When it comes to life and figuring out our purpose in life, many of us have a difficult time figuring out what that purpose is and how to go about living out that purpose. Some of us meander through life feeling like we have no purpose at all. Truth is, we all have a purpose that God has laid out and entrusted to us. What the details of every individuals purpose is, is up to that specific individual to embrace, nurture, and work diligently at. The same applies to ministry. Many of us (Christians) struggle with what should our ministry be -- or what ministry should we devote our time to help build. We all have one ministry in common -- the ministry of testimony.
I'm no exception when it came to figuring out , ultimately, what my purpose was on this earth. It would frustrate me mightily at times. I have many interests and talents but didn't always know how to put them to use. I knew that whatever my purpose would ultimately be, I wanted it to center around serving people. Being a positive influence on people and bringing a smile to their face has always been a priority to me. I want people to equate me with joy, wisdom and positivity. I just didn't know how to execute it. It took years, and quite frankly, life in general to reveal it to me.
We all know that the root word of testimony is test. Sometimes that is an oversight in our thought process when we think of our testimony. We like to most remember the triumph portion of our testimony. But the main course of testimony comes from pain, struggle, loss, addiction, disappointment, failure, rejection, letdowns, hang-ups, insecurities, separation, divorce --all trials and tribulations. There could be no testimony without the test. The road to your triumph must go through the fire -- your faith must be tested, because in this life, nothing comes easy. Even our Christian walk will be tested. Matter of fact, our Christian walk is tested every day. Some days we win our battles -- some days we in fact lose. But the awesome thing about God is that he provides us with grace AND mercy. Everyday is a new opportunity to begin again. When you overcome something that you've been struggling with, that in itself is a testimony. There are others who are around you who may be trying to overcome the same battle(s). Your testimony could be the dose of medicine that they need to help them through their pain and struggle. You're not the only person that the enemy is attacking. His job is to steal souls. He depends on us not giving his prey a sense of empowerment over what the enemy has for them. That is what your testimony is to those who are at their weakest point, or spiritually drained. When some think of testimony, they get kind of uneasy. They get uneasy because they think of getting in front of a congregation with a microphone in front of their face and speaking to people -- many of whom they do not know and vice versa. Many are afraid of people judging them -- rightfully so. Whether you want to admit it or not, churches are filled with so many who will cast judgement on folks. Testimony doesn't have to be done in front of a congregation or a mass of people to be validated -- just like prayer doesn't.
A few days ago, a close friend of mine shared with me how her brother was going through a divorce and how hard he was taking it. She had in fact gone through a divorce some years ago herself and explained the hurt and pain that she went through as a result from the divorce. Her brother is going through irreparable pain and she had an idea of what he was going through. She shared with me that that made her know that she went through what she went through for a reason -- to help her brother through his pain and suffering. That is what it's all about -- helping people push through their storms.
Ministry doesn't have to be advertised blinking in neon lights or posted on some billboard somewhere for it to be considered ministry. You don't need an official title or business card that states who you are and what your ministry is. You do not have to be ordained and carry around oil in order to minister to people. You may not realize it, but you've ministered to people over the phone, at a dinner table, or even at Starbucks over a cup of coffee. Many people see your smile and see the new you but have no clue as to what hell you've been through to get to where you are now. Sometimes we are still in the midst of our test on the way to our testimony and are still able to smile through it all. People need to know that no matter what it is or what they face, everything will be okay. So just know that the next time that you share your testimony, you could possibly be ministering to a broken, battered and bruised soul. Your testimony just might be the jump-start to their testimony.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Dear Mr. Out-of-Touch
So I was on Facebook recently and I happened to come across the most ridiculous thing that I have ever read from an obviously out-of-touch individual. It was a letter addressed from a Patrick J. Buchanan to President Barack Obama. The origin of the letter begins like this: "Barack says we need to have a conversation about race in America .. Fair enough. But this time, it has to be a two-way conversation .. White America needs to be heard from, not just lectured to.... This time, the Silent Majority needs to have its grievances and demands heard. And among them are these."
Before I go on, I will say this: When it comes to the issue of race in America, there does need to be a conversation -- several conversations because it has been a problem historically, and continues to be a problem in the now. Everyone is entitled to their right of free speech -- therefore, I will exercise mine while responding to this asinine letter.
Right off the bat, Mr. Buchanan displays his ignorance and how out-of-touch he really is -- I mean he didn't take long at all. Here is the second part to his letter: "First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known .. Jeremiah Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American."
Yes, this is Mr. Buchanan's actual words, not mine. America has been the best country on earth for black folks? WHAT!? I kept reading this over and over to make sure that my eyes weren't deceiving me -- they became more ignorant each time that I read it. But they were in front of my face and they were real.
