MO Reader: “We Have To Do Better”
Posted by Media Outrage on August 13, 2009
Loyal reader Terrance sent in a very interesting email that we felt compelled to share with you. Terrance thanks for the email and holding us down everyday. Terrence’s pics above. Click on them to enlarge. Check out his thoughts below…..
We Have To Do Better!
A few weeks ago I had the unpleasant experience of attending court as a result of a traffic violation. Upon my arrival to the court house I was greeted outside by several young brothas (African American males). As I exited my car and approached them I couldn’t help notice how they stared at me as if I was naked. I’m assuming it was because I was dressed in professional attire and appeared “overdressed” for the occasion to them. As I entered the courtroom I observed a predominately African American presence, mostly young males 18-25, accompanied by a few Caucasians and Hispanics. For two hours I watched these young men stand in front of the judge dressed in jeans, boots, sneakers, undershirts, basketball shorts, and flip flops. Now if this was the only attire they possessed then they would have to be pardoned, but if not I have to ask what’s wrong with us? I watched as young men had to be told to pull up their pants so that their boxers wouldn’t show. I thought to myself,” well maybe they’ve been through this routine so many times that it was pointless to wear a suit or dress slacks and button up shirt. The judge already has his mind made up about them the minute they stood up.” After that thought I immediately corrected myself. If that was the case wouldn’t you want to dress the part of someone who is concerned about their lives and what the judge thinks about you? The way we dressed wasn’t my biggest concern though. It was the way we conducted ourselves and the demeanor we possessed that irritated me to anger. Observing young men standing in front of the judge with no regard for his authority left me with a number of emotions from humor to anger. At first, I thought it was funny how we could stand in front of the courtroom in shorts and flip flops and respond, “Howeva man, my moms is gonna help me out wit da fines” when asked how are they going to pay while unemployed. The humor quickly shifted to bewilderment to frustration to anger. I was angry with how we could stand in front of people of authority and conduct ourselves as if we were at home talking to acquaintances.
So, as a result of my anger I decided to write this letter to MO. Now, I’m not ignorant of the fact that the judicial system is unfair to blacks especially inner city impoverished blacks. For example, according to a December 2007 study by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) blacks represented fewer than 10% of drug abusers, yet they made up 50% of the prisoners incarcerated in Texas for drug offenses. African Americans make up roughly 13.5% of today’s population, but comprise 40% of the prison population. Black males are incarcerated 6.5 times greater than whites and 2.5 times greater than Hispanics. Black males also face executions 4.5 times greater than whites and 17.5 times greater than Hispanics. As a social worker and high school substitute teacher, I work with young inner city males on a daily basis and routinely drill them with these stats to prevent them from becoming one of them.
My beef is, when are we going to take responsibility over what we have control of? Knowing what to wear when appearing in court or not smiling/smirking when the judge is reading the list of charges against you should be common sense. The lack of this common knowledge was so apparent that it gave reason for people to believe some stereotypes concerning black men. Many of us criticized Bill Cosby when he publicly pointed out our deficiencies. Yet, his synopsis was 100% accurate and we should have agreed with his words and demanded more of ourselves. I don’t mean to be the barer of bad news, and I know that there are many successful black men. We are attending and graduating college at higher rates than ever before. There are more black business owners than ever before. However, African Americans comprise 40% of the 2.3 million incarcerated, lag behind in academic performance, and have a shorter life expectancy (70.2 compared to 76.5 for all groups). The life expectancy for African American men are even worse, 66.1 compared to 73.6 for all groups. Until the education gap closes, there are more fortune 500 CEO’s, Wall St. stock brokers etc., the life expectancy improves, our mentality changes, and we do better entirely I will continue to shout, We Have To Do Better!
Sincerely,
Terrance (devout MO family man)
Old_Skool said
Terrance that was a good read brother. You know, the kids of today are detached from the struggles of yesterday. All they think is hip-hop, women, and fast money. No one wants to work hard for anything these days.
When you dont know history it’s real easy to conduct yourself in a manner that shows no pride whatsoever. Some of our ancestors would commit suicide if they saw what the youth were doing these days with ALL of the surrounding OPPORTUNITIES!
If you just count generations people would realize that we’re not that far removed from the past and slavery. My great-great grand father was a slave. So that’s not that far from me. But with this generation not having experienced Jim Crow they feel that certain things don’t apply.
