In the words of Charles Barkley after hearing the comment made about NFL quarterback Russell Wilson not being black enough, he goes on to set the record straight. Mr. Barkley asserts: "For some reason we are brain washed to think, if you're not a thug or an idiot, you're not black enough. If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent, and don't break the law, you're not a good black person. It's a dirty, dark secret in the black community."
This comment made, not being black enough, is a comment that most, if not all blacks can identify with. Not only is it a comment that many blacks can identify with, but it's a comment in which we have failed to come to grips with understanding. Once such a statement is understood, it is imperative to strip this phrase from the conscious of those to follow. For many years, blacks have struggled to identify with their own self identification label. Much of our being in "search of" can be seen in how we dress, how we walk, how we dress up our cars, the type of music that is embraced and the slang we sometimes use towards each other. In other words, many of us have accepted self annihilating experiences and when we witness other blacks outside of those parameters, it prompts us to bring about judgment about who they really are, because we are still in search of who we are.
The comment, "you're not black enough," is not only a shallow comment that arises from the minds of those that struggle with the insecurity of being black, but it pulls back the label on what ignorance stands for, leaving little room for educational, social, and at best, moral growth.
As Mr. Barkley eluded to, we should never adhere to anything that goes against the grain of positive morals and ethics. Without a shadow of doubt, we must understand that it's embedded within the conscious of everyone, that a person's looks, words and behavior becomes the first line of defense as to what type of character one is dealing with from the external side. In other words, I have no desire to look like a thug, act like a thug, or display behavior that is opposite of what I profess to be. These are things that have no color, they're simply traits in which we purposefully pass on from generation to generation only because of an accepted "affinity."
Finally, at some point, the art of educating our youths will have to rise up in the mind of all that have a desire to see growth over those things that sow destruction. Without the continuous education of the aforementioned, blacks will continue to adhere to self ignominy and will forever remain in search of quality character traits, which are already, seemingly available.
In the end, I agree with Mr. Barkley.
www.Christopher-Ty.com
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Please Share this With Jameis Winston: Florida State Quaterback
For the many of you that may know of or perhaps never heard of the star studded quarterback Jameis Winston, he is a force to be reckoned with. Like many other great quarterbacks that have come through the college game of football, Jameis is different. For one, Jameis won the Heisman trophy in 2013. The winning of this trophy is not only a high accomplishment but in part, it sets his athletic abilities at a different level.
There is no doubt that Jameis is a gifted football player. No one can argue that fact. However, as one look throughout the history of Jameis's life, there are things that are bothersome and perhaps he is either unaware of them, or there is no one in his circle that is willing to challenge his actions. So, as you continue to read this article, think of it as an article in which you would like to share with our good friend Jameis Winston and hope that he is willing to read this.
Hello Jameis, my name is Christopher. I have been a fan of your talent for several years now, but lately, I'm rethinking the whole ideal of what it means to be a fan, especially a good fan. Although I'm a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I felt it necessary to share this important piece of information with you and others.
There are some things that are concerning me with your behavior. Perhaps some things that you could care less to know, or perhaps your humility has been denounced and you are willing to go at it on your own. I've seen so many other good players that followed this route and in the end, they come out the losers. Jameis, I want you to understand that you should never allow your actions to speak differently than what you say you heart truly is. I'm sure you would say, "I have a good heart" right? Well, many of us will say this, but the end results are found within the actions in which you display.
For example, you should never allow your talent to take you places in which your Character can not keep you. This is of the utmost importance. Why do I say this? The reason I say this is because your character is reflective on your school's organization. It is not about you Jameis. You are simply lending your talent and you musn't forget that your talent can be replaced at anytime. Having said that, this is your time to shine. If this is your time to shine, then you should allow this illumination to be with all humility and not ignorance.
