Rick Badie / My Opinion

By Kasandra

December 1, 2005 06:55 AM | Link to this

Thank you so much for pointing out that it’s the PARENTS! I have been ticked off for so long that I have just about given up on our youth. My son is going through the same thing. He tries to “dumb down” so that he is accepted. When are we going to stop blaming white people for our problems and realize that we can excel. Our children are so out of touch with reality, its a shame. Parents, just because you have it hard, don’t let your kids succumb to the “ghetto mentality” that is keeping so many of our young people down.

By Dubois

December 1, 2005 06:57 AM | Link to this

Rick, what Mandisa is going through is typical of many high African-American achievers. Apparently the great education system in Gwinnett is not embranced by all. Mandisa is not the only African-American student who will experience this type of ridicule.

I know this is your opinion column, but lets extend this blame past just parents. When our President can attack affirmative action at the highest level yet not talk about the numerous athletes dunking basketballs and making millions for colleges, and are not extensively scrutinized about their qualifications-it is clear why education is not a priority.

That alone shows to Black youth that despite your high academic achievement, your ability to tackle someone on a football field puts you in a better position to get an academic scholarship that actually studying.

Just don’t blame the parents, but they are good start.

How much will UGA get in the bowl game again? I am sure all the Black athletes have 1300+ SAT’s.

By Larry

December 1, 2005 07:01 AM | Link to this

Rick,

A powerful testimony to what good parenting and a good child can become, regardless of the color of skin (seems silly to mention, as I write this).

The only exception I have is that this story implies that Mandisa is perhaps more of an exception than it insinuates. I am a “white” professional with numerous “black” professional friends—many of whom are celebrities in this city—and what you describe in Mandisa is commonplace in their children’s homes, ambitions interests. More to the point, in actuality the standards for a great many “black” families are in fact not that of what we are always witnessing on TV.

God job Mandisa! You have a well-earned and exciting future and this father of two young girls is very proud of you!

By Walter

December 1, 2005 07:02 AM | Link to this

Very eloquent piece Rick. Parents (of all races) have simply stopped being responsible for the upbringing and education of their children. “It’s the (fill in the blank here) fault my child is the way they are, I didn’t raise them like that.”

I was raised in a house that included my grandparents. I grew up learning from them that hard work, education and treating my fellow man with respect was the only way to live.

By James Stephenson

December 1, 2005 07:03 AM | Link to this

I remember reading about a study conducted in Colorado as to why African American students were not doing as well.

This African American researcher came back with exactly what Mandisa has experienced. Well the Colorado people swept the study under the rug. I wish I could remember the researcher’s name.

It is a shame, a self perpetuating problem. Thankfully Mandisa is not succumbing to this problem.

By don young

December 1, 2005 07:05 AM | Link to this

I say to the young sister just keep on going.The only thing Ebonics has allowed us as Black people to become are comedians and rappers and they are a dime a dozen. Ebonics will never get you to Wall street.

By Antonio

December 1, 2005 07:05 AM | Link to this

I can’t speak directly to this situation, but I wonder if Mandisa’s treatment is not because of her good grades/desire to excel, but rather a perception by her peers that she doesn’t act “black” enough. I can recall when I attended high school (not too many years ago) that I and many of my peers (which were black) took many AP courses, participated in extracurricular activities, and were still very popular with the remainder of our classmates. However, there were certain black students that were shunned somewhat for not embracing their culture. These students seemed to be more comfortable with others outside of the black community and this fact, not their desire to excel academically, was the reason that they were mistreated. Of course, this doesn’t justify the actions of the students, but it does offer another explanation to what might be happening to Mandisa. But as I previously stated, I don’t have enough insight into her situation to speak definitively.

By Mike Billips

December 1, 2005 07:08 AM | Link to this

Good column. But this isn’t a problem only smart black kids face. Anti-intellectualism is ingrained in many parts of American society, including middle-class white communities.

I attended a rural, 99-percent white high school in East Tennessee with a mix of college- and high-school-educated parents. I got along fine by never visibly trying to do well academically. I can’t describe what a shock it was to come to Georgia Tech and find that smart kids were not only everywhere, they were admired for their brains and even competitive about it.

Studious black kids get a double dose of disapproval, labeled both as nerds and oreos. But the most effective message of encouragement applies to all kids: Don’t sweat high school popularity. Wait ‘til college, where smart will be cool.

By Ms. P

December 1, 2005 07:14 AM | Link to this

I’m 45 years old and went through the exact thing that Mandisa is going through now. Imagine this nonsense 30 years later. I was in school to do one thing - LEARN. I wasn’t there to cut class, get into fights, smoke, hangout with the cool kids, or get into trouble or disrespect the teachers. I graduated 13th in my senior class, graduated college and am now very successful. Kids used to call me an egghead, but you know what? this egghead, earns over $100K per year, owns 2 homes, travels personally and professionally, and lives a very happy life. To Mandisa - ignore those kids, let them continue to be cool and see where they are in 10, 20, 30 years. If these kids were so “cool” then they would accept Mandisa for her intelligence and individuality.

By Marc Marton

December 1, 2005 07:21 AM | Link to this

Until we, as one society, overcome the myths and other falicies associated with culture and “heritage,” all of these issues will be self perpetuating. What is the point of “blackness” and why should it matter? It’s a terrible burden people have placed on themselves it a lot more destructive than prejudice. As for kids dumbing down, it’s not a phenomenon affecting Africn Americans only. It’s a big part of the youth culture.

By Pumpkin

December 1, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of my experiences in the 70’s in school. I am now 40 and I still remember this like it happened yesterday. I played the violin in the 5th grade and I absolutely loved it! I did very well in school. I was placed in advanced classes because of my academics. But my black friends constantly accused me of “acting white”. I never told my parents this. As a result, I gave up the violin and begin to “dumb down”. It’s still very painful to me all these years later. When are we going to stop this?

By Charles F

December 1, 2005 07:32 AM | Link to this

The real shame of this is how it plays directly into the hands of those who would prefer to see black folks held down, held back or just plain passed over. The bigots who fought to keep black kids out of public schools must see this as a reward for their patience. Think about it. Black kids who intentionally flunk out of school because it’s not cool to be intelligent. Only the Klan could have come up with such a plan and yet, they aren’t the ones who did this time. It came from within. Still, it’s easy to keep blaming white folks for black failures, that doesn’t take too much intelligence!

