Just speak

Misti1 · (#1 (**permalink**))

I have listened to Tavis with interest over the years. His latest thing, the manifesto, is also very interesting.

Some time ago Oprah had a show on called "Change one Little THing".. In Tavis manifesto, one of the items is "Black People", start speaking to each other again.

Lightening bolt moment.....he is so right....we don't speak to each other much anymore.

THe most flagrant place I had personally noted it was on my various cruises. There weren't many of us on the ship.....but I'll be danged if the black people there didn't stick their noses in the air and pretend not to see each other.....now what's up with that?

I came along in the BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL DASHIKI TEIKI GOD WEARING AFRO WEARING CONSCIOUS ERA....we not only spoke, we had a hand shake ritual that took 30 minutes before you even got to the conversation.....so what happened to us????? Why would another Black man have to remind us to even SPEAK to each other?????

It was Sunday morning,early, and I decided to go for a run. I am afraid in Memphis...I have to tell you that. THere is a gang war raging and young black men, including some I know, are killing each other left and right. I live in the "good" part of town, but my nieghborhood is quickly changing. Every fast food place within 2 miles of my house has been robbed.

So on my run I am in this VERY isolated area. Walking toward me are two young black men, one with a black "do" rag on his head. THey are in deep converstion and do not see me. We get even with each other, pass each other, and I am still alive. Then I hear Tavis in my ear.

I turn and jog backwards so I am facing them, and yell out "Good morning, Tavis says we need to start speaking to each other again."

The BIGGEST smile came over their faces as they waved and smiled, and apologized for not speaking first. A REAL good feeling came over me.....it felt like the right thing to do....maybe those two young brothers will speak to someone else....and maybe just maybe we can stop hurting each other.

Speak to a random brother or sister today...DO IT.

Backatya · (#2 (**permalink**))

Misti1 wrote:

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THe most flagrant place I had personally noted it was on my various cruises. There weren't many of us on the ship.....but I'll be danged if the black people there didn't stick their noses in the air and pretend not to see each other.....now what's up with that?

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Misti1

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All I can say is that you should travel on the cruises my wife and go on. In our case the few black people we came across tended tohave a real'village community' attitude. There was no sticking noses up or pretending not to see each other.Man it was like 'back home' when you pass people on the street and they give you a wave or nod of acknowledgement. It made me feel especially good because, being so few black people (compared to whites) it was good to have a rapport with your fellow-African. What I also liked was that on the occasions (e.g. the evening meal) when we would dress in 'traditional' Africa attire more times than not, the black people we passed would compliment us on looking so fine and regal. Yeah we met some real nice people.

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We have even met people (black) from a couple of trips who we still keep in contact with (Americans in both cases). So I have to say that my experience is completely different to yours.

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Respect

Misti1 · (#3 (**permalink**))

Hi Back

Oh I totally understand....do you mind if I ask the cruise line you were on.....I was on Royal Caribbean, and I am wondering if you were on a different line, and after I get your answer, I will then explain my theory to you.

Misti1 · (#4 (**permalink**))

Oh and by the by....some of this I could attribute to, these were Black couples, or "groups" of friends and I am always alone, so women tend to NOT speak to single females and their men BETTER NOT LOL.

Backatya · (#5 (**permalink**))

@ Misti1

Actually I have only sailed with Royal Caribbean (reluctant to try any others) on the Voyager of The Seas. You didn't by any chance cruise in November 2005?

What you said about being a lone female may have something to do with your experience I guess. Mind you my wife and I met more group females than couples and we still got on well with them. Who knows, maybeshe feels that no woman in her right mind wouldgo afterthe likes of me...lol....so she doesn't have the same axieties other women with 'theirman' might have. She is resigned to having me for life

Respect

Misti1 · (#6 (**permalink**))

YOU are too funny....

I don't want to side track the conversation to cruising, but I did meet SOME people who reached out, there are never ALL inclusive statements, but the majority of the reactions were as described.

Suffice to say, the original premise...for whatever the reasons, I wish we would get back to acknowledging each other in a positive way.

Backatya · (#7 (**permalink**))

Misti1 wrote:

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Suffice to say, the original premise...for whatever the reasons, I wish we would get back to acknowledging each other in a positive way.

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I think it comes down to those who believe in that doctrine leading by example. Allone can do fornow islook after one's own behaviour by showing the kind of attitude you hope others will return in kind.

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Aknowledge,speak politely, smile and be friendly, to your fellow black man/woman and hope that it rubs off on those you come into contact with. Also hope that in turn they will pass that good attitude on in their dealings with others.

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Respect