Reflections on the New H.N.I.C- Chapter 6, Bynoe

In Chapter 6: “Reflections on the New H.N.I.C,” Bynoe focuses on comparing and contrasting the Civil Rights generation versus the Hip Hop generation and the conflicting role of Black American leadership and political influence. This chapter was most interesting to me because it asks Black Americans to question what there past has done and contributed for them as well as the future of their race. The Civil Rights generation whose goals focused on eliminating racial discrimination, achieving equality as well as integration with whites, was thought as the moral authority. Though more timid, yet still as strong and powerful, the Civil Rights generation became the stepping-stone for the Hip Hop generation. However, one key difference between the two generations was vocally. Due to different time period each generation faced and the goals each group focused on, the Hip Hop generation has become ever more vocal than their fathers and mothers. Racial discrimination is less apparent because the new generation has grown up in a society where whites and blacks mix and collide. Because of this difference, there are new topics to focus on including police brutality. In contrast, while the Civil Rights generation fought for good morals by pursing equality, they overlooked and tended to ignore what was going on in everyday life. The Hip Hop generation now instead of overlooking or ignoring has voiced all concerns through expressions in music, hairstyles, defiant attitudes, dress and so on.

Bynoe then discusses that though there may be different initiatives and problems faced by the Hip Hop generation, the Hip Hop generation should not ignore the Civil Rights generation and all that has been done for them. But rather, build upon the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement and update their vision for Black Americans. You cannot change society if you don’t know how and your people began. By Bynoe explaining the need for integration between the two generations, shows the significance of collaborative efforts in order for Blacks to succeed in predominately operated by white regime.

The last issue that I felt was important to discuss was how the Civil Rights generation was thought of as trying to blend in and take on the social norms and customs set forth by members of the white race. Contrary, the Hip Hop seemed to embrace their culture and promoted not assimilating with their opposing race. The problem with these two generalizations is trying to understand why is blending is so wrong? And if you do, why is it considered bad or “ignoring your roots?” Growing up as a biracial child by a white mother and stepfather, I was always told that I acted white, didn’t act black enough or was ignoring my past. In college, I have been encouraged to be part of traditional black sororities, instead of mixed races. I have chosen to not be a part of any. Personally, I don’t feel that I am ignoring my roots, but instead embracing whom I am. I don’t believe I act white and further more what determines “white” and “black” behavior? Is there a set of norms that are acceptable for one race but not for another? Just because I perm my hair, does not mean I am ignoring my roots, but rather developing into the person that I want to be, not what society or other people tell me to be.