There are No Handicaps

This was a fascinating commentary on what it is like growing up a black in our society.  The date that the essay was written was 1982, though a lot has changed since then, some of the same problematic assumptions still hold obstacles for a lot of black youngsters today.   As it was back then, it is the same in the new millennium;  self-limited educational opportunities, lack of positive role models; no father figure in the home or socially, and lack of moral upbringing;  as defined by William Raspberry in a later article for The Washington Post.  I will be referring to that through out this essay.

Mr. Raspberry starts this essay off by saying that the problem with growing up black in America, is Youths have to deal with political incorrectness, economic deprivation and racism.  I agree on all these, but I would like to add  self limitations brought on by the still lingering assumption; that one can not achieve well in school or that only if you’re Caucasian, Asian, or economically sound, that you should apply yourself in school!    Although there are more programs put into play in our education systems, there still is limited available resources for a lot of the impoverished communities; (and not just black, or Latino). Montana is predominately white in population and one of the poorest states in our union!  So, there is a need for increased educational funding in every state and communities, not just the African- American. 

Of course education starts at home, for any family.  It has been shown in surveys, and social researches that children need a father figure, or a positive male role model; someone who will or does demonstrate good values, and integrity.  A lot of youth today are growing up with only one parent, (and not just in America), but all over.  It is shown that our society is lacking in teaching men to be responsible, and to hold themselves accountable!  We have to stop leading poor examples to the younger generations!    It is appalling to me to see three young teens in the park across from my residence, wandering around at 9:00PM at night with nothing to do, but try and rob or assault strangers for money!   Lack of positive parenting, and irresponsibility.

Which brings me to the strongest need for our youth today; healthy morals, or teaching mindfulness, respect for others properties, and good work ethics.   This to starts at home, and it should be the mandate of the parents or parent to demonstrate that freedom, shelter, food, and luxuries are not free!   To get to or have anything it is important to teach young people to that they need to work; (not steal, beg, or borrow for).     This essay clearly states the lack of these traits in the youth of 1982.  Unfortunately, it has gotten worse in some places today in our society!   Having a broader expanse of communication availabilities has hindered more than helped.  Parents are not limiting access to home networking or phone messaging!   The danger for youth sometimes isn’t from an outside predator, but their own friends and schoolmates.   So, their moral compass is taught by their peers, and not from the parents!

So, it would seem that what William Raspberry was addressing in 1982, still holds true today, especially.   We do need to continue strengthen our education system, (starting with families), we need to tear down barriers of low self esteem in youth, and implement stronger discipline; so that kids today will grow up with a greater since of morals and hold themselves accountable to each other and their families.  Most of all though they need to be encouraged to succeed with out having to rely on lying, stealing or assaulting someone for it!