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Show = eemary tt ee ree Je - ie an —e a AND =) By Ronald Scott li gle TELEVISION From the very beginning, films and television programs have treated blacks as happy-go-lucky darkies who, deep down in their oe pe (igs | rhythmic souls, really missed the good-ole-days on massa’s planta- SA tion. All of the programs screened before the American public from me yi" Pee a ae Birth of a Nation to Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman have gone out of their way to provide 1897 the viewer with a view of black life that really wasn’t all that bad. In many cases, the producers leave the impression that were it not for BLACK BICYCLE CORPS Each cyclist carried a knapsack, Today, of course, military maneuvers of any kind are not tana are planning a recycling of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps’ original historic route. The trip is scheduled for summer 1974. Being blanket, shelter tent, tincup, extra bicycle parts and a rifle strapped horizontally to the left side of his bicycle. Sounds like a contemporary group of cyclists taking off for a weekend bicycle run. However, this particular bicycle trek was not voluntary, nor was it made for fun. It was ordered by the U.S. Army in 1897 and it was made by the all black 25th Infantry. This little-known group of black soldiers was directed to test the utility of the bicycle for traveling use by the Army. The 25th Infantry Bicyle Corps was drilled thoroughly by making several practice trips over the mountain- ous terrain of Yellowstone Park. They experimented with various packing methods, and soon were averaging about 45 miles a day. The test trip from Missoula, Montan_._> St. Louis, Missouri was made in fourty days and nights. It was a distance of 1,900 miles. According to newspaper ac- counts by the New York Times and the Salt Lake Tribune in 1897, the bicycle was officially designated for service in the United States Army as a result of this test trip. held in high esteem, but cycling certainly is. Sales of bicycles have soared a couple of white liberals from up North, along with trouble-making an enthusiastic biker, | plan to more make at least a portion of the trip. than 8 million were sold in 1971. Also a history buff, | can just picture that cycling scene 76 years during the past few years: Bicycle specialty shops have popped up all over the country. With just a few American bicycle ago. It would be a terrific plot for a great western movie with a bit of makers, foreign maunfacturers comedy. How about casting Bill (Japanese especially) are having a financial boom. The sale of adult tricycles has increased—the elderly and the infirm have joined the cycle craze. One car rental company now has fold-up bicycles in each car they rent—assuming the traveler is also a biker. Cities across the country have earmarked special bike paths. The use of bicycles as a sound alternative travel vehicle has been heralded by those concerned about the high level of air pollu- ‘Cosby, Flip Wilson, tion, Bikes are economical Richard Pryor and George Foreman as members of the cycle corps? It would show sound (PG-rated) contributions by black Americans to the making of America. Cycling is certainly something every black youngster can relate to—it’s a rare inner-city kid that doesn’t have some kind of ‘‘wheels.”’ but, as with all transportation systems, cycling has its drawbacks, mainly, theft and auto-bike collisions (with the biker getting the worst). But the cycle craze continues. Enthusiastic cyclists pedal prescribed distances for charity and other causes. Presently, black students at the University of Mon- of well-seasoned wisdom. 11 blocks from are the obvious signs that Mrs. E. Louise DeBies (pronounced DeeBEESE) has spent h2r first 82 years milking life for its best qualin Ashland, Ky. helping others. grew up moving between divorced parents, Although she traveled be- tween Nashville Tenn. and Ashland, Ky., she was ing her first car. 15 before see- “We moved about every six months,” she said. ‘‘We used to ride the stage. That was our trans- -portation.’’ She described her early schooling as a “‘leap and jump from here to there.” “’l went to a little red country school,’ she said. “It had one room with a monkey heater.” Her knowledge, Mrs. DeBies said, didn’t come from school, but from God. of the 70’s, one would be left with the impression “being black” is one big fizzies party. The old slave owners are shown as being compassionate for their slaves, but then massa did take good care of his property, treating it fairly as long as it stayed in its proper place. She holds firmly white man’s house. There are movies which show blacks ‘‘getting over’’ so to speak, but a close look at their roles re- veals the “‘strong buck” who, when when given the chance, will beat up On poor whites and try his best to seduce all the fine white women... the kind of chap who gets drunk with power and has to be watched. If one takes a good look and pays particular attention to the dialogue, there appears to be a sortof contentment with the condi- tions that exist. Any anger that surfaces is directed only at the lack of money available and not the conditions that face blacks in general. There is love for the ghetto streets that parallels the love of early slaves had for the plantation and slavery ... after all, things really aren’t as bad as rebel cousin blacks and liberal whites would have one believe. Whenever the film or television industries have dealt with condi- tions that blacks are faced with, there has been the tendency to *soft pedal the real world of slavery or life in a ghetto