Some Things Will Never CHANGE

 

Even with CHANGE, somethings stay the same.  MSNBC correspondent, Chris Mathews said of President Obama that, "I forgot he was Black for an hour." It just shows that even if you achieve the highest office in the United States  some still judge you by your race.  Were Chris Mathews expectations less because the President is Black?  In my opinion this is another example of modern day racism.  No one has every commented that they forgot previous Presidents were white, so why the need to put attention on the fact that Obama is Black.  Is a Black man not suppose to be able to stand in front of a predominately white audience and properly articulate his point?  Chris Mathews statement translates to: For a Black man he is so well spoken.  It is a disgrace that instances like this still take place in today's society. 

I will place one positive spin on this statement.  Many Blacks thought that since President Obama would be in office, things would be easier for Blacks.  The commentary by Mathews shows that even as a Black President, you are still held to a lower standard.  So if the President is held at a lower standard, how is the "average Black" viewed?  Hopefully this situation will help those Blacks that were disillusioned that things would be easier realize that things are just as hard, if not harder now that will have a Black President.  The time is now to hold yourself at a higher standard and motivate yourself to do more than you were before. 

Double Standards

Do we hold others at a higher standard than we hold ourselves? A double standard is defined as: any code or set of principles containing different provisions for one group of people than for another.  I realize that there will always be double standards in life, but one that I have a hard time comprehending is females playfully calling each other bitches.  On any level, unless you are referring to a female dog, the term is degrading.  In my opinion, it closely ranks with using the word nigga as a term of endearment.  From my previous post, I am sure you have determined my stance on that topic. When I posed the question of why do females call each other bitch to a female friend of mine that does it, her reply was, "because that's my girl and we cool like that." What exactly is cool like that?  I asked my friend if we were cool and she said yes. So, I followed that with can I call you bitch since we are cool.  I was answered with an astounding NO!  I asked her to explain the difference and her reply was, it just is.  The double standard.  I can't understand why you will use a term with those you call your friend and think nothing of it, but when a male or someone outside your circle uses the same term in reference to you, you're ready to fight.  If you are outraged when one group does something, you should be outraged by all. How can you expect others to respect you, if you disrespect yourself?  Women should speak things into existence that uplift each other instead of bringing each other down.  Above all, you should conduct yourself as a Lady at all times.   

The MISEDUCATION of a Generation

It has been said that Knowledge is Power.  If that is the case, then Lack of Knowledge of Self is Destructive.  The dictionary defines the word nigger as: a person of any race or origin regarded as contemptible, inferior, ignorant, etc. or a person who is economically, politically, or socially disenfranchised. Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary states, the word nigger ranks as the most offensive and inflammatory word in the English language.  Even with the definition the word nigger possesses, many members of today's generation use it as if it was a term of endearment. 

The word nigger has become so accepted in today's society that it is used freely on television, radio, and many other media sources.  America has seemingly become desensitized to the history behind the word nigger.  I have heard Blacks make statements such as: we are taking back the word or that by changing the word to nigga you are changing the meaning, I disagree with these statements.  You cannot take back a word that is not yours and no matter how you change the word, the root word remains the same.

If you do not know your history, it is said that you are doomed to repeat it.  Many of today's youth do not seek out their history and heritage.  In my opinion, being aware of your history and the hatred behind the word nigger aimed at your race, would make it difficult to use the word in reference to one another.  Most do not think of their ancestors that were lynched, raped, and killed as they were being taunted with the word nigger.  They don't think about the generations before them that risked their lives to flee from the South so they would not be called a nigger any more.  I feel our ancestor's sacrifices are insulted every time Blacks refer to each other as a nigger. 

It was barely forty years ago that the Black race was involved in the Black Power Movement.  During this period of time we would stand next to each other to fight and die if needed for equal rights and treatment.  If another Black person called you a nigger at that time, they meant it in the true sense of the word.  Now, some Blacks use the word to greet one another.  When, where and why did we become so disconnected?

Like I said in my initial blog entry, my intent is not to try to change one's mind or force my opinion on someone.  It is only meant to share my views and recieve the viewpoints of others.  The use of the word nigger has been a long standing controversy and I am sure the debate will outlive me.  I just ask that for those who use the word nigger to think of their ancestor's sacrifice and not disrespect their legacy. 

Welcome to my Mindset

First of all, let me start off by introducing myself.  As I am sure you have already  been able to determine, I am Mr. Martin and I want to officailly welcome you to my Mindset.  For me, the purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts, opinions, and ideas with the rest of the world. My post are not meant to change anyone's view on a particular topic, they are just meant to give you mine.  I understand people may not agree with me and I welcome the difference in opinion.  My goal starting off is the have a different post on a weekly basis and eventually work my way  up to a daily posting.  If you like what I have to day, please comment.  If you disagree with what I have to say, I definiely want you to comment.  If there is a topic that you have an opinion on and would like my thoughts on the topic, please share the topic.  Again, I look forward to sharing my opinions and reading those of others.  Thus, the World of Mr. Martin's Mindset Begins.....