There was a time when messing up in school just wasn't tolerated. I'm older than some bloggers and others will relate to what I'm saying. As a student, you may have gotten a grade in "citizenship" or "conduct." Children were told to walk "single file" or others may have heard "walk with intelligence."
Black students were expected to do "well" in school. There were things like glee clubs and spelling/speaking contests. Black folks encouraged these activities to help future generations reach greater expectations. Parents didn't go to school for foolish reasons like fighting, cussing out the teacher or not doing their homework. That brought shame on the family. The idea of education our children was about breaking those stereotypical myths about who we are and what we can be. There was NOTHING we couldn't aspire to become or do. Back then, black folks found a way to educate their kids when people really didn't have money.
Well things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Gone are the use of rulers in some schools. Today, kids throw a tantrum in stores, swear at their parents, and demand things. Discipline is now watered down to the point of NOTHING. Our behavior, as a society, is changing. Each generation is getting weaker in reading, writing, thinking....you name it. Manners are falling by the wayside. It's time we do something about it.
We need to go back to the beginning. Integration opened many doors for us, but it also ruined our community. Our tradition of excellence has faded. Young people take no pride in their speech let alone their appearance. Value research skills are missing. Black businesses aren't supported by our own. Spending time in the library reading free books has nearly disappeared. And there are other groups that know more about out culture than we do.
Don't get me wrong modern technology is nice, however, if we want to strive and thrive as a people and continue a tradition of excellence; we need to get back to basics.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Monday, October 18th 2010 at 12:32PM
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