a ®eMark from eMark ™
I am using the term black here, as no more other race has, the ‘talk’ with their kids. For all of the other people of color’s benefit, the ‘talk’ is a parent to child sit-down to make sure their precious Son or Daughter is fully aware of the dangers of being black.
I think it’s necessary that someone have the ‘talk’ with the parents. Today, skin color is almost negligent in how everyone else perceives you. I hear the loud gasps and flat-out cursing for me, having the unmitigated gall to say that.
I would like those parents to consider the possibility that they expect unequal treatment and are looking for the problems that they know to be there, which sends a signal of mistrust and fear, or hatred, and armor to protect.
None of those are a pleasant way to live. This vibe will hurt in every walk of life. I call this chain-brain. Chain-brain is a held over effect of civil rights programs that have singled out a race, presented them with a ‘fix’ that never fully works.
The governmental programs work to entice votes and never, by design, allow a true ‘hand up’. Malcolm X knew that. He believed that the solution to black problems was only attainable through the black community.
As much as this sounds divisive, when you step back and see the big picture, it is hopeful. Not for a moment am I saying a person of any other color could not be there to help this process, but you cannot fix a race.
This goes for any race! You can only fix people, one at a time. I think the true solution that has been evading all of us, for way over 40 years, starts with a strong two-parent environment.
Those parents should show respect and love for each other and to their children. Raising an ‘unchained’ generation requires way more than one ‘talk’.
And that ‘talk’ should not be about being careful around police officers, it should be about getting good grades, trying to do the best you can, and knowing that you can achieve anything you really go for.
That child will do amazing things and be respected by the community no matter what color it, or your child is.
’nuff said.
respectful comments are always welcome.
Special Note*
After hearing from my Brother, I have changed my opinion somewhat on this issue. I live in an environment that has made me feel some great progress has been made in areas of opportunity and acceptance.
My Brother however, observes in his community a much slower progress. It is unfortunately still quite common for store proprietors to suspect black people cannot afford expensive things, and to even follow people of color around, suspecting them to be shoplifters!
This amazes me! In my community it is hard to tell there is any different treatment to any color person. The only reason a shop owner would suspect a shoplifter would be suspicious moves and actual shoplifting, not skin color!
I commonly engage in conversation with anyone in convenient stores. Often for thirty minutes or more. I have a rainbow of friends and don’t see the race issue come into play with any of us.
I guess we have a bit more of a way to go than I thought. Still I think being positive and confident will help, along with some better education. We could outgrow this in a generation or two, if everyone tried.
maybe not ’nuff said?
respectful comments are always welcome.