Tag Archives: African-American Men

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Why I Don’t Want to Ever See Stockton, California, Again: Commentary on a Common Problem Afflicting Black America

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The following statement is a peculiar one. I’ve never been to Stockton, California; however, I have been to Stockton, California. You’ve probably never been to Stockton, California; however, I bet that you have been to many Stockton, California’s. In fact, I can state with absolute certainty that I have been to a series of Stockton’s during my life. Let me explain.

The saga that inspires this posting into the sublime began with a shooting at the Sherwood Mall, a shopping venue on Stockton, Califonia’s, Pacific Avenue. News reports tell us that the shooting occurred after a fight in the food court. This unfortunate incident prodded dozens of teenagers to appear at the scene of the tragic shooting to “pay their respects” to the most recent victims of a prolonged history of senseless gun violence involving Black males. Apparently, things took a turn for the worse when a conflict occurred between a swelling crowd of mourners and mall security guards. Ultimately, the mall would be closed as a result of the conflict.

This posting is has less to do with what occurred on that eventful day and more to do with the reactions that followed on internet message boards; a source of unfiltered commentary that reveals commenters true feelings.

I will let you in on a little secret of mine. I routinely subject myself to the banter that occurs in message boards dedicated to random racial incidents. Although there is no comment regarding the racial identity of those involved in the Sherwood Mall shooting, most, myself included, believe that African-American teens were involved. This expectation were enough to prod American citizens to post the following message board comments.

  • 13/90 (a characterization that Blacks are only 13% of the American population, yet commit 90% of the crime) at it again.
  • Yeah, just judge them by “the content of their character.”
  • I bet that none of those involved in either incident has an active father in their life.
  • One guess at what their racial identity is.
  • They ruin every shopping venue that they are given access to.

There were thousands of such comments that characterized Blacks as a scourge on this earth.

Although there is much that can be said about the murderous tendencies and proclivity towards tyrannical behavior among a certain segment of White America, I will not spend my time expounding on such things. I choose to bypass such unproductive discussions in the hope that my focus on Black America may yield some positive results.

One does not need to delve deep into the hearts and minds of Blacks to find a seething anger and pervasive disappointment with their countrymen. Unbeknownst to non-Blacks, there has been a long-running intra-racial feud occurring within Black America. Comedian Chris Rock touched on this matter during one of his stand-ups when he quipped,

“There is a Civil War going on within Black America between Black folk and N!@@as and N!@@as have got to go.”

The alluded to battles are contentious contests for ownership over a lengthy list of concepts and ideas such as,

  • What is blackness?
  • How does blackness behave (in public/private)?
  • What does “authentically Black” actually mean?
  • Who has the right to define blackness?

The only certainty one finds within Black America’s raging culture wars is a seething hatred. A comprehensive hatred that can be found on all sides of multiple on-going battles over matters ranging from “snitching” to sexual orientation.

My familiarity with Black America’s culture wars is the catalyst behind my statement that although I have never been to Stockton, California’s, Sherwood Mall, I am familiar with the issues that led to the senseless death of a young Black male after a mere fist fight. Unfortunately, this is a familiar story for Blacks.

Although most Blacks shudder at the thought of airing our “dirty laundry” due to a reasonable fear that it will be seized by bigoted Whites as evidence of our inferiority, such fears do not lessen the reality that the onus for correcting such matters rests squarely on our brawny shoulders. Failure to do such provides White bigots yet another opportunity to use the anti-social behavior of a few to malign the masses. Let’s be honest about this matter, no amount of Black respectability will change the negative view of the Race by White bigots; it is an unconquerable obstacle that matters mightily in the struggle to end racial discord.

As is so often the case, external factors have positioned progressive-minded Blacks in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” position. If they publicly address their brethren whose behavior and values are flawed, they feed the conclusions of White bigots. If they remain silent, their communities will remain in a compromised state.

