28th
Guilty of education
Two weeks ago a commenter, CP, posed a question to in response to my February post, Why EducatedBlackMan.com?
CP writes, “I understand the idea, but how do you reconcile that guilt when you look another brother in the eye who didn’t have the opportunity that we had, but is still a positive representative of black men? Is there a way we can reset stereotypes without dividing our community? I couldn’t wear this t-shirt back home because I would outcast myself and offend loved ones. They would think that I thought I was better than them, because I went to college.
The question struck me in a unique way. I thought (too) long so that I could compose my thoughts into a proper response. Sorry ‘bout the delay.
CP, I think the guilt you are talking about is a reflection of the respect you have towards your fellow man. If so, I feel the same way. Good people are good people degreed or not. This education movement is in no way meant as an affront to the uneducated, it’s simply the place I chose to plug in my amp and grab the mic.
Not everyone will have the opportunity, but my overall belief is that if more blacks are inspired about education, more will aspire to it, and more will achieve it. On average that will provide increased opportunity, success, and a stronger community. In short, I’m not trying to divide the community with this movement; I’m trying to uplift it.
As your reluctance to wear the shirt back home suggests, there will be resistance. Why?
Because there’s a widespread, long held belief among us that showing pride in your education suggests conceitedness. What I’ve realized though, is that belief is flat out wrong.
Not only is that belief irrational, it’s irresponsible.
Irrational: Why should a tee shirt that shows pride in your education be offensive? Is it offensive to wear an expensive watch, or a pricey pair of kicks? What about a nice ride with 26’s? Each of these examples showcases achievement, but the tee shirt is the one that offends? Doesn’t make sense.
Irresponsible: The watch, kicks, and ride, which generally provide little return on investment, are okay to sport, but a tee shirt, part of a movement to uplift and inspire education, which provides the highest return of almost any investment, is not? Again, doesn’t make sense.
CP, the reason you absolutely should wear the shirt back home is to help reset that value system.
P.S. If you did wear the shirt you might be surprised. I wore mine to the barber shop, had some great conversations, and came out with a nice cut.
Photo credits:
Photog*Phillip-Pimp My Ride Mercury With 26” Rims
Laenulfean-scratchy watch
kretyen-Nice Sneaker
