Black = Education-less?

[MzDoctaKay]

Originally Posted by AXEAM

I don't think this is perceived by our black peers.

I hope it's a given that I don't believe ALL of our peers think this way, but there is certainly a growing number of us who fall into this category.....and I seem to KEEP meeting them....

[acedawg00-02]

Originally Posted by MzDoctaKay

I hope it's a given that I don't believe ALL of our peers think this way, but there is certainly a growing number of us who fall into this category.....and I seem to KEEP meeting them....

I would agree that a good number of African-Americans share this same private opinion, and I'm not sure as to its point of origin...but it has a lot to do with how we see ourselves. Also, there are a couple of Black intellectuals...notably, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, who view education as a form of training that has the ability disturb our level of self-perception.

In his book entitled, "The Race", he is moved to say, "...it is in these institutions (public schools) that the Black child is first indoctrinated to the myth of American democracy which acts as a veil for Americas racist posture toward Black folk...[and it is in these institutions] that the Black child first begins to form a negative concept of himself...." because of the lack of emphasis on his own cultural heritage.

From this blurb, I guess one can make the argument that this educational exposure or "training" could result in two damaging outcomes: 1) we could possibly become so educated to the point where we can no longer identify with our "grass roots" as the one soror stated, or 2) we could possibly turn out to be plain ignorant...not having an inkling of an idea as to what Black is...therefore clinging on to the most empty and meaningless of examples.

Returning to the soror's original post...I'll get back to my effort of trying to establish some sort of timeline to determine when "being Black [translated into] being education-less". Therefore, I'd like for us to take a look at "We Real Cool", written by Gwendolyn Brooks in 1960.

THE POOL PLAYERS.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.

We real cool. We
Left school. We

Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We
Die soon.

I won't analyze the entire poem, but this is an early example of the attitude that being cool does not equate to being in school. She shows us the mindset of several young Black Americans who are uncertain about the strength of their identity. And many of us still struggle with this concept today - educated or not.

It can be a challenge for some African-Americans to develop a strong identity....mainly because of the number of external and internal influences. Either you're not Black enough or you're too white. Unfortunately, too many of us embrace the idea that being Black enough, means taking on the attitude of a sub-culture that celebrates ignorance...and is unknowingly, doomed.

To me, there's no such thing as acting white. And as I continue to speak with my thick, sensual, Black lips...LOL....I think it's sad that we tend to view all things positive, educated, well-spoken...and with a self-assured posture as White - to hell with that!

How dare we...or anyone for that matter, try to assign a definition as to what is Black. It's myriad of things!! Black is a high level of intelligence, with a heritage that is totally relevant!! Black is, and Black ain't!! Black can be a cup of cheap, dry gin (or Knotty head..as grandpa used to say), or Black can be a refreshing Saturday morning Mimosa, made with the most expensive champagne!! Black is the janitor in the hallway carrying a broom, and Black is the educator...teaching Honors Chemistry in the next room!!

So, whether you're a "practitioner" or "academic"...Black, should never be defined by the equation: Black = Education-less!!

(okay...this was kinda long...if I strayed a lil'...forgive me...but I feel better now...thank you...LOL!!)

[MzDoctaKay]

Originally Posted by acedawg00-02

I would agree that a good number of African-Americans share this same private opinion, and I'm not sure as to its point of origin...but it has a lot to do with how we see ourselves. Also, there are a couple of Black intellectuals...notably, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, who view education as a form of training that has the ability disturb our level of self-perception.

In his book entitled, "The Race", he is moved to say, "...it is in these institutions (public schools) that the Black child is first indoctrinated to the myth of American democracy which acts as a veil for Americas racist posture toward Black folk...[and it is in these institutions] that the Black child first begins to form a negative concept of himself...." because of the lack of emphasis on his own cultural heritage.

From this blurb, I guess one can make the argument that this educational exposure or "training" could result in two damaging outcomes: 1) we could possibly become so educated to the point where we can no longer identify with our "grass roots" as the one soror stated, or 2) we could possibly turn out to be plain ignorant...not having an inkling of an idea as to what Black is...therefore clinging on to the most empty and meaningless of examples.

Returning to the soror's original post...I'll get back to my effort of trying to establish some sort of timeline to determine when "being Black [translated into] being education-less". Therefore, I'd like for us to take a look at "We Real Cool", written by Gwendolyn Brooks in 1960.

THE POOL PLAYERS.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.

We real cool. We
Left school. We

Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We
Die soon.

I won't analyze the entire poem, but this is an early example of the attitude that being cool does not equate to being in school. She shows us the mindset of several young Black Americans who are uncertain about the strength of their identity. And many of us still struggle with this concept today - educated or not.