When viewed this way, the choice is a relatively simple one. Blacks must not consider the small-minded conclusions that flow from the minds of White bigots and take definitive steps to address what can be termed the usual issues and maladies facing Blacks. The issues and maladies that allow each of us to state that I’ve never been to Stockton, California; however, I have been to many Stockton, California’s. Although difficult for many Blacks to comprehend, there is no one coming to aid you in your battle to increase your political-economic position; the onus to achieve such is on you. Never have the words of Marcus Mosiah Garvey — “Up you mighty Race, achieve what you will” been more appropriate and actionable than the present.

I pray that we address our issues because I don’t want to go to Stockton, California, again.

   Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture 2020.

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Why Michael Bloomberg is Preaching Against ‘Safe Spaces’ for African-Americans on Predominantly White Campuses

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While reviewing my files, I came across the following offering that addresses now Presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg. Considering his decision to join the pursuit for the Oval Office, I thought that it was appropriate to republish this article.  

I will be the first to acknowledge that my exposure to Michael R. Bloomberg is limited to frequent visits to Harlem during his tenure as New York City’s, Mayor. This period is particularly significant to me as it allowed me to witness significant portions of Harlem USA, the Mecca of Black America for much of the 20th Century, being lost by Black New Yorkers. After interacting with many of the victims of this colossal gentrification, I surmised that Michael R. Bloomberg has been both an irritant and antagonistic toward African-Americans.

Consequently, I was not shocked when Bloomberg continued his well-worn pattern during his commencement address at the University of Michigan. The former Mayor used this occasion to display his staunch opposition to all policies that could potentially benefit African-Americans, particularly Black collegians. Bloomberg used this platform to attack the ‘safe spaces’ and ‘learning communities’ that are dotting American collegiate campuses. What follows is a portion of Bloomberg’s message.

The most useful knowledge that you leave here with today has nothing to do with your major. It’s about how to study, cooperate, listen carefully, think critically and resolve conflicts through reason. Those are the most important skills in the working world, and it’s why colleges have always exposed students to challenging and uncomfortable ideas.

The fact that some university boards and administrations now bow to pressure and shield students from these ideas through “safe spaces,” “code words” and “trigger warnings” is, in my view, a terrible mistake.

The whole purpose of college is to learn how to deal with difficult situations — not run away from them…one of the most dangerous places on a college campus is a safe space, because it creates the false impression that we can insulate ourselves from those who hold different views.

We can’t do this, and we shouldn’t try — not in politics or in the workplace. In the global economy, and in a democratic society, an open mind is the most valuable asset you can possess.

I am unsurprised by Bloomberg’s view of safe spaces created to o aid African-American males during their pursuit of academic success on what are unfortunately hostile collegiate campuses.

To be honest, I expected Michael Bloomberg to be clueless regarding the utility of safe spaces. Such ignorance is predictable when one considers that the vast majority of whites, particularly upper-middle-class and wealthy whites such as Bloomberg, live lives where the entire world is a ‘safe space’ for not only them, but also their offspring.

Bloomberg’s contention that collegiate campuses provide an opportunity to “learn how to deal with difficult situations — not run away from them…the most dangerous place on a college campus is a safe space, because it creates the false impression that we can insulate ourselves from those who hold different views” reveals much about Class and White privilege, variables that are accessed so routinely by some that it is akin to the laws of gravity. Figures such as Bloomberg have never realized that their position and perspective is a unique one that most Americans, particularly Black males, cannot identify with it.

In light of the fact that individuals such as Michael R. Bloomberg will never be able to remove the blind spots that led them astray during moments such as this one. I am going to provide them a lesson what others here when persons of their ilk seek to delve into racial matters such as this one. Michael, this is what non-elite Black males took from your juvenile statement regarding safe spaces.

The whole purpose of college is for ‘minorities’ to learn how to deal with the difficult situations that they will eventually be placed within – and that lesson can never be to run away from them…one of the most dangerous places on a college campus is a safe space, because it creates the false impression for African-Americans that they can insulate themselves from powerful whites who hold views that they are powerless to affect. Views that will never be abandoned as it would mean powerful Whites working against their own interests; an occasion that never occurs; particularly for something that matters as little as racial equality.

Bloomberg’s statement reveals a deplorable spirit of refusing any refuge for the most abused and exploited populations within our midst. According to Bloomberg, a safe space for poor and working-class people is in a word, hilarious.

