Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

Black studies may be still considered a questionable topic. I know for a fact that my generation is inquisitive, as a result, will question everything that they may feel doesn’t apply to them. This is the specialty of black studies. Although its primary focus dwells in the African American community, the experiences, endeavors and problems have no color, because they can relate to all races in some fashion or form. Black studies is a “blessing in disguise” that was not available to our ancestors. Not once did they consider the strife and victory they experience to be incorporated into a program that is currently readily accessible to student’s everywhere. Black studies have allowed some many more genres to branch off of it and in other curriculums, such as Africa and the Diaspora. It is amazing to witness the advancements, struggles, and unity of African Americans, and consider how it is relative today. I consider Black studies as an implied inspiration, an inspiration that never directly states such messages, but are routinely displayed throughout their work ethic. It not only opens our eyes to the obstacles African American’s ancestors had to overcome, it introduces areas that blacks are succeeding in such as Black Philosophy. What is the likelihood of an average student knowing that such as this existed? Hence the importance of this program. It never ceases to amaze me on the limited resources that were available back then, yet some of the greatest inventors, scientist, and leaders were born. If anything, this is encouraging as a African American. Black studies provide students of all races the opportunity to become a part of their worlds. In addition, Black studies at a HBCU may be considered the norm, yet here at O.U., where African Americans are considered few in number, is an advantage because while achieving African Americans still have the chance to stick to their roots. This was accomplished through various activities, one of the most influential, the infamous group projects. Although initially, I was against this idea, I’ve grown accustomed, which allowed me to enjoy this experience. Not only does it allow us as students the opportunity to adapt to change, and learn to communicate and work in a collaborative group effort, it allowed an opportunity to play off each other’s strengths, while creating and maintain relationships for friendships and networking purposes. I truly enjoyed the varying personalities and effort of my group and have a completely insight regarding group work. This indeed prepared us to learn how to work in groups with diverse individuals, since the world itself consist of diversity; why not start in the classroom? With change comes patience, a theory I was able to experience firsthand. The blog assignments were always thought provoking and required time to prepare. Yet once you start, it’s easy to start expressing your ideas and opinions. Although this was my first class that used blogs for assignment purposes, it was an innovative way for students to express personal opinions, and both share and comment their thoughts regarding each other’s ideas. It is always beneficial to see other people’s ideas because it allows you as a student to realize that there are contrasting viewpoints out there. This class was definitely one that promotes d individuality, and self expression. It was not entirely too repetitive, yet effective enough where attention was always captured. For example, numerous guest speakers came, suggested readings, and a field trip to the law building were just a few of the perks to name a few. As a freshman, I felt at ease, this certainly allowed me to want to attend class. I would definitely recommend this class to anybody who is interested.

AFAM-Extra Credit

I believe that is safe to say, that the television is the most influential media available in today’s society. With that being said, many opinions and or conclusions are drawn based on the information provided. In most cases a particular group is either targeted, or left out. I’m focused on the second part of this fact. We are all well aware of H.I.V, the causes, possible treatments, and preventions. These words have been embedded within one’s mind, for sometimes now. Yet I recently discovered that this hasn’t always been the case for African Americans. As an African American woman, this disturbing fact was indeed an eye opener. HIV’s portrayal as a” white-gay-man’s’ disease in 1981 easily mislead African Americans who although obviously didn’t fit into this category, were oblivious to the fact that HIV is color-blind. Consequently a nonchalant attitude towards HIV was adopted. As a result, African Americans are in the lead of the HIV diagnosis’ race; with African American women striving for the gold. African Americans are said to have 55% of H.I.V. infections (guiding right). Sadly, that’s not including the unknown. People that were known to be infected were usually famous, which eventually plummeted. The surplus of the well known African American basket ball player Magic Johnson led to a reality check for African Americans: it can happen to me. Magic Johnson unconsciously facilitated in this much needed epiphany. I was whole hardly agreed that celebrities make an impact on situations that the average person couldn’t. One would think that with the influence and impact that celebrities obtain, they would speak out- yet silence is usually addressed with this situation. Therefore media shows should expand HIV information outside HIV awareness week. Even so, it may be an uproar for awhile, and then die off. Why so? While the “old news” is dying off, unfortunately so is the African American community. Moreover, “disproportionate’ media issues combined with lack of funding, lack of insurance and education aid in this epidemic. Words of advice: get checked because HIV sees no color.
Jessica Turner

