David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Anna — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:28:34 GMT

"Somewhere along the line we lost the knowledge of our strength, we lost our identity with that strength, so now many of us are succumbing to a culture of victimhood and defeatism."

Amen, Mr. Wilson, Amen! It is time for all people to take responsibility for their actions and attitudes and for a society to say enough is enough.

I wish you the best!

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Dave, Tn — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:59:54 GMT

Was trying to watch over the net, but the feed kept dropping out on me. Any chance it might be aired again on nbc some night? Not like they have a bunch of top rated shows getting in the way. (according to Leno) From what I saw I thought both you Davids did a wonderful job.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Eve Earles, Chicago, IL — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:25:02 GMT

I was thrilled to watch the broadcast Friday night on MSNBC.I have told everyone I know about the program. The film was moving and the conversation after at Howard, illuminating. I do think a scholar from Howard should have ben invited to participate. Michael Eric Dyson is certainly a scholar but the average person can't understand what he says nor the Howard man who spoke from the audience. We need real people talking to real people.
I think Brian Williams did a great job and I watch him regularly on the evening news. However, I do believe one of our problems as a country is that we have to rely on the white, or mainstream, as Tom Joyner sadly said, media to interpret the events of the day even our events. Brian was uncomfortable asking some of the questions and some of his questions reflected white's lack of understanding and knowledge of the black world, e.g. the whole business about Rev. Wright. If there had been enough black powerful people in the news rooms I don't think there would have been such a fuss because they could say that's the way black churches are. I am Episcopalian and our church is conservative but we are a black congregation and very different from white churches. Of all the content in the film I thought it interesting that the media chose to use a clip from the 97-year-old woman who is opossed to reparations. I think that's what white people want to hear and that's what the media gave them. But thank you for airing such a provocative program. As a result I am embarking on delving more into my family's history.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

J Gillman Akron, Ohio — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:48:20 GMT

I do think people and angry , frustrated and bitter about the their economic condition. I am and I'm proud that I'm bitter and I don't live in small town America. What is so wrong with expressing the truth.
Obama had the guts to tell it like it is and now Hillary and McCain have jumped all over one word. Both of them are worth many millions, Barack and his wife just paid off their student loans a few years ago. It a dirty shame that the Clinton will say and do anything to win.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

LEF, NC — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:28:54 GMT

When I was eight or nine years old, I watched a young black boy walk up and down the dirt road in front of my house. I watched him grow a head taller, handsome, dark and lean. We never spoke. I can not remember if we ever waved. I wanted to know his name. I wanted to know just where down that dirt road he lived. I wondered what his family was like. I wondered if he could put salt on a birds tail or if he liked to catch lightening bugs or if he would like to see my pet catfish. Unfortunately, I never
found out anything about him. Over fifty years have passed and whenever I think of growing up , I wonder what his name was and what kind of man he became.
I grew up to be one of those white people that say I do not see color. When I say that I do not mean that I do not see black or brown, yellow, red or white. I do not mean that I do not recognize that people of every color have been enslaved, indentured and tormented by their own group or a different group. I say that because I think it is right to treat people of any color as an individual who I can like, admire or dislike as they relate to my individual quirks.
David Wilson I like your approach. The sad truth is that there will always be a handful of people in the world that are going to hate someone for some reason.
The goal is to see that these people stay in the minority. I believe that group is getting smaller.
The doll test was heartbreaking. Yet I wonder, is this race or color or both? What would happen if there was a blonde haired-blue eyed-white skinned doll;a brown haired-brown eyed-white skinned doll;a black haired-brown eyed-brown skinned doll and white kids took the test? I would bet that most white kids would pick the blonde blue-eyed doll. What would that say about society? Perhaps we should understand better how we are alike and then work on appreciating diversity of every color of every race of ever individual.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Red Camp, Sebring, Fl — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:29:53 GMT

I had the good fortune in the early 70's to spend time with some people who with love and patience took me to places red headed, blue eyed kids from Georgia normally don't get to see and I thought we were beginning this dialogue then, but have been so disappointed that we stopped talking about it. We have to talk to one another if we we are ever to solve the problems. Please do this again, and put the brother from Howard faculty on the stage so he can get past the need to defend Howard and on with the agenda and the bigger picture.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Tommy Lee Jenkins III, Brookline, Massachusetts — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:09:56 GMT

No one seems to be bringing up the DNA tests performed on Thomas Jefferson. I think there's a story there that needs to be told. Something about telling a part of U.S. History, but not the whole part of U.S. History.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Joyce Totman, Trenton, New Jersey — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:33:37 GMT

Thank-you so much for telling our story. The truth is, our ancestors did what they needed to do so we could be where we are today. As descendants of slaves we need to remember we are the victors and not victims. David Wilson's approach to beginning a conversation was excellent. Now that we have a vehicle, let's order the film and begin the dialogue.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Alma Anderson — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:41:38 GMT

I grew up in the tobacco growing woods of North Carolina and longed for my age's voice as there was back breaking work, long hours but fresh air, excellent family and friends support and camaraderie that was lost for people who moved North into new and different hard scrabble work and low pay and its impact is still being felt in the cities today. I would like to see a continuation of the discussion to include persons still living who can talk about what happened from their perspective.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Billy Bob — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:33:14 GMT

J. Wright has the right to say or preach what he belives & those that justify his paronoid, racist, hate message have a right to do so. Those that hear the message as paronoid, hateful & racist have as much right to say so. I so say!

