I am slowly learning that I am what you could call a method writer, since I don't write much for others to respond to unless something inspires me. Well, last night I was inspired and it wasn't because of anything positive that I did or anything positive happening at all. Part of what inspired me was a television program on BET called “Heart Of The City: Chicago's War On Violence” and the news special that followed. Some people might ask why a program like this one would inspire me, but the city that the program was based on is where I grew up and came of age. The violence that was discussed in the program is not anything that is new to me, so it was not the only thing that inspired me, and I believe that the things that I will mention actually inspired me more than the television program itself.
What inspired me the most was the fact that “Heart Of The City: Chicago's War On Violence” is just a television program created to inform the misinformed or uniformed, but there are people who view life like it is just a television program that can be turned on and off at random or turned away from with a click of the remote control because it doesn't relate to - immediately concern - or doesn't entertain them. The programs and people that “Our People” turn away from exist, will continue to exist and have the right to have the opportunity to exist just like “Our People” who are changing channels with the remote control.
“Our People” holding the remote control are the same people that know exactly why our communities are in disarray, exactly how to solve all of the problems “Our People” face, every move “Our People” should make, the way “Our People” should talk, the way “Our People” should walk, and every other way “Our People” could become a recognizable force in the world. A problem that I see with “Our People” holding the remote control is that they don't do anything besides hold the remote control, flip channels, and give advice from a recliner.
Are you one of those people? Are you that lazy? Are you that far beyond everything that goes on in the world that effects some of “Our People” but not “Your Immediate People”? I can't answer that for anyone or I will be just as bad, if not worse than “Our People” with the remote who chose to channel surf and criticize the programs “Our People” create.
If you are one of “Our People” who happens to be great at holding remote controls:
Take the time to view and support the programs made by “Our People” for “Our People”.
Don't degrade “Our People”. If “Our People” won't support each other who will?
Don't try to talk over or change the context of “Our People's” thoughts to mirror your own. Everyone does not think or communicate exactly the same and one person's thoughts are no more important than another person's thoughts.
Try to work with “Our People”. This does not work out all of the time but attempt to contribute to “Our People's” growth while they contribute to yours.
Help “Our People” when you can. “Our People” that are not at their best might welcome the opportunity to change their life, be the change that is needed when you can.
Stop talking about it and be about it. Sometimes words are not needed because your actions speak volumes even when your mouth I quiet.
Give “Our People” credit when it is due, “Our People” might appreciate the acknowledgement and give you reasons to give them more and more credit.
STOP CHANGING THE CHANNEL!!!
Posted By: Emmanuel Brown
Monday, December 8th 2008 at 1:12PM
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