At a time when cognitive dissonance reigns supreme, shows like Dr. Henry Louis Gates' Finding Your Roots remind us that the past is inextricably connected to our present day lives. As much as our current society can applaud the conveniences of modern technology (e.g. email, the internet, TV, texting), it appears that a type of sociopathy has become the cultural standard. Popular Hip Hop artists like, Lil Wayne and his labelmate, Nicki Minaj have rapped or used derogatory imagery that defamed Black historical figures (specif. Emmett Till, Malcolm X) without real consequences or derision from their Generation Y fanbase. In plain speak, history does not resonate or feel authentic to them. Perhaps a visit from Dr. Gates coupled with documents, pictures and slave sale receipts might help to make the historical record more personal and/or tactile to them. Maybe. Just to witness the reaction of such notables as Nas, Derek Jeter, Courtney Vance, Anna Deavere Smith and others confronted with their antecedents' ownership is worth the price of admission. The history is no longer murky (shouting out Raven-Symone) or fantasy-based, it's real and extremely painful. So mark your calendars for this Tuesday, October 28th on PBS, to check out the latest episode of the series. Here are a few clips featuring famed actress, Angela Bassett and Hip Hop legend, Nasir Jones:
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