It can be a challenge for some African-Americans to develop a strong identity....mainly because of the number of external and internal influences. Either you're not Black enough or you're too white. Unfortunately, too many of us embrace the idea that being Black enough, means taking on the attitude of a sub-culture that celebrates ignorance...and is unknowingly, doomed.

To me, there's no such thing as acting white. And as I continue to speak with my thick, sensual, Black lips...LOL....I think it's sad that we tend to view all things positive, educated, well-spoken...and with a self-assured posture as White - to hell with that!

How dare we...or anyone for that matter, try to assign a definition as to what is Black. It's myriad of things!! Black is a high level of intelligence, with a heritage that is totally relevant!! Black is, and Black ain't!! Black can be a cup of cheap, dry gin (or Knotty head..as grandpa used to say), or Black can be a refreshing Saturday morning Mimosa, made with the most expensive champagne!! Black is the janitor in the hallway carrying a broom, and Black is the educator...teaching Honors Chemistry in the next room!!

So, whether you're a "practitioner" or "academic"...Black, should never be defined by the equation: Black = Education-less!!

(okay...this was kinda long...if I strayed a lil'...forgive me...but I feel better now...thank you...LOL!!)

EXTREMELY well done! I have absolutely nothing to add!

[Lady of Pearl]

Sadly, education is not valued among our youth as it was stressed to me when I was growing up. Students need to see role models other than entertainers or athletes. I had a discussion regarding this earlier with one of my colleagues about his son who wants to hang on the block with his peers playing basketball. His father is trying to stress the importance of getting an education rather than playing basketball. A lot of those young men will not even make it into the NBA. From his own personal experience - the father played ball in college but got a degree in engineering as well, a lot of his peers later reflected that they wished they had gotten an education like he did so that they would have increased their life chances.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by Lady of Pearl

Sadly, education is not valued among our youth as it was stressed to me when I was growing up. Students need to see role models other than entertainers or athletes. I had a discussion regarding this earlier with one of my colleagues about his son who wants to hang on the block with his peers playing basketball. His father is trying to stress the importance of getting an education rather than playing basketball. A lot of those young men will not even make it into the NBA. From his own personal experience - the father played ball in college but got a degree in engineering as well, a lot of his peers later reflected that they wished they had gotten an education like he did so that they would have increased their life chances.

This is the very reason why we, as parents and guardians, need to monitor our children's friends.

When we moved to our current neighborhood, I asked my son did he know the other kids in our complex that rode the school bus with him. He knew some but did not really hang out, esp with the ones down the block. When I asked him why, he said that they thought reading was dumb; needless to say, I dropped the subject. He is so mature at age 12!

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

This is the very reason why we, as parents and guardians, need to monitor our children's friends.

When we moved to our current neighborhood, I asked my son did he know the other kids in our complex that rode the school bus with him. He knew some but did not really hang out, esp with the ones down the block. When I asked him why, he said that they thought reading was dumb; needless to say, I dropped the subject. He is so mature at age 12!

Your son rocks!

[MzDoctaKay]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

This is the very reason why we, as parents and guardians, need to monitor our children's friends.

When we moved to our current neighborhood, I asked my son did he know the other kids in our complex that rode the school bus with him. He knew some but did not really hang out, esp with the ones down the block. When I asked him why, he said that they thought reading was dumb; needless to say, I dropped the subject. He is so mature at age 12!

WOW! He is! Most boys his age are very easily influenced by their peers! You did a fantastic job with him!

[Lady of Pearl]

I'm glad that your son was able to extricate himself from those peers who thought reading is dumb. We must encourage our children to make right choices. The question becomes then how can we stress education more to parents and children. I often joke to others that there should be a Parent Accountability Act rather than NCLB!

[MzDoctaKay]

Originally Posted by Lady of Pearl

Sadly, education is not valued among our youth as it was stressed to me when I was growing up. Students need to see role models other than entertainers or athletes. I had a discussion regarding this earlier with one of my colleagues about his son who wants to hang on the block with his peers playing basketball. His father is trying to stress the importance of getting an education rather than playing basketball. A lot of those young men will not even make it into the NBA. From his own personal experience - the father played ball in college but got a degree in engineering as well, a lot of his peers later reflected that they wished they had gotten an education like he did so that they would have increased their life chances.

A slight deviation from the topic, but CERTAINLY a strong point to consider. In scouring over notes in reference to my family tree, I saw evidence of how strongly my ancestors pushed for their children (especially their sons) to attend college. And it was remarkable to live up to the standards of the likes of say for instance, W.E.B DuBois...... While there's nothing wrong with dreaming and placing excellence in every area of interest (be it sports or the arts), I agree that it makes sound sense to try to guarantee that you're "employable" with a CAREER that does not depend on a contract and a doctor's nod.