Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Black and Unwanted: Prejudice and Stereotypes in Bold Letters

By GuestBug Brittany



If you live in the state of Arkansas, specifically, Little Rock, North Little Rock, or the Pine Bluff area, you may have noticed a new billboard has popped up in high traffic areas. A photo of a Black (African American) baby, blended into a solid black background, sets a somber tone. What catches one off guard is the text. In big gold letters it reads, “Black & Unwanted”; below that in smaller letters, “Too Many Aborted.com”.

The “Black and Unwanted” billboards in Arkansas are sponsored by the nonprofit group, Arkansas Right to Life. Recently, local news stations (such as Fox 16 and Today’s THV) have covered community reactions to the signs, which have began to garner controversy. However, the signs are not the brain child of ARL. In fact, the signs began going up in the state of Georgia by the Radiance Foundation. According to ARL and the Toomanyaborted.com site, the ads are targeted toward the Black community because it has a high rate of abortion despite being the minority group. The billboards are an integral part of a movement to bring attention to the rate of abortions in the Black community.

When one delves deeper into the Toomanyaborted.com site, there are statistics everywhere. But none of them seem to support the message of the billboards. Instead, they seem to provide basic facts and figures without explanations and connections. The site includes chart after chart, divided by race in relation to the annual percentages. Most charts are based on the 2008 Arkansas statistics, which show White Americans as the primary recipients of abortions, having approximately 58% of the 4,789 abortions documented. So, does this data confirm what the ads are targeting? To really heat it up, why are they targeted at Blacks? Who is behind the ads?

Background: The Radiance Foundation, was cofounded by Ryan Bomberger. His accolades include his time advocating for adoption and foster care, mentoring and other community projects. Bomberger also has an Emmy for Creative Production. There is also Catherine Davis, Tufts University Magna Cum Laude, activist for “Operation Outrage”, a group that “educates Georgians about the holocaustic impact abortion has had on the Black community”. Both contacts are Black and appear to be pro-life, based on the information they are provide on the site.

Whether the founders of the movement are black or not is almost irrelevant. Their campaign has a targeted audience for a hot topic that is bringing attention to the current generations of the black community. It is obviously doing just that. Still there is a boldness that doesn’t seem justified.

What makes the signs controversial lies on the surface and deep within the black community. The initial response is that the wording, black and unwanted, rubs the reader the wrong way. The words spark an offensive reaction, whether for or against it. It is also odd that the sponsoring group, toomanyaborted.com, also has another ad, “Endangered Species” that is not displayed (to date) in Arkansas. This raises the question of whose perception is more important, the actual black community OR those who pay for the billboards.

Another response is that the wording is playing on the fears of others in the black community, who have for years, believed that planned parenting clinics provide ways to create population control. Ironically, one of the signs in Little Rock is about two blocks away from a planned parenting clinic (University and 12th street). Then, there is the deeply rooted taboo and stigma associated with abortions in the black community. Abortion has always been a very strong subject that you just do not bring up in a black household, regardless of how liberal it may be. It is one of those skeletons in the closet that comes out only when let out.

Personally, I think the wording works against the message (despite the statistics). “Unwanted” seems to carry the subliminal message that “black” is unwanted, a belief that has been rooted in perceptions of the black community since it came about. Sidenote: Black has been associated with bad, evil, disliked, forbidden, and exotic since cultures developed language. Some scholars believe that Africans are black because they are the descendants of a cursed race. If you remember your history lessons, in psychological experiments in the 50s and 60s, black children would pick the white doll as the prettiest, despite their own color. Fast forwarding to the modern time period, think of all the cries during Katrina (including Kayne’s infamous anti-Bush comment) in which media and advocates called foul on the treatment of blacks. So to say that Black is Unwanted is almost a blatant show of prejudice, discrimination, disrespect, and so many other forms of it.

The question that arises from this type of media is whether the black community will be open to the discussions that may stem from it. The black community has been stereotyped as a group that has opinions but are not willing to address them on a public scale. Yes, there have been marches. Yes, there are groups who advocate for black rights. However, the issue of billboard that states “black and unwanted” is something that should spark smaller discussions in the community—to address those taboo issues which we continue to avoid. While the sign itself seems to cry for attention (which it has garnered), maybe it is time to use this material to have healthy debates on some of the other issues within the black community.

