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