Who's To Blame...

I got a call the other day from a friend, in my home city of Philadelphia. He told me that at my high school, West Philadelphia public, there was a fire that was set by several students, and two teachers were attacked. He went on to say that the Philadelphia city police stomed the school and arrested 4 students that were linked and accused, of the beating of the teachers. He added that the news media set up mobile telecast in front of the school for live feeds. This disturbed me deeply and saddened me to a high level. Just to think, the school that graduated such people as Ray "Chink" Scott (NBA basketball), Evelyn "Champagne" King (Disco star) , Kenny Gamble (Grammey Award-Winner), Tyrell Biggs (Olympic Gold Medalist), and the 1977 National High USA Scholastic basketball team ,to name few. I began to remenisce about the "old days" when I attended West and a tear befell from my eye. Man, those were the days! During that period 30 years ago, We were Philly! We were on every news paper (front and back) and was touted as "Philly's Finest" of all the sports teams, even amongts the pro teams. I was blessed enough to be named the number one player in America (along with Al King from New York) and went on to matriculate and star at Duke University. It was the values, care, discipline and support I recieved from teachers, special assistants, school police and parents, that gave me the perseverance to endure and be a strong representative of my neighborhood and community. I went to Duke, carrying them with me and knew that I had to succeed because of their efforts (and love)

I visited my old high school West Philly a year ago and I was astound at the metal detectors, bars on the class rooms (every class room) and the attitudes of the students. Cussing seem to be the official language and there was never a lost for hearing the word bitch and nigga, from every angle of the hallways. "Who is raisng these kids?" I had to wonder. It seem that school was (to them) only a past time to "hook-up" and just pass the day from doing nothing else but connecting and playing around for many of the students. "Where is the school pride?" I again wondered. For I saw many of the students just walk down the hallway and drop litter and laugh about it without remorse or care. Even when a teacher spoke to them to pick up the litter, their response was "Pick it up yourself bitch!" . I remember when that happened when I was in school and a teacher said that, you immediately stopped and apologized that you did that, then picked it up, and was threatened that your mom (or dad) were going to be notified.

With the schools test and aptitude scores being the lowest in the city, I had to wonder, is the quality of education going down and the quality of teaching at a minimum? Teachers are so scared for their safety and more concern on that issue, than getting the best out of the students due to the lack of concern from the parents. Ahhh..that is the answer! The reason and the main source of this problem. "Who's to blame!" starts right at that point. Surly, the educational system and the board have responsibilities and fault. The many decisions that were made and the changing cirriculum mandated, have some cause for one to speculate. Ok...taking prayer out of school may not be as big a deal as we would like it to be....but it has merit. It wasn't even a mandatory or schedule criteria. Then, gym was removed from the curriculum (some) and now we question the obesity of our youth. But again, the parents have made no such revoluntion toward stopping this behavior or manner of their childs actions. How many parents attend PTA meetings? How many go to visit the teacher when a student get's a D or E in their performance? I can say that the answer would be at a very poor rate or number.

Was Dr. William Cosby right on some of his assurtions of parenthood today, in the black community? I believe so. Have the parents of this generation, fallen short of its responsibilities of raisng, nurturing and caring for it's offspring? I believe so. Have the students taken another attitude on the responsibilities of education? I believe so. With many of them bascially raising themselves and mimicing today's hip-hop, professional and entertainment artists, it's a wonder that we haven't renamed our cities Sodom and Gommorah. There is no direction, there is no love or conern for "thy neighbor" there is no goal setting agenda's cause there is no parental guidance.
A parent will not go to see a teacher (most of them) when there is a matter of the childs behavior or low grade performance, but they will take off work immediately, if the child comes home and says the teacher acted (in their words) improper or another kid made a threatening jesture or act without knowing the whole facts on the matter.

What can be done? Many of the parents had seveal of these children when they were children basically. The statement " the chicken's are coming home to roost" is prime now in the structure of today's way of life. The parents of today (inner-city) still want to "get their groove on" and still please themselves with enjoying todays luxuries and care of their joy....when in essence, their lives must be centered on the nurturing of their children, by any means neccessary.