40 comments:

  1. Wow...

    This billboard needs to be torn down and burned with the garbage...

    It is invalid because it supports false and/or assumed facts.

    It's wording is EXTREMELY offensive to ANY race.

    AND...I personally do not like the subliminal message it sends that blacks (or black babies) are unwanted, not desired, etc. Visual pictures and words are power tools of communication. Repitition is all it takes to create a habit or change a frame of mind and in this case, seeing is believing.

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  2. Brittany, thanks for contributing to JuneBug Talk and making our audience aware of this REAL issue. It took me some time to write a response because I wanted to do some research first.

    While I think the billboards might be seen as offensive to some, I also think they have served TooManyAborted.com's purpose by "creating tension in the culture to abandon abortion as an option" and prompting a much needed conversation in the black community. It is alarming and absolute madness to think we represented only 13% of Americans in 2006, but we also accounted for almost 40% of abortions. Though the percentage is still lower than Caucasian abortion rates, it's still high. Did you all notice the Centers for Disease Control and Census stats indicated Caucasians represented about 70% of the population during that same period, but had just 13% more abortions than African Americans. After looking over the stats I thought, "Are black babies really UNWANTED and endangered species?" I'm also wondering the primary age groups of those getting abortions and why a significant number of African-Americans have resorted to abortion. TooManyAborted.com’s website states, "This isn’t black versus white or me versus you. It’s the truth versus the lie." Based upon what I read, the message is based on fact. I think it's easy to become upset upon first sight of a billboard with this type of text, but once we sift through the numbers and read what these groups are actually saying there is an opportunity to learn. Everyone has a right to their opinion on pro-life and pro-choice, but I would hope abortion is not just a birth control remedy for anyone who chooses that option. In my opinion, terminating a pregnancy should be the very last option. We have a wide selection of preventative methods available, so I simply don’t get why so many of our children are being aborted.

    QUESTION: Is a loss of life (or in this case, thousands of black babies) that insignificant that it's UNjustifiable for a billboard to display "BLACK & UNWANTED" in bold text?

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  3. @Ms MaShari Thank you the original post and your subsequent comment. I am a Hispanic woman married to a black man in which we have 5 children. I also know and have worked alongside both Ryan and Catherine on what we like to think is educating people on the life issue. I was pleased to read that you were able to get past the initial natural emotional response to the billboards and dig past it the the facts. I know many have not been able to do that. Because of people like you who take the time to blog about these topics maybe more will engage in this thought evoking topic. Sort through the emotions of it and think.
    Thanks Again. Denise Hairston

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  4. @Denise As one of JBT's in-house bloggers, I would like to thank you for stopping by. I'm certain our guest blogger, Brittany, will also be quite surprised to hear of your response. Feel free to follow-up on us here at JBT anytime because it's our goal to have much more REAL talk on REAL issues!

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  5. Denise,

    Welcome to our blog! I hope you continue to visit us!

    Thank you also for your comment. I guess I can be labeled one of those who had the strong natural emotion upon first seeing the billboard. I completely understand the intent, but do have a quick question for you since you since you are knowledgeable:

    -When initially creating this advertisement, was there any hesitancy by the Radiance Foundation in using it?
    -If there was any question about using the advertisement and any possible negative message it would send, why was the ad not revised?

    Though we all have our own personal opinions, I am THRILLED :):):) that you responded to our blog today. It shows me several things: 1 - people are engaging in our blog; 2 - positive dialogue is occuring about real issues; 3 - we are all learning from each other

    Maybe in the future we can collaborate on a topic dealing with abortion issues.

    Thanks!

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  6. "QUESTION: Is a loss of life (or in this case, thousands of black babies) that insignificant that it's UNjustifiable for a billboard to display "BLACK & UNWANTED" in bold text?"

    Ms. Mashari, I think that is a fair question, and you do dig beneath much of the surface rhetoric and go beyond a knee-jerk response.

    But the problem is that abortion is NOT just a matter of not wanting a baby. Women decide to abort babies not simply because they don't want the babies (that might be part of it), but many more women (I suspect the majority) realize that they, for whatever reason, actually can't give the child a life he/she deserves. In which case, I think such women are making the humane decision by aborting a child that they know or believe they can't provide with a good life (instead of giving it to someone else in hopes that that person or family can provide the child with a good life, never knowing how that child might suffer; few women are willing to take that chance and trust someone else with the raising of their children, and for good reason oftentimes.)

