Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ramadan 2010
On this the 29Th day of the Ramadan fast, I write my first entry on the subject. I am not certain why I neglected to write my thoughts on the tradition this year. I suppose the more I come to read and reflect on the teachings in the Qur'an I realize that a preoccupation with rituals and gestures distracts one from the goal of Islam: Knowledge of self and mastery of ones appetites; that you might revere the blessings and miracles of the Almighty; and become ever blessed and rightly guided.
I often say that the Ramadan fast is about the only religious tenant I observe regularly. The personal challenge of it invites me, and I derive satisfaction in the 'giving' and the transformation of it. May God be pleased with me. My zakat (charitable giving) will be to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. They are a reputable organization whose done good work for the downtrodden in our area for many years. Alhamdulailah.
I often say that the Ramadan fast is about the only religious tenant I observe regularly. The personal challenge of it invites me, and I derive satisfaction in the 'giving' and the transformation of it. May God be pleased with me. My zakat (charitable giving) will be to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. They are a reputable organization whose done good work for the downtrodden in our area for many years. Alhamdulailah.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
President Wyclef?
Is the man's ego winning out over his better nature, again! For those who may not be familiar with the back story... Lauryn Hill once strongly implied that the break up of the Fugees was credited to their (collective) refusal to grow into more conscious and responsible actions (lyrics, production, etc.), and to be completely square with each other, despite all the success they had experienced. Much of this was put at the feet of Wyclef... [Yeah, I know she's had some issues of her own.] Despite the break up of the group, Wyclef Jean went on to become a huge celebrity. Although if you ask , me his artistic prowess became stagnant a long time ago. Nevertheless, his influence in Haiti was justly earned. And I believe that he genuinely wants the best for his people.
...But hold on, Wyclef! When certain political celebrities saw that your star could be used to leverage their reach into Haiti, they heralded you as their friend, and the great hope of your people. Then you, rightly, decided to go around their non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and provide direct intervention by your own charity. Good for you!... But you did a shoddy job. My check to your foundation, YeLe Haiti, has still not been cashed. Nevertheless, because you acted like a free man, you quickly were lambasted by your friends in the media. Your cousin, Pras Michele, had to come on MSNBC and make amends for your less than efficient management of funds raised by you for YeLe... And he promised to get it right for you. Good for Pras! Some of us were not fooled, however. Your REAL transgression, Wyclef, was attracting too much of that earthquake relief money away from the global charitable outfits that have come to rely on these natural disasters to balloon their budgets. "Bad, boy! Don't you do that again."
Now they have found a new role for you... "Run for President of your country. We'll help ya!" Never mind that you seem ignorant of the many pernicious forces arrayed against your country-men for years -- or reluctant to raise a voice against them. [Hmm... I wonder if you even know Haitian history?] Never mind that the people of Haiti have not found any real disagreement with current President, Rene Preval. Your friends in the media and the political stars of "micro-lending" and "green technology" don't like him though -- probably because he is not anti-Aristide enough for them. Now there are media reports that Haitian relief money is still not reaching the masses effectively, and they want to lay that at the feet of the current president. Isn't that what they said about your money when you tried to take it off the plantation? Hundreds of millions pledged and housing is still woefully lacking. They claim that it is the government's fault for one reason or another... Thus setting the stage for your election platform.
Ahh...Can you just work on a Fugees reunion album instead?
...But hold on, Wyclef! When certain political celebrities saw that your star could be used to leverage their reach into Haiti, they heralded you as their friend, and the great hope of your people. Then you, rightly, decided to go around their non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and provide direct intervention by your own charity. Good for you!... But you did a shoddy job. My check to your foundation, YeLe Haiti, has still not been cashed. Nevertheless, because you acted like a free man, you quickly were lambasted by your friends in the media. Your cousin, Pras Michele, had to come on MSNBC and make amends for your less than efficient management of funds raised by you for YeLe... And he promised to get it right for you. Good for Pras! Some of us were not fooled, however. Your REAL transgression, Wyclef, was attracting too much of that earthquake relief money away from the global charitable outfits that have come to rely on these natural disasters to balloon their budgets. "Bad, boy! Don't you do that again."
Now they have found a new role for you... "Run for President of your country. We'll help ya!" Never mind that you seem ignorant of the many pernicious forces arrayed against your country-men for years -- or reluctant to raise a voice against them. [Hmm... I wonder if you even know Haitian history?] Never mind that the people of Haiti have not found any real disagreement with current President, Rene Preval. Your friends in the media and the political stars of "micro-lending" and "green technology" don't like him though -- probably because he is not anti-Aristide enough for them. Now there are media reports that Haitian relief money is still not reaching the masses effectively, and they want to lay that at the feet of the current president. Isn't that what they said about your money when you tried to take it off the plantation? Hundreds of millions pledged and housing is still woefully lacking. They claim that it is the government's fault for one reason or another... Thus setting the stage for your election platform.
Ahh...Can you just work on a Fugees reunion album instead?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Free Media!
Followers can receive the following media delivered free of charge, if claimed via e-mail within the next 30 days! Limit one per claimant.
