Encouragement, Support and Mentoring to Women via Media Outlets
It's Time for Change It's All About Respect
Namaste everyone!
We have a new President! The forty-fourth President of the United States of America is an African-American! It is a NEW DAY!! It is time for Americans (no matter who they are) who had the wrong image of African-Americans to see us in a new light. I transitioned through the 60's finally realizing and believing that Black is Beautiful and that I deserved respect. Some, who have never experienced disrespect, do not know what that means or why many (over 50+) got so emotional when Barack Obama took the oath of office. However, it reminded some of us who marched, protested, cried and prayed in the 1960's of what Rev. Jesse Jackson would often have us repeat- I AM SOMEBODY!
This is the 21st Century and I have decided to reach back and embrace old values that were critical to my upbringing -
1- I will gently correct those who deliberately mispronounce my name. (When we have "unusual" names, they use the excuse: "it's too hard" as the reason not to make the effort at all). It is not just a name; it is part of who I am.
2- I will remind individuals I don't know, that I prefer to be addressed as "Miss" or Mrs" until I say otherwise. This included bill collectors (:-). The fact that I owe someone money is not the sole reason my title should be disregarded. Also, too many of us have adopted the practice of allowing children to call us by our first names. Familiarity breeds contempt. We have become so lax with our expectations, our children do not respect us anymore.
3- My sons were raised to say "Sir" and "Mame" when speaking to adults and my grandchildren are being raised the same way. If someone says it makes them feel old, this is due to their insecurity. My family will not sacrifice nor set aside their values to assuage this grown-up's issues. In other words, we won't be dis-respectful just so they can feel younger!
It is time for us to get back to our heritage and the values that show our pride, dignity, respect and love. Money isn't everything. A person with money who lacks these 4 values is still poor! Howard Hughes had lots of money while he lived and he died ALONE!
It's Sankofa time! Ashay.
We have a new President! The forty-fourth President of the United States of America is an African-American! It is a NEW DAY!! It is time for Americans (no matter who they are) who had the wrong image of African-Americans to see us in a new light. I transitioned through the 60's finally realizing and believing that Black is Beautiful and that I deserved respect. Some, who have never experienced disrespect, do not know what that means or why many (over 50+) got so emotional when Barack Obama took the oath of office. However, it reminded some of us who marched, protested, cried and prayed in the 1960's of what Rev. Jesse Jackson would often have us repeat- I AM SOMEBODY!
This is the 21st Century and I have decided to reach back and embrace old values that were critical to my upbringing -
1- I will gently correct those who deliberately mispronounce my name. (When we have "unusual" names, they use the excuse: "it's too hard" as the reason not to make the effort at all). It is not just a name; it is part of who I am.
2- I will remind individuals I don't know, that I prefer to be addressed as "Miss" or Mrs" until I say otherwise. This included bill collectors (:-). The fact that I owe someone money is not the sole reason my title should be disregarded. Also, too many of us have adopted the practice of allowing children to call us by our first names. Familiarity breeds contempt. We have become so lax with our expectations, our children do not respect us anymore.
3- My sons were raised to say "Sir" and "Mame" when speaking to adults and my grandchildren are being raised the same way. If someone says it makes them feel old, this is due to their insecurity. My family will not sacrifice nor set aside their values to assuage this grown-up's issues. In other words, we won't be dis-respectful just so they can feel younger!
It is time for us to get back to our heritage and the values that show our pride, dignity, respect and love. Money isn't everything. A person with money who lacks these 4 values is still poor! Howard Hughes had lots of money while he lived and he died ALONE!
It's Sankofa time! Ashay.
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A Comments from one of our readers:
Thank you for allowing a platform of expression for the Home Girl, CEO.
You and your vision are both absolutely FABULOUS!
As far As my home based business, I haven't completely taking the plunge but, I'm 90% there!
Here's my thing:
I can no longer fall victim to a work place that has not set up ample respect for the single mom! My last job wanted me to work from 4pm-1am. In my opinion, they were telling me to forget about my family, and forget about having a life and let someone else raise your child!
To me, that's truly unacceptable as well as, on the other hand, motivating.
I can't continue to do the same thing and get the same results. I think they call that "insanity", right!
For me, that was a serious wake up call. So now, I'm working through this thing called "fear" and it's been a douzie! However, I plan to succeed at all cost.
I have too! I'm not giving myself any other option and you shouldn't either.
Always remember that we come from a background of strong survivors that would do anything for the price of freedom, even risk loosing their lives.
So , on that note, lets expect to succeed. Let's plan, organize, and execute! Let's be that person that we are waiting to show up! Let's do the do! Let's make a committment to hold each other accountable for success. I'll take the stand first.
Missie Shealey
Events
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Destress Thursdays
November 5, 2009 at 6pm to November 19, 2009 at 8pm – Colonial Gardens Apts
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