Ganglife: all that black men are destined for?

Growing up not all boys have successful people around them to look up to, leaving them to look to mainstream media for role models. Fortunately, this is 2016 and social media allows us to have access to an array of different people so its possible to find a role model anywhere, however, this doesn't necessarily mean they will be positive role models. There are a lot of successful black men in the limelight from sportsmen such as Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods; rappers such as P Diddy; or famous actors such as Idris Elba. However, there aren't enough black male role models promoting everyday jobs, when there is more to the black community than footballers and entertainers.

Idris elba

 Mainstream media has shown itself to be very successful at tarnishing the images of black men, including the men I just named and many more. Often black men are painted as hypersexualised creatures who have a genetic pre-deposition to living a life of crime. TV series Gangland, follows black gang members in London, whilst highlighting the very dangerous and reality of ganglife, though I felt it glamourised crime and violence, with images like this so readily available to us this becomes accepted as the norm. The series in itself focused on black people alone, even though white and Asian gangs exist in London. It promoted such a negative lifestyle, but didn't show the reasons why they are in that situation or didn't even try to help them come out of that situation, which a lot of them even showed that they would like to come out that lifestyle. They completely glamorised gang life, drugs and violence. it perpetuates a stereotype that the black community is trying to get rid off for years. I believe the aim of the show was initially to bring awareness, because in reality there is nothing positive about ganglife but they portrayed it as if this minority is a majority. Negative documentaries such as these only prohibit the advancement of black men and make the gang lifestyle seem natural and inevitable. By constantly having the same images of black men, people then accept this as the standard for black men, creating stereotypes and putting black men in a box. Why not have a TV show showcasing black excellence or even a show just showing a normal black family? This isn't the only narrative for black boys/men.

I refuse to post any images from the Gandgland show, or anything depicting black boys/men as criminals. So, here is a picture of Barack Obama and his family, they offered such positive representation. More images like this should be shared.

I hereby call out to the black community and ask that we help provide opportunities  for black youth to help them and build up our society. Provide resources, advice to those near by. We need to change societies perception of black men and create opportunities for black men and boys so that they don't feel like they don't have any other option. I encourage black men on their journey to success to share their story because mainstream media would rather show case black boys being killed or with as criminals. Lets offer another narrative and create our own representation. 

Until next time,

Chengetai Victoria
xoxo