This thread is starting to look like something on Cleveland.com instead UrbanOhio.....hope it gets back on track with actual INFORMATION rather than just opinions....but that is just MY opinion.   (BTW Rep, Cleveland had 115 murders last year...should make you VERY proud!)

I'm proud of all the lost dreams and broken families.  Represent, yo.

When I first began reading this thread, I was taken aback by the ignorance, sensationalizing of crime, and the misrepresentation of Black America.  Truly, this thread has devolved into sheer and utter embarrassment, shame and humiliation.  Poverty is a social illness that breeds disease, death, and destruction.  For those suffering from the true effects of poverty, their pain is real and nearly inescapable.  Then you have those like this "RepCleveland" person who exploits the real anguish and cancer of poverty for the sake of "street cred" (which I like to define as a lack of self-worth).  Because this "RepCleveland" guy has absolutely no avenue to promote his shameless display of thug-importance, he chooses to come onto a forum and degrade the discussion and exchange.  I have never witnessed this on UrbanOhio in the past.  This forum has been one of the most informative, cohesive, and professional that I have had the honor to participate.  People such as "RepCleveland" is the primary reason that the "hood" cannot rise above its present state.  The "hood" has become their (the wannabe thugs) playground.  Because their purpose in life has not been defined and/or fulfilled, I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.  If the "RepClevelands"--that unfortunately must parade among us--ever get serious about their personal lives and their personal/social responsibilities, then I guarantee you the ignorance displayed in his postings would be forever changed.  You would witness him lamenting about crime and poverty in the same manner as those of us that strive for clean, safe, and vibrant core cities and neighborhoods.

Columbus_girl....will you marry me?  :-D

When I first began reading this thread, I was taken aback by the ignorance, sensationalizing of crime, and the misrepresentation of Black America.  Truly, this thread has devolved into sheer and utter embarrassment, shame and humiliation.  Poverty is a social illness that breeds disease, death, and destruction.  For those suffering from the true effects of poverty, their pain is real and nearly inescapable.  Then you have those like this "RepCleveland" person who exploits the real anguish and cancer of poverty for the sake of "street cred" (which I like to define as a lack of self-worth).  Because this "RepCleveland" guy has absolutely no avenue to promote his shameless display of thug-importance, he chooses to come onto a forum and degrade the discussion and exchange.  I have never witnessed this on UrbanOhio in the past.  This forum has been one of the most informative, cohesive, and professional that I have had the honor to participate.  People such as "RepCleveland" is the primary reason that the "hood" cannot rise above its present state.  The "hood" has become their (the wannabe thugs) playground.  Because their purpose in life has not been defined and/or fulfilled, I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.  If the "RepClevelands"--that unfortunately must parade among us--ever get serious about their personal lives and their personal/social responsibilities, then I guarantee you the ignorance displayed in his postings would be forever changed.  You would witness him lamenting about crime and poverty in the same manner as those of us that strive for clean, safe, and vibrant core cities and neighborhoods.

 

One of the nicest bitchslaps I've ever seen.

JDD, you certainly have excellent taste in women :clap:! (Yow-wee!  That sounds a bit pretentious :wink:).

 

ColDayMan, sometimes I just can't hold back the urge to let 'er rip :whip:!

I mean, damn, I respect...but did you have to hurt 'em with this?

 

I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

 

Woowee!

Yeah, you're right.  How about morally-challenged ingrates (and that's as nice as I can put it)?

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly.  We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense.  It's enough to make one cry :cry:. 

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly.  We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense.  It's enough to make one cry :cry:. 

 

That's why we gotta work harder to give them goals, give them role-models (besides, you know...Maurice Clarrett), and fight for a better education.

When I first began reading this thread, I was taken aback by the ignorance, sensationalizing of crime, and the misrepresentation of Black America.  Truly, this thread has devolved into sheer and utter embarrassment, shame and humiliation.  Poverty is a social illness that breeds disease, death, and destruction.  For those suffering from the true effects of poverty, their pain is real and nearly inescapable.  Then you have those like this "RepCleveland" person who exploits the real anguish and cancer of poverty for the sake of "street cred" (which I like to define as a lack of self-worth).  Because this "RepCleveland" guy has absolutely no avenue to promote his shameless display of thug-importance, he chooses to come onto a forum and degrade the discussion and exchange.  I have never witnessed this on UrbanOhio in the past.  This forum has been one of the most informative, cohesive, and professional that I have had the honor to participate.  People such as "RepCleveland" is the primary reason that the "hood" cannot rise above its present state.  The "hood" has become their (the wannabe thugs) playground.  Because their purpose in life has not been defined and/or fulfilled, I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.  If the "RepClevelands"--that unfortunately must parade among us--ever get serious about their personal lives and their personal/social responsibilities, then I guarantee you the ignorance displayed in his postings would be forever changed.  You would witness him lamenting about crime and poverty in the same manner as those of us that strive for clean, safe, and vibrant core cities and neighborhoods.

