California community leaders fed up with lack of reparations for black slavery

When You're Wrong, You're Wrong: Black Folks Who Fault-Find

From borrowing money to expecting a relative to do something for nothing, some of our people just don't bother to put themselves in anyone's shoes.  They rather place blame, bad-mouth, and say foolish things about people who are trying to help them out.  Some will go so far as to create drama so that they can get an outcome that will best suit them even though they are wrong!

I thought of this topic for this blog entry after having a conversation about someone who has a past of lying to cover up some shady things.  He will then point the finger at others even though he knows he is in the wrong!  It makes no sense to me why one wouldn't take responsibility for his own downfall?

Sometimes our people just don't want to look at the facts, because they know to see the truth will make them feel worse.  So what some of our folks will do is turn the tables on the innocent, helpful, kind, and other well-meaning individuals.  They know they were supposed to pay a bill on time, so when the man comes expecting payment, somehow they create drama for him.  "I don't like the way he asked me for the money...I don't need him anyway...that's why nothing good is going to happen to him and his family..."  What!?  An angry woman or man who needed a product, money or service is now upset because the lender is in need of his or her own tool/money/service.  The borrower doesn't want to pay the lender.  So the lender is supposed to be alright with that?

Another issue I noticed about some of our people, who are just wrong but love to justify their misdeeds, is when they want to argue over the littlest of things and bring family members and friends into their drama!  Was it really necessary to curse someone out about something that you know you messed up, didn't have a receipt for, failed to read the fine print, made a verbal agreement on rather than get in writing, and so on?  Oh, but some of our big-mouth people are going to go off on the poor man or woman at the store, in the church, at the hospital, the amusement park--wherever!  "You know I don't like them folks...I don't care what I did, he didn't have to call the manager...That's why I can't stand them!  They racists!"  Say what!?

When you are wrong, you are just wrong, plain and simple!  Don't sugarcoat your mess!  Don't get mama and 'em involved by calling everyone up repeating your story the way you think it should sound.  You know your favorite Auntie, Cousin, and 'em is wrong!  But scared, needy family members and friends are going to show loyalty to that relative who they know is wrong.  They are going to claim that "all is good" even when it is not, because they know that So and So will hook them up.  But being loyal doesn't mean enabling folk to keep doing wrong.  Think about it for a moment, some of our people have gotten away with so much, including causing strife in the family for lies, "going off" episodes, and more, simply because weak-minded, ignorant folk permitted them to act like fools!  It's time for all of us to wake up, stand up, and not let some of our people keep us from moving up, because they want us to get involved in their stuff. 

Enough is enough!

Nicholl McGuire

The Oppressed Recruiting a Few Good Slaves

Lately, I have been seeing my share of oppressed blacks on reality shows, television talk shows, and on and off the Internet attempting to recruit fellow blacks to jump on various bandwagons of ignorance from superstition to skin color complexes.  Nowadays, there are many blacks (more specifically younger ones) who aren't interested in perpetuating generational cycles like:  anger toward non-blacks, light skin and dark skin hang ups, and braggadocious behaviors related to material wealth, power, etc.

For sake of this blog entry, I am defining the oppressed blacks, I speak of, as ones who are burdened by powerful people with hidden agendas (in various industries ie. entertainment, government etc.) to share messages that are designed to exercise power over the masses.  For instance, if I run a large media congolomerate and I have a plan to make more money by targeting a certain market, I will recruit those who can tap on the weaknesses of others in an attempt to keep them buying/watching/selling/marketing for my company.  What better way to keep people under one's thumb then to get them to say and do the kinds of things that appear like they are down/keeping it real/truthful?  But the reality is, the oppressed are nothing more than puppets with drawstrings that aren't interested in freeing blacks from stupid reasonings, but more interested in suffocating independent critical thinking skills while robbing a brother and sister blind financially.

