Issues Under Fire: Building Black Men for the 21st Century

Issues Under Fire: Building Black Men for the 21st Century 

As efforts continue to highlight some of the persistent issues negatively impacting Black America, another and quite possibly the most important issue of all came into view today. From this observers perspective, Black America need to build a new Black Man. Since the 20th century model has limited use going forward, many think the first prototype for the 21st century Black Man is overdue.  

Considering positive role models for Black youth are in short supply, getting this new specimen designed and into production as soon as possible is critical to the progress of Black America. Since its no secret, Black America can't survive much longer with today's Black Man representing his people, this observer will make the case for his much needed upgrade.  

Today's Black Man has image issues that can no longer be tolerated. Criminal, thug, angry, poor, untrustworthy, unpredictable, unmanageable and violent are just some of the tags Black Men are forced to live with. Scorned and feared almost at first sight by many, a new and infinitely improved version of Black Men will have the tools to dispel these socially crippling characterizations. 

Since just being identified as an average Black male is sufficient to be stereotyped negatively, Black America has to return to the days of raising children with the idea of having to better than their White counterparts. No Black Man can afford to be considered average or accept being average anymore. It is when the attitude of being better is reintroduced into the Black mindset, is when the Black image will improve. 

While a simple makeover may have to do for many older Black Men, for the next generation, Black America will need to produce a completely new generation of Black Men. The next generation of Black Men will get a complete overhaul. And a complete overhaul can only be accomplished through early education, lots of love, constant attention in the teens years measured discipline and plenty of patience. And of course, whenever two parent households are possible, the chances for success grows exponentially.  

To be honest, we've got all the ingredients needed to create Black Man 2.0, but installing the precise combination of intellect, character, ethics, temperament, determination, courage, self esteem, humility and inner strength is not easy. A little too much of one and not enough of another and you could create a monster.  

Bottom line: From this writer's observations, the average Black Man's capacity for learning is on par with every other demographic and far exceeds what the 21st century will demand of him to meet the challenges of living a productive, successful and peaceful existence. The only impediment to Black America's progress at this time, is a lack of urgency in getting this project off the ground.

BTW, there's another episode of Rocky Jordan just below for your enjoyment. This week's offering is entitled "Up in Flames". Issues Under Fire Podcast returns Monday.