CF

By Darlene

December 1, 2005 07:34 AM | Link to this

I understand the frustration that this young lady is having. My son was number 4 in his class at Norcross High School. He kept it hidden from most of his friends until one day he was busted by his coach. His coach couldn’t believe that a young black male and athlete was intelligent enough to be number 4. I remember he liked this one young lady at his school, but she didn’t want to be seen with a nerd. I advised him that at their age image is important to girls and that in later years she would be looking for someone who is going somewhere in this world. My son graduated with honors, received numerous academic scholarships offers and is now attending college on a full academic scholarship, tuition, room and board. He will be graduating next year. So girl do what you got to do.

By Mark

December 1, 2005 07:34 AM | Link to this

Is it really a surprise to anyone how high achieving blacks are treated? I hope not and I don’t think so. The only surprise for me was to see this type of story covered in an Atlanta newspaper.

By Paul Scanling

December 1, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this

Mandisa is facing discrimination and is handling it better than most 15 year olds. She will succeed because she has parents who raised her to value education. The other students ‘dis’ high achievers and it is they who will fail in life. Of course, they don’t have to achieve in a society that allows them into good schools with lower grades but the right skin color. They don’t have to achieve in a society where they can get job interviews just for being black. They’ve figured out the system and know what the minimum they have to do to get by can be.

LIke several people who posted, I believe blacks can achieve at a very high level. I also believe that affirmative action sends the message, to both blacks and whites, that blacks aren’t capable of achieving at a high level and have to have help.

That is not a message that we should be sending because I believe it is wrong.

By bly

December 1, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this

The real shame is that “being like whitey” is looked upon as a bad thing. All cultures have their problems, but the more we split things up the worse it’s going to get. And to be blunt about it, being like whitey sure beats being like blacky, most of the time.

By LaTeekey

December 1, 2005 07:41 AM | Link to this

This is why is a more important for parents to encourage there children to be more focused on there education than fashion and popularity.

By frank

December 1, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this

Plain and simple, this is nothing new and will never go away. I blame the PARENTS of the kids wanting to downgrade someone for wanting to acheive. Those kids should be trying to learn from Mandisa. It happened to me, my cousin, etc. Low self esteem, and trying to bring down everybody around them. Shame, Shame, is this how the bible tells us to act.. NO way. That type of mentality has hampered not just the black. race, but human race. Mandisa, keep striving to achieve goal in life and remember those people are NOT your FRIENDS.

ebonics = poor english skills + communication skills + thought skills -locgical and rational thinking = unemployed/underemployed

By techboy

December 1, 2005 07:45 AM | Link to this

Great article. This is nothing new, and just unfortunate. However, Antonio makes an interesting point in his post. I feel African Americans are the one group where our culture is criticized and evaluated the most harshly - and a lot of it is just. It should be noted though that many other groups experience the same kind of prejudice against their own “nerds” and those who perceivably do not fit in. This is not as simple as people make it seem, peer acceptance is a powerful force. I do feel that Black culture has to adopt a policy of education first just like so many of our sister groups and immigrant groups who come to the US and succeed. At the same time, I would encourage Mandisa to explore her roots and see if she can connect with those of her own. I doubt all of them are against her (as she even stated), and I know quite a few blacks from Parkview here at Ga Tech and they value education to the most. This whole situation is just a sticky mess, but with more discussion on the national front – we can make progress.

By Chris B.

December 1, 2005 07:45 AM | Link to this

“How much will UGA get in the bowl game again? I am sure all the Black athletes have 1300+ SAT’s.”

And in contrast, there are several guys on the GT football team who have scored well over 1000 on the SAT. A few have scored over 1400.

By Karen Armsby

December 1, 2005 07:46 AM | Link to this

Thanks Rick, I agree with your comments, and I agree with Mike Billips that it’s not just a black problem, but across the races there is an anti-intellectual bias and culture in high school student populations.

If there are enough smart kids who aren’t afraid to excel at a school then they will probably all be in classes together and they find their friends among other smart students. But they are recognized and labeled and shunned, and sometimes beat up because they are smart and they dare to study and get good grades.

IMHO it’s growing pains that manifest as envy and jealousy and the attempt by kids who don’t consider themselves smart to prove their own worth. They attempt to prove their worth by how they dress, who they hang out with and date, how they act or act up, by the cars they drive, and the drugs they deal.

It’s not just a black thing, you just gave us a black example. It’s anti-intellectual bigotry. And most smart high school kids have experienced it.

By Kenneth

December 1, 2005 07:49 AM | Link to this

Rick - Great point, thanks. I have heard Bill Cosby make the same point and he received a great bit of criticism for speaking out. Hopefully you will be heard. Dubois just had to go political with this. It is not the presidents fault that athletes are so exaulted. Affirmative action does more to hurt our race than to help it, it says we are not smart enough to get a job on our own. Also, the current administration has put more blacks and minorities in higher offices than previous presidents, especially Clinton, who claimed to be the “first black president.” What we need is stronger, smarter black leaders. Keep stepping up Rick!!

By Dar

December 1, 2005 07:50 AM | Link to this

Wow. That was painful. Painful because at 36, I’m reading what I experienced in the 80’s at high school in Cobb County. I was ostracized and maligned constantly by the other black students for excelling and being in advanced classes with white students. I played the clarinet, took Latin and reveled in my love of Duran Duran and the Beatles! Still do as a matter of fact! My father valued education above all else and refused to allow any off kilter English to be uttered in our home. Alas, this was not the case in the few other black households in our neighborhood. That this is still happening is deplorable and such a handicap that I honestly have no idea where to even start trying to fix it. Mandisa, go forward. Be strong. Your life will be the better and the richer for it. You are most definitely not alone and God will see you through.

By Tamara

December 1, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this

This was an excellent article. It is sad that our children are more in tuned to various rap artists instead of real art. But when parents are too busy working 2 jobs to keep our children in worthless material items that they really can’t afford, it leaves little time to teach them real values at home. Or they are simply not teaching them at all. I went through the same thing this young lady went through but when it was all said and done, I’m one of the few who have a successful career and a beautiful family instead of a broken family and a dim outlook for the future. Mandisa seems to be a wonderful child and I hope she continues her path and one day become extremely successful at whatever she desires to be in life.