 

You betta preach Ms. Thing! 

 

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly.  We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense.  It's enough to make one cry :cry:. 

 

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly.  We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense.  It's enough to make one cry :cry:. 

 

That's why we gotta work harder to give them goals, give them role-models (besides, you know...Maurice Clarrett), and fight for a better education.

 

and other rappers who glorify "hood-mentality" with no real plan for making any change.

I saw Spike Lee on C-Span tonight saying pretty much the same thing. In urban schools, getting good grades is considered a bad thing and not keeping it real. As he said, that's crazy!

When I first began reading this thread, I was taken aback by the ignorance, sensationalizing of crime, and the misrepresentation of Black America.  Truly, this thread has devolved into sheer and utter embarrassment, shame and humiliation.  Poverty is a social illness that breeds disease, death, and destruction.  For those suffering from the true effects of poverty, their pain is real and nearly inescapable.  Then you have those like this "RepCleveland" person who exploits the real anguish and cancer of poverty for the sake of "street cred" (which I like to define as a lack of self-worth).  Because this "RepCleveland" guy has absolutely no avenue to promote his shameless display of thug-importance, he chooses to come onto a forum and degrade the discussion and exchange.  I have never witnessed this on UrbanOhio in the past.  This forum has been one of the most informative, cohesive, and professional that I have had the honor to participate.  People such as "RepCleveland" is the primary reason that the "hood" cannot rise above its present state.  The "hood" has become their (the wannabe thugs) playground.  Because their purpose in life has not been defined and/or fulfilled, I can see why these lifeless wimps would have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.  If the "RepClevelands"--that unfortunately must parade among us--ever get serious about their personal lives and their personal/social responsibilities, then I guarantee you the ignorance displayed in his postings would be forever changed.  You would witness him lamenting about crime and poverty in the same manner as those of us that strive for clean, safe, and vibrant core cities and neighborhoods.

 

Thank you Columbus_girl, that was so needed and necessary. 

 

On a serious note, the mentality of "some of our cousins" needs to change--quickly.  We are losing an entire generation to sheer and utter nonsense.  It's enough to make one cry :cry:. 

 

That's why we gotta work harder to give them goals, give them role-models (besides, you know...Maurice Clarrett), and fight for a better education.

 

Amen Chris.  That's what bugs me about hip-hop today, these are this generations role models and all the mainstream artist seem to be able to talk about is garbage; money, rims, women, becoming 'hood' rich, and the overall glorification of 'hood' life.  There's nothing wrong with talking about where many of us have come from or at least spent a considerable amount of time in; however, that where we need to end it.  I love talking about and hearing about old hood stories, it's a part of our culture; however, let's switch gears and talk about how to move beyond that life instead of repping how dangerous our hoods are.  Just silly in my opinion; but sadly, this how many of young brothas and sistas think because this the message that's passed along to them by their current 'role models' :-(.  The hood is not a right of passage, it's a reality of life and a sad one at that.  We gotta find ways to get our young folk to look beyond what they see on a daily basis and want more out of life; if we can't get them to see beyond their block, then we can't expect Black America to advance further.

We gotta find ways to get our young folk to look beyond what they see on a daily basis and want more out of life; if we can't get them to see beyond their block, then we can't expect Black America to advance further.

 

I wouldn't attach color to this situation; it has more to do with income then color.  I do admit that the African American culture has a lack of role models right now, but so does everyone, no matter the color.  In a society today when we do more research in the tv we are going to buy, than the people we elect to office.  Do you really think things will change if we keep that attitude up?  We have made the “rich and famous” almost like gods in society today.  (Which they don’t disserve, most only have a high school education).  We teach our kids it is better to be a football player than a scientist, talk about misplaced values in our culture.  Unfortunately things are going to get A LOT worse than better. 