BroadStreetBully said
The kids I see here in Philly are some of the most disrespectful youngins you will ever encounter. But parents allow this type of behaviour. I got the foot inthe ass for even thinking about saying some slick sh*t. Now parents dont beat they kids and allow these little mufukas to do whatever the hell they want. So i blame the damn parents for that type of shit. A child can only do what they see their parents doing. So if the parents have no respect for authority then its most likely that the children won’t either. I wish my son would cuss at me or cuss me out, they’d need McGyver to put his ass back together.
Ms. E said
Well written and cited Terrance!
I honestly believe it starts at home with the parents. This generation is so messed up due to the fact that some of them were raised by teen mothers or fathers or by grandmothers. If the parents are not teaching their children how to dress, act, and conduct themselves in public in the midst of authority then what do we expect? Until the PARENTS step up and become caregivers then this problem will continue evolve!!
MissTX85 said
WOW! Very well said Terrance!
Unfortunately, we’ll probably never see better of them. Like BSB said, it begins at home. And if the home ain’t in order, then we might as well keep like forward to this mess.
WEst VIrgiNiA said
Terrance are you surprised by this with “your” people? I have always believed that black people have the ability to be as successful as other races but simply choose not to. Who walks in court like that? No common sense. It has to come from the homes these chldren live in. When the parents are ignorant the children have no choice. Forget doing better. You just do you and forget the NIGGAS. Thats what they are.
MissTX85 said
meant ‘looking’
I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA said
What is funny about “You” people, is that “You” try and blame other races for your own struggles and short comings. I still believe in the BELL CURVE. Some people are just not INHERANTLY smart. African AMERICANS happen to fall in that category. Most of your successful people fall in the artistic categories. Sports, Music, Dancing, Comedians (because you people love to laugh).
PLEASE JUST GO BACK TO AFRICA! PLEASE. THIS COUNTRY WOULD BE MUCH BETTER. WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN US? IM DONE.
ucanb2 said
Very well written Terrance… hopefully it will reach someone.Something I have tried to instill in my son, image is so important.
Dickwell Thrust said
This is most certainly an eye opener. We have to get a hold of this problem and stop letting these children believe the “hood” is a wonderful magical place to represent. When these kids turn 21 and realize the hood will chew you up and spit you out they will realize that being in court for any reason is dumb fuckery!
Tia said
before you talk about African Americans not being “INHERANTLY” smart…Imma need you to spell “INHERENTLY” correctly…smh…
Tia said
oh that was for post #7^^
leegill said
I agree with everything Terrance has stated so eloquently. But I’m afraid it will be read by those of us who don’t need it. If you were able to rap it and then insert it on BET, then maybe the homeboys just might get the message!
brynnrock said
Talk a bout it old skool, but put these same young people in a different environment and with a different upbringing and see how they will flurish. Who role modeled those children, where did they grow up? Role modeling is so important. If you aren;t role modeling to your children, who is? I AM THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN MY DAUGHTERS LIFE, HELL WITH HER FRIENDS AND FUCK WHAT THEIR PARENTS ALLOW THEIR CHILDREN TO DO! IT IS WHAT MAMA SAYS, CUZ I KNOW BEST BABY!! I GOT MY CHILD’S BACK, WHO WAS WATCHING OVER THOSE BABIES THROUGHTOUT THEIR LIFE TO END UP WITH SUCH DISREGARD TO THEIRSELF AND OTHERS?
Ms. E said
Preach @ Brnnrock!!!
sweetthang said
So true T, damn, you should write a book! Brynnrock took the words out of my mouth! SO TRUE…Parents stand up and for the ones who don’t, quit blaming your parents for your misfortunes, oh they didn’t love me enough, oh they didn’t tell me how to live life, my father was in jail, my mother was a crack head, that should make you want to beat the cycle even more and prove that you can be something! oooh, don’t get me started!
I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA said
Please tell me what you people have done for this country?
cutiewitbigbooty said
Good point Terrance. You ARE A FUCKING CUTIE! LOL. VERY HANDSOME. BUT I THINK YOU WERE FROM Jersey and most of those guys are corny lol. but loving to look at your face. Pretty smile.
It starts in the home. If you are raised right then you would feel strange acting crazy in public.
Dickwell Thrust said
I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA…
Well, Im glad you asked that question. Besides BUILD the country you STOLE we’ve made positive advancements. You would know this if you turn the gas off in the Meth Lab and turn on the Wikipedia and Google you would understand that. Tell your sister to turn on the computer instead of trying to molest her with your moonshine bottle.
Sparkle said
Is Terrance single?