    Giving a kid away (what many anti-abortionists suggest as the option to abortion) is simply unimaginable to me. I just wouldn't have a kid (in other words, I would abort) if I can't raise him/her...that kid being out there in the world, away from me, raised by someone else would be psychological torture for me. Maybe that sounds harsh but that is my opinion.

    Abortion is pretty much the hardest decision a woman can make (next to giving a child away) and these signs make light of that by suggesting that this is simply a matter of (black) women not wanting their children. That's my problem with this rhetoric.

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  7. @Miss Berneta,

    First, I would like to say that I am post abortive. On May 18, 1989 I entered an abortion clinic pregnant and left childless. It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. So when I talk about this topic, I do not spout rhetoric. I have researched, know the statistics and most of all lived it. I was what people like to term "pro choice". I knew killing my child was wrong and I still allowed someone to talk me into doing it. It was not until many years later, in which I carried the burden on what I had done that I was able to receive freedom and redemption from it.

    I must ask you when you say that "making the humane decision by aborting a child that they know or believe they can't provide with a good life", WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A GOOD LIFE? I have children, with no college degree. My children are not perfect but good kids because where I lacked in money, I gave them love and attention. Yes is was and still is hard not being able to give them material things but I have never regretted giving them life but I DO REGRET killing/aborting one. I was also a single mother for some time. After having my first child (my son will be 20 in a few days) I got pregnant again after he was only six months. Even though I knew I couldnt go through with another abortion I considered adoption for my second son. I agonized over it and ultimately chose to keep and raise him with no job and no place to live. So I say all of this to say that I know the decision woman are making. I was there. No matter how hard though those circumstances were temporary. Aborting my child was forever.

    95% of abortions are because of social reasons. Like you said, I cant give them a "good" life or I am trying to get my education, my boyfriend/husband dont want the child etc. Personally, I feel a child should not have to suffer the consequences because they didnt ask to be conceived. Okay so according to the logic you gave does that mean that when I lose my job or if my husband walks out that I should be able to kill my 10 year old because now I cant provide a "good" life for them? Is a child in the womb less of a "human person" because they haven't quite made it into the world yet? That is a slippery slope to walk on because that says that we can classify certain "humans" as having more value than others. We have already done that in this country and we as a nation were wrong then and wrong now.

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  8. @Miss Berneta,

    First, I would like to say that I am post abortive. On May 18, 1989 I entered an abortion clinic pregnant and left childless. It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. So when I talk about this topic, I do not spout rhetoric. I have researched, know the statistics and most of all lived it. I was what people like to term "pro choice". I knew killing my child was wrong and I still allowed someone to talk me into doing it. It was not until many years later, in which I carried the burden on what I had done that I was able to receive freedom and redemption from it.

    I must ask you when you say that "making the humane decision by aborting a child that they know or believe they can't provide with a good life", WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A GOOD LIFE? I have children, with no college degree. My children are not perfect but good kids because where I lacked in money, I gave them love and attention. Yes is was and still is hard not being able to give them material things but I have never regretted giving them life but I DO REGRET killing/aborting one. I was also a single mother for some time. After having my first child (my son will be 20 in a few days) I got pregnant again after he was only six months. Even though I knew I couldnt go through with another abortion I considered adoption for my second son. I agonized over it and ultimately chose to keep and raise him with no job and no place to live. So I say all of this to say that I know the decision woman are making. I was there. No matter how hard though those circumstances were temporary. Aborting my child was forever.

    95% of abortions are because of social reasons. Like you said, I cant give them a "good" life or I am trying to get my education, my boyfriend/husband dont want the child etc. Personally, I feel a child should not have to suffer the consequences because they didnt ask to be conceived. Okay so according to the logic you gave does that mean that when I lose my job or if my husband walks out that I should be able to kill my 10 year old because now I cant provide a "good" life for them? Is a child in the womb less of a "human person" because they haven't quite made it into the world yet? That is a slippery slope to walk on because that says that we can classify certain "humans" as having more value than others. We have already done that in this country and we as a nation were wrong then and wrong now.