Now, if that message is being justified by ministers, congregations, presidential candidates, then those that express concern for what the youth are being taught, ex. Bill Cosby, are justified--as I see it.

Now, there may be a majority of any race that can live respecting the other, work respecting the other, etc. but, those that speak up usually have developed an agenda important to them & the ART of communication deminishes in the noise of emotional hearing. (You did not say that the way I wanted to hear it!)

This election process has exposed senative emotions, and seems to be ruled by emotions. Example, Obama's experience, character, judgement, pale when compaired to Collin Powell--period! And that is true when he is comapired to most of those early candidates that were filtered out by the DNP. It seems that some say "any one but Hillary;" & some say "Obama no matter what."

It seems the three camps can agree on "We are against the other two!" It is time to unite the country by putting the big three aside & elect someone that can allow the three camps to feel they will be represented fairly. Guess it will have to be a female, black, conservative--anyone fit that?

Actually, my agenda is to focus on how controlled, & hand picked, the candidates have been in recent decades, which controls determine who we have available to vote for. For the DNP to be allowed to determine that a few small States can vote early while requiring others to vote later, after the candidate choices have been filtered & only those approved by the PARTY are available for the majority of States & citizens to vote for. Thanks to Mich. & Fla. the FILTERING DISCRIMINATION has been outed!

Obama was trying to position for a run at the presidency in 4 or 8 years & is as surpirsed as the DNP at his popularity. He is probably a good poker player as he sure knows when to raise the bet.

Respectfully,
Billy Bob, Florida, where votes don't count unlike Chi-town where even the deads' count

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Venecia, Memphis, Tenn — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:55:58 GMT

I just want to say that I am a blck , female, college student. I really enjoyed both the documentary and the live conversation. I understood most of what the people said and I was really hurt watching the doll test.My Mom made sure that I had no white dolls while I was young. She didn't want me to think that in order to be beautiful I had to be a white barbie. But I really appreciate both of the David Wilson's for making the documentary and inspiring me to try to trace my family's ancestry.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

JonO, Clarksville, TN — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:06:10 GMT

This is an excellent presentation of a subject that has plagued this planet. I appreciate that the "David's" kept it on their personal persectives.

I did not like how the "high-minded" took it and made it systemic, governmental derision purposefully imposed on a minority group solely a fabrication of the United States.

Look at the world today. China and Tibet. Iraq and the Kurds. Pick any continent and the flavor of discrimination runs abundant.

That is something that is uniquely Human. We discriminate. That will never be fixed. It can only be appreciated and acted upon by the individual when it becomes influential in how we treat another Human. That is what this film did.

What those "high-minded" people did with it only made the situation worse by trying to define and describe societal solutions....which is so far off the point it's surprising any of them have a degree in anything but victimhood.

All the "-isms" in the world start and end with the individual and how they relate to it. It's that simple. America is a great land because it was founded on the principle of freedom of "-isms" to an almost unhealthy level. It was never perfect, it never will be...and no government program or amount of money will ever fix the ills. Only the practice of responsible individualism will fix what ails all humans.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Charles Clark Memphis TN — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:39:59 GMT

Hello to both Davids
I am a white male who has traced his lineage through two family lines which owned slaves and beyond. Since I have done extensive research in thier lives during slavery and the civil war my view is a little more indepth than what was portrayed. One of my family lines which owned slaves was also themselves desended from family brought here under servitude which was the same as being a slave during that time.
Thier lives were very hard even with slaves. Both families who owned slaves fought for the North during the civil war and my GGG Grandmothers and remaining family suffered terribly from the homeguards because of it.
I was lucky that one family line was well known and well archived in Alabama State Archives. Through this I know some of thier views of slavery and how they reconciled thier negative views on it while themselves owning slaves. I will post more later since already have taken up alot of space.
The point is it was important for me to know from who I decended. I believe everyone, no matter who they are should recognize they are here because more than likely past generations suffered to get them here. We are all more alike than most realize.
God bless you both.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Harriette M. Anderson, Edina, MN — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:55:25 GMT

While viewing the reflections of David Wilson today (4/19/08, I could not help having the painful knowledge that I, a 72 year old African American woman will never see my ancestral home.

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Joy Degruy Leary's lecture on "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome" did I truly understand the true impact on the slaves and their slave-owners. Yes, slave owners and America paid a heavy price, also. That price was losing their humanity. She relates how she experienced the difference in racial attitudes in South Africa when compared to the United States. Through Bishop Tutu's Reconciliation Commission, those who confessed to their crimes and apologized, were forgiven and the country moved forward. Can this happen in America? In its' current mind-set, I think not.

