After reading through several posts/blogs on here, I see there is a common thread: that we all want to identify and improve our current situation. But let's put upon ourselves a task. Don't be a part of the problem. In a book, a white man wrote to his son who was going away to college to commit himself to constant self-improvement.
I read that 20 years ago and it still sticks w/me today. It's what we need most, to commit ourselves (and our loved ones) to constant self-improvement until we're on our death bed.
How? Easy. If you hear a word that you don't undestand, instead of rolling your eyes and thinking that someone is trying to "talk above" you, pick up a dictionary, seek its defiition and make it part of your vernacular. Make intelligent conversation a part of your daily home life. I almost want to explode when I hear my sistas and brothas strtaighten their backs and try to "talk white" when around white folks. Why would a person show the ulimate sign of respect to a someone they may not even know? I'd at least give that same respect to those I claim that I love and honor. It happens everyday. We go to job inteerviews and almost struggle w/basic grammar b/c it's uncommon in our daily lives.
Weight control. Winners are always ready for battle. Let's commit ourselves to healthier living. Why should that be a "white" thing? We make up onlly 15% of this nation yet lead in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. We are the sickest people in this country. Let's encourage healthier habits starting in our own homes first then those in our circle of influence.
And economics should not determine stabdard of living aka cleanliness. It's sad when I drive through black neighborhoods all over this country and see trash everywhere. Go in the houses and clothes are everywhere. Looks too filthy to even sit down. I know many on here are intelligent and successful, but let's INSIST that others try to commit to something better. Like it or not, our collective perception affects you directly. Similar to how a person of Asian decent is almost ALWAYS expected to be smart until proven otherwise; it's not b/c of THAT particular individual, but those that set the standard. It's all about perception.
Let's try to be the most "pleasant" people we know. I know that's a hard one b/c we all want to be "hard". But I know we can do it, it happens everyday at the grocery store -- TO OTHERS! "How are you?" "Have a nice day." To the person ahead of me, and not even an acknowledgement to the six foot, 215 pound brotha standing in front you. What's up w/that?! I'm fortunate that nearly all of my constituents are striving professionals who "get it". But there are still waaaaayyyyyy too many others who don't.
And lastly, whether correctly or incorrectly, people judge how smart you are by how well you speak and communicate. Let's commit ourselves to constant improvement especially in this area. We can't all be as smart but we we don't have to prove it! Don't be afraid to re-learn the basics. Dust off that 5th Grade English book. Keep a dictionary/Thesaurus near your computer. Try incorporating non-typical words into your daily conversations.
There you have it. Communication. Personal Apperance. Attitude and Pride. If we commit to these we can raise the level of perception for our off-springs' future. And if you don't think that the world thinks negatively of us, then read annonymous forums like the Rant & Rave on craigslist.org in any city.
We can only do a little so we must do what we can. Thanks for reading.
Posted By: Craig Amos
Sunday, August 3rd 2008 at 1:49PM
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