BET 25 Events That (Mis)shaped Black America

BET 25 Events That (Mis)shaped Black America

BET premiered their list of the 25 events that mishaped Black America last night. I wasn't able to watch the show (I was out spending some QT with the Huxtables) so I decided to log on to BET.com to play catch up. Somebody, anybody, everybody please redesign that damn site. It's been that way since I was in 10th grade.

Anyway, here are a few of my personal favorites:

Ronald Reagan
Perhaps the first sign what Ronald Reagan would mean to Black America was when he decided to kick off his presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Miss., with a crowd of Klansmen in attendance. The city was most famous for the murders of three civil rights workers in 1964. His presidency arguably destroyed the hopes of a generation. During his term he attempted to dismantle of public education system and created "Reaganomics," which hindered prosperity from trickling down to the Black masses.

Soul Food

Sure it tastes good, but it will kill you. It is fatty, salty, with too much sugar.

The 'Bling' Phenomenon

The "bling" phenomenon has converted old-fashioned ideas into new-fangled fads. "Bling" has been tied to blood diamonds in African, fueling the suggestion that African Americans are more interested in petty materialism than in community investment and growth.

Hollywood

Proud To Be Dumb

When did it become cool to be dumb? When did it become corny to be smart? Why are some Black kids "too cool for school?"

Are there any other events you think should be added to the list? Visit BET.COM to see the full list.