Comments for The New Normal --- A Point of No Return? at http://www.izania.com , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.izania.com Sat, 18 May 2013 07:11:44 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.izania.com/articles/our-community/the-new-normal-%11%11%11-a-point-of-no-return?/#comment-1356 I agree with the observations that you have made. I have lived in Africa, and it is NOT African Americans that native Africans envy, it is the opportunities available in the USA that are not available to them. Their cultural and social values better equip them to take advantage of these opportunities if they get a chance to come here. Where is the turn around for African Americans who are not taking advantage of all the opportunities available? Immigrants are making better progress. Will we continue to decline in social and economic progress? I am amazed at the constant struggle among African Americans with self-esteem. What is the philosophy of life that anchors most African Americans? Sadly, we are still borrowing other philosophies -- even philosophies from the motherland. The 400 year effort by our oppressors has robbed many of us of our true identity -- whatever it is. Many simply prefer to be called "Black." They refuse to embrace their African heritage. Unity among Blacks declined significantly with the Civil Rights movement. I view this as a second Diaspora within the USA. The best and brightest among us were scattered to the suburbs and the mainstream of our society -- leaving behind the less fortunate among us. This second Diaspora resulted in the urban decline we see today. A large plurality of African Americans are more associated with economic class than race when identifying their place in US society. Unless more African Americans embrace the concepts you identify, these are not indicators of a turnaround, but markers that indicate the severity of the decline when contrasted with the actions of African Americans. I am looking for indicators of stronger families headed by fathers and mothers working together; I am looking for Black entrepreneurs creating economic development zones in our communities; I am looking for stronger performance in education (sadly, yesterday Rahm Emmanuel, the mayor of Chicago announced that urban high school graduation is "up to 60%" -- The graduation rate was 95% in the suburban community where I live); I am looking for Blacks to help create more job opportunities for ourselves. These indicators seem to be drifting farther away. I am still hopeful and working to achieve a "new normal" that has more positive indicators. - Roger Madison Jr. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:17:02 +0100 http://www.izania.com/articles/our-community/the-new-normal-%11%11%11-a-point-of-no-return?/#comment-1355 "I am in search of indicators that we can turn around the declines of the past 10 years. " (1) Cultural and Social Values (2) General Philosophy of Life (3) Unity amongst Black Folks These are the 3 indicators that could be used to turn around the situation. [u] Cultural and Social Values[/u] - It should be apparent that other Blacks not living in the US envy African-Americans, deemed to be blessed by being born in a country with so many possibilities. However, it seems that African-Americans are reluctant to make use of the opportunities presented to them by such a huge economy as the US - the urge to participate and benefit from the economy isn't there. It's not cool to acquired an education in order to fit in the US economy. If this attitude can be changed, miracles are bound to occur. [u]General Philosophy of Life[/u] - What does the African-American think he/she is? What is the relationship between them and other people on this planet? Where did African-Americans come from, who are they really? True knowledge of themselves and others around them is the only source for change in behavior and values. [u]Unity amongst Black Folks[/u]- how are Blacks generally united in the US? Do they look out for each? What are those who are economically and intellectually gifted doing to support their weaker brethren? Unity cannot be forced upon a people; a well-grounded philosophic life will immediately incite interest in some sense of unity, not only amongst African-Americans, but even with others. Without an adequate philosophic framework, the code of conduct can only be rude, disorganized and ultimately divisive (every man for himself mentality) Self-awareness through ancient history and philosophy is the key. Ancient Philosophy is the main factor that exalted the first African tribe to such intellectual and spiritual heights hitherto unsurpassed, which ruled and educated humanity at the commencement of ancient history. Only when this philosophy is resurrected and reinvigorated amongst African-Americans, and only when the accept this philosophy as their ancient divine heritage, can there be some hope at the end of the tunnel. - Cam Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:52:24 +0100