan. However, the criticism has not fazed Donaldson so far. She says "I'm willing to go far to spread my message: "We've got to do better."

Personally, I have no problem with anyone encouraging the youth of today to hold themselves up to high standards. What do you think?