Symposium

5th African American Literature Symposium






The Literature symposium was really good, I caught the keynote speaker Dr. Mark Anthony Neal. He touched on many points that interested me. His topic was " Nearly Flawless Masculinity". The first thing that he mentioned that really sunk me in was that we as a people were stuck on Obama as a brand, and not focusing on the things that he really had to offer. Black people were hyped to have an African American President, but did not understand his purpose. He then talked about how President Obama was nearly flawless, almost perfect, but still had to fight harder then the past 43 presidents who were simply mediocre but white. " The next to proceed him will most likely be mediocre also". Although President Obama did not grow up with his father, Obama now challenged the myth that society has on black fathers. Neal also spoke about distinguishing ‘Niggas’ and black men. Rappers seemed to over exaggerate and overly praise their "Black Masculinity", while black "men" (meaning professionals) are forced to underplay it. Neal brought up Sarah Palin, and how she represented white "purity". After Obama's moving speech on the hill Palin was announced VP For McCain, although this may have seemed crazy, it was a very smart and strategic plan that took Obama's shining moment and backed him into a corner. He said how looking back into slavery days no black man could ever talk to a white women let alone have the two at a podium debating. One of my final points i enjoyed was how he mentioned the media and how they focus on the first lady, he used examples saying “the media probe and pick at her" and no other first lady has ever been in so much lime light or gotten so much attention. No other first lady’s' body has been under so much "scrutiny". This speaker was wonderful, I also got a chance to listen to a little of the Question and answer section, and he spoke on the topic "nigga" being used by black people and in our music. He stated that after taking a poll and asking teens about the music they listen to and do they agree 70 % said no they don’t agree with the lyrics, after asking why they listen to it they replied: " I listen to it for the beats, I never really catch the lyrics, unless they repeat it over and over on the radio" Neal then stated " this is in fair part due to people like Cathy Hughes, who know how to market music, but at what cost?" After this last question the host quickly ended the event. I enjoyed Mr. Neal and he was greatly appreciated by NCCU.