By HP

December 1, 2005 08:03 AM | Link to this

I honestly don’t think it is a black or white thing. It’s called peer pressure and it has been around forever and comes in all creeds, ages, colors and races. If Mandisa chooses to succumb to it then it will be by her own choice. If she is a strong young black woman, then no one can make her do anything that she does not want to do or be anything other than what she is (which happens to be an intelligent black woman). She should not have to apologize to anyone for being intelligent or quote unquote “different”. Mandisa’s parents should be adamant in explaining to her that the only person that she has to be happy with is herself. If she is truly happy with herself then what others think won’t even matter. The harsh reality of life is that people will be judging each and everyone of us, including Mandisa, by what we do, what we wear, where we live, what we drive, how we speak and how we look, etc.. etc.. as long as life goes on. It is up to each individual to decide and make the distinction of which judgements matter and which don’t. I would expect that at this stage in her life Mandisa’s parent’s would help her with that distinction and that as she gets older and matures she will be able to easily make them for herself.

By Gregg

December 1, 2005 08:05 AM | Link to this

Mandisa should not be detered by the ignorance that breeds contempt for achievementand self hatred. Her experiences are much the same as those I experienced in high school 25 years ago. I suggest she reads Richard Wright’s “Black Boy” and know that she is not alone.

By charles george

December 1, 2005 08:06 AM | Link to this

Thank you for that article.It’s the truth.I was born in Trinidad,finish high school and college all by the age of 22.Iam currently living in lawrenceville. I have always strive to tell my 2 teenage stepsons that you have to finish high school in order to function just marginally in this society.Their friends with their destructive behaviour is seen as cool to them.I also told them that their friends behaviour is nothing more than life imitating art,just mimicking what they see in the rap videos and what they hear on these cd’s.You have to learn to define yourself, don’t let some dysfunctional buffoon tell you how you have to live,dress and act. I told them i do not allow anyone to define me, scince i work for myself,define my time and call no-one boss.This takes creativity,intelligence,self confidence and discipline.There were more black inventors under segregation than now.Why so?We as black parents need to be pro active and start protesting with our wallet against these recording artists,record labels,producers,distributers that the self destructive images they portray of us will no longer be tolerated. Don’t give your kids the money to buy these destructive forms of entertainment.They(recording companies)have freedom to produce it.We(parents) have freedom not to buy it

By Craig

December 1, 2005 08:07 AM | Link to this

I went through the same thing in school and it still remains with me today. I am 48 years old.

What I find to be interesting (and sad) is that 90% of the people who harassed and tormented me are now dead. Most due to drugs and violence.

Just last week my 8 year old section 8 neighbor said I “aint nothin’ but a white boy” because I “talk like one”, pick up papers they litter my yard with, cut my lawn and hedges and keep my dog on the leash! It does not seem to end.

By Anita

December 1, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this

Great column, Rick. I have a 10th grade daughter (white) at Parkview that is interested in everything Mandisa is interested in (even in going to school in NY, where my daughter’s dad’s family are), but they are not friends. I wonder why? My daughter is not a racist, and I will assume Mandisa isn’t either, but it’s curious to me why they are not friends. I am going to ask questions. I wonder if it because there is an atmosphere and cultural vibe there that makes it easy to be, and even promotes silent stereotyping and segregating among the races (and genders/GPA/whatever). As good a school that Parkview seems to be, let’s rememebr that it’s the people that populate it, and in the end, we’re all just mere imperfect humans. Maybe things can change a little from your column. I will do my part.

By Erik Marks

December 1, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

Great post. It’s about time someone brought this up…

I grew up in South Dekalb. I attended the elementary school in my neighborhood, until my parents realized that the school wasn’t challenging me academically. So in 6th grade the put me in the “M to M program”. I ended up going to 7-8th grade at a school in Tucker. This was the late 80’s so Tucker was still very white. I instantly dropped several reading and math levels. At my black elementary school I was considered an overachiever. At the white school I was considered normal.

When it was time for high school, I begged my parents to let me go to Southwest Dekalb or Ceder Grove. I was tired of the subtle racism I recieved at school from the White kids in Tucker. We compromised and I ended up going to Redan in Stone Mountain. At that time Redan was about 60% Black, 40% White. The Blacks who went there were considered the cream of the crop, middle class black. Yet even so, Redan, SW Dekalb, and Cedar Groove all shared on thing in common. Lot’s of middle class Blacks kids from good families - very little academic achievement. It was simply not cool to make good grades. I remember going to college - one of my roomates had Jamacian middle class parents, and he was from Orlando. He said it was the same thing at his Orlando high school. His middle class black friends wanted to be “thugs” and “hustlers” even though they were middle class. One thing we had in common - we were both able to do okay in high school, but hide our academic achievement from our friends. To do so was necessary to maintain social status. Today we are both successful engineers.

The bottom line - I think this problem is serious and systemic to the Black community. White people think the same, and flee to private schools or white neighborhoods when Black enrollment at their child’s school gets to high. I can understand when kids from the projects turn to thuggish ways (I can understand it, but I don’t condone it). I can’t understand when middle class kids from good homes do the same.

By B.C.

December 1, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

We are a community without hope. Unfortunately this has alway been an issue within our community. It’s hard to find peace in trying to achieve when your own peers don’t seek to understand the changes that individuals must make in order to survive in this society. Though it’s tough to see our children grow up and maintain the ignorance that our parents and grandparents possess, there is a growing number of young minds who are motivated to actually have dreams and to try to achieve them. I’m not saying that those people who actively choose to not go to college and have a career are wrong. We need people with trades and skills. But to echo Rick, i think this issues falls on the parents, the grandparents the neighbors, the teachers and the politicians. We have to hold ourselves accountable. There is an old adage that says,”if you want something done right, do it yourself.” As a community we are always seeking for someone outside to do what we ourselves need to do. Even as individuals in our day to day lives, we would rather have someone else raise our kids, and we are just forced to feed and shelter then until they are 18. People understand that you are raising a man/woman. You have the opportunity to take the best traits out of all your experiences and to teach them to someone else, so that they in-turn can fully appreciate and add to the world that we live in.

