Black-Only Beauty Pageants in 2009
Legal segregation in America ended almost two generations ago. Black Americans have access to good schools and well-paying jobs. The so-called American Dream is within their grasp, if they dare seize it, as many have. Racial barriers have been removed, and opportunities abound. While people tend to self-segregate on a social level, we are living in a fully integrated society where minorities may participate in mainstream institutions.
Back in the days when the government sanctioned, and in some cases mandated, the separation of people by race, black colleges, black hospitals, and the like made sense. But do they make sense today?
The Sacramento Bee published a story about black beauty pageants. The question is, do pageants like Miss Black Sacramento have a role in society today? Naturally, people fall on both sides of the issue. The American Civil Right Institute’s Ward Connerly says no:
“We are not divided by language. We have the same culture, for the most part…Those events really need to go by the wayside. I guarantee you there will be people who will say, ‘What if we had a white pageant.’”
Conservative blogger Janet Shan said, “I really don’t think in 2009 we need a black miss anything or a white miss anything…There are pockets of racism in this country, but that is not enough to hold us back. We are not in the Jim Crow days.”
Angel Stewart, a co-director of the Miss Black Sacramento pageant, believes there is a place for such segregated events.
On the whole, the article seems slanted toward the obsolescence of black beauty pageants, which is surprising for a mainstream publication.
Isn’t it ironic that people who say America is racist or bigoted strive to keep race front and center?
1
DW
Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
LaShawn, Shay of Bookerrising notes you contradicted yourself on this subject. Could you explain the difference between the quote you had and what you are asserting here? I am interested in the difference. Thanks.
“Booker Rising response: Let me first note that Oprah Winfrey is a former Miss Black Tennessee, which got her noticed and led to media broadcast gigs as a collegian. The rest is history. Black beauty pageants are no different than beauty pageants seen in conjunction with Italian-American, Irish-American, etc. festivals. Black beauty is often devalued in America (even Black America). What private individuals choose to do with their own funds and their own time is up to them. If you don’t like black beauty pageants, don’t participate and don’t buy tickets to the event LOL. The event name and purpose is clear, so at least it’s truth in advertising. Unlike beauty pageants that claim to be open to all, but the winners all look a certain way.
This is an example of freedom of association. From Ms. Barber’s own website: “If private individuals want to create racially exclusive schools (or hire certain people based on race), that’s their right as private business owners. We have freedom of association in this country, and that freedom includes (or should include) providing services to whomever we want to provide services.” Unless government funds are being used for these pageants (which I’ve never heard of), what’s the problem? Or do only whites get to have freedom of association? Be consistent.”
-From Bookerrising
2
La Shawn Barber
Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
If you re-read this post and the one Shay quotes from on my personal blog, you’ll notice that I didn’t contradict myself. I believe in freedom of association and didn’t say or imply otherwise in either post; I merely question black-only events. Just because I support freedom of association doesn’t mean I can’t ever comment on or question the point of certain gatherings.