Yesterday, I had the opportunity to impart some knowledge to some young men in my community in the areas of job searching and networking for the modern man. I was really excited because I enjoy teaching, especially when I have some information that can and should change their lives! The event started out great but quickly went down hill from there. I began with the usual ice breaker consisting of your name and one unique thing about yourself. Seems simple enough, right??? WRONG!!!!
The first of 3 men said that there is nothing interesting about themselves. Then one went further and told me how the white man has been holding him back and not allowing him to feed his family because he forced to be a drug deal and he subsequently caught a drug case. This young man who was sitting so far in the back of the room that I almost forgot he was there, went on about how he does not need to interview well to get a job because he is a good worker and when the time is right he will do what is needed to be successful in this troubled world. I asked him was that what was like how Allen Iverson (the former NBA STAR) mentioned with the famous "Its just practice speech"??? He did not seem to get my point, which was practice is 90% of what successful people do and 10% is the finished product we show to the public.
I was taken back just a little because I wanted to keep this event light and fun but the mood of the room was changing and I knew this could not be good! So I inquired deeper into the man's perspective before I tried give him some obviously unwanted encouragement! I asked the man (student) what did he think about people like Harriet Tubman who over came a series of health issues to help many black people escape slavery against tremendous odds? I mentioned about former slaves who became millionaires against even greater odds??? Do you know this strong willed person had the nerve to tell me that he has never read that in any history book and does not know how he feels about those people. I am unsure if he could actually read when you think about it, but I understand he didn't know what he doesn't know-right? A man is not what he thinks, rather a man is "What he thinks"....is what he is (deep right- lol)
I was trying to help the man to see that he could over come any obstacle if he gets focuses and keep moving forward but I realized that sometimes, its easier to trick someone further than trying to convince them that they have been tricked......Mark Twain.
I understand that he is looking thru the lens of his eyes which is very different from perspectives- I get it but I can't accept it. I mean how can a person live in America during 2018 and not do something for self. No one ever said life would be easy but sometimes, all a person needs is a chance or the ability to create an opportunity. I think of people like Madam CJ Walker, she had an ideal and acted upon it and we know the outcome (millionaire at a time when it seemed impossible). Look at Ray Charles, the man went blind at age 6 but his mother never let him forget that he was blind and not dumb or without imagination. He believed his mothers inspirational words about him and made it despite his afflictions. I just don't like excuses or hearing someone say "I DON'T KNOW" as an answer to any question. Heck, we got the freaking internet and free internet at most places.
Any-who, I got mad at myself because I wanted this group to want it like I wanted it for them!!! I think people get too comfortable be broke and miserable. They do what others around them do (talk about the problem and rarely have a solution) nothing positive. If ever anyone is the smartest person in their group, they should get new friends to allow continued growth!
I think I am going to look at better ways to reach people that I am trying to help. I felt less than effective yesterday and I do not want to feel that way again, if I can help it. I understand very well that some individuals will always be poor and under educated, but its a choice! Others will find a way to do what they have to and a small number will overcome the seemingly impossible and change their families situation. I found a few reasons why some can have a less than positive view about their situations. I will explore each of these at a later time.
LACK of 1) Purpose-Goal or Aim 2). Ambition 3) Negative Mental Attitudes 4). No Self Discipline 5) No Vision 6). Use of Race-Sex-and Circumstances as a reason for inactivity 7). No Follow Through. These things are just some of what can hold us back. Let us break the cycle and do better people.......
I am WarD......
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