My Reflections on CNNs Being Black in America

I’d like to start by saying that I personally have a great appreciation for the airing of this documentary. I hope that several of you all, black, white, brown, yellow and all races took heed to what the program wished to accomplish. This documentary on so many levels aroused so many emotions and new aspirations within me that in some way connected me with so many other African Americans across the nation I felt. I feel as though it definitely was a profound collection of true tales and accounts from the lower, middle and upper class of black society as well.

Being black in America is not a simply about being an average American. As I am sure that many of you have heard the saying before, from the moment you walk out of your front door you are constantly being judged, scrutinized and in some cases expected to fail rather than to succeed. Some of the statistics mentioned in the program were very disturbing to say the least. Everything from the death rate, HIV/AIDS cases to penitentiary chances touched me in a way that made me think that change was long overdue here in America. To know that the leading cause of death for women between the ages 25 and 34 was AIDS was alarming. To know that 2/3 of those cases are African American sisters is even more disheartening. The chance of me, an African American male, had I not been a high school graduate, going to jail is 60%. The documentary goes on to discuss, for example, the chances of African American males getting past the 1st interview or an interview at all for that matter is very slim. A white female student at Princeton University did a study on why African Americans tend to have such a hard time getting a job. A portion of her study concluded that some business owners don’t hire US because we are thought to be lazy, poorly dressed, intimidating, irresponsible and often late. These are all adjectives that can be used to describe HUMAN NATURE or HUMAN BEHAVIOR. It doesn’t matter what color a person is. It only depends on who we come into contact with before we leave this earth. Stereotypes!!! I wanna address the word INTIMIDATING. When you cast an evil action out would you not expect retaliation to be two times worst when it comes back to you? You taught US how to be vengeful through your actions so should one not be angry? Excuse me…INTIMIDATING. Now I do not advocate that as recourse for their actions from the past and even present. I only say that I understand the anger of blacks and the fear of whites (business owners) based on the past and current state.

Now my thoughts and conclusion of “Being Black in America” reach beyond blame of those Americans who wish to further oppress US. Yes...beyond. We have to stop oppressing OURSELVES as well. In order to avoid some of the issues addressed in paragraph 2, we must take heed to what’s really going on. Do not allow the obstacles we must initially overcome bring us down. We have had dope in the hood since back in the 60s. That doesn’t mean have to sale the dope that was “put in the hood” from back in the 60s. Our refusal to give in to D’evils will see that we will achieve greater things. If we are late for work constantly, break laws, fail to raise our children, and continue to wrong one another than our consequences are sometimes warranted. Let’s be faithful to our sisters and not disrespect them with our negative words, lack of care and infidelity. After all, they are raising our sons and daughters. We have to stop making excuses for the things that WE CAN control. Let’s be more aware of what’s going on. Let’s not back leaders, black or white, if we really don’t know what their message is or what they’re really about. Research, ask questions, get knowledge and don’t just ask Ray Ray nem who they are voting for. Don’t ask them why they are going down to the courthouse or public building in support of this black leader with picket signs without extracting knowledge first. Don’t move without purpose. Accept responsibilities for our actions. In order for a soldier to go to fight he must have his gear in order. Get your Helmet (Brain/education), Armor (Responsibility/faithfulness to our women and families) and Gun (knowledge) before heading off for war.



We have to work together as a cohesive unit to change OUR mindsets. We have to address OUR own issues. We as a people must weather the storm and change the current state of things thru understanding, teaching and most importantly REALITY. Let us unite as a state of men, women and children to change stigmas set by ALL races. Ask yourself, “do I want change?” “what does freedom mean to me?” Being free from the chains of the past in the present state thru social justice, unity, equality, real talk and a change of mindset for a better future is what it means to me.

BECOME SOCIALLY CONCIOUS

----Purposeful Movement

Gas Station Restroom Condoms, Who buys em?

Here on the road I admit that I have 2 frequently use the RR from time 2 time on stops @ gas stations. Who doesn't? Well I pay attention to details in each RR and something that always seems to grab my eye is the opportunity to purchase Off Brand Condoms. Its simple, just add your 75 cents and you're ready to make your mark in the world of sex. Just wondering who actually makes the decision to, fresh of the public toilet, purchase those studded no name condoms?