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  9. @Miss Berneta,

    First, I would like to say that I am post abortive. On May 18, 1989 I entered an abortion clinic pregnant and left childless. It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. So when I talk about this topic, I do not spout rhetoric. I have researched, know the statistics and most of all lived it. I was what people like to term "pro choice". I knew killing my child was wrong and I still allowed someone to talk me into doing it. It was not until many years later, in which I carried the burden on what I had done that I was able to receive freedom and redemption from it.

    I must ask you when you say that "making the humane decision by aborting a child that they know or believe they can't provide with a good life", WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A GOOD LIFE? I have children, with no college degree. My children are not perfect but good kids because where I lacked in money, I gave them love and attention. Yes is was and still is hard not being able to give them material things but I have never regretted giving them life but I DO REGRET killing/aborting one. I was also a single mother for some time. After having my first child (my son will be 20 in a few days) I got pregnant again after he was only six months. Even though I knew I couldnt go through with another abortion I considered adoption for my second son. I agonized over it and ultimately chose to keep and raise him with no job and no place to live. So I say all of this to say that I know the decision woman are making. I was there. No matter how hard though those circumstances were temporary. Aborting my child was forever.

    95% of abortions are because of social reasons. Like you said, I cant give them a "good" life or I am trying to get my education, my boyfriend/husband dont want the child etc. Personally, I feel a child should not have to suffer the consequences because they didnt ask to be conceived. Okay so according to the logic you gave does that mean that when I lose my job or if my husband walks out that I should be able to kill my 10 year old because now I cant provide a "good" life for them? Is a child in the womb less of a "human person" because they haven't quite made it into the world yet? That is a slippery slope to walk on because that says that we can classify certain "humans" as having more value than others. We have already done that in this country and we as a nation were wrong then and wrong now.

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  10. Now to the billboards. The stats don't lie. Nationally african americans are only 13% of the population. BTW, there are also no longer the number one minority ( I believe abortion has alot to do with that) but they are having 58% of the abortions. Here in Georgia, we began the "Black Children are an Endangered Species" campaign at the urging of two African Americans who wanted to bring awareness to what they feel is an atrocity. I must agree with that. Like I said there are no escaping the numbers, but it was not an intent to shame or embarrass anyone. It was meant to get the dialogue going and for that it worked. If 15 million black children were slaughtered by a serial killer the black community would be in an uproar demanding justice. As they should be! So why arent they??? Black children are dying in alarming numbers at the hands of abortion.

    Our ancestors (I am a hispanic woman born to a black hispanic, and married to an african american man) came to this country uneducated, no language, degraded and abused but they took pride in their families, in their legacy and their heritage. They raised large families with nothing and they overcame more than we can ever imagine the hardship, but they understood their legacy. I want to know why today we are willing to sell ours so cheaply, and why we have believed the lies of that the only way to reap a harvest is to eat the very seed that will allow for us to prosper?

    I pro woman, pro family, and PROLIFE. Because without life there is nothing for us, if we are not here than what are we trying to enjoy?

    All this is said with love. I must say that I am very passionate though =)

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  11. @Denise: You do bring up some important questions in my argument. And I do appreciate hearing your personal story. The answer to what's a "good life" does vary from person to person. To put it simply, I feel that if I can't provide a child with the love he/she deserves then it would be inhumane for me to bring that child into the world. And I simply don't trust anyone else to provide that love to my child in the way the he/she deserves.

    You are clearly a stronger person than I am because if I didn't have a job (and no foreseeable way of procuring one that would provide me with the income to eat, live in a decent neighborhood, and pay for decent daycare, no one to help me, and no way of working on creating a better career and financial future for myself and my child), I am fairly sure that I would think seriously about aborting the child. I would not want to, but faced with such circumstances, I would consider it as an option. (And that's why I'm pro-choice: because, while there may be better options, a woman should still be able to abort if she chooses to do so.) As I mentioned, I would never be able to give my child to someone else or (god forbid) to the system - just as you ultimately decided to keep your child rather than give him/her up.

    You mention that people abort for numerous reasons. That reiterates my main point: the rhetoric of the ad simplifies this, by suggesting that the reason women abort is because they simply don't want the child. That just does not cover the number of reasons women abort.

