What is your contribution?

Often people discuss their problems with me, or I overhear people discussing their issues in detail in public places. Sometimes they are related to work, to relationships (usually), family issues, or anything thing else. I listen, usually whole heartedly, but without fail my mind immediately says 'What is your contribution to this issue'?

I've found that people are quick to give a long list of reasons why the situation is what it is without giving a thought as to how, why, or what got them in it. There is plenty of blame on anyone involved or the policies that dictate the outcome;but never on self.

It is hard to self analyze for many people. It would mean having to acknowledge that "I did...I should have...I didn't..." and many cannot do this. It it important to realize your contribution to a problem in order to solve it or prevent a recurrence (the latter being most important). Once you can pinpoint your involvement in any situation you will immediately feel better about it and begin to remedy it.

A diagnosis is the only the only way to a cure.

BEING BLACK

Does being BLACK mean being LOUD?

Does being BLACK mean being RUDE?

Does being BLACK mean using FOWL LANGUAGE WITHOUT REGARD?

Does being BLACK mean being OVERSEXED?

Does being BLACK mean NOT CARING FOR ANYONE BUT SELF?

Does being BLACK mean having NO SELF RESPECT?

Does being BLACK mean EMASCULATING YOUR MAN?

Does being BLACK mean being MISOGYNISTIC?

Does being BLACK mean doing POORLY IN SCHOOL?

Does being BLACK mean HAVING NO GOALS?

Does being BLACK mean being WITHOUT CULTURE?

Does being BLACK mean NOT WANTING MORE?

Does being BLACK mean NOT EXPECTING MORE?

Does being BLACK mean BEING OKAY WITH BEING A NIGGER OR A NIGGA?

Does being BLACK mean NOT GIVING YOUR CHILD THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE?

Does being BLACK mean YOU SMOKE WEED?

Does being BLACK mean BEING COMFORTABLE IN JAIL?

Does being BLACK mean that your concern is M.O.F (MONEY OVER FAMILY)?

Being BLACK to me means constantly being aware of the generations that came before me, the ones that arrived in chains to the ones who worked so hard to buy the only family home I knew (my grandparents). It means to constantly be aware of their neighbors who fought, struggled, died, and excelled with them. To me, being BLACK has more to do with the radiance from my skin than the color of it. It means ensuring my son knows the Yoruba culture and the tales of Anansi. Being BLACK has more to do with strength with my king than battle against him. It means finding the path and walking it; aware of all tribulations ahead but having the audacity to triumph over them.

I'm not ashamed of being BLACK. I just may be ashamed of being your black

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