 

Poverty isn’t something you can fix very easy, and it was the one thing you cannot through money at to fix.  I would be happy to debate that point with any one.  I believe education and schools is the key to this problem.  To bad we are running them into the ground.

 

Unfortunately I see a lot of people riding on the coat tails of there forefathers but doing nothing to change things for themselves. 

 

Reminds me of an episode of The Boondocks, "Return Of The King": http://www.theboondockstv.com/. It is a good show/comic strip, deals with a lot of issues talked about here.  Aaron McGruder in his own right is doing a lot to bring to light the problems in culture today.  Excuse my use of wikipedia, but here is info about the ep: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_of_The_King_(Boondocks_episode)

I wouldn't attach color to this situation; it has more to do with income then color.  I do admit that the African American culture has a lack of role models right now, but so does everyone, no matter the color. 

 

True, true... I was in rant mode at the time, my bad.

Only one thing needs to be seriously taught to not only turn around poor areas of our inner cities but also give students from there an edge over suburbanites; logic. I can tell you from experience that most students at OSU have poor reasoning skills and they're white suburban kids. Now you're already going to have inner city kids that are lost causes (like a certain someone) so let's focus on the future and give them something that they can use in their everyday lives. This would help these communities appreciate education. Just imagine the surge of black intellectuals. Right now too many think that going to church will make everything better. Well decades have proven that that alone won't do it. The ghetto is filled with Baptist churches and things are just as bad or getting worse. Teaching something practical like logic and how to use it properly would go a long way in turning these areas around.

Right now too many think that going to church will make everything better.

 

Exactly my frustration with the Black church.  The crisis in the Black community can be traced to the crisis in the Black church.  Once, this institution was the strongest and most cohesive in the Black community.  Now, you have charismatic prosperity ministries popping up all over run-down urban areas preaching about "supernatural riches," "non-medicinal healing," and "prayer over logic."  These "poverty pimps" make a living via the exploitation of mental and social oppression.  I was taken aback at how pronounced the problem is here in Columbus.  I thought I had seen it all when I lived in metro-Atlanta (Dr. Creflo Dollar, Bishop Eddie Long, etc).  Too many of these ministries consider practical logic to be "false teachings" and those, such as myself, that question this manner of teaching are considered " workers of the devil."  I can't tell you how many preachers have wanted to lay hands on me and "cast out demons"--all because I dared question (and even rejected) their teachings.  There is a church that I attend on the South end (Parsons Avenue area).  The poverty is so pronounced inside the church and within the community.  Yet, the Pastor (and she's not the only one) has the audacity to talk down about the middle class and educated in order to make the welfare moms and the ex-convicts feel good about themselves and their present circumstances.  At the same time, she bragged about meeting a young Black male, 28 years old, that was in the process of finishing medical school and how the younger generation are not preparing themselves to obtain such goals.  There is mass confusion within the Black church and the Black community.  Education is seen as both a blessing and a curse.  If you are educated and the leader is not, then you are seen as a threat.  If you are not educated and the leader is, then you are brow-beaten for not living up to your potential.  One problem is that many "Christians" have willed so much of their personal selves and personal decision-making over to corrupt church and political leadership. 

 

In my home, education is a standard--plain and simple.  I remember when my daughter first brought her report card home and announced to me that for every "A" I owed her $10 and for every "B" I owed her $5.  I looked her square in the face and told her no way because "A's and B's" are standard in my home--especially since I know that she is very intelligent and more so because she has a graduate-school educated mother (who's also a free thinker) that's available to assist her in areas where she may struggle.  Another standard that I established in my home was that one weekend out of the month we have a shut-in whereas we read all weekend long for a full weekend--no TV, no telephone, no friends visiting...nothing but reading and discussion of the book that was read.  When my daughter was tested in the 3rd grade, she was reading on a 6th grade level; when she was tested in the 6th grade she was reading on a college level and doing math on a 10th grade level.  Now, if only I can get her bratty behavior under control...LOL!

 

Conovercourt, we will save that discussion for another day :-D!           

Hey Columbus Girl... I graduated college. I have a life and made something out of myself and I am not a wannabe thug... HATER. If I want to represent for my city that I would die for I will... I wanted to be friendly but you racist haters can kiss my black *** now...

Hey Columbus Girl... I graduated college.

 

No problem.  I just expect you to act (and write) as though you have a college education.