As you say, Mr. Buchanan, "America has been the best country on earth for black folks." How did you come to that conclusion? Here is the problem -- you immediately follow that up with "It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known." Your absolute insensitivity and ignorance is paramount. You bring up how African slaves were brought here to America and then try to justify what we as human beings -- let me say that again -- what we as HUMAN BEINGS are quote un-quote enjoying here in America. So correct me if I'm wrong: You justify the atrocities of your forefathers against my forefathers (slavery) by bringing up what the black race has grown to and what we now "enjoy in America"? Our forefathers and descendants were forcibly taken from their homes and families to be shackled and cuffed on board ships to travel from the continent of Africa to the New World (North America). Many died during this in-humane process -- yet we should be thankful, huh? Should we be thankful for being forced into a life of bondage in which our people found themselves horribly oppressed for hundreds of years -- we should be thankful, huh? Should we be thankful for the crimes that your people committed against our people like rape, murder, vicious assaults and stripping our people from their culture and families?
According to you, Mr. Buchanan, because our "community has grown into a community of over 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known" -- we along with "Jeremiah Wright ought to go down to our knees and thank God to be Americans." What if I said that you should go down to your knees and thank God for my people? Why? Because it was my forefathers who basically built this land -- a land that your forefathers stole from the Native Americans. Why do you think that the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade started? It was because labor was needed -- thus, Africans were sought for this labor -- to build this land however "master" saw fit. And your notion that we were introduced to Christian salvation is ridiculous as well. Why don't you go and read up on African history. You'll see that we (African-Americans) come from a rich and thriving culture. Do you think that the slave masters taught the slaves how to sing and praise God after beating, lynching and denying us the right to learn how to read and write? Africans were brought to this country with fundamentals and heritage already instilled in their hearts and souls from the mother land (Africa). African slaves tried to preserve as much of their culture as possible. So you can save that crap about we were introduced to Christian salvation stuff.
You mention the fact that 600,000 "black people" were brought from Africa in slave ships. First of all, do you know that they're called Africans and not black people? Secondly, If you're going to bring this "fact" to the table then tell the whole story. Historian, Patrick Manning, a Professor of World History at the University of Pittsburgh estimates that more than 18 million were forcibly taken from Africa to be enslaved. Oh, Professor Manning is indeed a white American. Yes, North America only received a small portion of slaves while places like the Caribbean and Brazil received the lion's share of slaves -- Brazil receiving the most. Back to that number of 600,000 slaves being imported to North America. Albeit that that number may be true, it still doesn't give an accurate count of how many people were ultimately enslaved here -- or anywhere else in the world, for it does not account for how many individuals were born into slavery here or any other place. Do you think that 600,000 slaves were brought here and that was it? No procreation or nothing? Matter of fact, "master" made it a point to infuse his "white blood" into many of female slaves. Many female slaves were designated for breeding purposes only. Wikipedia doesn't tell you that, huh, Mr. Buchanan? I've been researching the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade well before I came across your idiotic letter, sir. Let me move on to the rest of your letter. And here is how the rest of your shenanigan filled letter goes:
"Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the '60's on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream. Governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against white folks -- with affirmative action, contract set-aside quotas -- to advance black applicants over white applicants. Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated their time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks. We hear grievances. Where is the gratitude??"
Somebody please tell me that this guy isn't for real. I guess not one single white American has ever received a dime of these untold trillions of dollars since the 1960's? Earlier you referred to yourself as the silent majority -- meaning that white Americans are the majority in this country. That is indeed true. As of July this year (2013) the Census Bureau reports the population in the United States at roughly 316 million. About 72% of that or about 223 million of our nation's population are white Americans. Do you not believe that some or a significant portion of that percentage uses some type of government assistance? How 'bout I ask you this: Have you, or do you know anyone that has received a Pell Grant or a student loan? I'm willing to bet that the answer is yes. I take it that you believe that the government, or white people, felt the need to uplift blacks because ALL whites were thriving -- there have been no white person to suffer from poverty or economical inferiority. Sense you are an out-of-touch individual, let me tell you that I expressed that using sarcasm. The fact is that there are many whites that receive some kind of government aid or assistance -- don't be oblivious to that fact.
