What kills me most is that in "the hood" success is only celebrated and acknowledged by the elders of the community. We don't encourage our peers/colleagues to "be the best they can be" because EVERYTHING has turned into a huge competition where only we can excel and no one else can.The fact of the matter is that we are a HIGHLY individualistic society where we fend for ourselves and don't celebrate others who excel at the same craft. We are in constant competition for success where it's a "dog-eat-dog world" and "only the strong survive." No longer do we try and help our fellow man, but we sit and judge, ridicule, and harass those around us who are trying to make something for themselves. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm 100% sure there are few - if not some - who DO celebrate and help those who accomplish things, but in the same respect, there should be 0% of people who tear down those who want to make something for themselves.
The other day, I was at work, and a student was in the room talking to a peer about his experience in jail. Apparently, he had been arrested and was sharing the story of what the "inside" looked like. The young man he was talking to, was highly wrapped up in the story, laughing and smiling - just completely entertained. I found this to be highly disturbing, because I'm sure if he was talking about going on a college trip, the young man wouldn't be NEARLY as interested. Since when is going to jail the "thing to do?" Since when do we celebrate a young man's downfall?
It pains me to see any young person get accepted to college, go back to their neighborhood, and then be ridiculed for having an education and trying and do something for themselves. How dare you make fun of someone for doing something you, yourself cannot? I was blessed to stumble upon a news article in the Chicago Tribune titled, Charter school in tough neighborhood gets all its seniors into college which basically celebrates:
The entire senior class at Chicago's only public all-male, all-African-American high school has been accepted to four-year colleges. At last count, the 107 seniors had earned spots at 72 schools across the nation.What amazes me, is that they held a school assembly to CONGRATULATE them... and even more amazing? They were honored, not embarrassed to have accomplished such a feat.
As people, we should take the time to crown ourselves as role-models and as educators to help push our youth to understand that a future isn't an option - whether it be college or some other field. Sitting on the block, "chillin wit da homies" isn't a goal, and shouldn't be respected as such. Love yourself and your community enough to realize that it takes a group effort to change the world...but we MUST start with ourselves.
Questions or Comments?
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