Make no mistake about it, predominantly White campuses are notorious for being hostile environments for African-American teenagers raised and protected by doting parents who have done their best to develop a moral compass within them. Many Black parents believe that basic values will serve them well on a path to success that will be filled with discrimination, racial bigotry, and institutional racism. For many of these optimistic Black youth, the inhospitable predominantly white institution is their initial full dose of unfairness. The safe space that Michael Bloomberg rails against serves as a much-needed shelter from an ancient storm that has broken several generations of Black America.

Michael Bloomberg either does not understand or does not care that the safe spaces that he criticizes as being useless to Black collegians on hostile white campuses reveal him and those of his ilk as being out of touch with the times. And why would they not be? They have never had to deal with such matters? Bloomberg and his contemporaries have never experienced the hellish existence that shadows the have not’s of America. They have no idea of what occurs during a typical day on a white campus to non-White students, nor do they care to learn. Sadly, elites are not feigning ignorance when they offer incredulous disbelief that a significant portion of the harassment that African-American male collegians experience comes at the hand of White professors and teaching assistants, more burdensome harassment than that issued by White students. Michael Bloomberg’s resistance to a moment of reprieve from such an existence is tantamount to “tough love” for Black collegians.

In many ways, Bloomberg’s statement is akin to a call for African-American collegians to simply “Eat Shit and Grin.” Unfortunately, this deplorable situation is the daily reality for far too many Black adults. To their credit, African-American collegians fight for a “safe space” that has been so strident that college administrators have been forced to take definitive steps to address the matter.

I guess that from his perspective that drips with every sort of privilege imaginable, Michael Bloomberg and his contemporaries by denying “safe spaces” are seeking to aid Black collegians by providing them a dose of reality. The message is that in “the real world” there is no reprieve from overreaching White elites who will seek to invade every portion of your existence, even your precious mental space. So, I guess it is through a warped sense of aiding Black collegians, a well-intentioned super-charged dose of benign neglect, that we must consider Bloomberg’s resistance to “safe spaces.” If Bloomberg had his way, African-American collegians on predominantly white campuses would be like the Black adults that they are training to join in “the real world” and manage to survive in a torturous isolation surrounded by White colleagues who are also attempting to carve out a space that allows for them to stomach the tyrannical reign of White elites whose fixation on Class mutes any consideration of racial solidarity that does not manifest itself in increased profits.

I guess that when viewed from this perspective, Bloomberg’s advice is kind in that it is attempting to tell Black collegians that they have much in common with their White classmates in that in this nation they both must learn to “eat shit and grin”. Unfortunately, neither of them realizes it yet; trust me when I say that if they live enough life in this Capitalist nation these non-elites will learn this lesson very well. 

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.

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Prince Harry’s Master Class to Black Men

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If such things were not routine on social media sites, the audacious statement from some Black women that it took Prince Harry to show Black men “how to protect a Black woman” would have been alarming. Unfortunately for the sake of such critics, I, and the vast majority of Black men, have become desensitized to such commentary from a small group of Black women who appear to be afflicted with a host of psychological maladies.  

This matter reverts my mind to social critic Ishmael Reed’s assertion that “a people can be no stronger than their stories.”  Reed’s observation holds much truth regarding how people’s dominant narrative reveals much about how they view their past, present, and future. Hence, the assertion that Prince Harry is conducting a “master class” to Black men titled “how to protect a Black woman” speaks volumes about the past, present, and future perspective of a portion of Black women regarding the uselessness of Black males.

Now, the salacious allegation that I am a glutton for punishment may be verified by the fact that I find the comment sections of issues such as this one particularly riveting. The anonymity of message boards presents an unadulterated glimpse into the psyche of disgruntled Black women. So, while this issue was trending, I followed the lead of famed NFL Wide Receiver Terrell Owens and grabbed my popcorn and read through hundreds of comments regarding Prince Harry’s “Master Class” on “how to protect a Black woman” as proven by his treatment of Meghan Markle, the former Duchess of Sussex.