Lai'Lani said
Lmao! @ DT. Boy you know you funny. Terrance good email. We do have to do better because i see backwards thinking people all the time. It makes me grit my teeth lol.
Oh Terrance I’m piggy-backing off of what Cutie said lol. Not you being corny though because you seem very intelligent. But boy you sexy as hell! lol And I know my ex-cheating-man reads this site. That’s what a real man looks like J-Dub.
VA Gurl said
Forget the email. Terrance you got a girlfriend? Boy you fine as hell! Where are you from? I hope somewhere near VA. About to read the email now……
Hovy's Home said
Wow no comment on the racist pig in this post. DT you handled him.
Everything starts in the home straight up. And just because you grow up in poverty doesnt mean you have to be GHETTO.
Being Ghetto is a state of mind not address location. Like being “hood” has nothing to do with where you are from or where you live. It’s a mentality.
MaliaMalia still LOVES MO said
Totally agree with you terrance, very interesting email! and comments from MO readers minus I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA!!
and what the hell is up with I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA??? can you not ask such pathetic questions???
btw very handsome photos terrance
Rafiq14 said
Unacceptable it doesn’t matter what environment your’re brought up in you are an indiviual you control you .You control the way you dress,and the youngsters that wear there pants hanging off of them look RIDICULOUS,SLOUCHY.And it make ME be judged by you,I have to see the judge right after you.His mind is made up one way or the other and I bet he’s not having good thoughts.But if you stood before him dressed like you have sense,and the next 5 brotha’s are also dressed for the occasion,then it’s hard for the mind to think negative after talking to and seeing all 5 well dressed well spoken blackmen.He knows you speak slang leave that shyt in the HOOD,the avarage one of you don’t talk to your mother or father like that and they don’t have the power to lock you up.But this whiteman behind this desk can have your azz locked up from 1 day to 365 or more if he feel like it.And I know some will argue and say but If you are raised up in a good environment a good environment .A good environment is a two headed sword,you have everything, you want for nothing.So now you want some excitement and you go hang out in the hood at your boys house who is bussed in to your school.Instead of you picking him up getting him out of the hood,you wanna hang in the hood.NOW WHO’S MADE YOU GO HANG IN THE HOOD?The sista who must have the bad boy.Who made you go get the bad boy?NO BODY BUT YOU.So let’s not use the environment as an excuse.I did not grow up in a good environment and I refused to stick around it.I had white friends I went to school with who didn’t live near the hood,I got a job in junior high and was never home.So the hood very seldom saw my BLACKAZZ by choice.
charlesdarnay said
Same thing happen to me two years ago. I had a court case and wore my suit- the other brothers had jeans,t shirts etc… ALSO the Baliff had to remind the brothers several times to take off their hats. Bill Cosby took alot of heat BUT he was correct. Even at church, we have to remind our young brothers to take the do rags off and hats. I guess looking and acting “bummy”(if that is a word) is cool.
DT Is A Disgusting PIG! said
TERRANCE IM GLAD TO SEE A BLACK MAN WHO ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR PEOPLE. LOL @ DT. (THE 6TH FUNNY THING YOU’VE EVER SAID ON HERE).
TERRANCE I WOULD PAY YOU A COMPLIMENT ON YOUR STRIKING GOOD LOOKS BUT I THINK THOSE DICKRIDING GROUPIES LAI’LANI, SWEETTHANG, CUTIEWITBIGBOOTYANDLOTSOFAIDS AND VA GURL ALREADY PLAYED THE DESPERATE CYBER CARD FOR ME.
I WOULD BE CAREFUL THOUGH, ABOUT LETTING CUTIE RIDE YOUR CYBER DICK BECAUSE YOU MIGHT CATCH A COMPUTER VIRUS YOU CAN’T GET RID OF
ESPN said
Cool email Terrence. I’ve stood before a judge before for traffic violations and would always dress up also. I’ve seen exactly what you’re speaking of though. It’s disheartening.
camille44 said
Very good Terrence..i feel the same way about our young black females. Keep doing what you do, you are getting through to some of them. But it is hard to fight against the generational mentality some of our people have.
Dickwell Thrust said
Memo to the MO fam:
Although this is a serious post I must first apologize for this cyber stalker that continues to downgrade the readers. She is obviosly has been tormented by her abusive upbringing down in the state of steers and queers. (….and she aint no steer)
I have been in constant email with MO to find this slut-waffle, so we can get her out of her living condidtions that her drunk ass daddy and “special” uncle friend put her in. In no way shape or form is this comedic material or sarcastic humor. This is SERIOUS. Internet users who steal people names an hides behind computers is a serious disorder and should be taken in such manner. I’m trying to get a handle on the situation before another person is abused by her “play” cousin or cross gender “auntie” ….
