Just Being Mean...

So I just read an piece on TheRoot.com. Basically, the author explained that the Washington Post put together a list "The 10 D.C. Guys We've All Dated." So I guess since the Washington Post put out a mean spirited list about White men, a Black magazine would just have to follow suit. "10 Types of Guys that Black Women have Dated" is a list of cleverly described, but basically undesirable guys. It talks about "The God," who is apparently ideal, on paper, but horrible to be around in person. Or the "Mr. Disappearing Act," who like his name disappears after being told "I really like him." 

Anyway, I guess my question is, "was this really needed." I mean, aren't there enough negative portrayals of Black men in media.? Why does a media site that is supposed to speak to and for Black communities putting out a list like this? To answer my own question, I really do not know. I doubt that the author was thinking that she was supporting negative stereo types, or that she adding fuel to the purportedly troubled relationship between Black folks and their relationship partners. In fact, I think she thought her list was funny, and that it was harmless. But as a Black man, I do feel harmed. The essentializing of Black men is not better or worse that the essentializing of Black women, or Black people in general. So though I can not assume that the author thought that she was doing something that is actually harmful, I also can not assume that she would be so dense as to not understand that her list was just mean...


What do you think? Am I trippin?

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