When I read the article that brought about your 1 game suspension, I thought, really..., again Jameis? You see Jameis, the organization of football is larger than you could ever imagine. Even the financial contributors that pour in on an annual basis for both college and the NFL are larger than you could ever imagine. Why do I mention this? Well, because I would like for you to know that it's a team effort and one bad player can easily be replaced. When I think of the billions and I do mean billions of dollars in which financial donors give each year to sports, the question then becomes, ...do they really expect to see an outstanding football player act like a fool? Think about it Jameis. You have a talent that can easily become minimal with a "bad" hit or some unexplainable illness, why not use it to the best of your ability. If you decide not to act in good character, then its' ok. They will just replace you. You must remember, YOU NEED THEM, MORE THAN THEY NEED YOU. At this time, you are somewhat iconic in your own way, but this can easily be removed depending on your actions. You must understand this: When your talent is long gone, it will be your dignity and character that people will remember you by the most. You should never have the attitude of : "I don't care, or screw them" because the fans are the ones that have the ability to either accept you or deny you. In other words, it maybe your future and talent but negative characteristics can dissolve any and everything you may build during your college years in football or your NFL years to come. IF you don't believe me, think of the many great college players that have fallen by the waist side....Then ask yourself, why is it they failed?
There is no doubt that Jameis is a gifted football player. No one can argue that fact. However, as one look throughout the history of Jameis's life, there are things that are bothersome and perhaps he is either unaware of them, or there is no one in his circle that is willing to challenge his actions. So, as you continue to read this article, think of it as an article in which you would like to share with our good friend Jameis Winston and hope that he is willing to read this.
Hello Jameis, my name is Christopher. I have been a fan of your talent for several years now, but lately, I'm rethinking the whole ideal of what it means to be a fan, especially a good fan. Although I'm a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I felt it necessary to share this important piece of information with you and others.
There are some things that are concerning me with your behavior. Perhaps some things that you could care less to know, or perhaps your humility has been denounced and you are willing to go at it on your own. I've seen so many other good players that followed this route and in the end, they come out the losers. Jameis, I want you to understand that you should never allow your actions to speak differently than what you say you heart truly is. I'm sure you would say, "I have a good heart" right? Well, many of us will say this, but the end results are found within the actions in which you display.
For example, you should never allow your talent to take you places in which your Character can not keep you. This is of the utmost importance. Why do I say this? The reason I say this is because your character is reflective on your school's organization. It is not about you Jameis. You are simply lending your talent and you musn't forget that your talent can be replaced at anytime. Having said that, this is your time to shine. If this is your time to shine, then you should allow this illumination to be with all humility and not ignorance.
When I read the article that brought about your 1 game suspension, I thought, really..., again Jameis? You see Jameis, the organization of football is larger than you could ever imagine. Even the financial contributors that pour in on an annual basis for both college and the NFL are larger than you could ever imagine. Why do I mention this? Well, because I would like for you to know that it's a team effort and one bad player can easily be replaced. When I think of the billions and I do mean billions of dollars in which financial donors give each year to sports, the question then becomes, ...do they really expect to see an outstanding football player act like a fool? Think about it Jameis. You have a talent that can easily become minimal with a "bad" hit or some unexplainable illness, why not use it to the best of your ability. If you decide not to act in good character, then its' ok. They will just replace you. You must remember, YOU NEED THEM, MORE THAN THEY NEED YOU. At this time, you are somewhat iconic in your own way, but this can easily be removed depending on your actions. You must understand this: When your talent is long gone, it will be your dignity and character that people will remember you by the most. You should never have the attitude of : "I don't care, or screw them" because the fans are the ones that have the ability to either accept you or deny you. In other words, it maybe your future and talent but negative characteristics can dissolve any and everything you may build during your college years in football or your NFL years to come. IF you don't believe me, think of the many great college players that have fallen by the waist side....Then ask yourself, why is it they failed?
Friday, September 5, 2014
The Mike Brown Case: A case of value and racism. Where do you stand?
“Anything that has
value is something worth having. Anything that is perceived of lesser value, is
often-times overlooked.”
First, I would
like to introduce you to the understanding of self- value vs. racism. When one
is born into this world, he or she comes here with an extraordinary amount of
worth. Their worth can be found in their mere existence, no matter who you are or what family they belong to.
Whether people accept it or not, we all carry a substantial amount of worth and
its’ our primary duty to extend this in the most positive way possible towards everyone.
As we grow up in this
ever changing world, there is one thing we know for sure and that is, just as
we are born, we must die. The statement then becomes, must we die from the
hands of those that misunderstand the value of someone else? Once we recognize
the value of the other person, this recognition should have nothing to do with
what color the person is, but it has everything to do with that individual’s self-worth
and value.
This leads to the next question concerning racism. What
exactly is racism and why is it still an issue in a country that is struggling
to heal from such past atrocities? First, racism doesn’t have any one
particular color it extracts itself from the heart of those that are truly incomplete and lack the knowledge of total love.
