There is a fatherlessness thread that travels, in the black culture, and connects to inferior education, violence and gang life, prison and then back to fatherlessness with girls who grow up too fast and become mothers too soon. Then comes poverty and blame America.
CNN's Soledad O'Brien did an effective job of balancing the stories of black men in America. Some of the stories mirrored a typical American dream come true. But, like real life, most of the stories were heart breaking. I saw my son, brothers, father and friends in almost every aspect of those scenarios, good and bad. And when I consider that in our own country, in this 21st century, some Americans continue to judge all or most black men the same and with such ignorance, I'm reminded that the civil rights struggle has to continue.
But that fatherlessness has got to stop! If you can not or do not want to fulfill the provider role in a family, then don't risk impregnating another woman!
In my soon to be released book, “Black Men Stop”, I make this argument. It's simple. Either be prepared to parent, should a child be born in your intimate relationship, or stop risky behavior that bring them into this world. It's one step shy of obscene to just walk away from the nurture, care and guidance of your children.
Sorry, this has to be said and it has to be done to save ourselves.
Posted By: g smallwood
Friday, July 25th 2008 at 11:36AM
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