The Education of the Youth of Today
Today I spoke with two young men between the ages of 18 & 22, regarding their heroes, in addition I wanted to know what their thoughts were on the history of America as it pertained to the African Americans. Not expecting any great answers, I was still startled by the answer of one of the young men, when he said, “Elvis Presley” was one of his heroes. When ask why, he stated, “Because he had a voice”.
Setting aside the previous question and the answer that was given, I proceeded to ask other questions regarding both past and present American history, and again I was surprised by how ill-informed these young men were.
The Education of the African American child in America is being so diverted that it is no wonder that the majority of their heroes are rap stars, basketball and football stars. It is apparent that their understanding of Economics, Community development, and the past contributions that were made have been eliminated, in addition to the suffering that was endured, so that they may enjoy the freedoms that they now have.
ALTHOUGH WE AS A PEOPLE HAVE ENDURED, AND SURVIVED THE HARDSHIPS OF THIS COUNTRY IT IS OUR PARTICIPATION IN EVERY FACACET OF THIS SOCIETY, ALONG WITH THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN RECOGNIZED.
We now have chartered schools that are being introduced into the African American communities. These schools are not educating our children, they are teaching to test, tests that are based primarily on European history. The class sizes in these schools are smaller the vast majority of Americas African American children are being left behind. While we are blogging, tweeting, face booking, and gaming on our computers, the information age is passing us by.
Don't feel bad. In the 60's people were more political and their heros were too. Most American youth (black and white) are basically ingorant of the world. We live in a world where if a woman has sex with a star on film, they'll get a T.V. show and a endorcement deal.
ReplyDeleteKid:
ReplyDeleteYour assesment of the situation is right on point; but my question to you is what can be done now to bring back that political awareness.
BTW, Thanks for the comeback.
You're obviously looking at only the black segment of the student population.
ReplyDeleteAs for the 60s, the degree of political awareness was no higher then than it is now. Anyone who believes otherwise is dreaming.
no_slappz:
ReplyDeleteI will agree that my concentration has been limitted to that of the African-American child, and the reason is because the vast majority of African-American children are unaware or ashamed of their past or unaware of their contributions to this country or the world at large.
However, I want to be clear that the purpose is not to prove that one culture is greater then the other, or who was here first.
The purpose is to bring about an understanding, and the recognition of the contributions made by both the African,and African-American.
Because, if you are unaware of your past you will become lost in your future, and others will determine it for you.
One last point, I believe that an understanding of all cultures can lead to an appreciation of its' people.
Mr.I.M. Black, I do not think that the vast majority of African American youth is ashamed of their cultures history, I think you were on point with unaware. If thats the case should the youth be blamed for their ignorance? A child is not born knowing about their culture history,its must be taught to them. A child or a teenager or even adult out of the blue of their mind is not going to go in a library to get find history of W.E.B dubios or Marcus Garvey without any type of direction. And we certainly cannot account on our schools because majority of the history was European and American white history. How is our youth suppose to know to go beyond that history to African history without the schools or our parents giving us direction? As a young African American woman I was misinformed about my culture without any knowledge. I had the opportunity to engage in a coversation with a very wise man about African history and I listen. I went home wanting to know more and I made it an objective to study more. That one conversation was my direction. Some young people do not have that opportunity.
ReplyDelete