OPINION: Tired of It! Why I Don’t Want to Read Anymore Negativity
Friday, July 27, 2012 at 9:01AM 
By Saundra Wright, EEW Magazine Contributing Writer
Sometimes, when I read black magazines, blogs, and websites, I almost get sick to my stomach about the kinds of things I see. I constantly notice stories about black women not being able to find a man; the light skin versus dark skin wars; negative statistics about people of color that paint a picture of how unhealthy we are, and how we are worse off than our “white counterparts.” Can we get some uplifting content, please?
I know there are serious situations and issues—some discouraging—unique and pervasive in the African American community, but do we have to constantly zone in on what’s wrong?
As a black woman of faith, I don’t want to be inundated with junk and negativity. I don’t want to constantly be told everything that is “wrong” with me and all the hindrances inherent in black culture. I want to hear some good news, an optimistic perspective, and some valuable information that will help me grow as a human being.
Tell me about how I can overcome challenges. Encourage me to believe in myself. Highlight my beauty, not my flaws. Share stories of other uplifting people. And if something terrible is going on, it’s alright to discuss it, as long as generalizations about our entire culture are not made. Don’t let one or two bad apples in the bunch make news headlines; then we’re all guilty by association.
All these inflammatory trash stories, only designed to start controversy for attention, need to go. I know I might sound aggravated. That’s because I am. And for those who think I am just needlessly complaining about my desire for more positivity, I have a scripture to back me up on this one.
Philippians 4:8 NIV says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This is the Bible’s prescription for filtering out and disposing of the negative things in life that will weigh us down, and keep us thinking about all that is bad, warped, and twisted in the world.
So if what we read, watch, and take in on a daily basis is full of garbage, we go against the biblical prescription for our thought life.
I am not a garbage can, so I don’t want to feed on junk all day.
That doesn’t mean that we have to pretend that everything is just peachy keen in our communities and the world, and never discuss issues. That wouldn’t make any sense. We don’t have to close our eyes to truth, because I believe the truth will make us free… if we accept it and apply Godly wisdom.
But I think we have rehashed certain topics one too many times and beaten a dead horse ad nauseam.
Is it just me, or is anyone else ready to move on from the usual “hot topics” that are divisive, controversial, and unhealthy?
I want to be uplifted and told what I can do, not what I can’t.
My heart’s cry is, help me do better; don’t just dwell on what makes me worse, or stats that support a theory so deeply tinged with negativity.
And even when research statistics show that certain unhealthy trends are occurring, I want to talk about the solution, not just the problem.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel the same way? What sorts of topics are you tired of hearing rehashed about the black community?
Reader Comments (8)
I agree it is sad the way the media has portrayed Afr.Amer. women and Christian women have been thrust into the negative news. We have major magazines like Essence Magazine , Ebony magaziine and some of the other mragazines that try to define and dictate how we dress our mental and moral conduct. These magazine help in a lot of ways but they shouldn't define who Who we are and Whose we are.....Kingdom women . Sadly there are some Christian women who are still living a lifestyle outside of God and the life He has for us. It is time for Afr.Amer. Christian women to rise up and create and develope and publish magazines that are reflective of the Kingdom Women God will have us to be. Sistas I'm waiting for you ..and waiting to see an actual magazine published on the news stand and in my mail that will rival Essence Magazine .
I agree it is sad the way the media has portrayed Afr.Amer. women and Christian women have been thrust into the negative news. We have major magazines like Essence Magazine , Ebony magaziine and some of the other mragazines that try to define and dictate how we dress our mental and moral conduct. These magazine help in a lot of ways but they shouldn't define who Who we are and Whose we are.....Kingdom women . Sadly there are some Christian women who are still living a lifestyle outside of God and the life He has for us. It is time for Afr.Amer. Christian women to rise up and create and develope and publish magazines that are reflective of the Kingdom Women God will have us to be. Sistas I'm waiting for you ..and waiting to see an actual magazine published on the news stand and in my mail that will rival Essence Magazine .
I agree with this article so much!!! I feel like you took the words right out of my mouth and are speaking my heart. More positivity is so needed!!!
totally agree this is confirmation for me i feel GOD pulling me away from all the TRASH not just in the black community but in general everything is NEGATIVE and its weighing on my life. Sometimes you simply got to turn if OFF. not saying be a recluse but when theirs something i need to know GOD will let me know but you need a couple of hours of POSITIVITY to counter all this mess. maybe if people demanded good news they'd get it. i need a vacation from filth
Agreed, agreed! #ThatisAll
Great article and scripture to back it up. Just what I needed to read today!
Thank God I clicked on this article! I've been reading some things that just leave me feeling depressed. I hate feeling that way. I need to change my reading habits ASAP!
Beautifully stated, and words of wisdom for everyone of every color and both sexes. Thanks for the uplifting words.