Friday, March 16, 2007

Ignorance is bliss...so they say.


I was reading an article the other day and also came across a poem by Maya Angelou, about how blacks, have spend so much time, money and faith, in products that their developers care nothing about them. Mine you, Tommy Hilfinger had his genius in the making of the Hilfinger clothing line and the Timberland boots, was a mega hit for the developers of that product. Like any other product, it is the consumer, that makes the decision to shell out their hard earned money to purchase. The purchasing power of Black America is powerful, abundent and... stupid. While many of Blacks will run to the stores and buy Play Stations, Ipods and Air Jordans. Many people still don't have good quality credit, don't pay child support nor invest into a business that they could own and produce into a sound business. It is always the attitude that "I need to have that to show that I have more than I really posses" It's the "keeping up with the jones" theory and the " I need to look good" concept especially in the lower income family structure. Seeing a young mother run to the store to buy a pair of baby Air Jordan's at a lower price than the adult size ,but still high for a product, for a baby, is not even ridicules...it's just plain ignorant.


There are rumors that the Timberland products are own by white supremists of the KKK and Tommy Hilinger spoke out boldly, that he cared nothing for the Black man (or woman) in their wearing his product and he could do without their support. Yeah, right!! Those dollars (Black) help make up more than half of us empire. What total disrespect and racism, from someone that is benefiting from a races ignornace and lackuster care of importance in supporting a product that supports them. This stigma is imbedded too deep to stop or even place a dent into. If Tommy would only just show alittle compassion and set up developing shops to teach . If Timberland would give scholarship funds to disenfrachise youth and if His Airness would cut the prices of the shoes in half, that would be a start, but it aint gonna HAPPEN!


Why don't we applaud Stephen Marbury, for making a quality shoe that even he wears, on the NBA courts at a price of $14.99. compared to the $150. dollar Air Jordans. We even have our youth killing for the shoes and caring less about life of another for them (Timberlands too)


The Dr. William (Bill) Cosby makes a statement to Black America about it's ignorance that is vastly exposed (not all Blacks) and there is an uproar to the mast majority of Blacks, that are partaking in this purchasing of these products and actions. I agree with Bill on at least 85-95 % of his statements. For there is no question that education is the key, to open the doors of opportunities and of ones mind. If one is lacking in education, then they can be suade toward doing almost anything or believing in anything that is said. With many of Black America's parents today in their 30-35 age range...the rasing of children is so lacking due to not having the balance of grand parents pasing knowledge and giving of themselves (once in a while) But instead are raising again there childrens children 24/7. My understanding is this, Many grandmothers don't want to raise their childs child...but they don't want to see their baby and grandbaby (or shall we say grandbabies) out in today's world struggling and scraping, just to make a minimum wage with no health insurance or no milk and diapers (or shall we say pampers) That alone has set back the Black race (other races too) from reaching it's full potential of family and economic stability. All the children will do is mimic the parents of what they do and how they act.


When a young child can recite and act out a whole rap video, word for word, motion for motion and not even recite or finish his/her A.B.C's or read a simple picture book...we know there is a major armeggadom that has transpired and it seems nobody even cares....till it's too late. Then, those that have allowed this transgression, want to act out in anger against the establishment, government, neighbor, and whomever, for their lack of, over their little prince or princess in a proper manner and proper way. Now, those same little princess and princes are now calling their mommy bitches and scanks. They care not to know who their daddy is cause daddy, hit the road or moved on after dropping a few semen seeds and he is looking for the next thrill or variety of anatomy with the big badunka butt.


There is an answer though...God, Jesus and the church. At least there are still some...that believe and read the scriptures, which gives us a structural plan...to have a well-rounded family and peaceful growth and life. God is not suade to change His way on how good your hair is did or how weel you recite rap poetry. He is pleased when their is faith, commitment and service to one another and to Him. So , even if you care to still wear your Tommy's,Timbers and Jordans, take time out and read what He (the Lord) has to say about the structure of life, love and faith has for you...and I garantee you...The words that come from your mouth will sound better than one that has obtain a PhD and your heart will open to being more loving toward each other...adn your parents.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Brings us back to the 10 questions God will never ask you!

Who cares if your clothes read "Nike", your shoes have Mike all over them or if you have visited the "PhatFarm" lately! My clothes serve one purpose: they keep me from being arrested (don't do too good in walking around naked in public), they keep me warm (doesn't take much in Houston), and they may help me look halfway descent (fig leaf didn't work anymore).

The majority of them does not have any emblems on them whatsoever, but portray who I AM, and not what society thinks I should be.

Who cares if your vehicle has a big "L" on it, is made in Bavaria (hey - we're talking about originals right, so the America-made version is not good enough!), or has made the commercials as the big H3? Guess what... whatever it is that has wheels on it - it takes me from point A to point B (and with lots of prayer eventually even to C) just as it gets you to places you need to go to. The difference is only that I don't have a $800 car note!

It is more than rediculous that there are people out there that encourage their kids to define themselfs on the brand-name clothing they wear, what kind of car Mom and Dad (if he is indeed around) drives to pick them up from school, and if they have the latest IPod (or whatever gadget it needs to be that particular day).

I will take this even a step further even though I understand the issue concerning Timberlake/Hilfiger... The ideal scenario of course, would be to boycott any manufacturer, any product, any service that has to do with any racial issues - anywhere! But in order to do that, one has to change its views on making up for a lack of self esteem by replacing it with logos.

And I totally agree with you Gene - there's just one way to find out who you really are - and that is by seeking and asking Him!
You can use those famous letters "WWJD" for every question that you may have... and if you are really open to an honest answer, you may just have gotten a little closer to who He really wants you to be.

AMEN my brother!!