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
MissTX85 said
This is what I’ve been talking about for the past couple of days. When MO posts serious articles the folks that get on here talking about the regulars and saying foul shit about what MO ain’t doing don’t acknowledge them.
Take right now for example:
DT’s BIGGEST dickrider is on here attacking him and some of the other posters when she should be commenting about the post.
Shit doesn’t make any sense to me!
Lacy said
Terrance preach on brother ..Everything you said is so true ..
DT Is A Disgusting PIG! said
NOW SEE MISSTX YOU’RE A BAD BAD GIRL. I LEFT YOUR NAME OUT OF IT, KNOWING THAT YOU ARE IN TRAINING CAMP WITH THE DALLAS COWBOYS AS THEIR NEWEST AND FIRST FEMALE LINEBACKER. HIT THEM PADS BITCH AND GET OFF THE PUTER, WE WANT A SUPER-BOWL RING!
Ms.Behave~ I♥ DT, so what? said
@MissTX85…Same here!!!
They ALWAYS complain about not having ‘quality stuff’ as if they are on CNN, but when MO puts down the comic stick and puts up ‘thought provoking’ articles, they are the first to start BULLSHIT!!!
They need to ‘do as they say’ and quit with the F*ckery, this is getting ANNOYING MO!!…I Think it is time we start BANNING people…
MissTX85 said
LOL! Damn I gotta give to ya, you pretty funny! I bet you funny looking too huh? I mean that’s gotta be the reason you keep calling me names! And them chunky comments are really hilarious! Yeah bitch you NEED to see me! LOL!
But really, I ain’t bout to go there with you today. At least not on this post. Like I just said, this was a serious post and yo bitch ass, just like a few others, complained that MO doesn’t post this type of stuff, but the minute they do ya’ll asses don’t acknowledge it! And true enough you didn’t put my name in anything but neither did the folks you mentioned. So what’s the difference?
DT Is A Disgusting PIG! said
MS BEHAVE YOU HAVE ANY CHEESE TO GO WITH THAT WINE? TRUE ESSENCE OF BITCHASSNESS TO START COMPLAINING TO MO STAFF. YOU KNOW YOU’RE NOT FUNNY THAT’S ALL. ITS JUST ENTERTAINMENT BITCH.
“MO STAFF THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS! PLEASE BAN THIS BITCH! I HAVE NO COMEBACKS FOR HER! PLEASE! PLEASE! DT HELP! SOMEONE ANNIHILATE THIS BITCH!”
HOW ABOUT YOU ANNIHILATE ME…..
lowridaz said
@ I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA……
A Black Man created a tiny piece called a filament (electric light – Lewis Latimer) that allows people to see in the dark.
Black Man created an instrument (clock – Benjamin Banneker) that all people use to tell time…
Black Man designed a place for the high authorities to meet in and a place for the president to live in (The Capital and the White House designed by Phillip Reid (a slave ) and Pierre L’Enfant)…
Black Man was brilliant enough to do the first open heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams) and show the world how to get and preserve plasma (Dr. Charles Drew)…
Black Man was creative enough to design an instrument (traffic light – Garrett Morgan) to bring multiple people (traffic) to a halt…
Black Man created the soles (shoes – Jan Matzeliger) that people walk on every day…
Black Man was smart enough and brave enough to teach himself (Fredrick Douglas and Thomas Fuller – both slaves) and others how to read, write and/or calculate math..
ITS SO MUCH MORE BLACK PERSON INVENTED, THAT FUCKING BIKE YOU WHITIES LOVE TO RIDE DAILY, THE VERY COMB YOU COMB YOUR HAIR WITH, YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT BLACKS DID , YOU SILLY BITCH! BLACKS PRACTICALLY BUILT EVERYTHING YOU USE, THAT FRIDGE YOU STORE YOUR DAMN FOOD IN BITCH , THINK ABOUT THAT, YOU REALLY BETTER GET YOUR HISTORY TOGETHER, AND GET IT RIGHT, DOESNT MATTER WHAT YOU SAY, BLACKS ARE THE MOST TALENTED, GIFTED, INTELLIGENT, CREATIVE, INVENTIVE HUMANS ON EARTH, FUCK YOU!
