Some time ago, as I was perusing the magazine rack at my local newsstand, my attention was grabbed by the cover of a Black music magazine. The cover story was a featured article on one of today's most popular female recording artists. The story labeled her "The Queen Of Ghetto Love." The Queen of Ghetto Love? What in the world is that supposed to mean?
When did the word "ghetto" become an adjective meaning something positive? When I was growing up, the ghetto was something to escape from, not something to embrace. Don't misunderstand me, I know that some very positive things happen in the ghetto. I also know that some very positive people came from the ghetto, myself included. However, I never wanted to be a part of the ghetto, moreover, I never wanted the ghetto to become a part of me.
Many of us may have, or may still, live in the ghetto, but that doesn't mean that we have to have a ghetto mindset. When I hear the phrase "ghetto love", it conjures up images of teenagers recklessly engaging in sexual behavior because no one has taught them what else to do with their raging hormones. I see sixteen year-old girls with three children, and no husband, and boys with multiple children, and no responsibility.
Using "ghetto" as an adjective describes an existence barely above living. Drugs, gangs, and crime are all symptoms of the ghetto. Ghetto life is almost synonymous with welfare life. There are people who legitimately need the help that Government Assistance provides; however there are also those of our people who would rather sit up and collect a check from the government each month, rather than go out and find a job and earn some money.
I often see "ghetto-minded" people in non-ghetto surroundings, and frankly it's embarrassing. If you don't understand what I mean, walk through any shopping mall on a weekend or evening. From the third floor, you'll hear a shrill voice shout something like, "Shafiqua! Whas'up girl! 'Dat li'l Dante' you got wit chu? He git'in big! I seen his daddy in court, When he git'in out?"
I know that these things that I'm saying will offend some people, but I really don't care.
For too long we've let our mindset hold us back. We have to be able to look beyond the ghetto if we want to be successful in this society. We need to stop using the excuses and blaming the white man for holding us back. Much of our condition as a people is the result of self-inflicted wounds. Yes, we were ripped from our Motherland and sold into slavery. Yes, we were given subpar educations, and yes, racism confronts most of us nearly every day. Those things do not; however qualify us for any special privilege. Just because we are an oppressed people does not mean that we have no obligation to follow the same rules that the rest of society follows.
There is nothing wrong with establishing our independence as a people, and keeping in touch with our cultural base. I am very proud of the uniqueness that is in our people. We are a colorful, vibrant, exuberant people, but there is a time and place for everything. Many of the things that we do and say, don't so much demonstrate our strong cultural identity, they mark us as socially ignorant.
I have been an employer. Coming to an interview with blue ringlets weaved into your hair and four-inch fingernails painted orange with rhinestones glued on, is not going to get you the job. Walking up to me, smacking your gum, saying, " Is y'all hirin'?" is unlikely to result in your being asked to come in for an interview.
In an ideal world, it wouldn't matter how someone talked, or dressed; success would be determined solely by the content of one's character. But in an ideal world, there wouldn't be any ghettoes either.
But that s just my opinion.
GOMAB!!!