Watch Your Mouth- Who do You Think You’re Talking to? (5767 hits)

It's gut check time again. Same rules: If you are not ready to explore your inner feelings and beliefs...leave now...don't read another word!

AS ALWAYS YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
------ Part XVI- Separated by a date of birth- by Dr. Ahmad

As Americans, we are separated by a good number of typologies: race, religion, class, gender, education…the lists go on and on. As a people, we separated by specific sub-sub ethnic groups. Although categorical typologies aren’t always a bad thing, over the years we have taken the liberty to negatively separate ourselves based on hair texture, skin shades, denomination of faith, generation, and other stuff.

Although I could write for days about each of these, I’d like to focus on this imaginary generational divide that Black folks are quick to hide behind. You see a few months ago, I was off in the shadows not focused on writing about one specific sub-ethnic group in America. Yeah, I’ve written journal articles that include the African American sub groups in the USA…but they were always part of a larger context that explored other “normal” large groups as well: German Americans, Dutch Americans, etc. It wasn’t until the Black in America special that like many of you…I was enraged enough to come out from the world of academia and egg head writing to speak out publicly on specific African American issues.

As somewhat of an expert in the area of organizational behavior; specifically learned behavior-change, I felt compelled to share some of the learned behavior “stuffs” that are used to divide us as a people. My hopes are…that by exposing learned behavioral divisions and showing how these behaviors/thought are not as important as we may have been led to believe…we can once again come together as a great people.

Before I go any further, let me put out my personal disclaimer: I am not an angel. I’ve got my share of dirt and bones in the closet. Heck, I was Co-CEO of a Hip-Hop company in Europe & Asia…were we had no rules. I’ve run night clubs where we had Hip-Hop events that were too hot for TV. I’ve seen, done, and promoted some stuff. And my educational, professional and worldly experience gives me a somewhat unique view of my people. IMHO…sadly, my views continue to be seen by some via lenses that are clouded by misguided generational views of the message. Some folks seem to think that a Black PhD is not supposed to speak out about Black issues.

I’ve had at least three “private emails” where folks have warned me to be careful what I say on-line. I’m sure they are taking about the shock and awe titles of the Blog rather than the heartfelt messages they contain. But even still, many of these messages contain the same wording. Something along the lines of…”Dr. Ahmad it’s probably a generational thing because I am considerable older than you”. “You have to be careful what you say it could come back and haunt you”.

As a student, teacher and expert on learned behavior… the issues of generational divides are touchy areas to tackle. You see, people of African descent have always valued and honored our elders. We revere your wisdom and seek your counsel on our most important issues. Sorrowfully, as Americans we have been taught to devalue your importance: similar to other ethnic groups views of the aged/aging. We’ve been systematically told to see you as counter to our advancement and ability to achieve.

But you too have been told that we are different. You’ve fallen into the trap of believing that we are out of touch. I’ve heard “seasoned” African Americans say…”I just don’t understand these younger generations”.

WHAT! How can you be the elder, teacher, and mentor and not understand the people you birthed. I am a product of you. Sure, some may say…”Doc, as a professional…you should speak about larger issues and not worry about black issues like homophobia, saggin, swagger, snitching, slang, or inner-city foolishness”. Other have said…”Why do you write using Black vernacular?...You show use professional language”.

Well, my first response is…If I don’t…who will? But the most important answer is that…. I am what you made me.

I am a product of Hip-Hop. No matter how financially secure; no matter how educated; no matter how successful… the Hip-Hop culture has ingrained in me to be true to self. And guess what…you the elder and mentor lead us to create Hip-Hop. Your teachings, your experiences, your guidance lead the way to an African American sub- culture that permeates the globe. You taught us to seek ways to advance our ethnic group’s plight in this world. You told me to stay true to my people rather than leave the hood and never look back. If I speak out about wrongs…it’s because you taught me to. If I gut check you (and me) it’s because of your example. If ever you need to understand me, seek answers in your mirror…for I am a reflection of the inner you.

We are not divided by our date of birth. We are united and evolved by it. As American African people we must begin to rise above these silly divisions of this generation versus that other: older folks versus Hip-Hop heads. Sure, we will make mistakes….you did. Sure, our music isn’t as nice or as clean as you would like, but I am still your child….your future. Seek opportunities to understand me, not shun me.

Rejoice in knowing that I, you, we will never again be silenced. I will always try my best to put issues of fixing us above issues of self. As long as the hood exists…you will find me there trying to make it better, As long as I have a voice, we have a voice.

Whenever we are off course, I will speak out…just like you taught me. Whenever there is a chance to make a difference, I will be there…just like you showed me. And if ever there is a time to check you…I will…because I need you. Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Thursday, September 11th 2008 at 11:27AM
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