Philly_Girl said
Terrance I always think these thoughts. Just sitting on my porch makes me shake my head everyday. I see little kids 5 and 6 cussin’ like sailors. Talking about sex and stuff they can’t know anything about. These parents dont care about their children. They’re just a welfare check to some of them and a fad. You know young girls getting pregnant because they think it’s cute to walk around with a big belly. The men don’t care about impregnating every girl in the hood with their seed. The mentality is so twisted.
MissTX85 said
@ Lowridaz, thank you so much for filling that asshole in. I just did not have the energy to enlighten his/her dumbass as to what “our” people did and still do for this ungrateful ass country!
Truly23 said
This all goes back to the post about spanking your child… You see a lot more disrespect today
than what you have seen back in the day. Because the very first time you have disrespected any
adult back in the day, that would’ve been your ass. Now, all of this child abuse in effect parents
can’t give that same kick-ass ass beating for fear of being imprisoned.. On another note, it all goes back to the company you keep.. As for the what did black people do for this country, hell that question should state what DIDN’T black people do for this country…And MO fam clowns will be clowns- just ignore ignorance. My motto is NEVER STOOP TO AN IGNORANT PERSON’S LEVEL, IF YOU DO THE WORLD WILL PASS YOU BY…
ALLISWELL5 said
For some reason, my comments won’t post on this entry…I’ve even tried to Refresh the screen and copy and paste it back….I keep getting a message saying “You’ve entered this comment previously”, but it won’t show.
@ the homie Terrance….Great post!!….I agree 100%, We have to do better…thanks for the statistics also…very alarming, but reality. The Struggle continues…
Much respect to all the positive comments above!!
As for Poster #7…..”Crawl” back to the Caucausus Mountains….Pay Homage, You are conversing with the GODs and GODdesses on this site….We are the “Cradle of Civilization”
ONE….Fist UP!!
Alesha said
Nice email Terrance. I whole heartedly agree. It pissed me off when the black media attacked Bill Cosby for telling the absolute truth. I always agreed with his points. “Your dirty laundry’s cussin’, having sex, and doing everything else negative under the sun.” Love him for that. MO you should post that video of him on Oprah again.
Great post Terrance.
lowridaz said
oh yah!! forgot to mention yes I agree ladies, Terrance is very handsome.
Lio said
Terrance, that was a very good email and I hope that more people of colour will take responsibilities for their own actions. Also black people, STOP BLAMING THE WHITE MAN, yes you’ll have to work twice as hard as your white co- worker to get that promotion, stop complaininmg and do it. Life isn’t fair but if you want to accomplish something, nobody can stop you. The people who hate you because of your colour will not go away unfortunatly, don’t waste your time with them , just focus on your goal.
Terrance, thank you again for the email.
Yvonne said
I agree with the majority of the posters on here and Terrence you did an excellent job of putting your thoughts and observations into words for us to see through your eyes at this foolishness that seems to never end.
@Lowridaz..I know about the many accomplishments blacks have contributed to this society that people are still using today and it pains me that other races don’t have a clue about this.
I wrote a letter to Oprah many, many years ago regarding all the contributions blacks have made to this society and cited them just as you did asking if her company would make a movie or documentary on this because other races need to see what blacks have done.
I am fed up with other races only knowing the “slave” aspect of my race. I never had any response but I did make a xerox copy of my letter and I am thinking about sending it again.
Jolie said
@ I WISH BLACK PEOPLE SWIM BACK TO AFRICA……
Honestly no one should even be responding to your idiotic rant. Let’s list a few things that white people have done for this country:
Stole this country from the Native Indians
Stole the Africans from their home and brought them here to build this country since they are weak to do any hard work
Rape African women and children as young as 5 & 7
Deceived the African people, manipulate them, tried to destroyed their self esteem
Took out their self hate on the Africans
Took credit for invention made by Africans
TERRORIZED AND BOMBED Africans
Lied & distorted history
Created the separate and unequal act
Destroyed family
Spread diseases
Invented terrorist & rapist
This is just a short list of the things that white people have done for this country.
LET’S MAKE A DEAL, ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE WILL GO BACK TO AFRICA WHEN ALL THE WHITE PEOPLE GO BACK TO EUROPE AND GIVE THE NATIVE INDIAN THEIR LAND BACK.
toniluvhershey said
I just want to say that I read the posts very often and usually I dont make comments. But today I want to say I am proud of the way everyone is handling the comments from the persons on here who are trying to get under someone’s, anybody’s skin.This topic is serious to us and who cares what some ignorant person thinks about it. I enjoy your comments and some days it helps me make it through a work day , where I am sujected to ignorance and just plain dumb shit on a daily basis.But Im stepping on their backs to get to the next level. So keep doing whatcha doin.