Now let me get to what I really want to say regarding the last part to this letter. This is where I will refer to you as Mr. Out-of-Touch -- and it hinges mostly upon one sentence. You say that "no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans." Excuse me!? I'll argue that no other race has done more to bring down and try to get rid of the black race than white Americans. The misdeeds of your people against my people have not been expunged -- nor will it ever be. How dare you say that when it was your people that enslaved my people here in America? During that time your people denied my people of basically every human right possible. It was your people that treated my people as dirt, trash, sub-human and felt as if your people were superior than my people. It was your people that made it unlawful to teach Africans, or black slaves in general how to read and write for that they knew that education and knowledge was empowerment -- empowerment that slaves would use to free themselves of your forefathers oppressive handcuffs. Is that what you call uplifting? Even when we assess race relations in more modern times, how can you bring yourself to say that? What do you think that African-Americans were fighting for during the Civil Rights era? Who let dogs loose and turned fire hoses on blacks as they marched peacefully for their rights? Who tried to keep America segregated for as long as possible -- especially schools and neighborhoods. Who posted "No Coloreds" signs outside their stores, restaurants and businesses? It wasn't blacks. Who had to fight to get into white schools because there you could receive a decent education? In turn, whites fought hard to keep blacks out of white schools. Who terrorized black families while concealing their identities while dressed in white hoods and sheets -- otherwise known as the Ku Klux Klan which is still alive today. I haven't even mentioned the word nigger -- a word that was/is meant to de-humanize African-Americans. So your quote un-quote "no people anywhere has done more to uplift blacks than white Americans" statement is a bunch of you-know-what to me.
When I think of uplifting, I think of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela, just to name a few among many blacks and Africans throughout history who have made their life's work to uplift their people -- and all of mankind, for that matter. If you don't believe me, do some research on Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
You, Mr. Out-of-Touch, equate uplifting with government assistance. I equate uplifting with empowering people from within -- that is something that doesn't come stamped in the mail from some government agency -- but is given from one human being's mind, body and soul to another human being. Giving people inspiration and hope is true uplifting. When I think of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Judge who was a successful lawyer prior to that -- that is uplifting to me. When I think about Dr. Rameck Hunt, Dr. Sampson Davis and Dr. George Jenkins -- three black doctors from Newark, NJ I think of uplifting. All three of these men grew up together in public housing, or "the projects" and attended high school and college together. They made a pact that they would help each other get through school -- all the way through medical school. All three are now doctors, public speakers and authors. THAT is what you call uplifting, Mr. Out-of-Touch. Why is this more uplifting than your examples of government assistance? I'm glad that you asked. It is no secret that many blacks all across this country live in low income areas that are littered with drugs and violent crime on a daily basis. Many of our youth and adults feel succumbed to this trap called the ghetto, or the hood. These three gentlemen offer true and living proof that you can make it no matter what your situation is. Their story is inspirational because many come from the exact same circumstance as them. It procreates the attitude "if they can do it, so can I." That, Mr. Out-of-Touch, is uplifting.
You go on to allude that blacks are getting more opportunities than whites when it comes to school. Your response to Barack Obama's statement about creating 'ladders of opportunity' for blacks was as follows: "Let him go to Altoona? And Johnstown, and ask the white kids in Catholic schools how many were visited lately by Ivy League recruiters handing out scholarships for 'deserving' white kids...?" That whole illustration is laughable! The notion that you would imply that blacks are being handed more scholarships than white kids is an irresponsible statement -- and to Ivy League schools of all places! It is irresponsible because you are misleading people with inaccuracy and ridiculous statements that are baseless and simply not true. How 'bout you go to predominantly black schools and ask how many Ivy League recruiters have gone to hand out scholarships to 'deserving' black kids then get back to me.
Finally you talk about crime -- black-on-white crime to be more specific. Before I respond to that, let me say that I do not condone any violence in any form whether it be black-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, white-on-black crime or white-on-white crime. You gave some statistics about black-on-white crime. I'll make no apologies when when I say that I don't trust your stats. And I've come to this conclusion just based off of your ridiculous letter that I'm currently responding to. But let me key in on one stat that you gave about black-on-white rape. You say "is Barack aware that black-on-white rapes are 100 times more common than the reverse" -- or so they say. No, I'm not saying that black-on-white rape doesn't occur. What I am saying is this: Are you aware that no other has falsely accused black men of rape more than white females? And that continues right now in 2013. Your stats, in my opinion, are heavily skewed because of how many black men who have been falsely accused of raping a white female -- some have been exonerated -- many haven't. 14 year old Emmett Till was brutally murdered because he allegedly whistled at a white woman. You like to use google, right, Mr. Out-of-Touch? I want you to google "innocent black men accused of raping white women" and tell me what you find. You gave two examples of rape cases in which black women falsely accused white men of rape. I can write a book about white women falsely accusing black men of rape. I'll tell you quickly why white women are most likely to accuse black men of rape: Many white females, teenagers especially, do not want their fathers to know that they're having a relationship with a black man. I can't tell you of how many cases that I've read and heard about where teenage white females claimed that a black boy raped them because they didn't want their father to know that they were having sex with a black boy -- because they knew that their father would disapprove if they found out the truth.
