African American News&Issues

Woebeit a week is a long time to wait in this fast paced and often disjointed 21st century society of instant gratification and short attention spans. Nevertheless, as promised here’s the rest of the story that we shared with our estimated 2 million readers and multitude of Internet surfers in last week’s Eyeview. However, it still was too long, thus, had to edit the quantity of intelligence, without, destroying the essence of the writer’s intellect. Forgive me for omitting comments about stupid Rappers, who are smart enough to make millions. But we already know that, so let’s start with the following.
Issue 2 - Parents versus Children: The 18-34 year old parents of today are being deemed or looked upon as irresponsible by many. The statistics concerning the out of wedlock parents are mind blowing and sad. Granted, the numbers don't lie, if they are accurate. My challenge is not with the numbers, but with the grandparents of today pointing their fingers at the so-called hip-hop/rap generation and their children. I hear my elders talking about the clothes hanging off the butt or the skirts & shorts showing too much butt. I also hear my elders talking about how bad the kids are today & how these young parents don't teach the kids anything. Now here is the kicker, in the same breath they talk about how they were raised and the morals they were taught back in the day.

These are the same grandparents that were parents of the same 18-34 year old crowd throughout the 80s. I say the 80s because that is when our neighborhoods got hit with the crack & gang epidemics. The parents of the 80s children were the big brother figures in gangs, the drug dealers, prostitutes or beneficiaries of the irresponsible acts of many adults during that time frame. They also ushered in the hip-hop music that dominates the lifestyle of the youth today. Yes, hip-hop was different in some aspects then from how it is now. But remember that the 1st rap song put out on vinyl was about sex, pimps, prostitutes & getting the loot. Yes, that is right, the Sugar Hill Gangs Rapper's Delight is filled with the images, but without the profanity.

In essence it is like comparing a sex movie on HBO to an XXX rated movie, they both are basically saying the same thing. Now, our society and its moral focus changed quite a bit in the 80s because the same tactics used by Reagan in California became the problem throughout the USA. A lot of programs were cut & many people made decisions to make money in their own way, albeit legal or illegal. A lot of children grew up in the dangerous conditions of the 80s. I was one of those children. The drug dealers, who are grandparents/parents today, were the neighborhood heroes and "role" models for the youth of my day. It is funny now because these same individuals are shaking their heads at the society they helped to bring down.

They shake their heads & point their finger at the hip-hop generation that they were supposed to be raising in the same manner in which they were raised. There isn't anything wrong with the kids wearing baggy clothes. I don't agree with the skimpy outfits worn by the girls, but this thing is not solely about attire. Let the truth be told, the Jeri curl, processed hair and crazy clothes of the 60s, 70s & 80s weren't actually the fashion statement of all ages either. It is something that has been going on for many years. The young versus the old, but now it is getting dangerous due to what is at stake. What is that? Souls! This is a mind thing & the sad thing is that many don't even know it.

What do you think spiritual warfare is…it is control of your mind! And lastly on this issue, my children can be very hard headed, but we stay on them. My youngest child loves to read & do school work just as much as many kids love video games. She likes the 1st day of school better than the last…go figure. The answer…it is important to her, so Lisa you was absolutely right. She enjoys the challenge, but the parents and teachers need to make the challenge enjoyable. Issue 3 - Values: I am a husband, father of 3 & currently buying my home. Well, to many that seems like the achievement of the American dream. Minus the dog. Let me tell you, my family is not the tradition family by any means.
For starters, I don't know my biological grandfather on my mother’s side. I know his name & what state he lives in. The grandfather that raised my mother and her other two siblings was in my mind as my biological up until I was dang near a grown man. I officially make the 4th generation of fathers in my family who are taking care of children that are not "their own." I believe that many men & women run from their responsibilities. They get scared and coward out & believe that they can't raise a family. Most Americans will never make enough or save enough money to pay for their children's college education. So why in the world are parents busting their butts to get to that level & sacrificing their family to try and get to that point? It is crazy to me.

Anyway, thanks for your time & your show is the most important media program in the Houston area! That is because all callers, whatever ethnicity, are welcomed and their views are heard, discussed & not torn down. That is very important. I still contend that African-Americans are the most tolerant, patient, & understanding people. It is just too bad that we are not that way towards other African-Americans on a daily basis. Just a little food for thought from a product of the 70s & 80s that actually is still alive to tell his story. Love y'all like play cousins, Kerey. I wonder if anybody (but me) knows where he’s coming from?