To my young brothers: It’s not who can yell the loudest or waive a gun in the streets who is counted a man; it’s the brother who has the skills AND the wisdom to W-O-R-K! Your Mama may think that you are ‘cute’ at 3-4 or 5 with those cornrows in your hair. Maybe you were. But, at 13-14-15? Nope…not cute but pathetic! Among the brotherhood, you won’t get much training or sympathy because you haven’t be emotionally strengthened to deal with the ‘knocks’ that life has in store for young Black men in general, and MEN in particular. When an employer sees you coming in the door with cornrows, no matter how many brothers who are ‘on’ the job with them--they have stopped their financial progress.
Cornrows spell out ‘Do Not Promote Me’ in big, loud letters, no matter how cute they may look on a screen or a video. You don’t look like the work culture, and you won’t be given the respect that you are due. Economics and respect go hand-in-glove.
The style of Black hair used to be the fro. Now, it’s low, lean and clean. On the campus, the classroom or the job, MEN dress to impress, period. MEN have the skills to ‘back up’ their work record with their style and pride. No wannabes need apply for a man’s job in a depression--until they grow up, take a good look in a mirror and determine who they are--and whom they want to represent: Adulthood--or adolescence.
Young brothers: your economic future hinges upon the answer you choose.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Wednesday, August 25th 2010 at 2:25AM
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