Now these "oppressed" blacks I speak of are those that don't sit comfortably when a fellow black says, "I don't see color...I am teaching my children to respect both sides of their heritage...I am not exclusively in support of my people, but all people..."  Oh, oppressed blacks don't like this kind of talk!  For some it means that someone is "out of touch or just doesn't get it," you know, the struggle.  Whatever "the struggle" these days means to certain groups ie.) racism, sexism, etc.   But I have to admit that there are many blacks that are more free today than their ancestors ever were (free to vote, get a job, buy a car, sit on a bus, start a business, and so on) and as far as struggling, many ignorant blacks bring issues on themselves because they are too busy trying to keep up with everyone else. 

Oppressed blacks help perpetuate ignorance with all their "I'm black, you black talk."  The way some of our people spit out the word "black" is just wrong especially when talking to someone who is lighter than they are.  Why is there such a negative disposition about so-called educating someone on the black experience?  The reason is quite simple, when you hate yourself, you hate those around you who are content, free and settled with just being a person.  Not everyone has experienced being called this name and that one--believe it or not.  Not everyone is interested in dating within their own ethinicity just because an oppressed black wouldn't dare.  Not everyone is bobbing their head to foolishness and spending money they don't have on more foolishness!  So much ignorance!

For the oppressed blacks, they don't need a master to enslave them, because they enslave themselves with all their negativity, years of brainwashing from grandma and 'em, and worse they permit their bad experiences with nonblacks to dictate their lives.  "I would never let my daughter date them...my kids is n*ggas and proud of it--so what, their mama is white!  I don't give a d*mn, I'm black what, what?!!"  When I hear statements like this, I don't hear the love in them and I definitely don't entertain discussion, because I know what it all boils down to is raised voices, attitudes, insults, and cursing.  If someone wants to call their children bi-racial, so what?  If someone thinks it's stupid to keep investing in trends, it doesn't mean that they don't have it going on?  If a person wants to live in a small house rather than a big house, it doesn't make them cheap?  If a group chooses to believe in a Creator, it doesn't mean that the white man has his foot on their necks?

The oppressed have no problem recruiting the following:  those who are naive, have identity issues, and are just plain mad about their have-nots in life.  These types of people are the perfect recruits--misery loves company!  An angry black comes along with a hate filled speech, bad experiences with non-blacks, and whatever else that attempts to fire others up.  Those that know better don't allow such speech to permeate their ears, but those who have issues invite the oppression.  Free people like to be around free people.  The type of folks that are happy with their lives, doing what's right, and staying drama free!

There are just some things in this life that we have to let go of especially if those issues have nothing to do with us!  So many people get tricked into saying things, joining groups, and doing more for others who have specific agendas that don't have anyone's best interest in mind except those who are funding the mission.  The ones who come up with these plans to enforce certain policies spend a great deal of time tailoring messages in such a way so that one can take their rage out into the street only to find themselves physically, mentally or spiritually in bondage.  Rather than be so quick to preach a gospel of any kind, consider this, is it going to free a person?  Is it going to cause someone to act in love?  Will that person love who they are, appreciate parents, and raise children to be productive, respectable members of society?  If I am standing on a platform screaming at the top of my lungs about why someone should/could/need to and I am disappointed with many things concerning myself, you have to wonder, do I sincerely have the best intentions for my fellow brothers and sisters?

We all have to check ourselves when it comes to inner love, peace, happiness, and more.  If we can't get along with ourselves, then how can we get along with anyone else?  Oppressed blacks are not a benefit to any individual or group (except to those who pay them to keep drama going), they are like those crabs in a barrel, they don't mind who they step on to get to the top.  Don't permit the anger speech, the "you black" hate, and whatever other negativity a relative, friend, co-worker, boss or someone else brings you, stop that mess at the door!  Much of the anger hype is to get you to conform, to put you in a box, and most of all get you to be that obedient slave from yesteryear who sits back with the rest of the slaves complaining about master.    

 Nicholl McGuire     

Being Black is Not an Excuse to Stop Trying

It doesn't matter whether one's skin tone is fair, brown or dark, if we use it as an excuse to keep from moving from point A to B, then we deserve what we get.