    I agree that a child shouldn't have to suffer the consequences of adult behavior. Exactly! A child shouldn't have to brought into this world to suffer being raised by someone who really doesn't feel equipped to raise him/her (or being subject to the mercy of the shoddy adoption system in this country). We are not in total disagreement on that point: it's just that you see abortion as the ultimate form of suffering to place on a child, and I see being brought into this world and potentially neglected (by someone who wasn't equipped to care for him/her) as perhaps the ultimate form of suffering to place on a child. Nothing is worse than feeling unloved by one's parents, than feeling resented by one's parents, than being abused and/or neglected by one's parents.

    While I would never want to get an abortion, would never want to be faced with the choice, I would rather spare a child lifelong suffering if I know that I can't be the mother (from providing materially for him/her, to providing emotionally for him/her) that that child deserves to have.

    Essentially, that's why I am pro-choice, although I totally understand and can sympathize with your story and the points you make. The fact is YOU HAD A CHOICE. What would it have been like (even though you didn't choose to abort) if you didn't even have the choice to abort? That's the question pro-choicers try to reiterate: not that people should abort, but that they should have the choice to.

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  12. @Denise I commend you for sharing your story. Many of my past and current friends share similar experiences and aborted their babies at the encouragement of others. You made a difficult choice, and shedding light on your experience with your outreach may prevent other young women from making an uncalculated decision. You also mentioned some very good points to counter Miss Berneta's argument, and I can appreciate your passion on the issue.

    @Miss Berneta In response to your comment about the billboards, I disagree and don’t think the signage makes light of anything. We have lost a significantly large proportion (a greater share in comparison to Caucasians) of blacks due to abortion. Instead the billboards tell a story and are the voice of the unborn that have been lost and cannot speak for themselves. Think about it, were any of us ever really talking about this issue before the signs came along?

    In high school and my early college years, I thought if I ever became pregnant and couldn't care for the child, abortion would be the solution. After seeing some of those closest to me abort their children while others brought life into the world, my perspective really changed. One of my friends aborted her baby about eight years ago now, and she is still tormented by her decision. Now I can't speak for everyone in all these cases, but I feel like most of my friends had babies and abortions because they didn't use adequate protection in the first place. Taking a pill here and there and inconsistently using condoms will not prevent pregnancy (or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases either), so my issue is not so much based upon women having abortions. I am all for women having rights and options. I realize just a decade ago women couldn't have bank accounts without written consent from their husbands and their husbands could legally rape them without any consequence as well. Now we have the right to take advantage of many freedoms, which include the choice to abort the unborn. However, what I don't get is why aren't more women making use of the option to use contraception? I tend to think routinely using protection will prevent pregnancy and subsequently prevent the need for an abortion.

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  13. @ Denise - WOW! Thank you for sharing your story! I have never had an abortion (I have two kids myself and trust me - I know how hard it can be!), but I also, like MaShari, have friends that have had abortions and when birthdates of the 'babies to be' would roll around, it would create extreme emotions of depression and/or anger in some of them.

    However, like Berneta, I respect any woman's choice, but I am more apt to bend towards pro-choice. I work in a hospital each and every day and in my opinion, it is an infringement upon someone's personal rights to tell CHOOSE for them. I have witnessed pro-life doctors CHOOSE for a patient (even go so far as not to give the patient and family all of the facts) in an effort to support their own beliefs of having a baby at all costs, and some parents have ended up with children that have major defects - sometimes placing an extreme financial burden on the family or creates resentment towards the child or decision that was made. (I will say that I believe regardless of HOW a person is born that they have a special purpose to fulfill), but I can't imagine someone who does not have to LIVE my life make decision about MY life.

    Another thought that makes me hesitant about being pro life is...women have these babies (regardless of the situation) and the equation starts becoming:

    Financial Burden + Life Stressors + Sacrifice + Any Host of Other Things = PARENT ON EDGE...A stressed parent in the presence of children is not an ideal situation. As a matter of fact, it could be downright deadly. Many people KILL their own children every day because they have succumbed to the pressures of life. In my opinion, I'd rather a woman have an abortion in the early stages of her pregnancy, than bear a child, allow others to share in his/her life, and then kill or hurt that child at age 2 or 3...

