March 2002
Teen Editor's Note for Week of Mar 15th thru Mar 22nd

TEEN EDITOR NOTE by Margretta Browne

There are more African Americans behind and in front of the camera than ever before in history. We have more power and responsibility to control what reaches one of the largest consumer markets, the teenager. This is a reassuring fact in today's media driven society where the average teen spends more than 20 hours a week glued to the TV set. Movie houses crank out teen-themed movies at an absurd rate because they know they are almost always a sure bet to bring in profits within days upon their release. The images African American teens see of themselves on screen now range from the ghetto, street oriented gang-banger, to more positive roles such as the teenage academic and sport phenom in "Finding Forrester." But still, what is it that captures the young mind for hours on end? What messages are they being sent? What constitutes an attractive role-model for them? Exactly how is the media influencing our Black youths today? I asked several teens to answer just these questions. Questions that give important answers for the film industry.

We have entered a time in history that has provided an unprecedented opportunity in film for the young African American to truly be able to aspire to and succeed in cultivating and shaping the Black image in media. Where will they take it? Blackfilm.com has recognized the necessity for this commentary and devoted space so that they can tell us what they are thinking in their own words.