"We’ve all been programmed for Whiteness. I think it’s high time we all deprogram ourselves."
These women are not loudmouth, promiscuous, or asexual stereotypes. These are shows in which I am affirmed, in which Black women, Black people—Blackness—are affirmed.
The messages I get from watching these shows are many: I know I can be a successful Black woman without a White male partner—or a male partner—or a partner at all, if I choose. I can see my beauty on the screen, as well as my capabilities and inspirations. Each of these programs depicts the struggle of Blackness, but they show the why and how.
When I reflect on the role media, specifically television, have played in my life, I recognize that I’d been programmed to value Whiteness and devalue Blackness. And if I can feel this way as a Black person, then, of course, White people can, too.
We’ve all been programmed for Whiteness. I think it’s high time we all deprogram ourselves.
Try my experiment yourself.
See the fullness of Black lives.
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