There are still many parents tha thave dedicated themselves and acted accordingly to the responsibilites of raising their children, in the proper and valued way. Many still care and give all that they can, in seeing that their child has all the nurturing that is demanded, for their child to succeed. Then there are those that don't have a clue and don't even realize the damage that they have created and done in not being responsibile and dedicated parents. Ok...go and get $150 dollar Air Jordan's before you think about getting a $15 dollar tutoral booklet. Ok...get your child the Timbers and stomach out blouses that the kids wear, to show that your child is cool. Ok...spend your hard earn minimum wage dollars to get your child a tatoo and a cell phone before getting them, a nice dress shirt, pants and note books. Let them call you out your name and raise their voice each and every time you speak to them about doing something and let's just see where we will be with that behavior. We already know...fires being set at schools, litter being thrown with out remorse or care, teachers being threatened and abused...and soon...we can make it offical...the names of Sodom and Gommorah will be resurrected. And we all know what happened to those places...when God finally got truly ...fed up.

These are tomorrow's leaders, creators and movers-and-shakers. They are the future key holders of our community and society. These kids are suppose to be the foundation of our legacy. They are suppose to carry the torch that was past on to many of us, from those that gave of themselves (and their life) for us to have the rights that we now have. If you were to give the torch to many of these kidfs now, they will either roll it up in a blunt, smoke it and enjoy the essence of the burning smell and aroma of the sweat, blood and tears that gave us these privileges. Many would wear these rights as a aparel item in the form of a G-string outfit or place the theme on their hats. But even in all that, I still believe and I still have faith, that there are still may out there that still have the inner-fortitude to rise above the challenges of peer pressure and being cool, to suit their peers. And for that, I will continue to "reach back" and support and keep the faith of that of a "mustard seed" in seeing a better tomorrow for our youth in education.

A Readers Response...(Ms. Kerstin Meyer from Houston, Texas)

Kiki has left a new comment on your post "Ignorance is bliss...so they say.": 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!!

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.

NCAA- March Maddness....Reality or Hype.

It's that time of the year, where everyone in America (and abroad) go nuts over college basketball. After spending 5 months preparing and jockying, it is down to the real deal of college basketball...the NCAA tournament, now known as the "Big Dance". Everyone from teenie-boopers to crickety old folks, will worship this time of the year, to fill out brackets, make claims, wear school colors, hate neighbors and friends, run home turn on the t.v; hooky work, etc; just to feel the "power" of this time. I, being one that played and participated in this managerie, must say, it is a quite a spectacle and one that brings the hormones and adrenaline to it's highest levels. Making it all the way to the NCAA Championship game was ever so fulfilling and a life time memory for me. Losing by 4 points to Kentucky, with the superb play by the Goose (Jack Gevins) we were left with a hurt that only lasted for a minute but then were became elated of the effort that we accomplished. But what is it all worth? With academia supposivebly the main point, this time of the year speaks only volumes in dollars...period! Television has been the pimp to the NCAA power structure and with the capital gains for each and every university that make it to the "Big Dance", The true meaning of athletics have taken an all time low. Money fuels this period and places pressure on the professors (coaches) and players. Who gains from all this? Well, the coaches recieve bigger contracts and respect in the millions. The universities recieve exposure and capital gains in millions (especially in football) and the reat of the students that cheer on their respected schools, either gain thrills and frills or a deeper sadness that their team didn't win the whole enchilada.

Now, my point. Are we educating or are we just giving the student-athletes a taste of the real world in marketing, finances, greed and anxiety? Now student-athletes that go to school, go because, this is a way to get to the next profession (if you are a football, basketball, tennis, to name few) Many just stay one year, if they are exceptional players (two, now due to the NBA's new policy) and education takes a back seat to their priority of obtaining a quality education. Even classes are excused or canceled during this time. With milliions just waiting for them, would you by-pass not leaving your school? ...Hell no! But there should be a policy that if any student-athlete leaves school early and obtains financial success at that early stage, he/she should give back to the university a donation or set up a scholarship fund for student-athletes that are not in that spectrum of elitism, to leave early and obtain those riches. A college athletic scholarship is truly a blessing and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Sports is a privilge (deem extra-curriculum) and it allows the student-athlete to excel in the sport that they chose. This is a great time in America for sports fans, especially school supported fans. It is Ameica and this is a capitalist country and money fuels this system of our democracy.

So kick back, cheer, yell and act like a fool during this time. Even cry when your team loses in the event of their quest to be ...number 1.

My pick to win the NCAA Championship- Memphis State.