I thought about this when I reflected on the reactions I received over the years from all sorts of skin tones.  You are damned if you do, and damned if you don't--too light for this group or too dark for that one.  Blessed if you're one skin tone, "Come on over here, my sister!" or cursed if your another, "You do realize you're colored, right?"  I realized that no matter what a person saw, I had to make up in my mind that my skin tone would have no bearing on what I aspired to be and to do in my lifetime.

There will be those people who will attack you, because they sense that you may be one of those who are sensitive about the color of your skin.  It doesn't matter how old or young you are, they know that if they say certain words about the way you look, you will flip out.  Some people think that they are privileged because they look a certain way while others think that they can't get ahead because they aren't the right shade.  This kind of mentality stems from another's opinion of what they deem as "good, sweet, and beautiful."  But the truth of the matter, one's appearance means nothing to your Creator.  He will open doors that no man can open!  Think of a few testimonies you have heard over the years and you thought, "How in the world did she get in?  What did he have to do?  Neither looked or fit the part!"  But they got in, didn't they?  They moved ahead, right?  Maybe you were one of the blessed and highly favored ones!  Encourage someone!

The word, "black" means nothing to some and a whole lot of something to others.  This is why some will say, "The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice.  I'm black and proud!  Oh that is a sexy chocolate looking man!"  While others will say, "Look at that black baby!  She so black!  Take that off, you already black!"  Some people choose to be far removed from anything black because of a past riddled with such abusive "black" talk.  There are those who think there is nothing wrong with commenting on someone's blackness positively, but for some people it's all bad.  "Just see me for who I am!" some will say.

Whatever shade our skin tone, we all should be comfortable in it.  Maybe some of us need counseling to heal from an ugly past.  (You know you have issues when you are looking someone else up and down because they are light, brown, or dark before they even speak to you!!) Some people are just fine being who they are and can mingle with the best of them no matter what color they are.  Whatever the issue or lack thereof that some have, our blackness should never be an excuse for us to stop progressing in our dreams.

Nicholl McGuire

Black People Are So Sensitive! Why We Should Hold Us Accountable

Over the years I have heard white people describe blacks as being sensitive. I have been approached by whites asking me why are blacks so sensitive as if I am the ambassador for why some black women cop attitudes, and black men threaten to kill someone for calling them a n*gger! I can't speak for all blacks, nor do I want to but I will say in my experience having to deal with some of my fellow sisters and brothas personally and professionally there is an "attitude."

Now I am not saying that white people don't have their share of attitudes, because I have had to deal with that too, but this site is about African American issues so I will stick with what I know that I know. You see at times, blacks don't know how to have an attitude with a grin. They don't know how to type a professional letter loaded with sugar asking for what they want. Some are all too ready to jump in someone's face or type a quick insulting email; rather than take care of business. Meanwhile, they still hope to get the results they are seeking, even after they are exposed for their ignorance, written up on their job, or some other negative problem befalls them. Why would anyone want to do business with foolishness? When things don't go their way, they resort to "the blame everyone else" mentality. "It's just the devil getting in the way of my plans...I know it's because of the color of my skin...She's jealous...He never did like me," even if there was some truth to that argument, who is really to blame? In other words, could it have been your attitude, the lack of detail in your response, the fact that you are not on their level mentally, or something else? Here's another popular quote I hear when people use "the blame everyone else" mentality, "I wouldn't be acting like this...if it wasn't for him/her." Really?! You sure about that, I can almost bet a person with this kind of mentality lives in a house where people say, "You always want to be right, don't you? Why am I always to blame? Why don't you apologize sometimes for what you do wrong?"

What is it about asking blacks in leadership questions or holding blacks accountable in business that some have to resort to an "attitude?" For example, I wanted to know where my money was going if I donated to a certain event after receiving an email asking me for money, what would be expected of me since they needed volunteers, who would be handling my money, etc. The response I received was shocking, I guess it was because I chose to share public information which included the responders very public attitude (I guess she didn't think I would expose her like I did.) Well of course, she would accuse me of being negative, jealous, attack her, etc. I guess in her haste to ask people for money, she forgot that some people would question her and this "we" group she often referred to.

