Several days ago, a teacher at my school thought it collegial to forward an article from the web that desperately emphasized the need to intervene upon the disappointing cycle of underachievement and desperation that afflicts too many African American males today. Notably, many groups and subgroups in our society are afflicted with some measure of lagging success or social malfunction. Being black – African American – I know that this cycle is interrupted all the time by scores of young men who excel despite all odds. However, even I must admit that real or merely perceived, black males have become the default image for despondency, and academic failure in our society.
I have always sought to assist in arresting the apathy and failure in my community since 1988 when I returned home from college and took my first “white collar” job with the Atlantic City Housing Authority. That was when I became absorbed in the all the usual statistics that support the generally (mis)perceived condition of black people. I remember when political scientists transitioned from using the phrase “economically disadvantaged” to “urban” to connote black communities – no matter the size and density of the cityscape. I remember when (government) money was made available to grant hustlers in our communities like me to save the “endangered species” that were supposed to be black males. And at the height of the “drug war” some brilliant bureaucrat - probably beguiling us same agency resource hustlers - in the name of saving our communities, came up with the notion to fund "mid-night basketball" leagues for our young men. And of course, many fell for it hook, line and jump shot. Why? Because it was another government hand out intended to placate us with money, and further retard our self-help instincts. That's why.
As a public school educator who takes his role seriously, I am compelled to respond when the issue of education – particularly the education of minority children – emerges. Here is how I responded to my colleague on the subject:
Subject: RE: America has lost a generation of black boys
Good post, Mr. [Colleague]. However, I have come to believe that a great number of our young boys are being ‘lost’ because we – some of us anyway – are spending disproportionate time on students who do (not yet) share our values. [Albeit for many reasons.] Meanwhile, scores of young men (and women) whom we can reach are not getting enough of our time and attention. Think for a moment about the dozen or so young men who, despite y(our) best efforts, never responded in any appreciable way to all y(our) tolerance and intervention. Then think of the many that went “under the radar” because their antics were not as dramatic; yet those students still needed direct guidance about the ways of becoming a man. They needed additional assistance – from men -- with algebra or science; needed help with communication skills; needed us to buy them a hair cut, dress shirt or tie; needed us to coach them for a job interview… And would have been far more receptive than the others.
Too many of us adults have a “messiah complex.” We want to bring forth Lazarus! We want to change the most wayward [students]. We want to show and prove how effective we can be on a given child. There are scores of young boys with the potential to really make their families and communities proud, but who, instead, are going to stumble or lurch into adulthood – notice I did not say manhood – unsure of themselves because we spent a disproportionate amount of time with incorrigible boys who tune us out before we start talking. As for the students with possibilities: At best these potential head of households will stay out of jail, and become harmless but docile members of their community. They will become dependent on their women folk for direction in life. They will have tenuous insufficient employment. While those in whom we have traditionally overinvested will likely test the ‘gangsta’ life anyway. When I started teaching in 1996-97, it was common among my peers to say, “If I can reach just one”… I never said that! I never liked those odds. To me, that was low aim. And an inadequate result for my time invested.
Finally, I think the article itself, while well intended, focuses on these same misguided themes. As a result, it is not a prescription for our boys; just another plaintive moan. One additional point – and being a church-going man I am sure you can appreciate this – Almost every story in the Bible about leading the multitudes teaches us that never has there been a time when all 'God’s Children' were saved at once -- no matter how prophetic the messenger! Lesson: It is those who willfully follow, who build a nation.
With All Respect Due,
Darren Palmer.
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