CNN's Documentary Black in America: The Black Woman and Family Makes Strong Debut
On Wednesday night, CNN premiered its new documentary Black in America: The Black Woman and Family in which correspondent Soledad O'Brien takes a look at "the varied experiences of black women and families and investigates the disturbing statistics of single parenthood, racial disparities between students and the devastating toll of H.I.V./AIDS."
On its first night, the doc put up big numbers for the cable news channel. According to a release from CNN, over 2.1 million viewers tuned in, including 966,000 in the 25-54 demographic.
More from the release:
According to Nielsen Media Research data, CNN’s two-hour premiere of Black in America: The Black Woman & Family was a resounding success, topping Fox News and MSNBC during the 9-11pm time period. CNN was No. 1 with over 2.1 million total viewers, a 38% advantage over Fox News’ 1.545 million, and a staggering 241% advantage over MSNBC’s 624,000. Among the key adults 25-54 demographic, Black in America (BIA) was also top-rated, posting an impressive 966,000 viewers, 136% more than Fox News’ 410,000 and a 356% lead over MSNBC’s 212,000. In adults 18-49, BIA attracted 904,000 viewers, FOX had 363,000 and MSNBC had 195,000. Among 18-34, BIA averaged 354,000 viewers, FOX trailed with 135,000 and MSNBC posted 82,000. In addition the program grew its audience every half hour throughout the telecast.
Even with CNN’s strong performance throughout this election cycle, Black in America handily out-performed year-to-date averages for the 9-11p period; increasing 64% (2.128 million vs. 1.299 million) among total viewers, up 124% (966,000 vs. 432,000) among adults 25-54, growing 188% (354,000 vs. 123,000) in adults 18-34, and increasing 149% (904,000 vs. 363,000) among adults 18-49.
Buddhism is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing religions within the African-American community. I am one of the few African America Buddhist teachers. In order to augment CNN's discussion on being black in America I am offering an on-line screening of my new movie, "Festival Canceled Due To Heavy Rain." It is a personal narrative of my youth, how I found Buddhism, and my recent pilgrimage of healing in Thailand and Cambodia."
http://rainbowdharma.com/festivalscreening/theater1.htm
Lama Rangdrol
about CNN's "Black in America"
CNN and Soledad O'Brien did an excellent job of forthrightly presenting the often tragic statistics related to black men and women and black families. The high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, among blacks was clearly stated. However, I was disappointed that the women who discussed these health concerns regarding black women failed to address the major survival strategy for healthy living: abstinence and monogamy with a healthy partner in a committed relationship. Ms. O'Brien, Whoopee Goldberg, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, and Sheryl Lee Ralph all held out condoms as the way to protect women from sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy.
Dr. Malveaux even commented that "You can say 'no' but if you're hot and horny, carry it with you". CNN has also presented a 'hero' award to Bambi who gives condoms to the low-income people.
Condoms are tragically being presented as 'safe sex' when, in fact, the 'typical use' failure rate for condoms is considered to be about 14 percent. Condoms are more accurately described as 'Russian roulette' sex. Would you get into an automobile with this failure rate?
Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection'. By the 'typical use' failure rate of 14 percent, 2,800,000 people will be 'unpleasantly surprised'. That's TWO MILLION AND EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND!
By filling 140 NBA arenas each holding 20,000 people we can envision the enormity of this number.
The tragedy increases as we hand out condoms even to junior high school students. The portrayal of condoms as 'safe sex' draws young people into early and promiscuous sexual relationships.
Let's talk straight, let's tell it like it is. Let's be responsible citizens and fill our lives with healthy and productive activities and relationships.
Abstinence is the only sure defense against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Beyond abstinence, sexuality should be returned to the safety of committed, monogamous relationships, not handed out like lollipops.
It would be nice to hear success stories of blacks in america. period. the news shows enough negative media every night involving blacks.