In one of my evening strolls the thought of symbolism kept
coming to mind. I guess more so
now that it’s political season (not that
it ever ends) and we are faced with the proposition of reelecting Barack
Obama. Now before folk go all HAM
on me this is not to say I am not down for the President, but just a mental
conversation based upon some random thoughts I have been having regarding
symbolism over substance.
In thinking about this it occurred to me that black folks in
particular have become increasingly comfortable with symbolism versus
substance. I guess the road
traveled to victory is such a laborious one that the collective have settled
for the euphoric feeling of merely being recognized as having one of their own
sitting in the big chair. No
matter if the big chair is the Presidency or the Mayor’s office the outlook is
still the same for the masses of African-Americans. I am not naïve in my mental musings that having the first
this or the first that or the highest ranking this or the highest ranking that
has some collective value.
However, at what point do we say I rather have some substance rather
than really cool pictures?
o FYI the Black unemployment rate was 16% in
March of 2007 and April of 2012 its 14%
o Also according to the Georgetown Center on
Poverty America’s is experiencing the worst level of poverty since 1965 and guess who is at the bottom
The weight of substance versus symbolism is not just levied
on the President; it goes for all those who find themselves wearing the title
of first or ascending to levels that reflect those unchartered by those of
their race. Therefore, the weight
of “their people” falls on them. Even
the Bible says, “To whom much is given
much is expected.”Is it fair probably not, but the work constituents put in
on behalf of African-American candidates and celebrities alike deserves more
than just your name in the achieves and t-shirts and or pictures with those
same smiling folks happy to have meet the President, Mayor or any other
celebrity who has transcended ordinary accomplishments.
Never forget where you come from
Sage
Wisdom
The above referenced verse is particularly poignant whether
its politics or entertainment the end result is still the same. It’s the likes of Ms. Buford and Rev.
Johnson who first entertain your idea of being the first this or the first that
or its TaLesha or Coach Pinkney who have to hear your dreams of grandeur about
how you are going to do X or how you are going to do Y. Rarely if ever do you see a Kim
Kardashian trolling the sidelines at a Grand Park game or a rich benefactor
hanging out at the barbershop on the Northside of Jacksonville or Liberty City
in Miami or the West End in Atlanta while you discuss your vision.
That being said the aforementioned Sage Wisdom is something
that guides my work today.
However, many of those who have ascended tend to forget this lesson in
the mist of their accomplishments.
Therefore, they settle for being symbols rather than having any
substance, but as Dorothy said in the Wiz and yes I did say Wiz, there is no
place like home.
That’s My Story and I AM Sticking To It…
I AM
Irvin PeDro Cohen
