All too often, men--especially men of color--are given the broad-brush treatment. Viewing such men as monolithic and driven by basest instincts, some in society have to be reminded that Black men can actually form meaningful relationships. Where better than the City of Brotherly Love to explore the camaraderie of Black manhood? And what better messenger than prolific photographer Jamel Shabazz?
Widely known on the hip-hop culture documentation set, Shabazz's current exhibition, Men Of Honor: Photography by Jamel Shabazz is on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia through June 24. In a time when popular culture depicts young men as either hyper masculine, anti-intellectual, and ambivalent (or a combination thereof), Men Of Honor is a welcome departure. A collection of attentive and caring photographs of men, across age groups, dialoguing and making eye contact suggests that the future isn't as bleak as the TV talking heads want us to believe.
While others spin tales of violence and woe, Shabazz, a former corrections officer, reminds us that the badge of manhood requires a certain amount of vulnerability, and give and take, proving that you don't have to survive a hail of bullets to earn honor.
Comments
Is there a link to the actual photos from the exhibit?
I've checked and didn't see any... if anyone knows where they may be viewed, please post a URL here!