By Michael

December 1, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

I am currently having this issue with my son. He is the only one in his “crew” who has had straight A’s. I have had to check him a few times when he tries to lower himself to their level and do as they do. It’s a struggle and he’s just in middle school!

By Sheila

December 1, 2005 08:13 AM | Link to this

The problem this young lady is facing is nothing new. It’s been around for decades. It’s the result of african americans seeing themselves through the eyes of others! It is why we’ve in the past straightened our hair, attempted to lighten our skin,etc… So yes, kids have watched a generation of Parent’s try to fit “in” and adopt a standard that was set by the majority. I think it’s called “peer pressure” and it doesn’t just affect the attitudes of children!

By Alex

December 1, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this

The attitude displayed towards Mandisa, it seems, has exsisted for generations in Metro schools in the wake of integration. I graduated from Duluth High in 2002, also in Gwinnett. Maybe it was because I wore A&F and American Eagle, or because I wasn’t in classes with many black students - but I was simply ignored by most of the other black and latino students (I’m multi-racial). The struggle to be an excellent minority student in a predominantly white school has nothing to do with the difficulty of the coursework - it’s this arcane idea that we’re “selling out.” Selling who out? The term implies betrayal. Who is being betrayed? The black race? The latino race? Hardly.

I would like to say that the “acting white” label disappears at my fine undergraduate instituation, the University of Georgia. But alas, I am an anomaly here too. People are shocked to find out I was raised by two strong black women whenever I tell them I’m in the Honors Program. Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to this problem. Vernon Jordan, the great civil rights attorney, wrote of similar treatment in the late 1940s - during segregation. In his words: “We really have something major to overcome.”

By Kelly

December 1, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this

A couple people have commented that “it’s not a black thing.” I do believe there is an anti-intellictual trend in our country, but as the parent of a (white) high schooler I have to say that she experiences NOTHING like what Mandisa experiences. I think some of the black kids at her school do, however. She has continually told me of black classmates who “act ghetto” but she finds out in classes they share that they are really extremely smart but hide it for their friends. How exhausting, how sad.

By NancyG

December 1, 2005 08:20 AM | Link to this

It is encouraging to see this issue being addresses more and more in the black community BY the black community. There is nothing stopping anyone in this country from being successful if they are willing to work at it and do what it takes. I applaud people like you, Bill Cosby and Spike Lee for their courage in addressing this problem. Black people need to stop holding themselves down and blaming others for their misery. Bravo, Rick.

By Karen

December 1, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

This is a very old story, but should be understood within context. What is glorified in the African American community, what’s blasted to us over the TV and radio waves - Did you know that Blacks don’t have programming control over some of the most popular media channels. Now absorb that 90% of Black parents are dealing with the stress of holding onto their own jobs, no baby sitter at home, tired in the evenings, no sitters at home for the kids - TV and friends take over, largely influenced by images fed to us by media channels we don’t own. I think we all have a responsibility as Black parents to our children, but this story leaves very critical elements out.

E.g. when I attended a largely middle class, mixed high school, I was fresh off the boat from the Caribbean. Black and White kids laughed at our clothes and accents. Our families were our strength and reinforced our talents, intelligence and exposed insecurities of these kids…My sister and I saw this as just another step in the series of challenges we’d have to overcome in coming to a new country…

I could go on forever, I’ll be impressed when Blacks own more businesses, love and support each other as much as we do our “white” neighborhoods and friends. Make education a priority. Get rid of those properties and cars we can’t afford and focus on strengthening our communities. Invest in the stock market…strengthen our financial position and leverage as a people.

These one-sided expose stories don’t do much but reinforce negative stereotypes.

thanks Karen

By Jo

December 1, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

(Great column, Rick!) Mandisa, I hope you’re reading this. You should be very proud of the fine young woman you are & I know God & your parents feel the same. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to be like you! The thugs-in-training who shun you are actually ASHAMED of their culture in order to equate being African-American with being ignorant, illiterate & with a criminal mentality. I know things are rough now but later on when you’re making a 6-figure income & have a wonderful family of your own, you’ll reflect on your former classmates, many of whom will be AIDS-stricken, dead, on welfare with a dozen kids by as many different dads, on crack, or in jail & say “There but for the grace of God”.. Stay strong, sweetheart!

By Cynthia Lorr

December 1, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this

I think the only mistake here is to assume that these sorts of things happen only to black students. I think students of any color who are perceived as smart or achieving in academics are subject to the same treatment. Especially if they are girls. Smart is not cool for any girl.

By CRAIG

December 1, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this

WHAT A FORUM, MY CHILD ALSO TRIED TO DUMB DOWN TO BE ACCEPTED IN A SCHOOL WHERE THE KIDS PANTS ARE HANGING OF COURSE, THEY SPEAK IN SYLLABLES OF COURSE, THEY ARE RUDE OF COURSE, THEY HAVE NO DRIVE OF COURSE, WHERE ITS COOL TO BE IGNORANT OF COURSE, CAUCASIAN KIDS AND SCHOOLS ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THESE TYPES OF SITUATIONS EITHER, BUT I LIVE IN A BLACK SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THATS WHERE MY CONCERNS ARE. UNFORTUNATELY THE STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION COULD USE A LOT OF HELP IN THE PROFESSIONALISM DEPARTMENT. ITS SHAMEFUL WHAT SOME PARENTS APPROVE OF THIER CHILDREN SAYING AND DOING. BY NO MEANS DO ALL CHILDREN FIT IN THIS CATEGORY, BUT IF YOU SPENT A DAY AT A MAJORITY BLACK SCHOOL , YOU MIGHT BE SUPRISED AT HOW MANY KIDS DO FIT IN THIS CATEGORY. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO (RESPECT)

By AA

December 1, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this

One thing that does bother me is the term “African Americans”. This sets folks up from being separate from others in this country - as though they are not fully American, regardless of race. Then the constant pointing of differences between blacks and whites. The main difference between blacks and whites is the pigmentation in their skin not in their brains. As for the black culture - what is it? What is white culture? It is a conglomeration of cultures that have come before. Today’s American culture is made up of all other cultures residing here. We are American - not African American, not Chinese American, not Whatever American - simply American. Remove the hyphen and unity will occur.

