Barbershop thoughts on politics and the world - 11.1.2006.3

Continued from Barbershop thoughts ...

Other than vague recollections of soundbites from television news broadcasts they had no knowledge on any of the subjects. They had not considered the ramifications of any of these events, nor any of the causes. They had not considered how often Hilary Clinton pops up in the national media on a popular subject, but makes no headway on those items or how far she has progressed on her healthcare initiatives she has often campaigned on. They were unaware that the Korean War ended in a ceasefire or that for 50 years North Korea has prepared to finish a war with the United States. They did not realize that North Korea is believed to export weapons to anyone who can pay for it, or that the nation is struggling to feed its people as well as provide basic resources.

Even in regard to the Duke rape case they were unaware of the full comments made by the second stripper. This was not an isolated thing. None of the men in the barbershop appeared to be aware of these facts, just the curiosity of the youngest men allowed them to ask questions where the others seemed to listen but refrained from asking. So why did a group of African American men that were under 30 have none that were aware of current facts, nor familiar with any background either.

I’m troubled by this lack of knowledge. The ramifications in terms of politics is horrendous. For all those that say the system is horrible which some in theis group inferred I have to say, how can you complain if you don’t even understand what is going on? How can the system improve if you aren’t involved?

I also have to ask what is going on with education. How can these men not be aware of recent history of this nation? The Korean War was not that long ago. Many veterans of this war are still living today. The repercussions of this war still resonate today.

The level of misconceptions that were accepted as fact was huge as well. Things like America is out of oil, that Hilary Clinton has voted consistently and advancing her campaign issues, that rich kids don’t join the military, that the victim in the Duke case had nothing more to say than a single soundbite (mis)quoted on the news and more.

Does this disturb anyone besides me? The youth of America, and in particular Black America, have no idea what is going on nor what has happened in the past. That doesn’t mean these men are unintelligent, but it does mean that they are ill-prepared to deal with the world. In 20 years they will have to help guide the nation and their own children, where might they lead them? How long will it take them to correct these false concepts, if ever? What prevents abuses in the system that will deter their advancement and that of their children?

Binghamton may be a small town (or city as those from this area call it) but it is also a college town. There are 2 colleges and a community college found here. Most of the men appeared to have jobs (half were working in the shop, most of the others dress seemed like office attire except the 2 youngest which were in thuggish attire – it was lunchtime). Given this what conclusion is there to be made? Do you think this represents the nation? If so do you feel the same discomfort I do?

This is what I think, what do you think?