Well I decided to indulge in my fascination of this somewhat, in my opinion, strange way of purchasing a contraceptive. Unfortunately, I was one quarter short of 75 cents so it required me to go make change of a dollar and I was in business. Of the 5tough choices, I decided upon the Sheer Thin Black Jack Black Studded Condoms. I just couldn't help but to choose these b/c of the long name and great artwork on the cover.



1..2..3 quarters and I was in business. I wonder if the thought process after the purchase is, "I'm gonna get me some and I didn't even spend a dolla" cross their minds. That's another conversation though. I was quite impressed w/what the back of the box read most of all. Turns out that if I send in the box as a mail-in-rebate coupon, I actually get $1 back in the mail. Thats a 133% percent return on my money. So it turns out that its actually an investment to purchase bathroom stall condoms. That's whats up!

Rather its because its cheaper, more discreet, or an investment, I guess Gas Station RR Condoms aren't so bad after all. I'm gonna stick with my Trojan Magnums though. No rolling of the dice there, but they better come up with some rebate coupon soon!

I know This

Group A,B or C. What Does Your Boarding Pass Say?

As a traveler of this great United States, via airlines, I have noticed a few things. I'd like to key in on those individuals who choose to ignore what their boarding passes read in respects to their group lettering and numbers. Why is that when the gate attendant says, "now boarding Group A", people from Group B and C approach the gate? I assume they don't realize that they are just blocking the gate for those with the announced Group lettering. Can they not hear? I wonder if they truly believe that someone will steal their already assigned seats. Perhaps they also think that standing in the way of everyone else trying to board correctly, will somehow help to expedite their own boarding or increase the chances of the pilot taking off faster. Do they think that it is the Soul Train Line? I should break down and groove my way thru. Maybe they feel like it'll give them an opportunity to make people use that oh so hated phrase...EXCUSE ME. Either way, it intrigues me that travelers can be some damned impatient. Have a seat, wait patiently, and listen for your group number. Most importantly, stay out of my way!

Talking Spit(zer)

There is a ton of talk in the media about Eliot Spitzer’s recent run in with the authorities in respect to this whole ‘escort scandal’. It seems to me that the focus has been a lot more focus on “Why do men of power cheat?” It seems that critics wish to focus on the fact that if you have so much power that you feel as though you can get away with committing adultery. I say that their focus is all wrong. What about the thousands or even millions of men who cheat that have no more power than a construction worker or a McDonalds shift manager? The fact of the matter is that ya don’t need power to be a “cheater”. There is an unemployed married man with four kids cheating in the world somewhere right now as I write this. It always happens.
However, I’m not saying that the case is not important. I just believe that the focus should be reconsidered. Let’s consider the fact that this guy spent something like $80,000 over the years outside of his marriage for prearranged sexual encounters. That’s a lot of guap! Use your head when using your head.

----Purposeful Movement

What Are You Committed To?

A commitment is defined as a pledge or promise; obligation (http://www.dictionary.com/). Daily we make "commitments" to things yet we don't seem to know how serious they are at times. It is quite important to realize what the commitment entails before we actively make it. Communication is key.

Several leaders and non-leaders of the past and present have made commitments to themselves to take a stand for something. Martin Luther King Jr., Adolf Hitler, Sean Combs, Larry Hoover, Huey P. Newton, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Fidel Castro, and even Saddam Hussein are some that come to mind. This list, rather you believe it is from a positive or negative moral standpoint, includes people who took a stand for what THEY believe. Each one of these individuals had an objective and they accomplished them by staying on course. I personally do not agree with a few of the tactics used by some of the people from this list but I must say that I do admire their personal convictions about getting results or reaching their goals.

Recently, I admit, that I made a commitment to something and I did not follow through. My choice had a very negative net result. That is certainly a road that I do not wish to ever travel down again. I have made a commitment to myself to never allow that to happen for a second time. I hope that I can one day mend that relationship at some point.

I ask my readers, what are you committed to? What do you hold near and dear to your heart? What you choose to commit to does not necessarily define you as a person but it helps to give some shape to your life. Rather large or small, commit to something. Take a course of action and then follow thru. Make your stamp on life because the world is yours!

----Purposeful Movement