By Lady "G"

December 1, 2005 08:29 AM | Link to this

A very insightful piece, Rick. As an ebony-skinned black woman growing up in the deep south in the 60’s, I was subjected to very similar treatment, not only because of my good grammar & good GPA, but because I didn’t ‘look the part. If one spoke properly, dressed nicely & got good grades, you were expected to be beige, bronze or golden-brown, definitely an anomaly if you were black. Mandisa, DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT BECAUSE OF THE IGNORANCE OF OTHERS!! Be proud of your accomplishments; you may inspire others to ‘come out of the atttitude of the ‘hood & do some really good things with their lives!

By Jon

December 1, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this

After all the battles and sacrifices the black community has made for equality, it is sad and ironic that the closer to equal we get, the further the black community FORCES steps backwards by encouraging people to ‘act black,’ - by their definition, to be loud, rowdy, dumb and rebel against the system.

It is news to me that your skin color affects your behavior - that’s some weird science. Embrace the opportunity to be able to excel, learn, and improve. It’s amazing how people don’t notice what color you are when you’re kind, courteous and well-educated.

By Karen

December 1, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this

Also, what about the Asian, Caribbean, and other new immigrants who arrive here with no money, no connections and only dreams of success. Their kids are shunned and alienated, why turn this into some huge anti intelligence African American conspiracy. 90% of the African American parents I know, work hard and want their kids to do well…you’re taking a very complicated issue and simplifying it into an emotional capsule. You’re dealing with smoke management and the fire is raging out of control!

Karen

By Annette

December 1, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this

I am across the border in South Carolina, in which, we rank bottom of the educational totem pole. As a parent in a basically all White school district, you would also be surprised that (some White and some African American teachers), will not and do not believe African American children are capable of “being smart” and “talented.” I pulled both of my children out of public schools and placed them in private schools, so they could concentrate on learning. I wish I could a rich man (with no strings attached) to send them back. It is very flusterating to say the least; when you want the best for your child in an atmosphere condusive to learning. Yet the pressure to suceed is against parents and children. I am hoping that one day South Carolina will wake up and smell the tea leaves to pass a voucher system, so this will be one less pressure I have to worry about.

By Kevin Hayes

December 1, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this

Great editorial and good responses. NOW WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT? We are so quick to talk yet so slow to act! That has been the problem with the Black community since losing our fervor after the Civil Rights movement. We were stronger when we had less!

Since we found a few crumbs on the “massa’s table” we have lost ourselves. The music we allow, yes I said allow, our children to listen to is counterproductive. The athletes that we worship are shallow and detrimental to the upbringing of our children. The television, movies, and games that we allow our children to watch are harmful. So what do we do about it?

Parents can start by becoming parents, not the best friend but parents.

As a community we must find time to speak to the children and show them that being successful and being Black are synonymous. We don’t need to chop our words and carry ourselves like the stereotypes that others expect. We must not allow the rappers and athletes to dictate the behavior of our children. We must take back our community and rebuild it. It starts with us. We as the adults must become responsible for our children. Otherwise, we will die a painful death executed by our own hand.

By Kenny

December 1, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

Excellent article. I agree with your assessment—the parents are to blame. I also blame the rap industry which glorifies thugery and demeans women. I realize that the music reflects the culture but I think it also influences it as well.

BTW, is not a double standard when you employ the term “whitey”?

By Mr. Boston

December 1, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

You da MAN, Pimpin’! That’s what the white kids want to hear black kids say. If you don’t sound cool like the always mumbling 50-Cent even the WHITE kids will tell you that you don’t act black. They expect black kids to be exactly what they see on Rap City, and black kids try hard live up to it. Imagine, the pressure to be blacker, higher, and dumber comes from both sides!

By Kelly

December 1, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

I’m not black, but that doesn’t matter. Education doesn’t have a skin color! Where are the black people like Martin Luther King who looked for the day when people would be judged by the content of the character and not the color of their skin??? Most of the time black people are discriminating against themselves! They don’t need whites to do it for them! They don’t want to be judged by the color of their skin but they judge themselves and how they should be by the color of their own skin!! And they judge whites by the color of our skin. They think we are all racist and we are not!! It is like racism is being reversed now. And that affects all of us, not just black people!! We should all strive to excel and pull ourselves up, otherwise this country has NO HOPE of ever being a better, unbiased place to live. If black people don’t strive to rise above all that has been placed upon them bigotry just keeps getting perpetuated. It isn’t about being more “white” than “black”! It is about giving yourself and your children the best you can by being the best you can be!! I am an adult education teacher. The majority of my students are black. The majority of my students that really work hard and that make the best grades are black! But in my classroom, there is no skin color. You will not be treated differently because of your skin color. You will not be given special attention because you are black. You will not be ignored because you are black! EVERYONE in my class is important. Their education is important to me! NO ONE will leave my classroom a failure! I push them to do better, to be better, to be positive, to believe in themselves! I make sure they all have successes!! I make sure they all know the not all white people look at them and judge them by the color of their skin! I make sure they all know they are valued!

By Annette

December 1, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this

Correction, it should state, “I wish I could find a rich man…”

Also, better yet, maybe I can find a position in Georgia so I can take advantage of the voucher system to send my children to private school for my children. Anyone hiring a Master of Sacred Theology graduate?

By White guy who cares...

