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Disciple724
Veteran Poster
Username: Disciple724
Post Number: 236
Registered: 07-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 12:24 pm: | 
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Whose going to clean up this mess?
While I was moved and inspired by this accomplishment by Barack Obama, I would like to know that it was not just gas. None of my doubts are directed towards Obama-- he has shown me to be an accomplished and dynamic leader and I have all the confidence in the world in him. Instead my doubt is in Black people in general as I have discerned a huge leadership and fellowship vacuum in our community.
Now I don't mention this because I am directing an attack towards anyone in particular, nor am I welcoming an argument on this matter ( I am sure that most of us have seen at least a bit of this in our travels so a debate here is a moot point). But I was thinking ;last night as to what initially attracted me to this board. I would like to share the thinking I had then:
I thought that the #1 problem hurting our community was education. I believed that under educated minds lacked the critical thinking ability to address and resolve the problems facing our community and for this reason they remained.
Still, I knew that there were intelligent black minds out there that were fully capable, I just thought that we were so scattered that it was hard for us to connect. So I thought that a site dedicated to authors and readers would surely attract the type of people that I desperately wanted to connect with primarily to engage in meaningful dialogue.
When I found this site with a discussion board I was ecstatic (think Mike Tyson )!. I was so excited that I think I responded to every topic trying to connect. My favorite post is still Why do we write/ Why do we read! ( Carey why don't you post like that anymore)
Since then my enthusiasm has waned. Not because of any disappointment in intellect level ( most here boast impressive academic resumes from what I can tell), rather the tone and content of discussions; much of which I have found to be combative, ill-purposed, and mean-spirited.
Also I have since learned that a few here don't even see themselves connected to the lower income part of the black community, but are some how above it and therefore no need to deal with those issues. Other thoughts suggest that Blacks of other nations, or of partial mix are not part of the African American community. Conversely, these often times feel compelled to conveniently excuse themselves.
So it has dawned on me that the same divisive spirit that effects the "undereducated", also effect the "highly educated".
Subsequently, I now believe that while we have made great strives intellectually, the Black spirit is more divisive than ever in the areas that matter (those issues outside of sports & entertainment).
I might be reading this wrong, but that's how my mind has been shaped so far concerning my experience of this board. Carey what do you think brother. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 13393
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 01:16 pm: |
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Disciple you are still proceeding on the premise that there is a black collective consciousness and that Blacks are a monolithic entity in America.
You seem reluctant to acknowledge the contradictions between advocating that Blacks merge with the mainstream while simultaneously entreating that Blacks act as a separate group. And you apparently want to deny Blacks the right to be individuals.
You can't dictate to people how to live their lives. There are winners and losers in this world. When folks makes the decision to reinforce their poverty by accumulating baggage that could be alleviated by following the simplest of rules, then they carve out a loser niche for themselves. And these same losers are among the loudest voices when it comes to dissing Blacks who have figured out a way to become winners.
You envision a Utopia where the strong lift up the weak. But in the scheme of things the strong need the weak as much as the weak need the strong. This is the symbiotic nature of Capitalism.
But continue to advance your theories. And continue to sulk if you don't get the response you want. |
Disciple724
Veteran Poster
Username: Disciple724
Post Number: 238
Registered: 07-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 03:15 pm: |
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Hi Cyn,
All I have done is express how I feel and think about our race, culture and economy. After all, what else should I write about. ( believe you me there don't cofuse dissappointment with sulking).
By now i have realized that its not you nature to give acknowledgement to most persons, just contention, even where and when it is not necessary. I acknowledge the differences Blacks in my comments, by now black folks are real adept at discerning and highlighting our difference. What I struggle for is where are we alike!
Surely, there must be something besides color ( shades notwithstanding). Moreover, we can have a common purpose and still be individuals. i've been just chatting to see where that may be?
I admit that I might be out of place here because I'm sensing that the purpose of this board is to dispute with one another and to fight with and degrade one another. That not my goal and it is a waste time. |
Carey
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 1568
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 04:15 pm: |
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Disciple,
My man, seems like we've been down this road before. It's not were you fight or debat with, it's who you fight.
It's not the "board" that wishes to degrade one another.
I personally read everything you write. Even though they are sometimes long, I still find some facts in what you say.
Yet, just like the last time when you seemed to get a little frustrated at some of the responses that you recieved, some things never change. So, as long as your purpose is clear, I think you'll find what you are looking for, on this board or any other.
Some of your post are of the "oh yeah" variety. They do not beg for a reply. Others are so long that it's easy to lose focus of you primary issue. Yet others could lead some to say, that's right, and not think they need to agree or disagree.
You can bet your bottom dollar that there are those that will seldom debate/argue/exchange posts that has any resemblance to a post that stays on point and gives acknowledgements.
I know you are familiar with the word "modeling". One might use "mimic". Well, unless you are a talker and not a listener I would suggest that you look over other posts that move without the negativity you speak of. There's a distinct difference between your brand of posts and them. Of course there are snide remarks and tastes of BS thrown in but I think you'll get what I am talking about.
Again, I like most of your posts. I have a friend that does not. But I beleive she is just hatin' because you and she had a disagreement. Anyway, hit and move, don't get stuck in a groove . |
Disciple724
Veteran Poster
Username: Disciple724
Post Number: 239
Registered: 07-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 06:04 pm: |
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Carey,
Any disagreement that I have had in the past is squashed, so I don't think that is an issue our response since has been cordial and respectful.
Still, I haven't posted here in a while, but read almost everyday what was posted.
You, & Cyn seem to think that I'm complaining, I'm not, just expressing my observations and invoking thought and conversation, that's all. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 13395
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 06:27 pm: |
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This board is a lion's den, Disciple. Some of us wield our tongues like whips in order to keep the roaring in check. |
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