Vietnam: America's Conflict (cd set)
Quilting the Black-eyed Pea (collected poems, N. Giovanni)
Aren't We the Lucky Ones (cd), B. Ullman, R. Harney)
Economics for Dummies
On Bullshit, H.G. Frankfurt
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, M. Taylor
The Stuggle for Black Equality, H. Sitkoff
Malcolm X: The Last Speeches (Etd, B. Perry)
Gone Fishin, W. Mosley
A Great And Mighty Walk, J. H. Clark (cd)
Vietnam: America's Conflict (cd set)
Quilting the Black-eyed Pea (collected poems, N. Giovanni)
Aren't We the Lucky Ones (cd), B. Ullman, R. Harney)
Economics for Dummies
On Bullshit, H.G. Frankfurt
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, M. Taylor
The Stuggle for Black Equality, H. Sitkoff
Malcolm X: The Last Speeches (Etd, B. Perry)
Gone Fishin, W. Mosley
A Great And Mighty Walk, J. H. Clark (cd)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Incarceration Culture
It’s unlike me to openly share thoughts about something as profoundly sad as the loss of a family member. However, the outpouring of concern expressed for our family as a result of Scott Godfrey’s homicide compels it. And when real explanations are so apparent, there is little need to wonder, why? So, while we wait for justice to ensue, I cannot help but to observe the looming despondency amid the youth of Pleasantville. Anytime you have significant numbers of young people more confident about their ability to navigate their way through family court than they are the graduation requirements of secondary school, you have despondency.
If we make the mistake of over sympathizing with the family of one shooting victim we was loose the moral force to make a difference in the events leading up to the next rash of violence. One day it looks like a shooting. The day prior it looks like a group assault on a student in the broad light of mid-day traffic. What will it look like tomorrow? So, I don’t want people to see Scott’s shooting as disconnected to the larger story. It is not.
This shooting is the result of an increasingly intractable disquiet over Pleasantville; one that has been long developing. Its factors are numerous and various: The struggle to improve academic achievement among students is well known. And the effect of lagging academic success leads to further economic disadvantages locally. Like a cycle, creeping poverty and unemployment rates among residents in the municipality contribute to waves of youth burglaries, assaults and robberies that blight the quality of life and summon more of the same. No, these incidents are certainly not peculiar to Pleasantville, but it seems like the city is accumulating its share more rapidly every year. And, I suspect, at a rate disproportional to the county census.
Still, examining statistics alone runs the risk of detaching people from the heart of the matter. My concern is that Pleasantville is fast becoming irrevocably victimized by a more insidious factor – an incarceration culture that competes as fiercely for the minds and loyalties of the cities’ young as do any of its learning centers, athletic clubs, or houses of worship. It is a culture that results from over exposure to the of criminal justice system. Where young people are not intimidated or ashamed by juvenile court appearances, and where release dates for young adults are regarded as ‘homecomings.’ When the stigma of being incarcerated wanes, and the coping habits of ex-offenders become common place habits among the young and not-so-young in a community, school officials find it nearly impossible to reverse its effects on education.
Needles to say, there is a role for school in the reclamation of the city’s youth. As long as children from families who worship on Sunday continue to fail academically and socially, and the children from families who worship on Friday exhibit a cavalier disregard for instruction, and when children from any background continue to exercise a reflexive defiance of those in authority, there remains a prominent place for clergy too – and anyone else who can turn around this ominous frame of mind.
The next time I am asked, how is your family doing? I may well give into my own impulse to respond honestly by saying… “Fine, Thanks. But how do you think Pleasantville is doing?”
If we make the mistake of over sympathizing with the family of one shooting victim we was loose the moral force to make a difference in the events leading up to the next rash of violence. One day it looks like a shooting. The day prior it looks like a group assault on a student in the broad light of mid-day traffic. What will it look like tomorrow? So, I don’t want people to see Scott’s shooting as disconnected to the larger story. It is not.
This shooting is the result of an increasingly intractable disquiet over Pleasantville; one that has been long developing. Its factors are numerous and various: The struggle to improve academic achievement among students is well known. And the effect of lagging academic success leads to further economic disadvantages locally. Like a cycle, creeping poverty and unemployment rates among residents in the municipality contribute to waves of youth burglaries, assaults and robberies that blight the quality of life and summon more of the same. No, these incidents are certainly not peculiar to Pleasantville, but it seems like the city is accumulating its share more rapidly every year. And, I suspect, at a rate disproportional to the county census.
Still, examining statistics alone runs the risk of detaching people from the heart of the matter. My concern is that Pleasantville is fast becoming irrevocably victimized by a more insidious factor – an incarceration culture that competes as fiercely for the minds and loyalties of the cities’ young as do any of its learning centers, athletic clubs, or houses of worship. It is a culture that results from over exposure to the of criminal justice system. Where young people are not intimidated or ashamed by juvenile court appearances, and where release dates for young adults are regarded as ‘homecomings.’ When the stigma of being incarcerated wanes, and the coping habits of ex-offenders become common place habits among the young and not-so-young in a community, school officials find it nearly impossible to reverse its effects on education.
Needles to say, there is a role for school in the reclamation of the city’s youth. As long as children from families who worship on Sunday continue to fail academically and socially, and the children from families who worship on Friday exhibit a cavalier disregard for instruction, and when children from any background continue to exercise a reflexive defiance of those in authority, there remains a prominent place for clergy too – and anyone else who can turn around this ominous frame of mind.
The next time I am asked, how is your family doing? I may well give into my own impulse to respond honestly by saying… “Fine, Thanks. But how do you think Pleasantville is doing?”
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Getting Somewhere with Black Youth Today
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.
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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