Racism can be expressed from any ethic group and it is “the belief that
race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a
particular race is superior to others.” Secondly, racism is, “Discrimination or
prejudice based on race.”
When it comes down to demonstrating or recognizing
self-value, one must understand that it starts with the individual, not their
race. The color of one’s skin must be internalized as an invisible sheath, if America is to grow from such negativity as
racism. Also, as a black American myself, I realize that whites come under
scrutiny for racism, whereas blacks (black man killing a white) are rarely coined
racist. (Hmm).
In the case
surrounding Michael Brown out of Ferguson, Missouri, I can see where both sides
can learn from this tragic event. I make mention of both sides, because this
tragic event has been perceived to be a racial issue instead of, in my opinion,
“forced police brutality.” The killing of Michael Brown has gained national
attention primarily because of what the masses are focused upon, rather than
what the police department out of Ferguson has failed to recognize and that is,
the value of the individual.
Onward, if the majority of blacks perceives any white person
who may be associated with police dept., corporation, etc., to be racist when
black citizens are killed by white citizens, then whites should be able to decry
the same thing when black citizens kill white citizens. In other words, the law of reciprocity
concerning racism should be seen from both sides, instead of one side. (By the way, crying racism back and forth
when murders occur from one group to the other will never solve anything.)
Secondly, the police department in Ferguson and throughout
the United States can learn from this tragic event only if they close their
minds to perceiving any one race of people to be vastly different from the
other race. In other words, we are all human beings and we all deserve a chance
at life. I would like to think that any
mother or father who may have lost their son to being shot at over 10 times and
hit 6 while unarmed could only consider
this as forced police brutality.
In conclusion, we must realize that the law (police, etc.)
is set in place for the protections of all. Not only that, but it exist for the
purpose of maintaining peaceful living amongst law abiding citizens. I make
such notion because when an officer gives an order, then, citizens should abide
by such order. There should be no argument, pushing, disrespect, etc., going on
between the law and citizens. Anything against a police order should be
challenged in court and not having to risk one’s life on the streets. Remember,
they (the police) are in a sense, “the law.” Last, when trained officers are
placed onto the streets to serve and protect, one must remember that no one
person’s life has more value than the next, especially when the end results are
to “serve and protect” all citizens under this great Nation.
By Christopher Ty:
http://www.Christopher-Ty.com
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Blacks Marching in Missouri: An interesting case
When it comes down to protesting against violence, are blacks willing to march on blacks just as they are willing to march against whites? My answer.., No...
First, I have much respect for the award winning writer Juan Williams in his effort to respond to the question, "Why don't Black People Protest Black on Black Violence?" His answer can be found in the Atlantic.
The issue concerning some black people, not all, and their participation in marches only when the system comes against African Americans is strange. I want you to pay particular attention to the word system, because this is where the focal point lies within the psyche of many African Americans.
Juan Williams pointed out the number of marches or rallies that took place throughout America for peaceful demonstration. But, usually when marches occur with blacks taking a stand against their own, why is it that a number of murders must occur before they become reactive? In other words, this is the act of reactivity versus proactivity.
Speaking as a black man and in my humble opinion, blacks usually negate from marching on each other because we readily feel justified about our actions and have learned to accept blacks killing blacks. There are many reason that will substantiate this argument, but I will only name a few..
First, many blacks have not forgiven the system for what has transpired from years ago. I'm speaking of slavery and the actions taken upon slaves. This willingness to not forgive continues to riddle throughout the minds of many blacks. This keeps many at a frozen point and blinds them from the truth that takes place within the black community. More of a directive focus is directed at the system. A good analogy is the System being a step parent to black Americans who can be considered step-children.
Onward, this experience of not forgiving incites "reactivity " whenever someone from the white
community harms a black person. In truth, blacks shoot and kill blacks all the time, but there are rarely marches alike the ones we have seen in the Trayvon Martin case and now the most recent one
in Missouri surrounding Michael Brown. Here, the world now witness not only marching but massive looting and violence. Can any one explain the looting? Hmmm
So, why is this? The reason may lie within the need to have answers for such bad treatment stemming from the step-parent (system) syndrome and the right to be treated like biological kids. The word racism hasn't been broken down nor understood within the minds of many, therefore, leaving many to have a broken consciousness towards the system. In America, racism seems to be one sided and this is the problem. Killing is killing no matter what color a person may be. This must be understood.
