Forums » Poverty & Education

• B Ra Carter

  

  • 12 posts
   

  November 11, 2011 10:14:29 PM EST

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  There is something that I've noticed about ppl who seek revolution: they dont know how to go about it effectively. In order to affect anything you have to know the concepts and foundations in which it is built on. From there you can go about devising a plan to create a plan of action. All I hear are the issues addressed, but nothing done. I take full responsiblity for my peers and whatever happens to them now, and in the future. Why? Because I am my brothers and sisters keeper. Through research, writing, and reading I began to understand just how and what is really going on with our ppl and the tools used to keep us divided. Just like those who seeked to and continue to destroy us they first studied who we were and used that to cripple us. We must do the same to bring our ppl out of the light of ignorance and demonization. For starters learn to lead by example. Leanr to command power with silence and stop announcing your plans.

• Deleted Member

  
   

  November 15, 2011 10:23:12 PM EST

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  You used a great key word: effectively.
• Monique Jeanty

  

  • 24 posts
   

  February 8, 2012 10:06:03 AM EST

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  B Ra Carter
  I like what you said about not announcing your plans. It made me think about a conversation I had with one of my classes. I told my students that I decided not to return in the fall. I was going to be doing something else. Immediately, they became curious. They asked me where I was going to teach, and I said, "God is still working on it, so I can't talk about it." Planning should be very private and shared only with a few confidants.
  
  Black people like to talk, and sometimes they talk too much about the wrong things. I am my brother's and sister's keeper ONLY to a certain point. Too many black people (young and old) are irresponsible. They blame and scapegoat so they never have to really change. They demonize so they can stay the same. Generally, I avoid people who demonize. That's abuse and I don't have to deal with abusive people.
  
  Young people might think they didn't create this mess we see in the nation, so why should they fix it. I say, "Who else is going to fix it? You are all we have!" A friend of mine sent me some information about the differences between the generations. The Baby Boomers grew up during the Civil Rights movement and the Viet Nam war, so they are proactive about change. The Generation Xers are classified as slackers but they are perceived as adaptable. There is hope. I believe people change in their own way.
  
  Teenagers text, use Facebook, and Twitter becausee they are very connected. I tell young people their connections make them strong. We have to learn to collaborate and work with others. If we're talking about a revolution, this is one good way to start. Competition has kept people separate for too long. I always have students working together on projects and we have Socratic Seminar so they can share ideas and perspectives. I think if there is to be revolution, it should start with respectful communication. That is the way out of "ignorance and demonization."
  
  You say people should lead by example, which is good. But young people paying attention to the wrong things and they talk about it so much, everybody ends up feeling helpless. That's why I like what you said about using the "power of silence." The thing I don't like is where you talk about those who "seek to and continue to destroy us." Who are you paying attention to? No one can destroy us! Your post made me wonder about a few things.
  
  Question: How do you get people to use the power of silence? In a society that likes to talk, how do you keep quiet about certain things? What kinds of plans should we keep private?
• B Ra Carter

  

  • 12 posts
   

  February 28, 2012 3:54:19 PM EST

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  Question: How do you get people to use the power of silence? In a society that likes to talk, how do you keep quiet about certain things? What kinds of plans should we keep private?
  
  Its about discipline. I could sit up here and tell you techniques or ways to get there, but that’s the issue. TELLING each other about whatever and not going off on our own information. In December I took the time out to stop talking… Something I am glad that I did. The silence of my voice allowed me to pick myself apart and examine the world I live in. Not to my surprise was I shocked about the insecurities and fragments in my personality, but at the end of it all I understood that I was not perfect. If I want to continue to be that figure that people turn to for positive energy and reinforcement I must first take the time out to get to know myself now, in the past, and in the future.
  
  What kinds of plans should be keep private?
  We should keep our expectations private. I learned first-hand the devastation that comes from being let down. Something that is planned out should only be planned out, and never used as a tool to inspire people. My friends tell me all the time “it sounds nice”, but we have to remember that life is random. Just because we speak something into the universe does not mean we will receive that same energy and everything will be ok.
  
  How do you get people to use the power of silence?
  I’d say by example. You’d have to show someone when, and where it’s ok to be silent. If you’re arguing with someone about something that is pointless simply stop talking. Once you establish that the energy wasted on trivial things is pointless what’s there to say about anything? Think about a conversation that you had with a friend about anything. The conversation can be all over the place, but if you do not comment on something that does not matter and focus on the topic at hand you’ll be able to get to point A significantly faster. As impulsive as society is today it is difficult to learn to shut up when you have men and women being paid money to run their mouths about nonsense over the internet, and media.
  The thing about silence is that it cloaks you in mystery. Take, for example, the ending to a movie. If the movie kept your attention and left an open ending for you to draw conclusions you’re going to want to know more. Why did all of this happen? How will it conclude? What is this? These are question that come to mind when I want to know something. Once you find the answers to things you WANT they stick, whether you read or see the material once or dozens of times after.
  
  I can go on for the rest of the day about what we need to do, but at the end of it all it’s about actions. A good friend of mine asked me the other day “What will you do when you wake up and it’s the day after graduation?” All of my words, sayings and action will matter more than any other time in my life. All of the talks about being strong, not giving up, and stirring the spirits of the masses will now be put to the test. I may have to stick to myself, upgrade then chase my dream, however will I be shunned by those that look up to me? That is a question I continue to leave open ended. I am human, I make mistakes. The only mistake I do not want to make is to let someone who looks up to me ONLY look up to me. Look up to me and realize that I am not the end, but a messenger along the road of life. Look past me and continue to reach for humble and moral self satisfaction.
• Monique Jeanty

  

  • 24 posts
   

  February 28, 2012 7:05:55 PM EST

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  Thanks for sharing. You sound like a reflective person.