Our Children Must Conform!!! To What?
|
Posted By: Dr. Okpara Nosakhere on July 02, 2010 I was in my car, sitting at a traffic light, when two young African American boys crossed the street. They were between the ages of 12 and 14. They both wore Afros, causing me to flash back to the 60’s, when the bush represented a king and queen through out every black neighborhood in America and around the world. It was all about being cool, expressing a posture of pride and reassurance, and a command for attention. Then my eyes gazed downward to the rest of their anatomy. The T-shirts were fine. White and colorfully designed images with the latest Rapp Artists. But then we get to the pants. Blue Jean, opened at the front, pulled down to about 3 inches above the knee. The underwear were white with red poke-a-dots all over. I got the sense that he has a flair for outward expression. As you would image my response was to shake my head from side to side and go…tisk…tisk…tisk, in disappointment. Of course I went through the mental anguish of saying to myself, “If they only would apply themselves they could have so much more in life”. I’d go through the basics of food, clothing and shelter. Having a nice car, a beautiful wife and children. Having a great job I love and would retire there after 30 years. Going to the beach each summers and holidays. Going on a cruise once a year with close friends…. Then it hit me! How many of us have those things and have applied them. How many friends I know that are out of work in their field. PhD’s, who are driving taxicabs and flipping burgers at a fast food store. I then asked myself… What are we asking our children to conform to? If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dr. Okpara Nosakhere
President/ CEO, www.educationalmanagementassociates.com Suny Col at New Paltz class of 1982 Member Since November 2008 |
Comments
 |
True conformity is based on the individual buying into a particular cultural standard. A person must know and understand the value of submitting to a behavior pattern that is beneficial to the masses. Our children don't see any value placed on human behavior. The strata for living conditions and behaviors are so broad and diverse, it does not leave any boundaries for limits. As some parables go, we should wait like sheep for the shepherd to lead us through our lives. But, we all know what eventually happens, the sheep are lead to the slaughter. If anything, a shepherd or guide, should teach others how to be shepherds of their own lives. This was once the role and responsibility of our elders in our village/communities. We must install this position of knowledge and wisdom again. The greatest and noblest way to affect change is through caring. I intentional said caring instead of love. Because love is a feeling. But caring evokes action. It is deeds or actions, that speak louder than words. The focus is to create a foundation/culture for a child to conform. Questions? Friday, July 9th 2010 at 2:51AM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 30 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 29 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
Behind the Wheel of the Hot 2026 Kia Sportage ReviewCompact SUVs remain competitive, and Kia’s best-selling model for 2026, the Sportage, gets a major mid-cycle update to stay ahead. During a week with the new Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD, I tested ...more
Randi Payton • 148 Views • March 5th, 2026 |
 |
Season OpenerOpen door looks inviting; You see noone near the vehicle yet the door has been wide open for an unusual amount of time!
🤔💭“maybe I should help them out or should I just stick to th ...more
How May I Help You NC • 156 Views • March 4th, 2026 |
 |
Motivational Artist MARCUS PARKER Creates Rize Mode A AI Powered Artist@MARCUSPARKER #MARCUSPARKER
@RIZEMODE #RIZEMODE
@WISEDIVAS #WISEDIVAS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Underground Motivator MARCUS PARKER Launches AI Artists and New Guide to Help Others Build Their Own ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 194 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,860,304 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,511 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 75,922 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,762 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