There is one more thing that I want you to google, Mr. Out-of-Touch. I want you to google "Black Wall Street." It will bring you to a major incident that is not talked about much -- an incident that happened on May 30, 1921 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was an incident where a 19 year old black shoe shiner named Dick Rowland was falsely accused of grabbing a 17 year old elevator operator. The next day the black man was arrested -- but it was too late because a lynch mob had formed and out for some restitution. They turned their anger toward the Greenwood section of Tulsa. This is where many African-Americans were thriving. It was home to African-American doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, businessmen and other prominent citizens --yes, our race produced these types of citizens before affirmative action and before white Americans came up with programs to help blacks get into the mainstream -- as you say. Anyway, the outcome of this vicious mob included the complete destruction of the Greenwood section leaving an estimated 300 innocent blacks dead, 800 wounded, as many as 10,000 homeless and an estimated worth of $16 million in damages (in today's dollars). You gave an example of the Jena 6 attacking a white male -- well here is my example of your people attacking my people. How is that for white Americans uplifting black Americans?
Let me address the black community for a moment: This letter re-affirms a few things for me. First, we still have so much ground to cover in regards to race relations in this country. Second, there are many people who are out-of-touch just like Mr. Buchanan. Third, and most importantly, as blacks, we need to build our own pathways and avenues -- empower our people to do better -- build our own businesses and become financially independent. As is the case with our day-to-day relationships with friends and family -- when most people do something for you, many of them will always remind you of the fact that they did something for you. People rarely do things for another out of the goodness of their heart these days. That is why it's always best to do for yourself -- or ourselves in this case. I mention this because Mr. Out-of-Touch mentioned all of the government assisted programs in which he feels that is his people's way of helping our people.
Now, lastly to you, Mr. Out-of-Touch: Your letter to Barack Obama proves something to me that I'm sure that you didn't think of -- more on that in a second. You're being critical to a man (Obama) who is both black and white and was raised by his white mother, yet you came at him as if he was 100% black -- you know why? Because as I have always stated -- it doesn't matter if your biological makeup is 25% black -- that percentage makes you 100% black in the world's eyes. You don't see President Obama as half white half black -- you see him as a black man. Now who is the one that needs to have a conversation about race, Mr. Out-of-Touch?
Before I go on, I will say this: When it comes to the issue of race in America, there does need to be a conversation -- several conversations because it has been a problem historically, and continues to be a problem in the now. Everyone is entitled to their right of free speech -- therefore, I will exercise mine while responding to this asinine letter.
Right off the bat, Mr. Buchanan displays his ignorance and how out-of-touch he really is -- I mean he didn't take long at all. Here is the second part to his letter: "First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known .. Jeremiah Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American."
Yes, this is Mr. Buchanan's actual words, not mine. America has been the best country on earth for black folks? WHAT!? I kept reading this over and over to make sure that my eyes weren't deceiving me -- they became more ignorant each time that I read it. But they were in front of my face and they were real.
As you say, Mr. Buchanan, "America has been the best country on earth for black folks." How did you come to that conclusion? Here is the problem -- you immediately follow that up with "It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known." Your absolute insensitivity and ignorance is paramount. You bring up how African slaves were brought here to America and then try to justify what we as human beings -- let me say that again -- what we as HUMAN BEINGS are quote un-quote enjoying here in America. So correct me if I'm wrong: You justify the atrocities of your forefathers against my forefathers (slavery) by bringing up what the black race has grown to and what we now "enjoy in America"? Our forefathers and descendants were forcibly taken from their homes and families to be shackled and cuffed on board ships to travel from the continent of Africa to the New World (North America). Many died during this in-humane process -- yet we should be thankful, huh? Should we be thankful for being forced into a life of bondage in which our people found themselves horribly oppressed for hundreds of years -- we should be thankful, huh? Should we be thankful for the crimes that your people committed against our people like rape, murder, vicious assaults and stripping our people from their culture and families?
According to you, Mr. Buchanan, because our "community has grown into a community of over 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known" -- we along with "Jeremiah Wright ought to go down to our knees and thank God to be Americans." What if I said that you should go down to your knees and thank God for my people? Why? Because it was my forefathers who basically built this land -- a land that your forefathers stole from the Native Americans. Why do you think that the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade started? It was because labor was needed -- thus, Africans were sought for this labor -- to build this land however "master" saw fit. And your notion that we were introduced to Christian salvation is ridiculous as well. Why don't you go and read up on African history. You'll see that we (African-Americans) come from a rich and thriving culture. Do you think that the slave masters taught the slaves how to sing and praise God after beating, lynching and denying us the right to learn how to read and write? Africans were brought to this country with fundamentals and heritage already instilled in their hearts and souls from the mother land (Africa). African slaves tried to preserve as much of their culture as possible. So you can save that crap about we were introduced to Christian salvation stuff.
