Sample Essay: Bad Outcomes in Black Babies: Race or Racism?

The articles “A Down Low Dirty Shame” by J. Sanders and “10 Thing You Should Know on the DL” by K. Boykin clearly points out that the “the closet or the down low” does exist. These articles presented same points of view but with some minimal differences. It is clear in these articles that the writers’ point is to enlighten and educate the public in these matters. It shows that the society includes these men who live in such society, a society different from any other. It may or may not be a case of race or racism but a victim of circumstance. The DL has been present even before it was recognized and it is already practiced in the society. In those article, they point out that prevalence of HIV or AIDS is due to these type of men and without hesitation address the issue to the black community. It is shown that the relationship of the DL and AIDS is clearly magnified by sensationalism and publications by organizations and individuals. There is no clear substantial study that would prove it as it is or otherwise. It is merely based on recent studies and testimonies yet there is no actual and quantifiable data that would prove that that majority of the incidence of HIV is cause by black men on the  DL. Both articles issue black men as major participants in the issue with regards to men who are in the DL. These articles also mention the effect of the DL activity to the women of the community. It is stated that most HIV infection acquired by women may have been to their spouses or partners in the down low. It is also pointed that women are the victims of these activities between men in the DL, especially black men. Based on the authors point of view, black men have been placed in the stage in which they have no control of there part in the issue at hand. It is placed in the judgment of the reader and those who wish to contribute in the issues of the society. It has no great relevance describing it as a culture or in mans’ sexuality.

It is only on the article by J. Sanders that she cited the testimonies of J.L. King, sensationalizing the role of black men in the DL. It is in such article that the role of black men is publicized yet the article by K. Boykin is merely on the need-to-know basis. If taken in to consideration, her article may be seen as an attack to black men in particular in the issues at hand.  In her article no other race has been mentioned greater than that of black men participating in the DL. It could be substantial that her article is focused on black men as main participants in the spread of HIV infection. On the other hand, K. Boykin simply lays down the details needed by the public insinuating only to enlighten his readers of the issue.

The articles presented no only dictates what is or what isn’t is in the issue, it also gives out several questions on what are the motives of the authors. On the simple side to both of the authors, is it only intended to educate the public and enlighten on the relevance of the issue or address the issue and acknowledge its existence or is there any hidden motive to which these articles are written? Is it perhaps a simple assault on individuals on the DL primarily the black men as causes of the spread of HIV infection? What is the intention of J. Sanders in citing J.L. King in her article? Why black men, why not other men of other color? Did K. Boykin made the article only for the National African American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day or did he have other reasons, separating fact from fiction or defending black men who are mainly imposed in the issue?

These questions pose more weight on the article of J. Sanders since her articles includes not only published articles but also personal quotes that may no be substantial to the gravity of the issue. On the other hand as mentioned before, the article of K. Boykin is only on a need-to-know basis closing the issue to a minimum.

Although the articles are much more inclined on the participation of black men in the DL and the spread of HIV, it is without doubt that several issues are also in place. Even in the several ways of acquiring HIV infection, these articles pose the role of men in the DL. In the event that we ask the question “What if?”, it would be another story.  Quantifiable basis should be established to isolate hearsays from facts. To answer the question if it is racism or an assault to black men or to the black community, it would be entirely be on the judgment of the reader who has read the articles. In the event one is born black, is it the race that he/she belongs to dictate of what he /she would become? Then we place it on to the race itself.

It is only our motives that would dictate our action on what we really understand in the articles written by the authors. Should we read further in understanding “the closet” or “down low”, we should first understand them of what it is or what they are and separating other issues attached to them. Taking vital history into account and other facts that goes along with it. With regards to other issues that go with it i.e. HIV, we may place a broader view not only to the black but also to the other races or other participating factor as well to prove it as it is or otherwise.

Quantifiable data should be established, considering and isolating relevant and irrelevant details, if we are to have factual basis on the issues at hand and with these data.