WHERE I'M FROM said
I peeped the email. Terrance there are people that weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths that have no other choices to make money but hit the block. The judge dont give a f*ck about no suit or tie. He looks at my skin complexion. Not proud of being locked up in the past but it’s my experience that the judge looked at my cornrows, and skin complexion and made his mind up instantly. Its hard to get a job out here now a days so just add a prison record to that scenario and you have a young man who has to do something to get money or just starve to death. Some people are very fortunate to have been raised away from certain elements. Some of us aren’t so we do what we have to do to keep the lights on and the water running. I’d rather die on the streets to gunfire from the police because im hustlin’ than to watch my moms struggle and get evicted.
One.
Jolie said
@WHERE I’M FROM… Wow, doing the right thing, getting an education and making smart choices is having a silver spoon in your mouth. I’m not saying that it’s easy for black people in this country, but give me a break. If you put your mind to it, get an education and avoid the trap and temptations that they laid out for people like you, you too would be a Terrance. Are you hustling to keep a roof over your head, feed you growling belly, pay the bills, and pay your tuition? Or are you hustling to buy hundred dollars pair of sneaks, stay decked out in jewelry and leave beyond your means so that you can be like the rap stars that you see on TV? Believe me, I know they make it very hard for blacks in this country, but come on, please let’s stop and do better for ourselves.
WHERE I'M FROM said
Jolie it sounds like you’re judging me and that’s not necessary. No I’m not making excuses. I’m saying that I wasn’t raised in an atmosphere conducive to succeeding against the odds. I made some very bad choices when I was younger and got caught up and have a record. Having a record makes it very hard for me to get a job. It doesn’t matter where the job is at, they don;t want someone with a record on their staff. Im saying I would rather hustle than watch my mom go without or get evicted out of her place since times are really hard and she has no one else to help her. I don;t have any children but got younger sibblings that I hate seeing go without.
WHERE I'M FROM said
Hustlin’ is an answer for right now. It’s an option. These people don’t care what color you are, as long as you have what they need. And they’re paying that gwop. So that is, what it is. Its better for a brotha to hustle than to run up on someone with a mask and stick a gun in their mouth just to feed his family. Shit aint all sweet like the TV’s make it.
Marathon_Man said
It looks like the people Terrance seen in court had an “I dont give a fuck” mind-set. I think everyone possesses a certain level of common sense that tells them not to go before a judge who’s holding your future in his hands, dressed a certain way. And the smirking while he’s holding that gavel is a quick way to land up with a toilet 2inches away from your bed. People just don’t care anymore.
Old_Skool said
Lack of education is the key factor in the problems that Terrance is laying out in his email. It’s frightening how many 20 something year old men in our community don’t even know how to write a resume, fill out a check, open up a bank-account, nor have job interview etiquette.
It’s not cool to be dumb. Stupidity leads to an impecunious life. I’m still shocked when I talk to young men in their 20’s and they don’t know certain aspects of African-AMERICAN history. We have to do better. It starts with the adults and parents.
Jolie said
@whereI’mfrom… I’m sorry,
Yeah I Said It said
@ Terrence, Let’s take it out of court and go down the street to a job fair. I walked by a line of people in every stage of dress you could imagine to get to the AA table to assist with flight attendant applications. Women had on sun dresses flip flops, shorts, t-shirts thin strap dresses, halter tops. Tattoos were showing all across their necks, Some had on Capri s and sandals with loud polish. The men had on shorts hanging off and shirts not tucked with sandals and socks on. Some women had their children with them. I was floored to say the least. My first though was to turn them all away. Our manager told us to take the applications and based on the way they were dressed put an x at the top. She lost interest looking at their attire. I had never been so ashamed of seeing my beautiful black people before in my life. We were there from 10am to 4pm and out of all the people I did basic interviews with I picked a total of 12 people. Let me also say it does not hurt to use common English. No one knows what you mean when you say, I head gat my ged, but i aint know ware I pit it… :translation: I had got my G.E.D. but I aint know where I put it. Further translation: I have a GED, however misplaced the certificate and was unable to bring it with me. No one wants to see multi color hair that defines the rainbow. No one wants you to chew gum and talk… When we left, the vast majority of those application went in the garbage….. You are so right Terrence. WE HAVE GOT TO DO BETTER!
