In light of our recent state of affairs as humans becoming, I'd like to talk to you all about something. I can already foresee some people getting defensive about the topic so please know that you shouldn't take my life's perspective personal, but if you do, I LOVE U, but I shall not apologize. Anywho, we're getting ready to talk about what I like to call, profound responsibility; meaning, we are all in one way or another responsible for one another. whether it be taking care of our parental obligations or treating others as we desire to be treated, it is true, we are our brothers and sisters keepers.
Being the second oldest of 6 siblings, I grew tired of being the caretaker early. While the rest of my friends enjoyed being regular kids, I was cooking, cleaning, combing hair, running bathwater and helping w/homework. I even learned how to potty train. So it was no surprise to anyone that my perspective on family life did not involve me being a mother. However, after a bit of reflection and some serious self introspection I've decided to reconsider the possibility. I now understand my role in my family unit. It was my profound responsibility to make sure that my sisters were cared for, and that was the bottom line. I can calmly rest in the fact that today they are all wonderful young women who have not been beaten down by life's perils cause I did the best I could do. I recognize now that it is my profound responsibility to always be the best person I can be in any situation in order to contribute to the evolution of others in a positive manner.
Although, I'm a borderline anarchist, I decided that the magnitude of this years election outweighed my personal convictions so I casted my vote. With that being said, I am super excited for President Barack Obama, however, it has nothing to do with the fact that he is black. He is simply an amazing spirit. He has transcended the race issue and most people don't even realize it. His accomplishments are exceptional, the fact that he attended and graduated from Harvard Law is impressive enough. However, the content of his character is being overshadowed by the color of his skin and its rather sad. He acknowledged and accepted his profound responsibility of being a leader, not a BLACK leader, but a leader that just so happens to be black. Honestly, us AA's complain so much about racism and stereotypes, and have the faintest idea that we actually perpetuate them in our everyday existence. I'm not taking anything away from having pride in our culture, but the moment we attach race to an individual's accomplishment, we are setting ourselves back by believing that race is THE important factor.
Something I also find a little funny is our lack of community as a culture. It is true, we have been assimilated and forced to create a culture out of the limited amount of information we were given however, we've gotten comfortable with our minority status and needing "permission" to do things. the culture has adopted the "poor me" syndrome and it's exactly what our ancestors fought so desperately to dispel. So, the moment someone decides to step up and take charge of their life, living without the ideals of racial and economic constraints they are often ostracized and considered an arrogant sell out. How is this being supportive? There is a serious issue with people not being able to sincerely celebrate the achievements of others without feeling envious and jealous, even if it remains hidden. We have actually allowed hating to become popular and claim to welcome it. This had to be one of the most ridiculous idea I've almost ever heard. Wanting to be popular and/or famous just to see how many haters we can acquire, idoicracy. These actions spawn the notion of individuals playing their cards close to their chests, cause aswe as a whole appear a bit untrustworthy. Now, I'm gonna introduce a portion of a conversation I recently had with a dear friend of mine on this exact thing, he states; "have you noticed how black people always want to be exclusive when they come across something good (where you get them Jay's? I'm not telling you or I won't be the only person with em) the truth is no idea is original, nothing is exclusive. the way white kids go to Harvard and get good jobs is because they share the exclusive secrets and put their people on! same with foreigners..."
Truthfully, as he and I discussed, the problems we currently face are a direct reflection on the views held by our generation. We've taken materialism, buffoonery and misogyny to the next level. Instead of most of our parents instilling fundamental values in us, they gave us whatever we asked for or demanded, and made excuses when we became complacent with having things handed to us. I've seen the beautiful music of so many souls die within them because they're simply caught up in the hype and are afraid to step outside the box. Yes Barack Obama has made a dream become reality, but the up-lifting of our people is not his burden to bear. We helped him reach his destiny, but it is up to us to take responsibility for ourselves and each other and become the change we wish to see in the world, or else his accomplishment is just another thing to be added to the history books.
So, turn off the TV, put down the Wii stick, stop forwarding ridiculous text messages, and other thing that could possibly be decelerating your evolutionary pace and get connected to the universal power that drives us to be GREAT. Spend quality time with those you love and do something nice for those you may not know. When we start living in a state of gratitude, the sun will shine upon our heads everyday.
Word from the wise:
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. -Deepak Chopra
As Always,
Ms. Shu Shu
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. -Deepak Chopra
As Always,
Ms. Shu Shu