December 1, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

Let’s talk about a solution. Let’s give the parents some reference points and benchmarks to discuss during the family dinner. The way to battle this is for both the media and parents to consistently display and praise significant black achievement outside of sports and MTV. It is only through the understanding that strong work ethic, persistence, and academic success will lead to a MUCH higher probability of success (and happiness) than the “one in a million chance” of becoming a sports or rap star that today’s black youth have a fighting chance. Without proper role models, there is not much hope. - My two cents

By Veronica

December 1, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

Mandisa, My heart goes out to you. Keep up the good work and be all that you can be!! It is apparently up to your generation and your children’s generation to educate your peers through example, stength, perserverance, and belief in oneself. In today’s world we still have a long way to go to stamp out racism. I find it shocking that the North American public continues to exhibit ignorance around one another. It seems that in every state in this great union one race or another is treated with disdain. Remember Rosa Parks and all that she went through to be true to herself and her family. You can do it too!!! (I am a White woman born and raised in Illinois)

By Debi

December 1, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

The most embarassing thing about this issue is that “some” African-Americans believe that being smart is only an attribute of White people. That’s not so! So, when a student exhibits an interest in more than the latest fad or rap song, and actually enjoys the arts, then he/she feels compelled to hide it. To do what you want to do inspite of taunting is a sign of strength. To forego your dreams, desires, and interests because peers don’t appreciate that part of you is a sign of weakness. True strength is measured by remaining an individual with morals and intelligence even when the majority snickers. Believe me, you’ll have the last laugh. In Booker T. Washington’s autobiography, Up From Slavery, he gives an example of how this phenomenon has been going on for quite some time. He mentions how he was laughed at because his mother could not afford to buy him the hat that was popular during those days, so she made him one out of various fabrics. He was taunted mercilessly by his classmates. Needless to say, when Booker T. Washington became an adult, he could afford any hat he wanted, and the classmates who laughed at him couldn’t afford one at all. I overheard a student tell another student, “No one can do you like you do you, so do well in all you do.” Great words from a great kid!

By Sarah

December 1, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this

Mandisa, this short period (high school) of your life will soon pass and you’ll be in college, and a good one I’m sure. Hold on tight to what your parents have taught you, keep up the good grades,in college you’ll be exposed to many students you will relate to and they you. You will find that you will not have to compromise your upbringing and your scholastic ablity to fit in. Keep up the good work, they’re jealous !

By S.Cornelius

December 1, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Excellent article.

The sooner young black people look at the Mandisa’s of the world as a role model instead of the “50 Cents’”….the better off the black race and this country will be.

By Kevin

December 1, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Thank you for your observations. I work in a large Southern university, and we have a disproportionately small Black population. The Black students I see on a day to day basis here are no different than the Blacks you see on the street or in a rap video. They constantly refuse to speak proper English; instead, they speak as though this is their “hood”. However, even though they choose the emulate the thug lifestyle, they excel academically. They study hard, get good grades, and many graduate with honors and go on to graduate school. I know of several Black women, single mothers, who have risked everything to go back to school and get a degree, much to the displeasure of their families. I really do believe that it’s the parents who are at fault here. By perpetuating the myth that they are “owed” something by “Whitey”, by listening to the words of radicals like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and Louis Farrakahn, by ignoring the sacrifices made by people such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, and by their own shortcomings, the kids grow up to devalue education as “white”, or see successful Blacks as puppets to “The Man” I’ve seen Black students who try their best to repudiate this attitude, who try to rise up above their seemingly hopeless situations and make something of themselves. And those that look and act like thugs and speak poor English are right alongside them, busting their butts to make a name for themselves. I applaud Mandisa for her courage. She is an example for all Black youths to emulate.

By Nikki

December 1, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

Rick, you’ve made my Day! I too was ostracized beginning in middle school for being academically advanced and well spoken. I didn’t ‘act’ like the other girls which didn’t make me very popular. Well, turns out, those ‘popular’ girls have nothing much to brag about today…after all, who cares about what you ‘used’ to be back in the day? The reward down the road for young people like Mandisa is more OPTIONS and RESOURCES to make a better life for yourself. Also, I think it’s important for parents to make the best life possible for their children, even if it means having to take a road less traveled from their own upbringing. Sometimes, parents from ignorant beginnings, can be a child’s worst enemy!

By Michelle

December 1, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

This article could not appear at a better time. My daughter goes to Milton High School in Alpharetta, and she is experiencing the same treatment…This article will validate what i have been preaching for years, just because you are smart straight A’s student, have all advance classes, you speak proper english not ebonics and people can understand you when you hold a conversation is nothing to be ashamed off. I tell her to brush the haters off and keep moving, shame on them for not taking the time to know her and accept her as she is because she is a great kid. Just because she wants to excell in life and achieve goals does not make her unblack!!! Thanks for the article…

By SheSpeaks

December 1, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

Actually, I disagree. I, too, went through the public school system and was only one of 13 Black people in my graduating class. I had been in the gifted program since 4th grade and my father was the Assistant Principal…my mom was also an educator.

I, however, chose to “Black up” in order to be accepted by my peers. Never quite worked. But I tried, nonetheless. And it had nothing to do with my parents. They had no idea…my grades didn’t change and around them I was the same “White Black girl”.

You, Rick, need to broaden your horizons so that you can make educated statements rather than emotional generalizations.

…but it is your column…

By jim dumond

December 1, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

Rick, Get over you madat black parents. This is not just a Black / White issue as many parents of gifted kids can attest. The gifted kids face these issues every day regardless of race.

You have brought an interesting point up though. Who has perpetrated the myth that black is dumber than white? Black Parents? Well yes, but many whites are responsible as well. I can’t tell you how badly my stomach turns every time I’ve heard the term stupid N word and how often I’ve heard it.

We as society, black and white alike must set the examples that will dispel all stereotyping; your article above fails to help do that. We must first realize that we are all members of the human race, that we have the same hopes and dreams and the same desire to see our children excel.

I’m uncertain as to why we were created with the ability to see in color, but I’d bet if the creator had realized the problems that it would cause; he/she would have rethought that gift. But then again, —— perhaps it was known—— and we’re now being tested on living the life we should. Certainly hope I pass.

By Chris

December 1, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

It’s all about the culture we embrace. Think of the stereotypes that surround Jews.
It’s EXPECTED that they got to school and become doctors or lawyers. Do all Jews become doctors or lawyers? Of course not. Is there anything that automatically makes them smarter, better achievers, harder workers? Of course not. Are there Jewish slackers? Of course. And yet the expectation, always in the background, is that they get all the education they can and become professionals. The most celebrated members of their community are not criminals, brainless athletes or obscene rappers. They are professionals who’ve worked hard and bettered themselves and their communities.
We need to decide together that there really is something wrong with dropping out of high school, that there really is something wrong with having and abandoning illegitimate children, that there really is something wrong with talking like a toddler with a mouth full of mush. The old American dream that parents work hard so their children end up having a better life has been abandoned. We’ve got to restore it. But first we’ve got to make it clear that a better life really is “better” and not “white.” Achievement has no color. Parents need to expect and demand more, of their schools, of their kids, and of themselves.

