How Are You Uncomfortable??

I was in class last week and we were looking at a couple of magazines in the digital formats. I was paired up with a chick from East Harlem, who worked for Elle Magazine and was quite the character. This is our first class together so we don’t know much about each other. Throughout all my classes I have been very verbal about my interest in black media and all that it entails, so many people aren’t surprised when the first magazine that I would choose to read is one of the black media world. So, as we are looking at magazines I move my finger on the screen to click on Essence Magazine, not my favorite but it will do, and the chick that I am paired up with quickly turned up her nose. I was initially caught off guard by this expression but really didn’t care about it. That was until she opened her mouth and said these words, “I always feel uncomfortable reading black magazines. They only focus on one demographic and I just cannot relate to them.” Now mind you I don’t know this chick and she doesn’t know me so to divulge this information in such a vomitus way was totally off putting. If anyone knows me they will tell you that I am quite the curious kid and will question anything I don’t understand or agree with. Not to say that what I am questioning is wrong but I have always believed in strong opinions being justified. I asked her why she felt that way, I mean she is black herself and lives in Harlem! I couldn’t understand how a black woman from New York City could not relate to a black magazine. Of course she didn’t have a reason why, well not good enough for me, she just giggled herself out of it and tried to change the subject. I proceed to say that if you understood the history behind black media you would understand a little bit more. Your ancestors and mine had to fight to have their voice heard and to tell their stories. The mainstream media that you enjoy so much tells nothing about your culture and probably never will. Before I became too bothered by her and her stupid remarks I just got quiet. Which never happens! (Hey, Im trying to turn over a new leaf.) Afterwards I was no longer interested in anything she had to say. Which Im sure she could tell from my body language. I guess my issue with this is that her choice of words to express how she felt about the black media magazines was very poor. Not agreeing with some of the content and editorial design is one thing. But to completely say that you don’t feel comfortable or relate with some that is discussing issues and concerns of the very same people who you are of the same race with will never ever be clear to me.