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02/16/2008: "Immersion in national culture"

We were discussing some independent movie by an unknown black director he had just seen at a special screening at his local art house. It would be cool, said The Poet, to be able to see more movies like that, movies by black writers and directors. Perhaps even see only movies like that, for some designated period of time.

"Sure," said I. "See only movies which reflect us and our experience."

"Only black movies," said The Poet. "Also, read only black books and magazines."

"A year of black culture," said I, buzzing now. "Imagine the experience. Imagine how one's perspective might change and shift."

"Either that," said The Poet, "Or the effort would drive you insane."

American culture is black culture, of course. The music, the language, the food, the literature, the very definition of what it means to be American – all of it is shot straight through with us. Try to remove the African presence from the house that is America and the whole thing collapses upon itself.

[ This would benefit anyone. Immerse yourself in the art and ideas of your ancestors. You'll see what needs work in the current time, and what is eternal and should be passed on. ]


Cool idea.

http://www.theroot.com/id/44792