From this misunderstanding, marches are usually aimed at the system and these type marches will last for days as we've seen in Missouri and other places. It is the system that many blame, whenever a white man kills a black man. The system has an associated value in which many black marchers can identify with, but psychologically, many blacks see less value when it comes down to how blacks perceive each other. This is why blacks youths can kill each other and very little is done..in other words, there is no money in saving black youths. If we are to save them, the best investment will be God, love and education...Not MUSIC or SPORTS.
One case out of many involves Ladeddric Love in Atlanta, Ga. This 19 year old kid was accosted by two black men. One of them had an assault rifle at a gas station in Atlanta, Ga. and proceeded to shoot into the car a number of times hitting Ladeddric, the woman and child in broad daylight. Unfortunately, Ladeddric Love dies of his injuries..Where is the concern? Cases like this one has happened numerous of times and still no marches, until too many shootings have occurred. In case you didn't know, one shooting is too many in America. (The Noose On the Black Community) www.christopher-Ty.com
Finally, the only way in which this type of asphyxia can be released off the psyche of black Americans is to establish value within ourselves. First, Blacks must educate and not tolerate senseless destruction at anytime from each other. This must start with educating youths to understand social morals, spiritual value and self respect before we ever get to pointing the finger at the system. Too much focus is aimed at rectifying the system, when in truth , we ourselves have become our greatest liability...
Christopher Ty
Author of "The Noose on the Black Community"
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Never Hearing the Pain....
Have you ever been told the saying, "you're so stupid, dumb, worthless, ain't good enough, etc" by someone else that you felt career for you? If so, guess what? They are Wrong. It is always painful to hear any type of verbal abuse, but more importantly channeling such pain words into the pits of no return is the key to overcoming it.
First, you must understand that your worth unto the world is priceless. I'll repeat that..Your worth unto the world is priceless! Once you realize that your worth is not predicated upon what someone else with a negative outlook may have to say, then you are on your way to being liberated. It doesn't matter if the person with a negative outlook is your spouse, mom, friend, or anyone else,..but the most important thing is how you go about separating yourself from such Negative words.
Secondly, understand your worth. Understanding your worth may entail (you) mentally telling yourself just how important you are to yourself. All to many times, people put others before themselves, but this is the wrong order. The appropriate order is placing yourself at the top. The
reason in which you put yourself at the top is because, if you are torn down or worn down over time
by abusive people, then you will become depleted of the good in which you truly possess.
Third, never believe a lie. Our emotions are truly elusive and sometimes we give others the right to control our emotions, but don't hear the pain. In order to overcome allowing others to tear you down, you must first start Loving yourself. The way you start loving yourself is by paying yourself attention, avoiding negative people, caring for yourself and even praying and being thankful for your mere existence in this world. Above all things, you must understand that you are such an important asset in your own life and anyone else that can't see you in that way can only be considered a liability in your life. So, never take on liabilities because they are always in the negative.
Finally, never allow others the right to dump their negative outlook into your life. Those that are involve in speaking to others in a denigrating way are themselves very troubled and emotionally
damaged people. They only feel a sense of gratification when they speak condescending to others but don't allow it. Remember, you are someone special, unique, kind and ever evolving. Just put your words into practice and go forward without hearing the Pain....
Always Believe In You even When Others May Not...
Overcome the abuse...http:\\www. Christopher-Ty.com
Saturday, July 5, 2014
MARIJUANNA....THE BREAK DOWN OF MORAL CONSCIOUSNESS.
How many times have you heard the statement, weed is not bad for you? Some even assert, weed is good for you as long as you don't do too much, right? Well, both statements and all other statements made in making weed look positive on any level is bad. The unfortunate part is this: There has been a break down of moral consciousness on many different levels within this great country, the United States of America. Trying to get weed legalized will only be another breakdown that can be added underneath the belt of those looking for acceptance into "self" destruction...
Weed not only introduces self destruction unto those that have a strong desire to take part in smoking it, but it is particularly devastating to the unborn who is trying to grow within an environment containing THC. First, lets look at the acronym THC. THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. According to research, this substance causes the release of dopamine, and is a psycho-active substance found in cannabis. So, what are the effects on a child? According to a neuro-scientist by the name of Tibor Harkany of Karolinska Institute, "it affects nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. This part is responsible for higher thinking and memory forming."
