Maltreatment
by
Willie Perry
 

 No matter what abuses each race may subject other races to, the abuse that which is self-inflicted, is by far the most damaging. The self-mutilation that occurs, within the Black race especially, has increased considerably. The days of the “drive-by” shooting have progressed into a more subtle form of self-destruction, self-hatred, which impedes progress just as effectively as the “drive-by” shootings.

Many Black people show so little respect for themselves, for the struggles and accomplishments, for the leadership that has and is guiding them. How can they expect to receive respect from other races?

I often wonder what other races believe to be the epitome of the typical Black man, woman, or child?  From what experiences have these beliefs been formed?

The media can most certainly be counted as a major source of insight into the lives of the Black race, but what about those who experience a more intimate and realistic relationship with the race? Do those people feel that everything is being done in order to advance and succeed? Do they feel that Black people show consistent support and encouragement towards one another?

Recently on a visit to Chicago, I was quite shocked, and embarrassed, to see so many young Black men, homeless and begging for money or food. Some had publications to sell, others held cups out to passersby and asked for spare change. But on every major corner of the downtown and the surrounding areas, there they were.

Whenever I passed one I felt as if my heart had been pierced with a sword. I felt that something was very wrong with the city of Chicago for allowing these people to go without homes, without out a place to pull themselves together. I remember wondering why these men (and some women as well), most of whom looked to be in excellent physical condition, would put themselves through such humiliation. Couldn’t they find a job here in the “Windy City”?

Imagine visiting a large city, and on every major street corner there is a Black man in scruffy clothing asking for money or food (some were actually harassing passersby in attempt to humiliate them into contributing assistance). It reminded me of some pictures I had seen of the Great Depression, except those pictures were of families suffering together. These men were all alone and being mostly ignored by most of the passersby and the Black race as well. Why has the Black race decided that it is acceptable to allow a large portion of its population to beg for money from strangers?

Ignoring these cries for help, this desperate act of survival adversely effects the entire race.  The world sees how little the Black race cares about its members. To senselessly ridicule intellect, and to value materialism over the community, reduces their chance for success.

Even I had begun to believe that in Chicago most young Black men were homeless regardless of whether they were asking for money or merely walking past me. Many times I overheard people discussing these men’s predicament as walked by without contributing.

I even began to dress more formally than usual whenever I left the hotel for walks or sightseeing. I did not want to be mistaken for these men and thus become the topic of some stranger’s conversation. I felt ashamed and helpless, and I wondered if the condition these beggars were in was not a deserved fate. Maybe the Black race as a whole is not responsible for the condition of these people? I only had to continue walking to realize the answers to my questions.

We have become our own worst enemy, and at a time when we need to support and encouragement each other. This world should not have to wait for us to pull it all together, and they should be held responsible for our lack of focus. Success and excellence rather than humiliation and obsolescence should be our goal and focus. There are many groups and organizations each one dedicated to the advancement and social awareness of certain races of people.

There are many political leaders who lend their support to groups and organizations. There should be no excuse for the self-destruction that is occurring within the Black race. There is definitely no excuse for what I experienced in Chicago.