By Alisha Hargett

December 1, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

Thank you for raising this issue and making our community aware of the problem that needs to be corrected. I am the proud parent of two beautiful children, a middle school aged daughter, and a young elementary school-aged son. Both of my children are academic achievers and have experienced the same treatment that the young lady from Parkview has experienced.

As the child of Caribbean immigrants, I strive to ensure that my children’s view of the world is balanced and that they understand the power of academia. High achieving students reflect the teachings of good parents, ones that value education over social acceptance and “keeping up with the Jones’ “. I applaud any parent, black, white or otherwise, that remains active in his/her child’s life and encourages academic success. As a young black woman, of multi-ethnic/multi-national decent, I think it is imperative that the African-American community support its high-achieving students and encourage all students to be successful in all that they do.

Lastly, despite the ill-mannered comment about UGA football players, I can personally state that there are several UGA students and student-athletes that have atleast a 1300 SAT score. I am married to him and am proud that he will receive his MBA in April from UGA as well. UGA has a strong African-American Alumni and letterman association that supports current students of multiethnic backgrounds. Several successful former UGA athletes and their wives, also UGA alum, has excelled academically at this institute and remain close friends/family for years to come due to this specific issue. This I can speak to personally because it true for me, my husband, and all of our closest friends.

Thank you for this article. We can only erase the problem or address the issue when the community is made aware of the problem. Now that we all know, it is up to each of us to change this behavior and encourage all our students to succeed and excel…no matter what institution of higher learning they chose to attend.

Congratulations young lady, keep up the good work and hold your head up…be proud of who you are and your achievements! Don’t let any ignorant person knock you down or change your destiny.

Best regards,

Alisha Hargett

By Greg

December 1, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

While I agree with the article in general, I really take offense to your using the term ‘whitey’. How would you feel if we start referring to blacks as ‘blackie’??? There is such a thing as derogatory words used against caucasians and you have just used one such example. Please use more educated and respectable terms if you want to start improving relations between races and set a good example.

By Reed

December 1, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

Excellent Editorial, Rick! You identified the problem so eloquently, with your statement.. “It’s your fault if your offspring are so enthralled with the so-called thug life that they devalue education, hard work and dedication..” Parents are the problem allowing their kids walk out the door each day acting like, talking like, and dressing like the sleazebags on MTV. Black, White, Blue it doesn’t matter…Parents can pick their battles. It is worth the fight for parents to take a stand on how their children act, dress and talk. Reed

By Dan McLaughlin

December 1, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

All parents across all socio-economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds need to encourage their students to do the very best they can. Student achievers are role and peer models of the highest order. If more would take academics to heart and burn to excel, we would have fewer in jail being a drain on society.

By ChrisD

December 1, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget about the gangster rap industry. Thugs like Eminem, 50Cent, and Ludicrus (not even spelled right) hurt the black kids (and even some of the white kids) worse than anything. Sure, you can blame it on the parent, but what about kids who don’t have responsible parents? There are millions of them. Target and clean up the gangster rap industry—including its glorification of failure and crime, anti-white and anti-authority preachings, and degradation of women and the black man—and you’ll be on your way to stopping a lot of this nonsense. If not, it will never end.

By Wise_0726aa

December 1, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this

Hi Mr. Badie! Greetings from the Misadventures in Atlanta blog. I just HAD to tell you that this was an excellent entry and it resonated with me so much!

Reading this reminds me of how blessed I was to have the parents that I had. I was raised in predominantly white neighborhoods and schools for most of my childhood. Now, some people would say that this was a disservice to me, but as I look back, it really was the best thing they ever could have done. When I was sent to HBCU for college, I had a huge culture shock and faced ridicule for the way I spoke, dressed, taste in music. Thankfully, I adjusted to my new environment and looking back, I never thought that I was conforming, emulating, assimilating, imitating or pretending to be someone I wasn’t. I was never taught that there was one black experience. I realized that my “blackness” is not and will not be defined by anyone else. The melanin of my skin is something to be proud of because it represents a lineage of greatness. I have no obligation to behave a certain way so that others can identify me as black. I am black. I really feel for children who think that intelligence, diversity, and exposure to something different is something that is square, lame, or wack. It just places our kids in a precarious position of hiding their ambitions, if not avoiding being successful from fear of losing friends. It’s just outrageous to care that much about what others think so much that you would compromise yourself and your future to live up to someone else’s standards. Please! So, I say…Thanks Mom and Dad!

By Willieyour Arnold

December 1, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

Mr Badie, you are absolutely on target as it relates to the mindset of some of the students in this generation. As a former school board member in the City School of Decatur this was exactly the atmosphere. If a black student took honors and college prep classes they were considered to be acting white. Most times they were shunned by their black peers. It is unfortunate that the so-called affluent black parents do not instill in their kids the value of education. It is vital to their success. With globilization and technology at its’ peak if we continue on this downward trend we will never level the playing field of parity in this culture of thugism.

By Bel

December 1, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

As a 35-year old black woman, I experienced the same ostracism growing up. It’s shame that very little has changed since then. It’s also why I send my kids to private school.

By Lewis

December 1, 2005 09:01 AM | Link to this

Thank you for finally pointing out that parents are predominantly responsible for their children’s education and lifestyle. Some parents always want to put the blame on other people for their parental shortcomings and they don’t realize that their lack of teaching their children the importance of having integrity, good character traits, or work ethics do affect others. The only negative outcome of you writing this is that the parents that need to read this, probably don’t read.

By Loel Mckinnon

December 1, 2005 09:03 AM | Link to this

Good Article and meaningful. I sat with Israel Ambassador Webb coming back from Israel a few days ago. He is black and extremely knowledgable and successful. He made a statement to me that “Blacks built America”. I did not respond but had some thoughts. What other countries did blacks built?; England?,France?,Mexico?,Canada?,Russia?, Australia?,Israel,Egypt?,and on and on… Or was it just America. With 12% of the population, and only in the last few years, Free at Last, that is quite an accomplishment. I know it make one feel good to say that but really? Your article, I feel is sadly universally true which would make such a builting accomplishment questionally. Thanks for a good and honest look at the reality in your article. May God bless the young girl and her family. Loel Mckinnon.

