The other day, I looked at my seven-year-old (seven and three-quarters, she tells me) and her face was beaming. It was a goofy glow that could only mean one thing–her favorite boy band must be on her mind. And they were. On the television were the Jonas Brothers, all three handsome and entertaining boys rocking their way into another little girl’s heart. My daughter’s grin was wide and genuine, kinda like the one I used to wear whenever Ralph Tresvant’s face appeared on an issue of Right On! Magazine…which led me to wonder, where’s my daughter’s “New Edition”? Where is their “Jackson Five”?

Nothing against the Jonas Brothers, I actually like them (especially Nick, who I think is really talented). But if entertainment is subjective, and truly about choice, then why aren’t there wholesome images of talented African American boys charming their way into the hearts of the American public? Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I’m more troubled by the music industry and its lack of diversity (particularly of thought, but of other variables as well), or by the cycle of racial bias that has stereotyped/criminalized what could have been my daughter’s “New Edition” into nonexistence.

I know there’s time; so I’ll be patient. And in the meantime, I’ll keep dancing to “My Secret” with my two little girls and laugh when they sing along with Ricky’s “Ooohs” or giggle when Ralph teases, “You’ve got three guesses…”

Again, music is about diversity, even for youth, so bring back the soul! We’re restless without it.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

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