slum. The truth is always watered down with When people, black and white, look at the early films and shows, there is a tendency to rant and rave about the stereotypes that place blacks in the role of stupid, ignorant, lazy and shiftless . . . and the roles continue as do the stereotypes. But what about he newer programs and films that are being released? Many feel they show blacks as being more human and sweet water. What makes the issue worse, is the reality that blacks, for the most part, have sat back real than any of the earlier productions. In reality, the viewer is getting a sugar coated stereotype eotypes like they were doing in the fifties and sixties, producers slowly are becoming more and more obvious, soon it won't be other ape, shady, drunkards, fools and so on. The white name callers have been replaced by blacks. The irony of this show is, with the ex- ception of one token writer, the writing staff is white. There are other programs which have blacks acting in roles ‘passed off as having more status. There is a liberated maid in one and enjoyed stereotypes without becoming even a little incensed... similar to the happy slave who sits in a chair, rocking and telling the children at his feet, “"Things.ain’t.... all that bad . . in fact, they are getting better! Things are gettin’ better; in- stead of hiding the negative ster- just Archie Bunker callin blacks “jungle bunnies.”’ If the present rate of social progress continues, maybe blacks will be saying ‘‘! remember the good-ole-days...”’ When you look at a television program or film, don’t just sit and swallow...too much sugar will kill you! UPWARD BOUND By Willy R. Allen Upward mobility of less fortunate individuals, as its name Her father work- ed in the tobacco crops. She was the younger of two daughters who her house to down- to her principles and beliefs. “I’m just different, old fashioned and funny like that.” ities. In 1891, Mrs. DeBies was born cluding the so-called black movies ample of stereotyping that both blacks and whites swallow each week is Sanford and Son. \n this show we have blacks calling each town, “Il walk downtown, do my shopping and walk back home,” she said. Perhaps there is a secret to Mrs. DeBies’ well-spent life. She enjoys These and television programs which have been made about blacks, in- cent productions will illuminate this point. Probably the most popular ex- 82 YEARS YOUNG Her hair grows white as the days go by. From her lips flow a stream still be intact and planta- tions flourishing. If one were to view the films and a quick look at the more re- PIONEERS By France A. Davis Niggers, the “peculiar institution” would show who is free to speak her mind, but when you look at her role, she’s still cleaning up the implies, is the function of Up- BOOK REVIEW ward Bound. This is another -rganization associated with the Minorities Center. OH LORD, | WISH “MRS. E. LOUISE DEBIES | WAS A BUZZARD now Oklahoma. Then it was Indian Territory. This young family migrated through Kansas and Missouri. They came to Utah in 1927. In 1930, their first son graduated from the University of Utah. Soon another son and daughter _ were added to the family. Now By Polly Greenberg The Macmillan Company Oh Lord, | Wish | Was A Buzzard is the story of a little black girl who picks cotton in the fields with her family. Each day as she works in the hot sun she observes the various wild life around her and intermit- there are ten grandchildren and tently Mrs. DeBies finally entered Sumner High School, (the same name as a Salt Lake school down the street on 4th East) but was again interrupted. The family moved as her stepfather traveled four great-grandchildren. (cool under a rock), a butterfly (fluttering in a shade tree) or a buzzard (circling lazily in the air). She wishes she was any- between construction jobs. Mrs. DeBies married and soon gave birth to a son in what is Mrs. DeBies recalled. Although father DeBies died eight years ago, she lives on. She remembers the time immediate- ly after his death. “’] came up through trials and tribulations,” Mrs. DeBies is still active. To show her stamina, she told of the wishes thing but cotton. Though she were a little girl a snake picking written for young children between and 6, Oh Lord, the ages of 3 | Wish | Was a Buzzard speaks to all ages (adults especially), for who Getting disadvantaged persons involved in the university structure is one of the prime responsi- bilities of this program. The hanof us have not had the experience of doing one thing, while wish- ing we were doing something. else? The illustrations, by Aliki, are effectively done in browns, reds and whites. Etheridge Knight ems Black poet and author of Pofrom Prison and Belly Song (Dudley Randall Press) will be on campus February 20-22nd. On Wednesday, Feb. 20, 1974, at 8:00 p.m. he will be featured in the Social Work Auditorium. Knight’s readings are being cosponsored by the English and Black Studies Departments. dicapped are included in its out- reach efforts. Transportation, getting around the campus and adapting other ideas to meet the needs of handicapped students are but a few examples of Upward Bound’s work. This agency also aids in the search for prospective students right out of high schools. The program helps in preparing students to take examinations and by introducing students to counselors. While few of the programs for students are what they propose to be, Upward Bound is one organization that actually helps the student. are a | FILMS aS : ie IN eS erage oa ff Wc camenygi h See 2 =. Mee BL ACKS ee The Broadax, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 11, 1974 Page2 |