As I expected, some Black women celebrated Prince Harry’s actions while issuing scathing critiques of Black men. I was surprised that these comments were counter-balanced by a cross-section of Black America that not only challenged the prevailing narrative, but also seized it for their own purposes. A task that I have advised my community to do in this space on numerous occasions.

If I did not know any better, I would have been convinced that those lauding Prince Harry’s treatment of his wife did not live in the Black America that reared me and droves of others like me.

Although it would be deceitful to state that I do not know Black men who absconded their familial responsibilities, such realities do not blind me to the fact that I hail from a family of Black men whose foremost priority is taking care of their home. Within my Black America, I witnessed Black men work themselves into the grave as they attempted to provide for their offspring despite the presence of demonic entities known as prejudice, discrimination, racial bigotry, and institutionalized racism. The men that I speak of are analogous to fallen service members who gave all for those that they loved.

If provided the opportunity, I would tell the relatively small cadre of Black women fawning over Prince Harry’s actions to treat him as they have treated Black men who routinely accomplish the same task. They should purse their lips, give him their signature side-eye look and inform him that “you don’t get credit for doing what you are supposed to do.”

Seize and change the narrative y’all.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.

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Redefining Cool: Why Black America Must Alter What They Teach Black Boys About Being “Cool”

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There is no room to doubt that despite their obvious diversity, African-American men have historically considered themselves to be the personification of “cool.” This ownership of “the cool” may be the only thing that Black men agree on. Let’s be honest about this, Black men have historically possessed a monopoly on “the cool”.

Unfortunately, when it comes to Black men, “the cool” has proven to be a double-edged sword that boosts self-esteem, yet widens the path toward evil. In hindsight, it is obvious that “the cool” is of little utility beyond the veneer of self-confidence it provides.  

It is this “cool” quotient that African-American men emit via dress, walk, and talk that young Black boys learn to model during their adolescence. According to Richard Majors, the “Cool Pose” is a set of language, mannerisms, gestures and movements that

exaggerate or ritualize masculinity. The Essence of cool is to appear in control, whether through a fearless style of walking, an aloof facial expression, the clothes you wear, a haircut, your gestures or the way you talk. The cool pose shows the dominant culture that you are strong and proud, despite your status in American society…Much of cool pose is ritualistic imitation of peers. If you’re not seen as cool, you’re an outsider. It’s a way to be included.

Considering the present state of African-American males, one is faced with an over-arching question of “Is the “cool pose” working against the formation of healthy male/female relations within Black America?”

A subtle glance at the Black Family would convince any objective person that “the cool” is a negative for African-American males, the women that they create children with, and the alluded to offspring.

Although “the cool” benefits a few African-American males by bolstering their status among peers, it simultaneously ensures their rejection by a larger White society who despise its manifestation in Black bodies. Make no mistake about it, a segment of African-American males’ well-documented inability to secure meaningful gainful employment, a pre-requisite to marriage and the starting of a family, hinders every aspect of potential relationships within Black America. History has proven that African-American males who have spent their cultural capital investing in the “cool pose” will eventually find themselves permanently ostracized from mainstream society.

Unfortunately for younger African-American males, their ritualistic imitation of peers frequently leads them to prison, probation, parole, unemployment and/or early death. The “cool pose” is integral to understanding why

  • 1.5 Million African-American Males are involved in the penal system via incarceration (Federal, State, and Local) or on some form of probation.
  • There is a 85% recidivism rate for African-American Males.
  • 60% of African-American males are involved in the penal system for a drug-related crime.
  • In 1979 there were 100,000 Black males in the judicial system, today that number has swelled to 1,500,000.
  • The majority of the 2.3 million people incarcerated in U.S. prisons and jails are people of color, people with mental health issues and drug addiction, people with low levels of educational attainment, and people with a history of unemployment or underemployment.

This begs the question of what is Black America to do?

It may be time to forge a socialization process that redefines and promotes a new form of “the cool.” This alteration to a basic element of so many African-American males’ identity would allow Black males to retain their “cool quotient” while directing them toward success. There is no need to argue against the reality that our failure to redirect Black males down a more productive path will lead to the continuation of today’s unfortunate realities. The onus for such an alteration belongs to Black parents and families interested in the success of such individuals; not a “Black leadership cadre” whose in-action all but signals their abdication of such responsibilities.

