Black people, do we need some tough love within our community?

Question

We all know our history. We all know what happened to us and we know it was horrible.
But, I believe our ancestors and the civil rights leaders of the 60s would be ashamed of what some of us within our community do and let happen everyday. They worked hard so their children and grandchildren can have an equal place in the world, and some of us do too, however most DON"T!
Why the apathy? the blame game? If you don't care for yourself, no one else will!!
I understand that the cycle of poverty is hard to break, but how can we expect to move up if we don't try and instead kill our brother for some drugs?
I admit that I will get defensive when a white person points it to me, but that's because we usually don't like people telling us what's wrong in our home.
I for one, think it is condescending and an insult if someone said to me " Well I'm going to let you work here because you're black although you might not be as smart as me or work as hard as I do"
What can we do to help?

Answer 1

We can start by taking responsibilty for ourselves and our lives. We need to vote and hold our elected officials accountable when they don't keep their promises.

We need to start expecting more from our children, by demanding they do their homework and get good grades. Talk to them about their futures. When they are having problems in school, meet with their teachers. We should take an active role in our childrens educations and stop leaving everything to the teachers.

We need to take back a lot of our neighborhoods from the drug dealers and thugs! We can do this by making our mayors and other city and county elected officials know that if they don't get creative and find ways to break up these gangs, like the government broke up the mafia, THEY WILL BE OUT OF THEIR JOBS AT THE NEXT ELECTION!!!

A lot of people might disagree with me on this one, but I think we need to stop GIVING Democrats our vote!!! We need to start being open to listening to what others have to say. I think the Democratic party has done damage to our community by keeping a lot of poor Blacks dependant on social programs.

And most importantly, we need to start helping and LOVING each other! We have people in our own community who benefit from poor Black people, like our ministers and others.

They will be the first ones to jump in front of a camera, or call for a march when something happens. But they won't direct any of their energy towards the elected officials, the ones who can REALLY get things done.

Answer 2

I definitely think its time for some tough love in our communities. Our younger generations are in serious need of education and a huge reality check. By education, I don't just mean "stay in school". Because you can't learn everything out of a text book.
Priorities are all messed up in a lot of our communities. Unfortunately, people don't realize that a lot of the obstacles we go through, were put in front of us intentionally. The hate, drugs, the crime, the idolization of "thug life", promiscuity, etc. I think, once we (our communities) realize that, then we'll be headed in the right direction. But, right now... its sad. Because I see a lot of things that our ancestors fought for was kind of in vain.

Answer 3

I don't know what problem's you are referring to, but if it was then Blacks would know it's a problem. Blacks think or pretend to think drugs, cars, clothes, and crime are cool. As long as they are OK with it it's not a problem.

As someone who understands this, I can tell you that the things effecting the black communities just didn't happen. Their was a series of events that took place for this to happen. REGARDLESS of why you THINK it shouldn't be, IT IS. It's impossible to fight something you don't understand.

Like Coolie song "dangerous minds" he said: "if they can't understand me then how can they reach me" You got to understand ,relate and reach out to a entire group. Because if you condemn you will only draw separation from them. Then they would see you as a enemy against them, and this is for anything.

Their nothing you can do about this you can help but it will alway be this way.

Answer 4

Well I think sometimes we make the mistake as black people of stereotyping ourseleves. I have lived in a predominately black community all my life. I see more people going to work then I see standing on the corners yelling out "rocks...blows". I see more people Taking good care of their children and sending them to school and checking homework more then I see unfit parents. I don't even see as much gang activity as years before. I think our crime rate in the black community is seriously dropping, but because of societies view of us we'll always be seen as criminals, drug addicts, prostitutes. I've also lived in predominatey white areas. They have crime, violence, pedophiles, drugs, and a large number of gangs, but we don't see that when we turn on the news at night. We see black faces flashed across the screen even before guilt or any evidence of guilt is found. The world view of you can sometimes alter your view of yourself. STEREOTYPES, they can make a person think less of themselves subconsciously and feel they have no self worth. If people tell you that you are nothing all your life. You begin to believe it. Until you realize that the world is a lie the cycle will continue. I mean I can see it in your question also. I mean, Just assuming people don't take care of their kids, are lazy, and drug addicts. Your stereootyping your own people. I saw a special on 20/20 where they were saying a large number of blacks are biased against other blacks....WHY...because those stereotypes that the world has of us, some of us have chosen to believe it ourselves. I mean assuming this stuff doesn't go on in the white community is a falicy. It goes on everywhere and our faults are just brought to the front so we can hear the "I told you so".

Example: (Something many people sympathize with) Battered women. The men who do this break down their self esteem, break off their ties to their friends and family (in race culture), tell them they are nothing and no one else will want them or cares about them. They start to believe it and stay with these men because they don't think they can get anyone else or they are worth the air they breathe.

Race same thing thing. You tell me all my life I'm a criminal, people always treat me like a criminal....I start to believe.

We just need awareness, the media needs to stop crucifying us, people need to stop blaming us and start helping. Stop offereing public aid and offer jobs. People will work if they have a chance. Stop thinking we are all drug addicts and prostitutes and look at everyone else in this world.....okay I'm finished. Stepping down ffrom my soapbox now.

Answer 5

Good parenting is the answer. Kids NEED a mother AND a FATHER, who are there for them. Kids need structure in their life. Without it they don't have chance. Parents need to make sure they go to school, do their homework, get good grades, aren't in a gang, aren't "hanging out" on the streets til midnight, or later. PARENTS HAVE TO BE MORE ACCOUNTABLE!!!

Answer 6

To summarize Bill Cosby's message,

Stay in school.
Stay out of trouble.
Don't idolize prison culture.

Answer 7

I agree with *karasi*. She has a firm hold on the truth and reality. Congrats for speaking so bluntly and truthfully!

Answer 8

It would be easier if the white man didnt spend so much time trying to hold us down.