    Doctors, health advocates, and other individuals or groups should not make general decisions about people's health. There is too much to think about and too much others do not know about the inner workings of people's lives and minds.

    One thing that came to my mind about the topic is, it seems that the problem is not pro-life vs. pro-choice, but rather better education on the use of contraceptives and birth control. If these methods were pushed and used properly, there would be less pregnancy and possibly a decrease in STDs.

    At the hospital, we have organizations (like ARORA) who foster working relationships with area hospitals to reach their goal (harvesting organs) and also improve the lives of the community (save lives) - I wonder would this same concept work with pro life organizations?? You all have a goal to show the value of and SAVE lives...have you or others considered building a relationship with an adoption agency (who has the goal of placing children in loving homes?)

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  14. Ladies, I didnt think when I responded a few days ago that this dialogue would continue....but I am thrilled that I have been able to share with you and hope that in your minds their is s stretching going on LOL

    I have never considered blogging myself but now I am thinking of starting my own blog to be able to vent on so many topics. I must say I am quite opinionated LOL

    Anywho, back to the topic at hand. Let me start by answering @Ms Qui original questions about the billboards.

    -When initially creating this advertisement, was there any hesitancy by the Radiance Foundation in using it? ABSOLUTELY NOT. The Radiance Foundation who was founded by Ryan Bomberger and along with Catherine Davis came up with the idea and concept of it.

    -If there was any question about using the advertisement and any possible negative message it would send, why was the ad not revised? Of course there were people/organizations that thought is was over the top. I even received calls to my office asking about them. Actually the story of the billboards reached National Media outlets. CNN, FOX, MSNBC, NY TImes LA Times, BET etc. even national syndicated radio shows.

    Black Children are an Endangered species was the first design. Then on the second go round Black and Unwanted was designed.

    Black Children are an Endangered species is fact. When 9 out of 8 black children are aborted. Blacks is the only race that is not rising but instead decreasing.

    Black and Unwanted, well like one of you mentioned earlier, saying that not wanted isnt necessarily the case for some woman. Isnt it? When a child is "planned" ore "wanted" everyone is excited no matter what the circumstance of conception or financial circumstance. As a society we are schizophrenic. If a pregnant woman who "wanted" her baby is murdered or killed accidentally it is considered a tragedy. But if a mother doesnt want it and aborts it (kills it), it is considered a "choice". Today if someone killed a pregnant woman they will be charged with two counts of murder but yet a woman can die during an abortion (2 dead) and it is perfectly legal.

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  15. Forgive me for not remembering who said what but someone said that "At least I had a choice". I have to say I wish I didnt. If it wasnt legal I would of just had my baby end of story.

    Have woman in this country been treated unfairly over the years YES! But allowing them the choice to kill their babies isnt equality. If we as woman didnt have that choice, why is that a bad thing? It would make us a little more aware of our "choices" on the front end that wouldnt allow us to get the the point of not having a choice. As a society we have made it too much about us and what feels good and is convenient to us in the moment.

    The real question is really do we believe, when a woman gets pregnant "Is she carrying a child, a human child?" "If so then doesnt that human child have a right to be protected"? "Shouldnt that child have a right to live?"

    Just because a child is born to one parent, or two parents who have very little mean that they will not grow up be productive members of society? We all either know someone, or read about someone who overcame difficult childhoods that have grown to be wonderful people who positively impacted many peoples lives. We also know of children with two parents, wealthy that are sitting in jail cell too.

    Who gives us the right to make that determination in the first few weeks of a pesons life. I can only talk about me. I am a little rough around the edges, stick out most times like a sore thumb and people count me out and under estimate me all the time. But I know my life has devine purpose and I am glad my mom chose life for me.