You mention the fact that 600,000 "black people" were brought from Africa in slave ships. First of all, do you know that they're called Africans and not black people? Secondly, If you're going to bring this "fact" to the table then tell the whole story. Historian, Patrick Manning, a Professor of World History at the University of Pittsburgh estimates that more than 18 million were forcibly taken from Africa to be enslaved. Oh, Professor Manning is indeed a white American. Yes, North America only received a small portion of slaves while places like the Caribbean and Brazil received the lion's share of slaves -- Brazil receiving the most. Back to that number of 600,000 slaves being imported to North America. Albeit that that number may be true, it still doesn't give an accurate count of how many people were ultimately enslaved here -- or anywhere else in the world, for it does not account for how many individuals were born into slavery here or any other place. Do you think that 600,000 slaves were brought here and that was it? No procreation or nothing? Matter of fact, "master" made it a point to infuse his "white blood" into many of female slaves. Many female slaves were designated for breeding purposes only. Wikipedia doesn't tell you that, huh, Mr. Buchanan? I've been researching the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade well before I came across your idiotic letter, sir. Let me move on to the rest of your letter. And here is how the rest of your shenanigan filled letter goes:
"Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the '60's on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream. Governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against white folks -- with affirmative action, contract set-aside quotas -- to advance black applicants over white applicants. Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated their time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks. We hear grievances. Where is the gratitude??"
Somebody please tell me that this guy isn't for real. I guess not one single white American has ever received a dime of these untold trillions of dollars since the 1960's? Earlier you referred to yourself as the silent majority -- meaning that white Americans are the majority in this country. That is indeed true. As of July this year (2013) the Census Bureau reports the population in the United States at roughly 316 million. About 72% of that or about 223 million of our nation's population are white Americans. Do you not believe that some or a significant portion of that percentage uses some type of government assistance? How 'bout I ask you this: Have you, or do you know anyone that has received a Pell Grant or a student loan? I'm willing to bet that the answer is yes. I take it that you believe that the government, or white people, felt the need to uplift blacks because ALL whites were thriving -- there have been no white person to suffer from poverty or economical inferiority. Sense you are an out-of-touch individual, let me tell you that I expressed that using sarcasm. The fact is that there are many whites that receive some kind of government aid or assistance -- don't be oblivious to that fact.
Now let me get to what I really want to say regarding the last part to this letter. This is where I will refer to you as Mr. Out-of-Touch -- and it hinges mostly upon one sentence. You say that "no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans." Excuse me!? I'll argue that no other race has done more to bring down and try to get rid of the black race than white Americans. The misdeeds of your people against my people have not been expunged -- nor will it ever be. How dare you say that when it was your people that enslaved my people here in America? During that time your people denied my people of basically every human right possible. It was your people that treated my people as dirt, trash, sub-human and felt as if your people were superior than my people. It was your people that made it unlawful to teach Africans, or black slaves in general how to read and write for that they knew that education and knowledge was empowerment -- empowerment that slaves would use to free themselves of your forefathers oppressive handcuffs. Is that what you call uplifting? Even when we assess race relations in more modern times, how can you bring yourself to say that? What do you think that African-Americans were fighting for during the Civil Rights era? Who let dogs loose and turned fire hoses on blacks as they marched peacefully for their rights? Who tried to keep America segregated for as long as possible -- especially schools and neighborhoods. Who posted "No Coloreds" signs outside their stores, restaurants and businesses? It wasn't blacks. Who had to fight to get into white schools because there you could receive a decent education? In turn, whites fought hard to keep blacks out of white schools. Who terrorized black families while concealing their identities while dressed in white hoods and sheets -- otherwise known as the Ku Klux Klan which is still alive today. I haven't even mentioned the word nigger -- a word that was/is meant to de-humanize African-Americans. So your quote un-quote "no people anywhere has done more to uplift blacks than white Americans" statement is a bunch of you-know-what to me.
When I think of uplifting, I think of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela, just to name a few among many blacks and Africans throughout history who have made their life's work to uplift their people -- and all of mankind, for that matter. If you don't believe me, do some research on Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
You, Mr. Out-of-Touch, equate uplifting with government assistance. I equate uplifting with empowering people from within -- that is something that doesn't come stamped in the mail from some government agency -- but is given from one human being's mind, body and soul to another human being. Giving people inspiration and hope is true uplifting. When I think of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Judge who was a successful lawyer prior to that -- that is uplifting to me. When I think about Dr. Rameck Hunt, Dr. Sampson Davis and Dr. George Jenkins -- three black doctors from Newark, NJ I think of uplifting. All three of these men grew up together in public housing, or "the projects" and attended high school and college together. They made a pact that they would help each other get through school -- all the way through medical school. All three are now doctors, public speakers and authors. THAT is what you call uplifting, Mr. Out-of-Touch. Why is this more uplifting than your examples of government assistance? I'm glad that you asked. It is no secret that many blacks all across this country live in low income areas that are littered with drugs and violent crime on a daily basis. Many of our youth and adults feel succumbed to this trap called the ghetto, or the hood. These three gentlemen offer true and living proof that you can make it no matter what your situation is. Their story is inspirational because many come from the exact same circumstance as them. It procreates the attitude "if they can do it, so can I." That, Mr. Out-of-Touch, is uplifting.
