AT-RISK YOUTHS
Let’s end stereotyping of young black men
In response to “Violent, misogynistic culture misleads teens” (Readers write, April 10), I’d like to make additional comments on “why prospects for young black males are worsening.” Young black males, especially inner city populations, are confounded and afflicted by internal and external factors beside the media.
External factors include the lack of skilled and culturally competent teachers within the school systems who promote self-efficacy for these youth, as well as low educational expectations, lack of mentors, and lack of family/community support. Internal factors that cannot be overlooked would be self-concept and identity. These young men must deal with labeling and stereotypes, such as being seen as lazy, violent and inferior.
This is a call to awareness of the plight of the young black male — a call to show some cultural humility, to lessen the effect of stereotyping and generalization. It has to start with each one of us, not just the president and first lady as the letter writer suggested; rather, everyone is called to action. Let’s start with the reversal of our thought process regarding stereotypes associated with these young men.
TOCEE HARMON, DOUGLASVILLE
DEKALB CITIES
City effort failed due to Lakeside’s hubris
A letter writer the other day blamed the failure of the Lakeside city initiative to pass on the mean, nasty people in Tucker (“Gold Dome dealmaking derailed local control,” Readers write, April 6). He accused them of downright dishonesty in resisting cityhood for Lakeside. As a former representative of this area and a business owner in Tucker, the writer owes the people of Tucker an apology for his petulance and the flinging of wild inflammatory accusations.
The problem was not that the people of Tucker resisted the attempt by an unincorporated area to assume control over a portion of what we consider to be “Tucker.” The real reason the measure failed was the hubris of the Lakeside group in thinking that they could do pretty much what they wanted to do with impunity, without inviting the people of Tucker to participate at the outset.
ROBERT W. PEPPEL, TUCKER
POVERTY
Critic of poor ignores hard historical lessons
The writer of the letter, “Entitlement mentality distorts health debate” (Readers write, April 9), might want to study history before he makes his claims. He seems to have forgotten the impact of the Great Depression. He must also be unaware of how many people lived in abject poverty back then.
What did a disabled person do? They begged unless they had well-off family members or some other source of income. Is begging “taking care of yourself?” What about those who lost the breadwinner to death or disability? The same applied. People died due to a lack of medical care, decent housing and food. I wonder if the writer thinks he could support another family member in those circumstances. Churches and non-profits do not have the resources to take on these human needs.
The Great Depression proved something very clearly: The poor cannot prepare for the events of the future — whether retirement, disability or death. The wealthy do not need to prepare for those events. And the middle class will not prepare unless forced to do so. The world and our nation have changed beyond imagination in the last 75 years. What worked then would fail now. Could the letter writer really take care of himself without any help?
BRUCE GARNER, ATLANTA
GOOD WORKS
Kudos to program for bringing food to pets
I was extremely touched to read the article about Meals on Wheels Atlanta providing dog and cat food for struggling pet owners (“Program aids furry clients,” Living, April 7). As a devout animal lover and pet-sitting business owner, I know firsthand the abundant joy and peace our furry children bring to our lives. When tough times are thrown our way, their innocent love and dedication remain the same and bring comfort and peace. Having no food for them only brings more stress and turmoil, so this is a fabulous idea. This has inspired me to inquire about such a service here in Forsyth County. A heartfelt thanks to all involved!
SUSAN HARTSFIELD TANNER, CUMMING
