“Need a Metamorphosis!”

“People who cling to their illusions find it difficult, if not impossible, to learn anything worth learning: a people under the necessity of creating themselves must examine everything, and soak up learning the way the roots of a tree soak up water.”

James Baldwin

Feeling topsy-turvy.

Soul crooner Sam Cooke reminded me in one of his melodic songs that a “change is gonna come.” Could use some of that “change” stuff right about now.

One of the benefits to growing older is the accumulative effect of wisdom. As the adage goes, “too soon old, too late smart.” Graduated magna cum laude from that class.

Feeling topsy-turvy because I am exhausted from seeing black males treating their lives and the lives of others so recklessly, so nonchalantly, and so callously.

Why are black males so damn oblivious to the mayhem that they are causing in their family’s lives? Why are they acting so contemptuously with so little regard for others? Why must they project a ‘hood persona? Who “spiked” their water with so much rage?

What was the “tipping point” that made them ruthless and meaner than a junk yard dog? Who was responsible for them becoming so uncouth? What is the allure to being thugs, hustlers, or gangsters?

Why must they project their PhD in pimpology? Why is scholasticship considered kryptonite to them? Why do they excommunicate themselves from learning? And, why are they conspicuously absent from the library, reading rooms, and other academically-inclined venues?

Don’t you realize that “many” pay for the sins of “one?”

What is the appeal in acting belligerently, looking raggedly-ass, while rarely and barely speaking articulately, carrying guns versus books, hanging on the street corners instead of sitting on a church pew, and donating sperms to unwed, uneducated, hellish “hoes” or street chicks who are ill-equipped to be called a “mother?”

Haven’t you arrived at a station in your life where you want more: to know more, taste more, see more, experience more, and BE MORE?

Show me your friends and I can predict your future!

Received a tiny respite from this madness when I attended a musical concert featuring over three dozen African children from Uganda. Did I tell you that each of these children is an orphan?

Did I tell you that these angelic orphans sing in venues across the world so that they can provide financial assistance to help care for the other 1800 children currently being raised, nurtured and cared for by staff and volunteers at the Watoto village?

Did I tell you that each of these orphans range in ages from seven to pre-teen? Did I tell you that each spoke multiple languages to include English flawlessly? Did I tell you how well-groomed, well-behaved, well-mannered, and respectable each child was?

Did I tell you that before and after the performance each child sat quietly reading a host of books? Did I tell you that each also sang the praises of God in spite of being beset with illnesses, poverty, Aids, abuse, disabilities, and abandonment issues?

Did I tell you that each feels a responsibility to uplift their race, their country, and even the legacy of their family despite their hardship, their anguish, their suffering, and their plight? Did I tell you that each is fiercely determined to advance their hopes and dreams by furthering their education (translation: college)?

Did I tell you that the orphans have programmed their attitudes towards becoming a professional so as not to place an economic burden on society (translation: welfare for your woman, three hots and a cot reserved in prison or jail for you, and subsidies for your illegitimate children)? Did I tell you that each child is conditioned to work and not to lie, steal, maim, kill, or procreate without assuming “full” responsibilities for their child or children?

Need a metamorphosis in Jacksonville, Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, Miami, Orlando, Dover, Boston, Newark, Houston, Seattle, Washington, D. C…

Guess who also isn’t allowing “peers” (People Encouraging Errors, Ridiculousness, and Stupidity) to define their horizons, snuff out their destinies, or sabotage their successes?

Today’s paper revealed how other ethnic groups enthusiastically view the opportunities that exist in America. In a nut shell, the writer stated that it was customary for immigrants from India, Turkey, Cyprus, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Albania, Iran, Africa, and other countries to clamor and sacrifice in order to get an American education.

Upon receipt of their degrees, these immigrants’ secure high paying professional and respectable jobs such as orthodontists, computer science experts, physicians, surgeons, lawyers, and proprietors of stores, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, cleaners, etc.

Once established in their careers, each person is expected to pool their monies in order to sponsor the next wave of relatives and friends into America thus repeating the cycle and chain of education, ownership, and prosperity. Acquiring a passport to criminality or subscribing to cultural regress is not in their consciousness!

Need a metamorphosis in Columbia, Jackson, Dallas, Memphis, Portland, Little Rock, New Orleans, Tulsa, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver…

Unbeknownst to these “knuckleheads” (aka black males), you were born into one of the best countries in the world—-just ask any of the members from the aforementioned ethnic groups! In spite of America’s stains, it is still a country that avails to you a plethora of educational services, programs, and opportunities, as well as, the “freedom” to aspire to become whatever your heart desires. However, what’s missing from the equation is YOUR exertion which requires YOU to put your “shoulder to the wheel” and press onward just like everybody else!

As I said, feeling topsy-turvy.

Listened to more of that “change” stuff from soul crooner Sam Cooke who reminded me over and over in his melodic song that a “change is gonna come.”

He just didn’t say when!