If
it looks like a thug…
A common practice of youth is to rebel against their
parents and other adults as part of the process of establishing
their own identities. Sometimes this can lead to unfortunate results.
Police in Boston have begun rousting youths who have the appearance
of being gang-bangers. This is part of a strategy to reduce the
growing murder rate. Unfortunately, many law-abiding youths have
been caught up in the drag net.
The problem is that the adolescent style is to dress like gangbangers.
In a pathetic effort to remedy the situation, some youths at a recent
meeting prepared a sign which read, “My baggy pants don’t
make me a thug.” However, the youth who dress like thugs will
generally be viewed that way by the police as well as the general
public.
Police have been indiscriminately arresting youths who are lawfully
in public housing projects. The youths win the cases but they will
then have a criminal record. In the future when they apply for a
job their CORI will follow them. Although there will be no conviction,
many employers believe that “where there is smoke there is
fire.” Or as some people believe, “Why would the police
have arrested them if they are really innocent?”
It is outrageous that the police indiscriminately arrest black youngsters
who have committed no crime. Adults must vehemently object to such
a policy. On the other hand, it is difficult for adults to understand
why the young would voluntarily wear clothes that would cause them
to masquerade as thugs.
Perhaps the young do not understand that to a considerable extent
their clothes are a uniform, which inform others who they are and
what they do. Adults do not wear the hip-hop fashions unless they
are athletes, musicians or super-animated adolescents. National
Basketball Association officials have banned that attire for the
players.
It is inexcusable for the police to persecute the youth because
of their appearance. But it is also time for young African Americans
to consider a style of dress that indicates that they are disciplined
and serious about getting ahead.
Disinformation
Many citizens choose not to stand for public office
because their right to privacy ends the moment that they announce
their candidacy. Deval Patrick, a candidate for governor, learned
that lesson last week when the Boston Globe published as extensive
story on his residences in Milton and Richmond.
The problem with these “exposes” is that they often
shed little light on the character or competence of the candidates.
Now Globe readers know that Patrick has had a successful professional
career, he owns luxurious dwellings and he pays his mortgages.
Patrick’s democratic opponent, Tom Reilly, attempted to turn
this situation to his advantage by proclaiming that he is the only
candidate who has been unable to acquire a substantial net worth.
Only the most naïve voter would find financial ineptitude to
be beneficial.
African American voters, as well as whites, should be encouraged
that Patrick has been able to rise from modest circumstances to
attain such professional and financial success. And even more important,
he is now willing to devote his energies as governor to providing
the conditions that will enable others to realize their dreams.
|
Melvin B. Miller
Editor & Publisher
Bay State Banner |