By Cee

December 1, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

Very good article and well stated. Our black youth are falling farther and farther behind. Parents need to wake up and realize that if our children don’t understand the value of a good education, we are cripling our children to no end. We continue to dwell on sports and the hip hop culture and it’s not getting us anywhere, especially the young black males. Times are changing folks and we are being left behind because of our own ignorance. Mandisa is a fine example of a young woman and her parents are to be commended for a job well done. Some of these same people will be coming to Mandisa looking for a job in the near future. You know what they say “what goes around will come around”

By Michael

December 1, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting that blacks referring to other blacks that achieve as acting “white” isn’t touted as a racist statement. Obviously, those persons making the statement have a disdain for the white race…

By Unkown

December 1, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

Rick I think that you are my miracle today.

I recognize alll to well what this young lady is going through. I have always been really smart and an over achiever. I always loved school every day was more exciting than the day before. I entered high school and loved every minute of it my freshman year. I excelled well and maintained very good grades. I was very atheletic and skilled. I was confronted by a group of the in crowd kids about this and they broke down every ounce of confidence that I every owned. I was called whitey and oreo and Ms goodie goodie. I cried and began to look for ways to avoid school all together. Well one day I recieved my report and I had failed so many of my classes that my mother moved and transferred me to another school. However that only made matters much worse for me. I eventually went on to be home schooled. Tragedy struck and I was forced to get a job and pay my mothers bills. I never finished school. I have recently payed off my debt owed to the home school program I went through. I have no diploma which equals a very low paying job for me. I barely have money for food. I would like to get back on track with my life I’m only 21 years old. My life long dream career is to be a lawyer. I feel absolutely motivated to finish were I left off 5 years ago. I am now crying out for help. If there is anyone out there who has information that can help me please send me an email. www.JFranklin@simon.com Thank you.

By Tamara

December 1, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

What a great article Rick! I see this as a two part problem; A mother of a 4 year old who is articulate and many say very smart some relatives already comment,”You must have him around a lot of “white” people.” As if that is the only way he would be that smart so I see the trend already beginning. However I do feel as if the reason being smart is not revered in our community is because we rarely see or read about our youth who are smart and doing good things and there are plenty. We as a community need to demand to see more of this.

By Paige

December 1, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this

This was well overdue. I attended high school from 1993-1997 and experienced things similar to Mandisa’s. Unfortunately this mentality has been around for decades. I encourage everyone to read “Darwin’s Athletes: How Sport has Damaged Black American and Preserved the Myth of Race” by John Hoberman. It will enlighten you. I promise.

By Craig Ford

December 1, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

Amen, brother. I’m very discouraged with the polarization of our society along socio-economic and racial lines. Unfortunately, the results are reflected in the attitudes of parents & children, but the cause is highly complex and long-standing. Until we have elected officials who care more about helping solve social problems and less about getting re-elected, the problems will only worsen. Sorry for sounding so cynical.

By dee

December 1, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

I admire anyone who dares to step outside the accepted mold and dare to be the best they can be. Why give in to the pressure of others, because your success is all about what you do, not what they do and they certainly aren’t going to pay bills for you.

By Tommy

December 1, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

I’m confused…You mean to tell me that Blacks can be racist too?

By Fessa

December 1, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

Thank GOD for people like you and the others who are brave enough to place the blame where it belongs. As a single person, it’s much more obvious to me (than most parents) when their children are “wilding out” or behaving in otherwise unproductive ways. I understand that - as a parent - you can’t whip/chastise/discipline a child for everything, but consistency IS the key. So, for those parents who consistently buy their kids videos and not books, $150 tennis shoes and no deposit into college funds…to those parents who don’t hold their children accountable for their actions at home but want to fight the teacher/principal for disciplining the children at school…when is someone going to wake up and realize that we need to consistently do things that will create a generation of responsible and respectable adults? TV (including BET, soap operas, many primetime commercials, and most primetime tv shows) is exposing our kids to soft porn at earlier ages and when parents have to work, the kids are sometimes left to their own devices which more than likely includes watching tv. Ok…I’ll step down from my soapbox now. I just wanted to say thanks for writing the article and to ask a few questions. Is it possible for our churches to take a more active role in providing parental support through classes that help them become more effective? For those of us who volunteer with youth, are there programs to help us become better/more effective mentors? and how can we hold the govt accountable for developing after-school programs rather than beefing up the penetentiary system?

By Thom

December 1, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

Here and in many other places I hear other African Americans rallying cry: “Embrace our culture”! It makes me very angry. What is OUR culture? That is what Rick Badie’s article speaks to exactly and yet so many of you still don’t get it! Is Ebonics our culture? Is it unwed parenthood? Is the ghetto our culture? Is rap our birthright? How about athletics? Is that our culture? Is our culture, boys walking around with their pants at their knees? Please tell me what MY culture is! My culture as a black man is to be the best I can be. Get down off the cross people! Someone needs the wood! This “black” mentality is killing our people. In a recent study it was stated that over 65% of young black men have a criminal record. Is this our culture? What is our culture? If our culture is so important and so different from “whitey”, then please tell me what whitey’s culture is. I don’t believe there is one. Parents need to stop telling their children that whitey did something to our people, so we can’t achieve. Stop assigning blame anywhere but at ourselves - and that isn’t a racial thing. Everyone of every race needs to accept personal responsibility for their actions!

By Kym

December 1, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

Wow. This editorial hits so close to home it is scary. My son attends a majority black elementary school on the Southside of Fulton County. An the parents there are a prime example of what we are talking about here in this forum. Not Interested! It is shameful, and a slap in the face to all of the people who fought so hard for black children to recieve equal rights and education in this country. My son watched a special on school intergration in Little Rock, and I explain to him that those childern faced a huge risk in even attempting to go to school in that day and time. Now in our lifetime we have parents who are ungrateful idiots who cant explain to their kids about school intergration, or maybe clueless themselves about who HE Holmes was and why he is important to their legacy. They ca