Well, on the other hand, one may also ask, what is it that makes it bad and why would some states seek to legalize it? From this question, my answer will be short and simple. What makes it bad is its' ability to do great harm unto the body and as for some states want to legalizing it, can you spell dollars $$$$$$ signs?
In my introduction, I mentioned the break down of one's moral consciousness. In some bizarre way, I would like to think that if people can't be rehabilitated from a habit that is solely destructive unto "self," then, why not find ways to profit from them, while you can? A simple question is always fitting by giving a simple answer and this is the conclusion I've arrived at.
You see, weed is bad in soooooo many different ways. Although, much research doesn't show many cases in overdosing and deaths, ask yourself this question. Does it really take dying in order for one to learn from the break down of the body? How would you feel walking out of the grocery stores or Walmart with your kids or grand kids and what do you know, pot heads are standing around smoking at leisure? This would be a sad state of being, and it would only cripple and weakened the mind of those that are already finite, but misaligned from a truth of what true morals really stand for.
Finally, think about this. Why would you want to smoke when you intentionally know that it causes the following:
- Depression
- Short term memory
- Forgetfulness
- The lose of cognitive function
- decrease overall brain function
- heighten risk of lung infection more so than cigarettes....
These are only a short list of things in which it causes. Overall, it's your life and the most important thing in which one can ask is, "where do you have a desire to go in it?"
Topic by ChristopherTy
http://www.Christopher-Ty.com
Monday, June 30, 2014
THE BUILDING OF GREAT CHARACTER....
How does one build character? For the most part, people would like to think of themselves as being super individuals, right? Even some of the hardened core criminals or those that take pride at seeing others suffer at the expense of someone else, may still consider themselves as "decent individuals" when given the chance to create an analysis of self.
In the bigger scheme of things, we all have the potentials to be great in our own right, but how does one define great? Is great define as being popular with others while passing them by temporarily or is it defined by those that you have given the heads to on an upcoming job or assignment?
In truth, none of the aforementioned is descriptive of being someone of great character. In fact, I would like to think that having great character is synonymous to us giving of ourselves to someone else, in order that they may benefit from it. Let's think about it. How many times out of a month or year's time frame that we give of ourselves to help others without the expectancy of payback? Those of us that have the desire to become even more than what we are today, can only do so, when we find ourselves giving of our hearts in order that others may benefit from it. This is called a shared experience without expectations.
With all of the elderly that need assistance, the weak, the unlearned, or those that may have health challenges or learning conditions..., our communities are filled with those in need of someone in order to survive. In fact, we are all dependent on someone else in some way, form or fashion for survival.
So, when it comes down to constructing even greater character within our self, first analyze the foundation in which you have a desire to build upon. Are we really building ourselves up only to find out just how unstable our foundation is once the building is complete? Or are we building ourselves up with the intentions on utilizing a tool belt of generosity that consist of love, giving, sharing, helping, teaching, and understanding?
After all, the pathway in which we are walking along throughout this life is only temporal, so why not leave a legacy as we carry on.
Christopher Ty
www.Christopher-Ty.com
In the bigger scheme of things, we all have the potentials to be great in our own right, but how does one define great? Is great define as being popular with others while passing them by temporarily or is it defined by those that you have given the heads to on an upcoming job or assignment?
In truth, none of the aforementioned is descriptive of being someone of great character. In fact, I would like to think that having great character is synonymous to us giving of ourselves to someone else, in order that they may benefit from it. Let's think about it. How many times out of a month or year's time frame that we give of ourselves to help others without the expectancy of payback? Those of us that have the desire to become even more than what we are today, can only do so, when we find ourselves giving of our hearts in order that others may benefit from it. This is called a shared experience without expectations.
With all of the elderly that need assistance, the weak, the unlearned, or those that may have health challenges or learning conditions..., our communities are filled with those in need of someone in order to survive. In fact, we are all dependent on someone else in some way, form or fashion for survival.
So, when it comes down to constructing even greater character within our self, first analyze the foundation in which you have a desire to build upon. Are we really building ourselves up only to find out just how unstable our foundation is once the building is complete? Or are we building ourselves up with the intentions on utilizing a tool belt of generosity that consist of love, giving, sharing, helping, teaching, and understanding?
After all, the pathway in which we are walking along throughout this life is only temporal, so why not leave a legacy as we carry on.
Christopher Ty
www.Christopher-Ty.com
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