Quote:
Originally posted by Phasad1913
The need for the statements like "I am somebody" come from the need to instill SOME kind of esteem in a bunch of young people who were born into a system and society that is F-ed up toward them through no fault of their own. Address THAT and don't worry about the flaws of the men behind the message.
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If you start with the assumption that "society that is F-ed up toward them through no fault of their own", there's no place to go.
Immigrants come here, some paddling from Cuba in inner tubes, because they see our land of opportunity with streets paved with gold. A recent president of Coca-Cola arrived from Cuba 40 years ago with his wife and two suitcases and less than $100. There are numerous oriental restaurants - from one-person food counters to fancy places employing hundreds - founded and owned by immigrants.
On the other hand, the young people devoting their lives to music stars, $250 adidas sneakers, and pimping cars - and considering good grades "too white" - can say "I am somebody" all day and show up for all of Jesse's and Al's parades, but in the end have little except children without families and a bad attitude. If they make it to college, the males are likely to submit to the worst of "getting wood" as pledges.
The immigrant child - led down the road of good grades, and often working in their parents' business - can legitimately say "I am somebody who has good grades, a job, and a future."