 

I have a life and made something out of myself and I am not a wannabe thug... HATER.

 

Nah...don't think so Memin Penguin.

 

If I want to represent for my city that I would die for I will...

 

I don't know if you are aware of this fact or not.  It is so much more worthwhile to stick around and be a positive contribution to your city rather than to become a mere statistic.

 

I wanted to be friendly but you racist haters can kiss my black *** now...

 

Trust me, brotha,' there are many Blacks on this forum just as put off by your ignorance--more so than our White, Hispanic, Asian, etc. forumers.  Unlike you, we never attacked you personally...just the ignorant dribble you typed.  With that type of attitude, you will find yourself very isolated on this forum. 

 

 

 

 

I'M JUST HOOD LIKE THAT. Sticking to my roots for life. I don't act and talk like white folks and people from the burbs my damn bad. You see me, I come from a different culture and lifestlye and yeah I happen to have a positive contribution to my city by representing Cleveland on the And 1 Streetball Mixtape Team. Don't act like I don't do good deeds for my hood. I do community service and If I could get all my homeboys out of the hood I would... YOU DON'T KNOW ME. I won't change for yall either just because yall don't like the hood in me. Don't care about what the other black folks on this forum think. They aint my family...

 

Memin Penguin - Straight wack remark

Memin Penguin - Straight wack remark

 

Fine.  Just do a bit of research and perhaps you will understand why I made the analogy between you and Memin Penguin. 

 

I don't talk like "white folks and people from the burbs" either.  At the same time,  the usage of correct English was a standard in my home growing up (I grew up in a small, conservative central Georgia town) and my parents demanded nothing less.  Perhaps you are such a turn off because I never met an educated person, thug-wannabe or otherwise, that was not tempered in their behavior--regardless of their "different culture and lifestyle."  Your behavior just strikes me as quite odd, that's all.

Seriously, I use correct english in the real world. It's not like I'm on here using slang words like "u" instead of you. To my behavior, It's just when people question me I think back to my hood days and that's what comes out. I have a high temper when I get mad because that's just how I was raised. Just don't liked to be messed with... I don't got a problem with you and this is not what I wanted to do on this board is have beef with other folks...

Your lack of impulse control is fairly obvious.  Hopefully, you will learn a thing or two about self-control before it's too late.  Discussion and exchanges will go to varying levels on this forum.  It's important not to take it personal.  Just think for a moment: many young Black males with so-called hot-heads, or "high tempers" have lost their lives to senseless acts of violence.  This culture of disrespect and reaction has been the downfall of a lot of urban communities (there are many other factors for sure). 

 

I don't have a problem with you personally...just your logic (or illogic).  Everyone on this board is aware of the setbacks urban communities face and for someone to embrace such vices is distracting to the dialogue (and a source of frustration regarding what needs to change in order to create economically and socially viable inner-city communities). 

 

Hopefully, you will bring another perspective to this forum without being downright vile.

I guess your right. I shouldn't brag about my cities crime, at least on here. Got carried away with it. Don't worry though, I don't take my temper to violence. That's part of my past...

Damn.  I was going to reply to something lighthearted that happened a couple of pages back.  But it just seems silly now.

 

I need to visit this thread more often.

 

REP4Cleveland...sorry, but I don't think of gangsta's really have semi-civilized debates on internet forums such as urbanohio...

Only one thing needs to be seriously taught to not only turn around poor areas of our inner cities but also give students from there an edge over suburbanites; logic. I can tell you from experience that most students at OSU have poor reasoning skills and they're white suburban kids. Now you're already going to have inner city kids that are lost causes (like a certain someone) so let's focus on the future and give them something that they can use in their everyday lives. This would help these communities appreciate education. Just imagine the surge of black intellectuals. Right now too many think that going to church will make everything better. Well decades have proven that that alone won't do it. The ghetto is filled with Baptist churches and things are just as bad or getting worse. Teaching something practical like logic and how to use it properly would go a long way in turning these areas around.

 

Logic is kept over in the math dept.  Though I understand it is a prereq for Computer programming.

 

BTW, I think you also need to have a shut-out weekend.  Where daughter and you go for a walk (or road trip) and have her describe what she sees around her to you.  And tell her to be as descriptive as she can be, the more she can describe, the better.  She needs to know what is out there, and you need to know what she knows (so you can improve what needs help and know what she knows as well) 

Thanks, Magyar.  Sounds great!