You go on to allude that blacks are getting more opportunities than whites when it comes to school. Your response to Barack Obama's statement about creating 'ladders of opportunity' for blacks was as follows: "Let him go to Altoona? And Johnstown, and ask the white kids in Catholic schools how many were visited lately by Ivy League recruiters handing out scholarships for 'deserving' white kids...?" That whole illustration is laughable! The notion that you would imply that blacks are being handed more scholarships than white kids is an irresponsible statement -- and to Ivy League schools of all places! It is irresponsible because you are misleading people with inaccuracy and ridiculous statements that are baseless and simply not true. How 'bout you go to predominantly black schools and ask how many Ivy League recruiters have gone to hand out scholarships to 'deserving' black kids then get back to me.
Finally you talk about crime -- black-on-white crime to be more specific. Before I respond to that, let me say that I do not condone any violence in any form whether it be black-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, white-on-black crime or white-on-white crime. You gave some statistics about black-on-white crime. I'll make no apologies when when I say that I don't trust your stats. And I've come to this conclusion just based off of your ridiculous letter that I'm currently responding to. But let me key in on one stat that you gave about black-on-white rape. You say "is Barack aware that black-on-white rapes are 100 times more common than the reverse" -- or so they say. No, I'm not saying that black-on-white rape doesn't occur. What I am saying is this: Are you aware that no other has falsely accused black men of rape more than white females? And that continues right now in 2013. Your stats, in my opinion, are heavily skewed because of how many black men who have been falsely accused of raping a white female -- some have been exonerated -- many haven't. 14 year old Emmett Till was brutally murdered because he allegedly whistled at a white woman. You like to use google, right, Mr. Out-of-Touch? I want you to google "innocent black men accused of raping white women" and tell me what you find. You gave two examples of rape cases in which black women falsely accused white men of rape. I can write a book about white women falsely accusing black men of rape. I'll tell you quickly why white women are most likely to accuse black men of rape: Many white females, teenagers especially, do not want their fathers to know that they're having a relationship with a black man. I can't tell you of how many cases that I've read and heard about where teenage white females claimed that a black boy raped them because they didn't want their father to know that they were having sex with a black boy -- because they knew that their father would disapprove if they found out the truth.
There is one more thing that I want you to google, Mr. Out-of-Touch. I want you to google "Black Wall Street." It will bring you to a major incident that is not talked about much -- an incident that happened on May 30, 1921 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was an incident where a 19 year old black shoe shiner named Dick Rowland was falsely accused of grabbing a 17 year old elevator operator. The next day the black man was arrested -- but it was too late because a lynch mob had formed and out for some restitution. They turned their anger toward the Greenwood section of Tulsa. This is where many African-Americans were thriving. It was home to African-American doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, businessmen and other prominent citizens --yes, our race produced these types of citizens before affirmative action and before white Americans came up with programs to help blacks get into the mainstream -- as you say. Anyway, the outcome of this vicious mob included the complete destruction of the Greenwood section leaving an estimated 300 innocent blacks dead, 800 wounded, as many as 10,000 homeless and an estimated worth of $16 million in damages (in today's dollars). You gave an example of the Jena 6 attacking a white male -- well here is my example of your people attacking my people. How is that for white Americans uplifting black Americans?
Let me address the black community for a moment: This letter re-affirms a few things for me. First, we still have so much ground to cover in regards to race relations in this country. Second, there are many people who are out-of-touch just like Mr. Buchanan. Third, and most importantly, as blacks, we need to build our own pathways and avenues -- empower our people to do better -- build our own businesses and become financially independent. As is the case with our day-to-day relationships with friends and family -- when most people do something for you, many of them will always remind you of the fact that they did something for you. People rarely do things for another out of the goodness of their heart these days. That is why it's always best to do for yourself -- or ourselves in this case. I mention this because Mr. Out-of-Touch mentioned all of the government assisted programs in which he feels that is his people's way of helping our people.
Now, lastly to you, Mr. Out-of-Touch: Your letter to Barack Obama proves something to me that I'm sure that you didn't think of -- more on that in a second. You're being critical to a man (Obama) who is both black and white and was raised by his white mother, yet you came at him as if he was 100% black -- you know why? Because as I have always stated -- it doesn't matter if your biological makeup is 25% black -- that percentage makes you 100% black in the world's eyes. You don't see President Obama as half white half black -- you see him as a black man. Now who is the one that needs to have a conversation about race, Mr. Out-of-Touch?
Friday, January 25, 2013
Why We (Men) Are Turning Our Women Into Us
Let me start off by saying Happy New Year to you all. I pray that 2013 brings you much more joy, happiness, love and blessings than 2012 did. I pray that God does the amazing for you and your families. Most importantly, I pray that you remain humble and faithful through these blessings. This is OUR year! Now, with that being said -- lets go!
