Letters to the Editor

Off the cuff

Some say change is good. But all of us have seen instances where things have changed for the worst. Truth is, we have little control over events outside ourselves. Even the Patriots discovered that having a perfect season didn’t guarantee a championship. Still, we can always make changes within ourselves.

Having said all that, it is my belief that the time has come for our precious black youth to step off for a change by pulling up their pants. It would not only signify a positive shift within our culture, but would demonstrate an awareness that it’s time to put away childish things. And what could be more childish than cleaning up the dirty sidewalk with your pants?

Man was created to walk upright, not shuffle along like a convict. Dressing up in “prison chic” or “gangsta style” is no longer acceptable as we enter an era of hope. For better or worse, the eyes of the world are on black America.

The election of Barack Obama as the nation’s president has changed the game in ways we’ve yet to fathom. Playing the victim can no longer cut it. While racism is still alive and well, a majority of white Americans used their votes to ensure that a change was going to come.

What our young people should never forget is that how you feel on the inside is often reflected by how you look on the outside. They should also keep in mind that there are forces in this country who are going to do all they can to put roadblocks in the way of our progress. If they think everyone is dancing to the music, they’d better take a listen to double-talk radio. Before this election was even decided, the right-wingers were calling for the nation’s police forces to be put on alert for rioting in case Barack won or lost. Now they’re showing their true colors by trying to blame the president-elect for the recession.

While most cultures treasure the contributions of their elders, black America’s youth, for the most part, have demonstrated an ignorance of our history, a lack of respect for others and a disdain for knowledge. This has got to be changed. We all have to keep our eyes on the prize.

Even 50 Cent made a change in his life — after becoming rich and successful, he became a Bush Republican. Could you imagine 50 playing golf with his rich friends while dragging his cuffs behind? I didn’t think so.

Marvin Clark
Boston

+ Add Comment

Dec 16 7:16am by jr [71.233.238.237]

I like some of your comments, but give me a break with some of the other stuff.

Assuming all kinds of roadblocks will be put in the way of black people is pretty much playing the old 'poor us' victim/race card, which you yourself said must end.

As for the police being put in position for riots in major cities, it was done with damn good reason. Take a look at our country's recent past.

All these punks need is an excuse to riot, and they'll do it. Hell, blacks were firing shots at police helicopters trying to save people during Katrina. They went nuts down there with their looting and everything once they had their opening.

And do you really think that dangerous numbers of blacks wouldn't have irrationally jumped to the conclusion they were cheated if Mr. Fraud - soon President Fraud - ended up legitimately losing to McCain?

Think again. At the very least, the threat of black riots erupting in American cities would have been real, and it would have been totally stupid to not plan for the worst. With public safety, that's what you do.

And finally, I'd love to know where on earth you actually heard conservatives blaming your Mr. Fraud for the recession!

You'd be hard pressed to come up with any source on that one, I'm sure.

Your man is definitely not going to help the recession with the agenda on which he campaigned and received the great majority of his ill-informed/uninformed votes.

His crazy socialist tax plan, increasing entitlements, and universal health care - just to name a few - are recipes for disaster, especially in our country's current economic state.

You all got your man. No doubt certain groups will benefit, but I say look out America!

Maybe next time all you voters can look just a little bit into the candidate for whom you vote.

Unfortunately, I don't see members of the democratic party graduating from their distinction as the most ill-informed.

Dec 14 22:12pm by Tarif Aziz [141.154.73.164]
Marvin that was spoken like a true man. You hit the nail on the head. I see our youth all day long looking homely with their boxers showing and I thank God my two sons (20 and 16) have sense and do not indulge in that behavior.