When major media outlets refer to Rev. Jeremiah Wright as using un-American speech and/or "wild" accusations/statements, it only furthers the divide. Using the example of the aids introduction has never been truly examined. All one has to do is google "The Origins of Aids" on the internet to learn that both the aids and hepatitis B vaccines are man-made. Another "secret" that escapes the media.

I am truly impressed by the comments by Mr. Wise and Prof. Dyson. I encourage everyone to read Dr. Leary's book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome for a better understanding what ails us as a people.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

John Hall, Seattle Wash. — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:43:52 GMT

Loved the movie, loved David A. Wilsons commentary at the begining of this blog. Hated the contrived, elitists, academics who had the discussion. Turned the program off at that point. The answer to Davad A Wilsons question for all all people of any color or nationality is get a job, get a college degree, work hard, stay married, don't do drugs, and help your children to have a better life than you. Is it easy? No. Nothing worthwhile ever is.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Terri chernoff west palm beach fl — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:06:33 GMT

I just watched the special and boy was I moved
The doll feature really moved me
I would like to help in some way
Please let me know how I can make a some change
My father was a ratist by my daughter never looked @ color she dated blacks and lived with a black in college. grew up in detroit
Terri

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Linda Shoemake, Sacramento, CA — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:55:24 GMT

i am a blue-eyed blonde raised in a family of mostly blue-eyed blonde haired relatives but I have noticed that the most "blonde" and "blue-eyed" and are the favored children and the brown haired and brown children are not as favored or valued. It really took me aback when i realized this and it makes me feel ashamed of my family to be so shallow. My family were "poor white trash" in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and moved to California and became middle-class. I just don't understand why it matters, it has nothing to do with character or personality. It breaks my heart.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Loren Riverside, California — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:41:33 GMT

I enjoyed the clips of documentary on msnbc. I have been doing research on my own ancestry in UK and France; were you able to go back far in Africa?

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Carolyn Jones, MSW — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:27:03 GMT

David
I work for the State of Washington and am making a film for foster parents on the needs of African American children. Is it possible to use your version of "Black Doll/White Doll" in our film? Our audience for the film will be white foster parents who are caring for children of color. We hope to impart what they need to know to raise happy, healthy and well protected children in a world tainted by "white privilege" and prejudice.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

L.E.E., Kenosha, WI — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:22:58 GMT

Just wanted to congratulate both David Wilsons on a truly amazing eye opening show. It was wonderful. I really think all children should see the show and also receive education in school on the role of the black man and the American Indian played in the formation of this nation. My ancestors in New York and Virginia had slaves (mother and fathers sides). Although I have dear friends who are black, I know deep down somewhere I do deeply regret what my ancestors did. Perhaps they knew no better, perhaps they treated the few slaves they had with kindness, either way, we do owe them an "I am sorry ".

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Volgirl ,gwd,sc — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:21:34 GMT

I think it is sad that we have such a chance to truly come together,but people like obama run around ashamed of their race and hide their white grandmothers away.I feel hurt by this because how can you represent everyone when you are ashamed of yourself.

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Rolls Royce - Houston, TX — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:54:26 GMT

Volgirl,gwd,sc...
I assume from your message that you don't follow Barack Obama very much. How is it that he is hiding his White G-Mother and ashamed of himself, when he brags and speaks of his White Biological Mother every-time he campaigns in a predominantly white-rural, "blue-collar" state? And he mentions or tells his story of being a Black man, with a White Mother and a Black Father (from Kenya) and himself being born here in America as a description of the "American Dream" that is quite similar to Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream for America. Do your research please before you make statements about people's positions on anything in life. Take care, take charge, and May God bless you and yours always!

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

Louise Suhey, San Antonio, TX — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:25:59 GMT

David-
I had recorded your documentary and only now found the time to watch it. I wanted to tell you how much your piece touched me and how much I admired your courage to research your family history. However, I saw it from a totally different perspective than probably most people who viewed your story. I am a white, 57 year old female with dark brown hair and very pale blue eyes. Both of my children look like my husband and not much like me. I was adopted in Chicago in 1951 and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA for most of my childhood. From the earliest possible rememberance, I have been questioning my genetic history and how I arrived where I am today. To me, it has nothing to do with the color of your skin. It is a truly deep yearning to discover ourselves and our place on this planet. It took me over 30 years and determined courage to find any information about my parents and my history. I was hoping for the best but found heart break and deep sadness. I am still trying to discover facts and ancestry but will never regret this journey and looking for the truth. I so enjoyed your path of discovery and am thrilled it had such a heartfelt ending and fantastic new beginning. None of us can deny the age old question of who we are and where did we come from, no matter what the color of our skin. Racism is just lack of knowledge on all sides. Don't stop trying to educate us all. Thank you!!

David A. Wilson's reflections on 'the conversation'

E. Wright, Kingston, Jamaica W.I. — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:31:53 GMT

I live in Jamaica and would like to acquire this documentary, how can this be done. Thank You,
Ms. Wright