Celebrating African-American Literature 365 days a Year!

All around us the message sent is clear: ‘You have to drive or live in this to show off your success.’ If you’ve “made it”, society seems inclined to set rules and regulations for proof. Ironically, the same guidelines seem to apply no matter what your social status. As a whole we are obsessed with having others fit our particular standards or ideals.

In 1990, when I began my high school years, I was daily reminded of a fact that I used to take for granted: I am black. That might seem ridiculous to say, but it was that time in my life when it seemed most important. I had always befriended people in general growing up, all races and sizes. It wasn’t a part of my upbringing to think more or less of others so what I began to experience in high school was something discouraging.

I would walk into the cafeteria every day and witness firsthand willful segregation: most whites sat in one section while blacks were mostly in another. There were very few like myself who would sit wherever they wanted with whoever they wanted and inevitably someone from the “black side” would have something to say, and it wouldn’t be a complement.

The reason I was ridiculed or talked about was because of my differences: the way I talked, dressed, music choices and the like were all fair game. I wasn’t seen as ‘black’ enough in many respects, and I can admit that it bothered me. Because I studied in school, I was seen as a nerd. Weird. I tucked in my shirts and ironed my pants, so that made me queer. And the phrases were often repeated to me: “You don’t talk black.” “You don’t dress black.” Then my personal favorite: “Oreo.” I as targeted for being different, for trying to be something. What’s wrong with that scenario?

Today there’s more of the same. Young people especially are being indoctrinated the same way. Sadly, it’s more detrimental in the black community. You are “told” through peers, commercialism and entertainment what is going to make professionalism are not the main qualities cultivated. And if you dress well, speak well and conduct yourself respectfully? Then you’re a sell-out. Trying to be white.

So why is it that success has been misconstrued, especially among the black community? Cultural brainwashing. It tells you that the ‘cool’ thing is to defy authority. Education isn’t important as long as you have street credibility. In the real world—a world where advancement is encouraged—those who don’t aspire for something will not be anything.

I learned early that people who try to intimidate and humiliate do so to bring you down to their level so they feel superior. I’m glad that I’m not easily influenced. I had my own goals—real goals, and they weren’t based on others’ opinions. Not everyone is that fortunate. Daily we are bombarded with what others believe is the roadmap to success. My advise would be not to follow it. Discover your own way. Then the consequences of your choices will be yours and not that of others around you.

It’s been fourteen years now since I graduated from high school. Though some have succeeded, many of those who ridiculed me are in jail, involved in questionable activity or dead. I have achieved many of the goals I have set for myself and created new ones along the way. In the end, it is all about personal satisfaction. If others don’t agree with it, well, let them consider the following your lead rather than leading haphazardly for you to follow.

© 2008 C. A. Webb

Cyrus you are truly a man of inspiration!

Ella Curry
www.edc-creations.com