Unless you've been hiding under a rock or you have just been going about your days with your eyes closed; you should notice that modern women (for the most part) are nothing like modern women of years ago. Almost in every area or characteristic, women of today are vastly different than their predecessors. From a woman's walk, talk, demeanor, drive, inspiration, morals and even woman's sexual drive and ambition. If you take the time to assess it; many women have essentially become, well, men on many different levels. This, of course, is not an indictment of all women.
If you've read some of my blogs you would know that I like to observe the social network sites to see what the people are talking about -- to see what matters to all of you out there. I always seem to get more from the females than the males. Women tend to bare their souls and be more open than men do. In no way am I just speaking from the social networking point of view. I mention the social networking sites because it gives me insight and access to people all over the world. I'm not just limited to my daily contact with people here in Jacksonville, FL.
If you observe women of today (whether you're a man or woman) you will notice these things: many women are afraid of commitment (relationship wise). Many women are willing to commit to JUST sexual relationships-- nothing more -- nothing less. Many women value money and the ability to buy material things over other tangible things. Many women love to smoke weed and drink alcohol. Now, I'm not about to go into the whole debate about whether weed should be legalized or not. I see many women on the social networks talking about getting high and drunk more than I see the men do. Many women that I know have noticed these same things. I have one basic reason as to why women act this way. It all boils down to us men. We, in a sense have created us in them (women). I have a theory as to why it is this way. Please hear me out -- I believe that I may be on to something here.
One thing in this world that we all love to do is listen to music. No matter where you're from or what race or ethnicity you are -- music is a part of your life. As Americans, music is definitely huge within our society. Two of the more popular genres of music are rap/hip-hop and r&b -- not just in this country -- but in the world as a whole. Rap, in general, has created a culture that is mostly imitated globally. Men are mostly rappers but millions and millions of women know and love rap music. If you know me, you know that I love rap and hip/hop music -- that is, certain rap and hip/hop. It is definitely in a much different place than when I grew up. I see and know of women who enjoy this type of rap music more than some men. Yes, the same rap music that is demeaning to women in many aspects of its content. The same rap music that places material things and money over women. There is a saying in the rap community -- M.O.B. -- that's money over bitches. We all know that many rappers refer to women as bitches -- and in turn, many women refer to themselves as bitches.
Music is largely influential and rap music is probably the most influential of them all. Even r&b has changed a lot. This is not your mom and dad's r&b. There is no Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Barry White, The Whispers or even a Babyface in sight. There was once a time when women, for the most part, cared about being romanced by a man. Now, you have Trey Songz aka Mr. Steal Yo Girl aka Mr. I'm about to dive in. I'll let you imagine what he means by 'diving in.' Not that there isn't any good music being made today; that would be a false statement by me -- music is just in a different place. These singers and rappers aren't talking about love in their music. And I don't want to hear that's not what rappers do. Yes they do! When I was growing up, LL Cool J had a song called 'I Need Love' -- and it was a hit!
We (men) once made music that moved women to want to be loved. Now our music inspires women to smoke weed, drink liquor, have meaningless sex and want to become twerkers. Twerking is booty shaking, for those that don't know. Even what some call r&b these days talk about the aforementioned things that rappers talk about. Matter of fact -- a lot of r&b singers today want to be rappers. There was once a time when r&b singers sang about love, getting married and having a family with that one woman that they loved. Now many 'sing' about which woman they're trying to take home. We (men) are giving them different inspirations as opposed to um, twenty years ago.
Of course music is not the only reason why women are turning into us. Women are only reciprocating what we have given them. What do you mean, Craig? Thanks for asking. Can I keep it real with you? For years we (men) haven't given our women all of us. How many times have we not been ready for commitment? How many times have we cheated on our women? How many times have we placed jobs and/or money over our women? How many times have we just seemed not to care? I know some -- maybe most men are probably disagreeing with me right now. How many times have you heard about a man doing a good woman wrong? This story is played over and over -- a good, loving, caring and attentive woman sticks by a man who doesn't reciprocate that same love, care and attentiveness. This woman stays with this man so long that, that loving, caring, attentive and good woman dies inside and becomes something else -- now we're left with a woman whose heart and trust needs restoring. So, moving forward, that woman figures the easiest thing to do is to act just as she was treated. That way she doesn't have to worry about being hurt. That way she doesn't have to worry about giving more than she will certainly receive. Some women don't have to physically go through this -- they see friends and love ones go through it and they just eliminate all the hurt and pain by becoming us from the get go -- not giving anyone a chance to possibly hurt them.
We men are the leaders. We men are the heads of households. We are supposed to set the example -- PERIOD! Whether you believe it or not, women do follow us. Some of us take our women to great places mentally, physically and spiritually. Some of us, eh, not so much. Where are you taking your woman?
