Let me first state, before I get started: there is still racism. However, although there is racism present in the world today, there are also more opportunities for blacks (or if you prefer, African Americans) than there were when Martin spoke about the mountaintop and Malcolm went to Mecca. So then why are some Black folks still standing on a street corner talking about how they can’t get a job because “The Man” is keeping them down.

Look, I was in the classroom. I know what some of these children and parents go through on a daily basis. I am not denying the oppressiveness of poverty. When you are working two jobs and barely making ends meet, shoot, that’s a reason to want to “holler”. Because being a part of the working poor can be detrimental to the spirit, many of these parents take the time (in between working the double shifts) to impress upon their children that this is not a life to plan for. Get your education, get your high school diploma, listen to the teacher, DON’T MAKE ME TAKE MY LUNCH BREAK TO COME UP TO THAT SCHOOL!! And as a teacher, I bow respectfully to those parents. They are working HARD so their children won’t have to work as hard as they did.

Now, the next set of parents who seem to revel on the welfare roles. You’ve all seen them: designer outfits, matching Coach bags and shoes, getting their money from the state and who-knows-where-else, but rest assured that it’s cash money, baby. What are their children learning from them? That you can chill at home, with satellite, watching movies and video all day and not have to work? Well, shoot, then why should they bother doing their homework when their favorite show is on? Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie didn’t finish high school, don’t have a job, and look – they relax all day.

Where in the world is the disconnect? What makes some working poor/poor families encourage others to succeed and others to fall by the wayside? Is it racism? Is it attitude? Is it societal influences? Is it the schools? Am I crazy?

Please post any and all comments you may have!