You've Got To Be Fuqing Kidding Me

A few weeks back, an editorial (and accompanying cartoon) appeared in the Bay State Banner and I wasn't feeling it and threw in my two cents. Apparently, they got the memo, but somehow misplaced it since then. Peep the steez (link only good for current issue: March 16, 2006 - Vol. 41, No. 31).

If it looks like a thug...

A common practice of youth is to rebel against their parents and other adults as part of the process of establishing their own identities. Sometimes this can lead to unfortunate results.

Police in Boston have begun rousting youths who have the appearance of being gang-bangers. This is part of a strategy to reduce the growing murder rate. Unfortunately, many law-abiding youths have been caught up in the drag net.

The problem is that the adolescent style is to dress like gangbangers. In a pathetic effort to remedy the situation, some youths at a recent meeting prepared a sign which read, "My baggy pants don’t make me a thug." However, the youth who dress like thugs will generally be viewed that way by the police as well as the general public.

Police have been indiscriminately arresting youths who are lawfully in public housing projects. The youths win the cases but they will then have a criminal record. In the future when they apply for a job their CORI will follow them. Although there will be no conviction, many employers believe that "where there is smoke there is fire." Or as some people believe, "Why would the police have arrested them if they are really innocent?"

It is outrageous that the police indiscriminately arrest black youngsters who have committed no crime. Adults must vehemently object to such a policy. On the other hand, it is difficult for adults to understand why the young would voluntarily wear clothes that would cause them to masquerade as thugs.

Perhaps the young do not understand that to a considerable extent their clothes are a uniform, which inform others who they are and what they do. Adults do not wear the hip-hop fashions unless they are athletes, musicians or super-animated adolescents. National Basketball Association officials have banned that attire for the players.

It is inexcusable for the police to persecute the youth because of their appearance. But it is also time for young African Americans to consider a style of dress that indicates that they are disciplined and serious about getting ahead.

Disinformation

Many citizens choose not to stand for public office because their right to privacy ends the moment that they announce their candidacy. Deval Patrick, a candidate for governor, learned that lesson last week when the Boston Globe published as extensive story on his residences in Milton and Richmond.

The problem with these "exposes" is that they often shed little light on the character or competence of the candidates. Now Globe readers know that Patrick has had a successful professional career, he owns luxurious dwellings and he pays his mortgages.

Patrick's democratic opponent, Tom Reilly, attempted to turn this situation to his advantage by proclaiming that he is the only candidate who has been unable to acquire a substantial net worth. Only the most naive voter would find financial ineptitude to be beneficial.

African American voters, as well as whites, should be encouraged that Patrick has been able to rise from modest circumstances to attain such professional and financial success. And even more important, he is now willing to devote his energies as governor to providing the conditions that will enable others to realize their dreams.


"Man, maybe we'd do a little better if we dressed a little preppy."