Some blacks choose to tell the end of the story when they are selling you on their ideas, rather than sharing the details of the business plan that is going to get you there. Let me provide you with a few examples. I remember one day I was walking toward a grocery store and an African American man started running his mouth about collecting money for a charity and how great it was for the children. He never said the name of the charity and never bothered to hand me information about it. All he had in his hands was some candy and some droplets of spit coming from a fast moving tongue. So I am supposed to be gullible enough to hand him some of my hard-earned money toward something I know nothing about. Here's another example. For years I have heard brothers tell me they were working in the studio and they would be "dropping an album," well it sounds good what they are telling me. Sometimes the album makes it to the store, but most often it doesn't. Along the way, someone has forgotten about the marketing plan. Yet, I am expected to give money just because. Listen, whether it is $5 or $30,000, like the rapper 50cent told his contestants on his past reality show, "I need to know what you are going to do with my money!" It's funny some blacks won't hesitate to give the white man a neatly, organized, business plan and a well-thought out answer when asked, but us, we get vague details, unanswered questions, disrespect, but you want someone's time, talents, money, etc. As my mother says, "N*gga please!"

So now you have called this unprofessional, disorganized African American out on their bs (while your friends say, "well the brotha or sista is trying," but your friends aren't investing too much of anything while their talking though.) So what do unprofessional, disorganized, highly sensitive black people do? They resort to the race card, name-call, make false accusations like calling other blacks sell outs (I wonder how many blacks accused President Barack Obama of that before he came to office), jealous, or some other put down. They rally up some supporters who agree with them, at least to their face, that you are a troublemaker, negative, etc. Then there is always one or two ignorant blacks or those with a special interest in mind (usually having something to do with money), come into the dispute as false peacemakers. "Why can't everyone get along!" Oblivious to the negative spin attempted to quiet you for sounding the alarm or making them work, the ignorant black will say, "Yeah why are you being petty? Why you troublemaking?" I can't help but think is that how our ancestors were treated when they opened their mouths and questioned authority? I could hear the cowardly negroes say, "Now just be quiet. We eating real good. Don't make masta' beat us! With all your trouble-making...Shhh!" Go along just to get along!

I was encouraged to write about this topic after seeing enough examples around me of blacks wanting to do business without a license, collect donations for causes without details, name drop without wisdom, market their social networking pages without a plan (like requesting friendship without introducing themselves,) and so on. Why should anyone offer a service, money, time, eyes, contacts, friendship or anything else when the writing is on the wall, "Be discerning when allowing this person into your life." So I call people out, more specifically the African American populace, I admit it, because I am in the process of selecting who I want to take with me on my ride of life. My days are numbered just like yours.

Like President Barack Obama stated in past speeches, "Change begins with you." Obama didn't get to where he is in life simply by going along to get along especially when people are doing things that they may have never been questioned about before (ie. wasteful spending.) I'm not interested in favor with everyone. If the truth is going to hurt someone while provoking change well I'm all for it. I come from a long line of strict teachers and I can't help but treat others like I have been treated and hold people accountable. I thank God for the School of Hard Knox!

Some of these disgruntled, stressed out black folks need to avoid getting a job in customer service, seriously! I'm tired of seeing the frown and the crinkle in someone's forehead while they are looking a customer up and down behind their back. I know you saw or met these people I'm describing somewhere and they act as if they are the nicest people to your face until there is a problem then their whole facial expression changes, the body language becomes defensive, "What ya asking me for? That's not how we do it. Save your questions for after the meeting!" The movies aren't that far off from the truth. We see the same character played over and over again. He or she is usually working behind a fast food counter or talking over the phone, cussing, fussing, gossiping, name-calling, you name it, all because of one thing, he or she can't handle the truth!

So the next time you have to deal with a stubborn, neck-rolling, eye-popping, finger snapping, bossy, highly sensitive woman or man (or shall I say girl or boy), make them accountable. Loose lips, do sink ships! Sometimes our people just want the title in front of their name, but forget what they will have to endure to earn the title.

Written by Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com