TROUBL

“If a situation is perceived as real, then it is real in its consequences.”

Lately, I’ve been approached by people claiming that recent statistics prove the decline of the black nuclear family has a direct relationship to the well being of the community as a whole, or rather lack there of. Well, statistics can prove almost anything if you know where to look. Only believe half of what you see, none of what you hear, even if its that by me.

The nuclear family, like many suburban American myths spread during the New Deal and was perpetuated by the mainstream media as “The Good Old Days.”

Our examination starts with idea of the American consciousness, because it was brought about by a group of men and is still relatively new in our society. Always remember, the “ghetto” was built brick by brick and black people were regulated to it, just like suburbia is still spreading one white picket at a time.

Although the nuclear family continues to appear in society, it did not become our mantra until it was advertised with two cars in every garage and two chickens in every pot. Take a look back at American history and peep “family structures.”

Pioneering, farming, slavery as an institution, the industrial revolution, mass immigration of peoples from cultures around the world, and many other cultures in this country did not follow the strict guidelines of Mom and Pop with 2.5 children and Buster the lovable pup.

While I am not saying there are no relationships to draw in this statistical analysis, I am appalled at the impressions it is communicating to people. The conclusions one draws from such research should be weighed carefully by whichever scholar is presenting it, whether PhD, student or “Joe Everyman.”

Contrary to popular belief, black communities exist throughout all social strata. Forget our various familial backgrounds, religious beliefs and countries of origin; no one, including myself, can possibly speak for an entire race of people!

The stereotype, which brings about this line of questioning is thus: why are their so many “broken homes” in black communities? This has been a constant in various communities of all backgrounds, not just when society at large has imprisoned a significant portion of the black male population.

The nuclear family is currently on the agenda because people are worried about their ecological footprint and population control has become apart of pop culture. But, get the story straight: you cannot define the actions of entire communities based upon an ideal blown way out of context. While no subject need be taboo in these forums, respect is essential.