It's true. Black males don't have the interest as they once did in regards to receiving an education. Well, there are exceptions, such as young Kwasi Enin (he's the one pictured). Elin has been accepted to every university on the planet... at least, that's how it seems.
Still, it's reported that females make up nearly 60% of college classrooms. If you break down that percentage by race, it's reported that black males only make up 6% of college students age 18 and up. That's a staggering number. During the early part of the millennium it was reported that there were more black males in the penitentiary system than there were in colleges and universities. Although true at one time (actually, that was the case during more years than one), it is no longer the case at the moment. The numbers do remain quite close though.
Now, I am an advocate for anyone who has an entrepreneurship spirit to assert themselves in the economic system of capitalism. If a young person chooses not go to college because he/she has other reasonable and legit means of acquiring income then I say do you. The problem lies in that black males are so caught-up in the New American Dream that it's too late when they discover that what they've been chasing the whole time was actually unreachable.
What is the New American Dream, you say? Well, it's very different from the "American Dream" of the early 1900s. You see, the old American Dream dealt with an extreme desire for home ownership, and wanting your children to receive not only a good education but a career without artificial barriers. A healthy global vision was also an important part of that American Dream belief. Sure the old Dream had it's fallacies, such as "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" (which is funny in itself) being that obstacles were purposely placed in the way of blacks thus preventing them from getting ahead in life. But still, the chances of obtaining the old American Dream were practical.
Still, it's reported that females make up nearly 60% of college classrooms. If you break down that percentage by race, it's reported that black males only make up 6% of college students age 18 and up. That's a staggering number. During the early part of the millennium it was reported that there were more black males in the penitentiary system than there were in colleges and universities. Although true at one time (actually, that was the case during more years than one), it is no longer the case at the moment. The numbers do remain quite close though.
Now, I am an advocate for anyone who has an entrepreneurship spirit to assert themselves in the economic system of capitalism. If a young person chooses not go to college because he/she has other reasonable and legit means of acquiring income then I say do you. The problem lies in that black males are so caught-up in the New American Dream that it's too late when they discover that what they've been chasing the whole time was actually unreachable.
What is the New American Dream, you say? Well, it's very different from the "American Dream" of the early 1900s. You see, the old American Dream dealt with an extreme desire for home ownership, and wanting your children to receive not only a good education but a career without artificial barriers. A healthy global vision was also an important part of that American Dream belief. Sure the old Dream had it's fallacies, such as "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" (which is funny in itself) being that obstacles were purposely placed in the way of blacks thus preventing them from getting ahead in life. But still, the chances of obtaining the old American Dream were practical.
Things have changed over the years. The New American Dream is substantially different. In fact, it's far more self-centered. Other than an utmost love of self, there is also a desire for obtaining means in a simplified and quicker fashion. Why work hard day after day when all I have to do is stay here on this corner and let the drug fiends come to me? Why do I have to save up for retirement when I know that my lottery number is gonna hit? Why do I have to seek out agents when all I have to do is upload my video on YouTube? Why do I have to go through four years of college when all I gotta do is try out for the NBA after my first year of school? Why do I need to go out and find a job when I got momma or my boo thang paying the rent and light bill?
It's true; we can get through life without a quality education. There are several rich and famous singers, actors and athletes who have proved that very point. People forget, however, that furthering your education not only increases your career opportunities, it also increases your overall quality of life. The stories are plentiful of millionaire athletes and lottery winners who end up broke after a short period of time. It's just another example of new money not making people better human beings.
My advice, young black men... Don't get yourselves caught up in the New American Dream. Either spend your days thinking of that next big entrepreneurial break-though while you're relaxing on your lunch break, or pick up a few classes at the local college or university with the goal of jump-starting your intrinsic talents. Sure, there's always someone who wins the big bucks on that one in 175 million lottery chance; but still.... it's a freakin' one in 175 million lottery chance!
It's true; we can get through life without a quality education. There are several rich and famous singers, actors and athletes who have proved that very point. People forget, however, that furthering your education not only increases your career opportunities, it also increases your overall quality of life. The stories are plentiful of millionaire athletes and lottery winners who end up broke after a short period of time. It's just another example of new money not making people better human beings.
My advice, young black men... Don't get yourselves caught up in the New American Dream. Either spend your days thinking of that next big entrepreneurial break-though while you're relaxing on your lunch break, or pick up a few classes at the local college or university with the goal of jump-starting your intrinsic talents. Sure, there's always someone who wins the big bucks on that one in 175 million lottery chance; but still.... it's a freakin' one in 175 million lottery chance!
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