African American families

Wednesday
March 25, 2009
4:30p.m.
Wayans brothers
The CW
Television Comedy
African American Family -Father and two sons (early twenties)
Positive Image

Wednesday
March 25, 2009
5:00p.m.
My wife and Kids
Channel 36
Television Comedy
African American Family – Mother, Father, 3 children (1 teenage girl, one teenage boy, and a pre-teen girl)
Positive Image

March 26, 2009
Thursday
September, 2008
Ebony Magazine
4:00 p.m.
Article- Michelle Obama: a family affair
African American Family – Husband and Wife (middle-aged) 2 children (pre-teen-teen girls)
Positive Image

March 26, 2009
Thursday
September, 2008
Ebony Magazine
4:30
Article- Ending School Daze
African American Family –Husband and Wife 4 children, 3 girls, one boy. (1pre-teen girl, 2 early twenties, one early twenties)
Positive Image






March 26, 2009
Thursday
Ambi Commercial-The color of Flawless skin
African American Family- 3 generations,( Grandmother, (wise) daughter, (middle aged), early twenties) granddaughter
Chanel 36
Positive


March 26, 2009
Thursday
Fox23.com
8:45
Local news -Girl Fights a growing problems in schools
African American Family
Mother (Middle aged) and Daughter (teenager)
Negative


March 26, 2009
Thursday
Cbsnews.com
9:30
Local news-Improving Colon Cancer in the black community
Video clip
Positive

Personal Blog:
The world we reside in today is full of compelling images that tend to leave an impression and or portray a specific perception once noticed. I believe it safe to say, that a picture is worth a thousand words, because once we as humans visualize something, the experience is brought to life. This is exactly what happened to me in this assignment. I rarely watch TV as it is, but once one is expected to do something, the tables turn. I never noticed how media effectively portrays. While observing African Americans on television, I was quickly got the impression that structure is very important, any change in the regular rules cause chaos as displayed, in My wife and kids. This particular show gave the impression that African-American men have huge egos that can’t compromise, even with their wife. Despite this, the wife remained to be supportive and respected the fact that he needed to feel like a “man” sometimes. This indeed can influence our perceptions because it implies that All African men are selfish while the wives are self-less. Do I agree with this statement? Yes. It perceives to be that African American men, need to feel in control at all times, while to wives accept it. One thing that as positive was despite the class, because African American women are very independent today, a middle ground was eventually reached. Although humorous, these shows attempt to address major topics and never leave on a bad note, such as a disagreement because at the end of the day, their love oversees it all. Not saying that the comedy can’t go too far. For example, in the Wayans brothers, their poverty was often displayed sarcastically. This affects our perceptions because it is indirectly stating that African-Americans are low-middle class, and majority wil always remain this way. With this “classification” comes the idea that African American’s lack class and manners. I also observed that a lot of slang was used on the show as well as baggy clothing. This is a stereotype that has be instilled in society for some time now, and in a sense we are feeding into it. The difference with this show is that a mother was not present. I believe that this symbolically spoke the bigger picture; African- American families lack an important component of a family; a mother or a father. The insight portrayed here is that most African-American families lack either parent, which in some cases are true. Despite this, African American families are striving for better opportunities through their own venues, one being actively participating in home schooling. This may be a wise decision, considering the increase of violence in girls in public schools. An African American girl was interviewed due to her suspension for fighting. This is an image that I believe African Americans refighting daily. : The ghetto, mild tempered girl who will remind you of her attitude. This was a negative portrayl that African Americans strive to overcome. This implied that education is important to African-Americans. This indeed is true, some parents experienced hardship that their children could bypass. What’s the answer? A concise education. African –Americans tend to stick together in various aspects of life when necessary. Fit was good to see productive African-Americans who are not only concerned about their health, but attempting to change it for the better in magazines, with the images of soul food flying from left to right, African American perceive be , well, unhealthy. This article states otherwise. Lastly, the best representation of African American family’s s that should be used as a model are the Obama’s. Within the article, the joy that Michelle had towards her family is obvious. Moreover, words come and go, but images last forever. The media has a major impact on the overall opinions of many people because if it isn’t accessible, media is all that is available.