WHERE I'M FROM said
@ Jolie, it’s cool we all have our own perceptions.
Beyonce_Stan said
2 thumbs up to Terrance. *blushing and smiling* You are very good looking. I like chocolate men I almost kissed this screen lol. Intelligent and articulate.
Yasmine T. said
Nicely put Terrance. I agree with most of the comments. We really can do better. I wish some of the television executive would start by changing the images the children view. Lol @ Beyonce_Stan. Terrance is a handsome fellow. He know he should have aimed that camera a little closer lol.
Lowridaz said
wow.. some of the posts really touched me, as the post from WHERE IM FROM.. I have never known struggle , my parents, however, know it very well. They worked hard to get where they are today, my siblings and I have never known struggle, as we had everything we wanted, and never went without, grew up in a 7 bedroom home in suburbs. but trust and believe my mom and pops taught us the value of hard work and responsibility. each of us! today my brothers and sisters are lawyers, doctors, etc, etc. and one thing my parents didnt play was gossip in their house, or talking about anyone. some of the things i say on here oh my god!! would blow them away. But… god bless those who are striving each day to make their life better, and those who arent god show them the way! before its to late for them!!! GOD BLESS
Terrance said
Thanks to everyone who felt me in this email, a brotha appreciate it! To WHERE I’M FROM, I understand your argument about brothas with records finding it near impossible to get employed. Listen homie, I’m orignially from Trenton, NJ. You may or may not be familiar with the place, but it’s not a nice city. I have older brothers who sold drugs and did all other type of stuff. However, when they appeared in court they had enough sense to wear a suit and tie. My point is what does “hustlin” have to do with your ability to conduct yourself decently when you are standing in front of someone who could decide your future? I understand the criminal justice system is biased and haven’t given black people a fair shake. But brothas have to realize that they aren’t making it any easier for themselves when they come to court wearing basketball shorts. WIF, you sound like an intelligent dude, and I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t go to court in flip flops.
Smurfette said
@Terrance, this was enlightening to me as I have not been inside a courtroom in a long time. We do have to do better. This was very well written.
@Go back to Africa, I would love to visit the Motherland if u promise to buy my ticket. First class please?
@Where im from, I can feel u. I am not condoning anyone selling but do wut u have to do until u can do better. I hustled for the first 10 yrs of my daughter life to put food on the table. I was lucky enough not to get caught and get a record so now im in corporate America which also sucks but is legal. I would never judge u, but if u can ever get out, do so. Good luck. I mean that
I have an ex boyfriend who was a great student in high school but lived in a very rough neighborhood. He carried a weapon wit him but was not a gansta. One night these dudes harrassed him and pulled out a gun. In self defense he shot one and went to prison for 3 yrs. This guy had never even had a traffic ticket in his life. A real good dude. But once he got out he did his parole and tried to get a job. But that record is following him now. No one wants to hire him. So how can America encourage our youth to get out of jail and get their life together wen no one wants to employ an excon. So wut do these brothers do? Go back to selling, or robbing to eat. We have to give these young men and ladies another shot when they are realeased. If we don’t, they will end up right back in jail. We have to do better, but so does the Judicial system.
That is all
BadBadKitty0727 said
Amen and Amen. Yes, we have to do better, but until we raise our lowest common denominator, there will always be those within our race who relish the “ghetto” mentality.
I was born and raised in the ‘hood. Times then were significantly different then than what they are now, but nonetheless difficult. We faced struggles, hardships, and uncertainty, but never did we give up hope. That, I believe, is part of what the problem is with some of our youth and their parents today. They have no hope for a brighter future. They don’t know what true “success” looks like, therefore, they have no idea of how to obtain it.
It seems like when one or two of us actually makes it out of the ‘hood, those “left behind” start hatin’, so, not only do they not know what success looks like, they very seldom associate themselves with “successful” people. Ya feel me?
On the flip, once you have achieved success, how often do you really want to go back to the ‘hood? Seriously? No one will ever forget where they came from, nor will they forget that a nucca in the ‘hood will kill you to take what you have as opposed to working for it.
Until we as a people are collectively together as a whole with a unified voice, the judicial system will continue to fail us, parents will continue to instill bad habits (knowing or unknowingly), our cries of injustice will go unheard, the urban education system continue to be sub-standard and our young people will continue on their paths of destruction.
