tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010473.post-87785475863716651902008-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:002008-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:00The form of discipline you promote is really about love and survival. NOT doing so is signing a death certificate, on many many levels. Death of spirit, character, faith in society...are all possible if we as black mothers do not do our jobs and do them well.<BR/><BR/>I too employ the "eye" method, and now that my son is 12, he knows exactly what that entails. He now understands that he is not in his own world. It is still a "white" world where he is a moving target of hatred and fear, so if he chooses not to adapt to the survival methods I have instilled, well he knows I'll take him out!<BR/><BR/>Seriously though, not to sound cataclysmic, defeatist or even fear-mongering, but if our boys go out acting any kind of way they are subject to racial epitets such as what you described or worse.<BR/><BR/>We must remember Jena6, everyday until it doesn't happen anymore.<BR/><BR/>I have had to share with him that he has to perform 150% to even be considered. He has to assimilate and be at the highest level because he will not be able to get away with anything his classmates get away with.<BR/><BR/>In college it will be, white (boys will be boys) black( He tried to car jack me, I was scared, he raped me, purses held tight on elevators, he said there was a gun so I shot him 50 times) so it is a rough lesson in America, but I know we will rise and meet the challenge and begin to shed that social stare of "being good boys" to it being typical that black boys are all of that and more without the surprise! <BR/><BR/>It pains me so that our boys and men are looked upon with such wonder, fear, amazement, jealousy, hatred, awe...it's like folk dont know what to think about them, so we have to raise them up, honor them, teach them and LOVE them!!!<BR/>OH the black man...where is Angie Stone when you need her? Heather Headley! India Arie!k.. im done ;0)Houseonahill.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08047144806524705807noreply@blogger.com