It is imperative that critical thinking occur as a result of viewing the CNN Special entitled “Black in America”, before it is too late to change the path of many young Black males. Critical thinking is the process of carefully attending to spoken or written information to evaluate its validity. Thus, if Black males are taught about choices to ascertain opportunities, then as a community we have work to do if they are to learn how to think critically. Additionally, what was most revealing in the segment that focused on Black men is choices are available; but to my dismay, many are unaware due to their neighborhoods and limited access to resources. If young Black males are unaware of the resources or if family support is limited, how are they to know that resources are available?

 Unfortunately, due to the lack of knowledge concerning the availability of resources, sub-cultures have developed within the Black culture. Consequently, within the Black culture lives several subcultures based primarily on economics and education. The “veil” that separates the various cultures can be penetrated, but for that to occur assistance from the community is needed and positive school teachers are tantamount.

Economics and educational status as revealed in the CNN Special will determine one’s living environment and perception of the “other cultures.” Therefore, if within the subcultures of the Black environment, one is surrounded with crack addicts, crime, inadequate schools, and no consistent male influence, the outcome would be bleak. This example was depicted by the young man who revealed accepting the importance of completing an education while incarcerated. What is sad about his situation is once released; he will wear the convicted “felon” label which in today’s society “limits” opportunities. Wouldn’t it be great if non- violent offenders could have their rights restored once released from prison? Unfortunately, this is not a Utopian Society and even though we profess to believe in God, there appears to be no exhibition of “forgiveness.” It is my opinion, that non- violent offenders, who have drug habits would benefit more from treatment than incarceration, but then, I am an idealist!

            Some Black males are fortunate enough to be exposed to educational opportunities and live a middle class life style. The battle for this subculture of Black males is that they have to matriculate in three cultures. The first subculture is Black males who care less about educational opportunities and in some cases may apply severe peer pressure to conform. The second subculture encompasses Black males who want to succeed but are usually rejected by peers because they tend to excel academically and live in better neighborhoods. The third is the White culture as Black males must learn how to function in mainstream society. Parents must also offer support as males are accused by peers of acting “White” if they speak correct English or have White friends.

According to the CNN Special, the less fortunate Black males have a tendency to feel that Blacks who are trying to succeed are “acting White” when in actuality they are not acting “White” but rather they are being taught how to cope in several cultures. Basically, prior to integration this was a prerequisite concern of Black families as they knew it was important to survive once employed in mainstream society. If Black men are to succeed, it is essential to appreciate the present but they must not forget the past as this is the foundation upon which we stand. If Black men were aware of the past then perhaps their present would be more enlightened and they would have hope for a brighter future.

            The past is crucial because it is representative of when Black men were trained to be gentlemen from childhood and dads’ were providers- obtaining an education was not negotiable. Encompassed in this setting was discipline as it was better to be disciplined in the home and/or community than involving the police who in many instances were not friendly to the Black community. Also, Black men smelled great with different fragrances of cologne, wore an assortment of hats, suits, ties and their shoes were stylish and polished. The shift today for some young Black men is the total opposite wherein pants hang below the waist with exposed underwear, they may not wear cologne, shoes are not shined, ties and belts are no longer “kool” and hats are worn backward or to the side. Image is a concern which is a serious issue when it comes to employment and the first impression is the lasting impression in the world of work.

            A “veil” does separate the various subcultures within the Black and White cultures.  What is beautiful about the “veil”, however, is that it can be penetrated; if Black men exercise “critical thinking” they can move from one subculture to the mainstream culture. What is tantamount is once Black men leave their subcultures, it is important to give back to the children and others who are willing to receive knowledge, hope and motivation. It is also critical to remember that “hanging out with the homeboys” represent the past, unless one recognizes the difference between a friend and an associate.

Therefore, the CNN Special was insightful and if parents would restore a few old fashion values, perhaps more Black males would complete high school, technical and/or college to achieve the American Dream of “employment”; then wages will equate to supporting a family in a comfortable fashion with benefits. It is time to break the “Cycle of Incarceration” and more importantly “Black on Black Crime!”

---No part of this article can be used without written permission of the author.

---D.D. McAdory, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of sociology, anthropology and social work at the University of South Alabama. She is also a marriage & family therapist in Mobile, Alabama.

---Marjorie Jones, M.Ed., a retired teacher and administrator edited this article.

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