Ron S. said
@Go back to Africa, before you just blatently ignore the inventions and advances givin to the “WORLD” by Africans and of African descent do your research. Blacks were the first to have an adavanced civilization. So much African history was erased not only by whites but Arabs, and Asians combined. The first 25 dynasties in Eygpt were??? Yeah you guessed it black. Blacks were the first to have a documented written language, but the history of African advancement has been misconstrued so much and the truth is scarcley known or expressed. The Africans were the first to develop Advanced architecture, no matter how much the world has tried to erase the history of the accoplisments that blacks have achieved they always leave trails back to the truth. Did you ever think about why the nose on one of the most advanced creations in ancient Egypt the Sphinx was defaced and the nose is no longer present? It was just a way to hide the truth, if you do your research the Spinx head was designed after a Pharoah and the biggest evidence to discredit the fact that he was infact African was a highly acknowledged black trait, his wide nose. So what would be the most obvious answer to hide the truth?? But Africa was once one of the most powerful continents in the world, but the intrusion of other Race’s, beliefs, languages, and religions created a curltural divide. The same way the mass media is continually doing that with black americans today, and what better way to destroy a culture than with its own self hate, which a lot of that is fed to us with a lot of the pure ignorance in music today. But read more about history before you speak on it. Some books MO readers, hell every person of African descent should read is “Destruction of Black Civilization : Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C to 2000 A.D. Destruction” by Chancellor Williams and :They Came Before Columbus” by Ivan Van Sertima. In order for us as blacks to truely change the difficulties of present we need to understand the greatness of our past.
Girls, how many suits do you own if you work in a business professional atmosphere? | Suits & Jackets blog said
[...] MO Reader: “We Have To Do Better” [...]
satire said
Americans in poverty still have more than most of the people in the world, the thinking is what needs to change. You’d be surprised how little you could live on, but if you are caught up as most of us are, then you will think you are poor, when in reality you are not. People feel sorry for you when they enjoy middle class life and that is part of the problem not the solution, instead of focusing on your strenths that you have your health, if you are able to stand to see to think. Our society is capitalistic and capitalism has no morality, it is all about the money, so people do not value the life they have when people are always telling them how poor they are, so they are willing to throw their precious life away to live in a disgusting jail and be raped, and for what, thinking they are helping the family. It is the thinking process that needs to be addressed. To be part of the solution, share knowledge, resources referrals. This gentlemen posting a blog is the first step, building awareness, creating dialogue and continue to do so, use this technology to share with people that have made the journey to connect from despair, give them hyperlinks, referrals, start the knowledge sharing process and let it spread like a wild fire, continue to be a active part of change, if you find a person who has been able to dialogue, post a link. I got one to start things off: storyofstuff.com, come into the thinking process and not see yourself poor because if you are in america, you are not poor, it is your thinking that is poor and you are a victim of capitalism, because in capitalism we capitalize on anything, don’t matter,
satire said
My perspective on the black family and bringing up children. Before desegregration, 2 little black girls were bussed to a white school and endured the most horrible abuse. Grown ass white folks lined up to meet them as they entered the school. So those little girls had to walk through a gauntlet, with grown as white folks spittin on them and calling niggers and everything else. Yet these little black girls did well and the white american government said how is that possible. So a psychologist was sent to the little black girls home to study the reasons these little black girls were still doing well even though they were treated like shit every day. Well there was black man and a black woman, a loving family these little girls had at home. A black man and a black woman, married, raising a family. Well now that shit had to end and the next thing you know dope start flowing all up in the black hood and niggas was gettin locked up left and right leaving the black woman to fend for herself. Yes, people, black men and women use to get married, and they had extended families, we all know what happened to nice families that went to church, church got bombed, and then came the media, and education was out of the question, because the last thing you want is a black man and black woman in love, raising a family and going to church, educated because the next thing you know is you will have a Michelle Obama and Barack Obama
satire said
This is black history, change your thinking, get values, people you are not poor, it is your thinking, stop the worship of the false idols, look how it leaves the community when you don’t care about nothing but paper, and buying shit you do not need, going to jail trying to get bull shit. Be thankful for every damn day yo ass is alive, for every day that you are not beat or raped, for what food you get, because you still doing better than so many people in the world, learn and help others that are open to the knowledge and know your fucking history and know what capitalism is, capitalism can change if we change our thinking, capitalism don’t give a fuck, if you think a certain way, capitalist will capitalize, but if you change your thinking capitalist will be force to change the way they do business