It is imperative that future generations of Black males abandon what Richard Majors appropriately terms the “cool pose” and replace it with a new view of themselves and what a Black man ought to be and ought to do. Noted poet Gwendolyn Brooks predicted in her poem We Real Cool that the failure to do such all but guarantees that if they fail to do so, “We Die Soon.”

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.

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“Didn’t You know that Being Black and Poor Came At A Cost “: The Sad Saga of Bryce Gowdy and the “Hell Hounds” on the Trail of Poor Black Folk

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Far too often we ignore profound messages because of their source. I have consciously attempted to avoid this trap and be receptive to poignant communications that possess the potential to illuminate my constantly evolving understanding of life. It has served me well.

While reading about the heartbreaking suicide of Georgia Tech football recruit Bryce Gowdy, 17, the words of hip-hop emcee Big K.R.I.T. came to mind. The famed rapper’s admonishment that “being Black and poor comes at a cost” unfortunately serves as theme music for far too many Blacks struggling against the grip of poverty and the misery it delivers in our minds and souls. Of course, for Black America, the path to poverty is a multi-lane toll road laden expressway with myriad exits and even more potholes.

It is difficult to argue against the assertion that the foremost by-product of the grinding costs of “being Black and poor” is an ever-increasing pressure. Trust me when I say that the alluded to “pressure” causes instability and unpredictably within those that it afflicts. The great poet Langston Hughes asked in his poem Harlem what happens to a Dream Deferred? Does it sag like a heavy load or does it explode? 

Only those who have dealt with the mounting pressure of being “Black and poor” have an inkling of an understanding of why Bryce Gowdy, a young man scheduled to enroll at Georgia Tech on a “full-ride athletic scholarship” this week, committed suicide via a freight train. For Gowdy, Charles Dickens’ words that “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” ring true as this young man whose family was in the throes of homelessness was on the brink of leaving all of that behind.

In retrospect, it appears as if Gowdy was being pursued by the same “hell hounds” that pursued famed Blues guitarist Robert Johnson.

The alluded to “hell hounds” that attach themselves to so many within our community birth “social ills” such as alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, depression, and promiscuity among those that they doggedly pursue. If nothing else, these addictions and evils provide those desperately seeking a reprieve from a hellish existence brief shelter.

In hindsight, it is obvious that Bryce Gowdy’s “hell hounds” caused a psychological break that birthed a desperate search for meaning in life. Shibbon Mitchell, Bryce’s mother, shared one of her final interactions with her child in the following statement.

Better days for Bryce and his mother

A few days ago, Bryce was talking crazy…he kept talking about the signs and symbols he was seeing. He kept saying he could see people for who they really are…He had a lot of questions about spirituality and life. He kept asking if I was going to be okay if his brothers were going to be okay.   

Although most Black males being pursued by “hell hounds” suffer in silence, Gowdy’s circumstances were different as others outside of his family were aware of his struggles. Jevon Glenn, Gowdy’s high school football coach, illuminates this young man’s burdensome situation. According to Glenn,

He had what looked like the opportunity of a lifetime to most kids, but he felt a burden and we talked about it that he’d be going off to Georgia Tech to stability, to free room and board, not worrying about food or money or anything like that. But he’d be leaving his mother and brothers in an unstable situation.

Bryce Gowdy’s situation is not rare. In fact, it is a fairly typical depiction of “the cost of being Black and poor” in America. It is a grind that whittles even the strongest in our midst down to pitiful caricatures of their former selves.

In the wake of this young man’s untimely demise, questions regarding why no one intervened on his behalf are natural. Anyone who has ever had “hell hounds on their trail” will tell you that questions prove how little some people know about this situation. They certainly do not understand that this problem of all-consuming grinding poverty does not cease until a seemingly inevitable psychological break occurs.

Unfortunately for Black America, Bryce Gowdy was not the first young African-American male to find the price of being “Black and poor” too much to bear and he will definitely not be the last. All that any of us can hope for right now is that he has found the peace that eluded him during his earthly existence.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III 

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.