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  16. While I see how these billboards can stir up racial emotions I do see the point the creators are trying to make. Although MaShari's points are very valid as well. We are not the highest race aborting babies... the makers want to make people believe we are so that our numbers can decrease. "Black and Unwanted" is just an advertised trademark who's intentions are just to stirr emotions therefore scaring black people into not having abortions ( simple psychology... I'm sure Ms Berneta can atest being a psychology major) while I see their intentions as being well, I believe that this is another over stated theory blacks accuse eachother of (if that makes any sense). Personally, I feel that some things that black people feel are issues in the black community are not. For example, the belief that the lighter you are.... the better prettier you are... blacks have adopted this as the "slave man mentality" when this is actually a mindset that a lot of cultures around the world have as well, not just black people. Another example would be " no unity in the black community" where most blacks don't feel that black people don't stick together when I feel we are more unified then we are giving credit for. This usually comes to play when there's a common emeny or something that drives racial tension... I never see blacks not sticking up for one another when need be. So in closing this billboard strikes me as another example of such... an overstated theory about the black people cuz clearly we are not the highest ethnic group having abortions

    @Ms Berneta I wish I could agree with you on how a woman feels about abortions... a few women don't take it as personally as they should and actually, I have a friend who just gets em like its nothing " oh.... pregnant again.... so I just went and scheduled a surgery and then afterwards we can go shopping" seriously sad!

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  17. @Mz.Kewe Why do you say that "we are not the highest race aborting babies?" I mean what is that based off of? Statistics clearly show that nationally and here in Georgia (where I live) that they are. Do your own research. The CDC and the Guttmacher Institute are not prolife organizations, so they have no vested interest in skewing the stats. Also here in Georgia we receive our abortion statistics straight from the Department of Health and Human Services another organization that is not prolife. When dealing with them they will not even refer to the "procedure" as an abortion but instead and ITOP which stands for Induced Termination of Pregnancy.

    One of the points of the billboard is exactly to uncover that mindset that black woman are not aborting babies at that rate. They are just many do not talk about it. One thing I can say is that african americans do not like airing dirty laundry but it doesnt mean it is not happening. Because no one wants to talk about it is why the truth can not come out and set us free. And the other quetions is why are we not talking about it? Is is because deep down we know it is wrong?

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  18. Denise - thank you so much for you continued replies...can you send me your email contact to msquivive@gmail.com? I want to see how we can maybe collaborate on some things. Thanks!

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  19. Hello,

    My name is Catherine and I am the Director of Minority Outreach for GA Right to Life. Thank you for hosting this discussion. It is so needed and necessary.

    The billboards you have been discussing were the brainchild of Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance foundation and I. We wanted a campaign that would educate the black community about abortion's impact. Both Ryan and I are black and and yes we considered the messaging and what it meant. We wanted a message that would cause you to go to the website and get more information about abortion's impact on the black community.

    We began the campaign with Black Children are an Endangered Species - an education campaign that called attention to Planned Parenthood's targeting of the black community and eugenics the tool they have successfully used to control our birth rates. Black and Unwanted is the second billboard of the campaign and its purpose is to call attention to adoption as an option.

    Did you know that since 1973 there have been eighteen million, eight hundred seventy thousand black babies killed by abortion? Had we not aborted those children African Americans would be 19% of the population instead of the 12-13% we have hovered around since the 1930s. In Georgia in 2008, there were 32,066 abortions on GA women - 18,901 of them were on black women.

    Something is wrong. Deadly wrong. The stakes have changed in our fight for rights. At stake are the lives of millions of babies, little human beings the abortion industry does not want you to recognize or think about. At stake is the very existence of the African American community, because without babies, there is no community, there is no legacy, no heritage, no life.

    ReplyDelete
  20. If you have yet to sit down and view "Maafa 21" then you should do so.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Catherine,

    Thank you for those supporting facts/numbers! This is definitely an issue that needs to be paid more attention to. Your last line impacted me the most: "At stake is the very existence of hte African American community, because without babies, there is no community, there is no legacy, no heritage, no life." It is OUR rich heritage and priceless legacy, and if no one else does, WE need to value it enough to save and preserve it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. @Catherine Thanks so much for stopping by to continue this discussion. Surprisingly, I came across this topic not thinking I would have much to say, but you and I along with Denise share very similar views on this subject. As Miss Qui already mentioned, your final thoughts really solidified the meaning of your campaign and why it's so crucial to the African-American community. I'm interested in touching base with you ladies the next time I'm in the Atlanta area. Hopefully, I can contribute in some way to your mission.

    @Corey I hadn't heard of Maafa 21, but I will definitely view it. For those who may be unfamiliar with the film, visit http://www.maafa21.com/.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very familiar with MAAFA 21. Catherine has actually done numerous viewings of this film around Georgia. Great film! Definitely check it out.

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