The Emasculation Of The Black Man

“Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. The virtue in most requests is conformity. Self reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs.” {Ralph Waldo Emerson – American Poet 1803 – 1882}

In an ideal society, one will appreciate the accomplishments of individuals who have succeeded in either expressing their talent or demonstrating a conviction to lead those who are in need of leadership. We don’t, however, live in an ideal world and there are those who would use any opportunity to denigrate, degrade and devalue anyone who exhibits determination and success. The African community has been particularly susceptible to innuendoes, rumours and prejudice. After conducting a research into black heroes in modern day America, a topic that has fascinated me for some time, I am convinced that a conspiracy exist to destroy any black male who has made success of their life. This is a process of emasculation!

“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and denigrate them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” [Frederick Douglass – American Author and former slave 1817 – 1895].

The black male today is provided with no positive role models and the few that exist are made to appear imperfect and unworthy. Instead of recognizing their accomplishments, black role models are subjected to the most vicious attacks on their character leaving the black man once again emasculated. There is a definite conspiracy!

JIMI HENDRIX

On September 18, 2005, Charles R. Cross, in his second biography of Jimi Hendrix will release “Room Full of Mirrors,” titled after an unreleased Hendrix tune. In it, he will state that Hendrix pretended to be gay so he could have been discharged from the Army. Although Hendrix claimed to have broken his ankle in a parachute jump and was therefore discharged for that reason, Cross goes on to state that the guitarist pretended to be gay and that he [Cross] had access to his [Hendrix’s] letters and diaries which was conveniently made available to him by an unknown friend of the musician. Hendrix’s legendary appetite for women negates the notion that he might be gay and thus, this rumour, or theory should never be allowed to flourish. Hendrix was a guitarist extraordinaire, made more so prominent by his performance of the American national anthem at Woodstock in 1969. Hendrix died in 1970 but his style and his music lives on, appreciated up to today by many across the world.

MALCOLM X

Malcolm X has also been the victim of character assassination. There have been suggestions that Malcolm X was bisexual, a blatant attempt to de-legitimize the man who was a civil rights leader and social activist.

The personal attack began with the publication of Bruce Perry’s biography “Malcolm: The Life of A Man Who Changed Black America” [Station Hill, New York] in 1991. In it, Perry suggested that the Nation of Islam convert was not as robustly heterosexual as his colleagues have been insisting over the years. He referred to a schoolmate of Malcolm X [previously Malcolm Little], schoolmate being Bob Bebee who listed a number of events where the civil rights leader was engaged in man to man sexual encounters. Reference was also made to Malcolm X’s stay in Flint, Michigan and his closeness to Willie Mae, a transvestite that lived in the same building as he did.

No mention was made of his intelligence and natural leadership qualities, about his rise to prominence in the Nation of Islam and the hope he gave to his African brothers and sisters during a time of heightened racial discrimination and intolerance.

O.J. SIMPSON

Orenthal James Simpson, known commonly as “O.J.” or “The Juice” was another victim of the conspiracy to destroy any black male who enjoyed a measure of success. Simpson gained fame as a star running back for the University of South Carolina Trojans, setting National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA] records and winning the Heisman Trophy [considered the most prestigious award in American college football.

After divorcing his first wife in 1979, O.J. married Nicole Brown in 1985. He was subsequently arrested for the murder of his then ex wife [Nicole] in 1994 even though the gloves used to commit the crime did not fit O.J. Although Simpson was acquitted on the murder charge, he has been left bankrupt and ostracized.

MICHAEL JACKSON

Perhaps the most vilified African American male, Michael Jackson is said to be considering a move to the Gulf state of Bahrain where he is having a house built. The King of Pop has reportedly paid an undisclosed sum of money to buy 14 acres of land next to a palace owned by Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad al Khalifa.

After two child molestation cases and several allegations of impropriety with young boys, no one will be surprised if Jackson was to take up residence outside the United States.

MICHAEL JORDAN & TIGER WOODS

The only black superstars to have been spared any major scandal are Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, but given the forces at work, it should not be a surprise to anyone if some allegation of impropriety or misconduct surfaces about either gentlemen. That’s the nature of the world in which we live.

There has been a concerted effort to emasculate the black man in America and there also exist a subtle attempt to do the same here in Trinidad and Tobago. We must remain ever mindful and ever ready to face this threat. Positive role models must be provided to the young who are in need of inspiration and direction.

“When the conspiracy of lies surrounding me demands of me to silence the one word of truth given to me, that word becomes the one word I wish to utter above all others.” [Andre P Brink – South African Author].