The other day I was listening to the radio and the disc jockey was talking about prom. There are a number of website devoted to the "ghetto" couples attending prom and I guess there was a link on the DJ's web page. So callers were calling in and giving their point of view on these outfits. Now, I have quite a few issues with this and other websites devoted to make a mockery out of unsuspecting children. Yes, a good number of them are just children.
First, I am not sure if anyone is familiar with a DVD titled "Ethnic Notions." Well, this DVD gives the history of how so many negative stereotypes regarding Black people came about and how the media continues to perpetuate them. When I hear about these websites or receive these emails with "ghetto" prom pictures, I cringe. In my humble and maybe limited opinion, I feel like it further perpetuates the negative stereotypes that the media has projected about Black people. It also is a reminder that coonery and buffoonery still exist.
Secondly, let me provide you with a definition of "ghetto". According to the Eleventh Edition of the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, a ghetto is defined as the following: (1) a quarter of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live (2) a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live esp. because of social, legal, or economic pressure (3a) an isolated group (3b)a situation that resembles a ghetto esp. in conferring inferior status or limiting opportunity.
Now I guess what I'm having a difficult time understanding is, how does these outfits that may seem a bit unconventional resemble a ghetto? I have seen some of the outfits and although I don't agree with many of them, I would never call them "ghetto". I believe the kids today are creating their own style and that is fine. Just because many people may not see their outfits as being classy or elegant, does not mean the kids wearing them agree.
As a community, I believe we need to work with these children and mentor them to show them a better way. Instead of people taking photos of them and posting them on various websites to make a mockery of them, we need to show them a different way. This doesn't mean that one way is better or worse than the other, it just gives them an opportunity to have that exposure that they have not had.
Finally, I think these websites gives "other" people the ammunition to continue to make a mockery of Black children. There are others who enjoy maybe even thrive off of Black people who make fun of one another and display them in a negative light. That makes their job easier. I want to appeal to those adults who pass these e-mails around and go to the various websites that portray these "ghetto" prom images; this year when you get them, respond to the person who sent it to you and ask him or her what they could have done to prevent these type of images? If they don't have an answer, then maybe you can advise that person to stop making a mockery out of these children lives and maybe instead of spending time passing the pictures around, mentor a child.