Unless you've been hiding under a rock or you have just been going about your days with your eyes closed; you should notice that modern women (for the most part) are nothing like modern women of years ago. Almost in every area or characteristic, women of today are vastly different than their predecessors. From a woman's walk, talk, demeanor, drive, inspiration, morals and even woman's sexual drive and ambition. If you take the time to assess it; many women have essentially become, well, men on many different levels. This, of course, is not an indictment of all women.
If you've read some of my blogs you would know that I like to observe the social network sites to see what the people are talking about -- to see what matters to all of you out there. I always seem to get more from the females than the males. Women tend to bare their souls and be more open than men do. In no way am I just speaking from the social networking point of view. I mention the social networking sites because it gives me insight and access to people all over the world. I'm not just limited to my daily contact with people here in Jacksonville, FL.
If you observe women of today (whether you're a man or woman) you will notice these things: many women are afraid of commitment (relationship wise). Many women are willing to commit to JUST sexual relationships-- nothing more -- nothing less. Many women value money and the ability to buy material things over other tangible things. Many women love to smoke weed and drink alcohol. Now, I'm not about to go into the whole debate about whether weed should be legalized or not. I see many women on the social networks talking about getting high and drunk more than I see the men do. Many women that I know have noticed these same things. I have one basic reason as to why women act this way. It all boils down to us men. We, in a sense have created us in them (women). I have a theory as to why it is this way. Please hear me out -- I believe that I may be on to something here.
One thing in this world that we all love to do is listen to music. No matter where you're from or what race or ethnicity you are -- music is a part of your life. As Americans, music is definitely huge within our society. Two of the more popular genres of music are rap/hip-hop and r&b -- not just in this country -- but in the world as a whole. Rap, in general, has created a culture that is mostly imitated globally. Men are mostly rappers but millions and millions of women know and love rap music. If you know me, you know that I love rap and hip/hop music -- that is, certain rap and hip/hop. It is definitely in a much different place than when I grew up. I see and know of women who enjoy this type of rap music more than some men. Yes, the same rap music that is demeaning to women in many aspects of its content. The same rap music that places material things and money over women. There is a saying in the rap community -- M.O.B. -- that's money over bitches. We all know that many rappers refer to women as bitches -- and in turn, many women refer to themselves as bitches.
Music is largely influential and rap music is probably the most influential of them all. Even r&b has changed a lot. This is not your mom and dad's r&b. There is no Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Barry White, The Whispers or even a Babyface in sight. There was once a time when women, for the most part, cared about being romanced by a man. Now, you have Trey Songz aka Mr. Steal Yo Girl aka Mr. I'm about to dive in. I'll let you imagine what he means by 'diving in.' Not that there isn't any good music being made today; that would be a false statement by me -- music is just in a different place. These singers and rappers aren't talking about love in their music. And I don't want to hear that's not what rappers do. Yes they do! When I was growing up, LL Cool J had a song called 'I Need Love' -- and it was a hit!
We (men) once made music that moved women to want to be loved. Now our music inspires women to smoke weed, drink liquor, have meaningless sex and want to become twerkers. Twerking is booty shaking, for those that don't know. Even what some call r&b these days talk about the aforementioned things that rappers talk about. Matter of fact -- a lot of r&b singers today want to be rappers. There was once a time when r&b singers sang about love, getting married and having a family with that one woman that they loved. Now many 'sing' about which woman they're trying to take home. We (men) are giving them different inspirations as opposed to um, twenty years ago.
Of course music is not the only reason why women are turning into us. Women are only reciprocating what we have given them. What do you mean, Craig? Thanks for asking. Can I keep it real with you? For years we (men) haven't given our women all of us. How many times have we not been ready for commitment? How many times have we cheated on our women? How many times have we placed jobs and/or money over our women? How many times have we just seemed not to care? I know some -- maybe most men are probably disagreeing with me right now. How many times have you heard about a man doing a good woman wrong? This story is played over and over -- a good, loving, caring and attentive woman sticks by a man who doesn't reciprocate that same love, care and attentiveness. This woman stays with this man so long that, that loving, caring, attentive and good woman dies inside and becomes something else -- now we're left with a woman whose heart and trust needs restoring. So, moving forward, that woman figures the easiest thing to do is to act just as she was treated. That way she doesn't have to worry about being hurt. That way she doesn't have to worry about giving more than she will certainly receive. Some women don't have to physically go through this -- they see friends and love ones go through it and they just eliminate all the hurt and pain by becoming us from the get go -- not giving anyone a chance to possibly hurt them.
We men are the leaders. We men are the heads of households. We are supposed to set the example -- PERIOD! Whether you believe it or not, women do follow us. Some of us take our women to great places mentally, physically and spiritually. Some of us, eh, not so much. Where are you taking your woman?
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