It Takes A Village

One of my favorite books is, "It Takes A Village to Raise a Child." In the book, it discusses the importance of parents working together to raise their children. Furthermore, it discusses the impact that a community can have on a child's life. Due to the hard work of a community, a child can grow to be wise and successful. The main point is that, when we work together as a team, we can get the job done more faster and efficiently; rather than working alone. This passed week has caused me to reflect back on this book.

This passed week, we had a snow storm that had caused cars to get stuck in snow, tree branches to fall in others' yards, and the sidewalks to become very slick. However, in my community, we have been working as a team to look out for one another. We've helped others' to their cars, moved tree branches from our neighbors yards, and my brother's helped to push several cars that were stuck-out of the snow. People were even getting out of their vehicles to help others push their cars. It was amazing to see the people of my community help one another. The greatest lesson that I was taught through this whole experience was that, "I am my brothers keeper."

The Reason Why I Dislike Police Officers

On my way to church this morning, I saw the scariest thing that I had ever witnessed to seeing in my life. I saw six police officers standing around a man who looked to be about 70 years old, homeless, and black. The man was handcuffed, laying on his stomach-with no coat on, and surrounded by six white police officers. I'm not a racist or anything, but I believe the way that white police officers treat blacks is ridiculous. Every time the man would move his head, a police officer would taser him, kick him, and yell-"Put your face on the ground!" I could not believe what I was seeing, and for a minute, I was hoping and praying that it was all a dream. The man was tasered at least five times. I just didn't understand-the man was lying on the ground, hand-cuffed, and understandably, cold. What was the purpose of him being tasered? This is really bothering me because no one should be treated that way-white, black, Hispanic, no one! I wonder how the police officers would feel if they were outside with a short sleeved shirt on, it is 23 degrees, they are handcuffed, lying on the ground, surrounded by six police officers, and they are being demanded to put their face on the ground. This is a memory that I will never forget and it hurts badly to know that there are people like that in the world who could be this cruel and nasty to someone else.

Keeping the Stereotype Alive

American Idol in Kentucky was shown on national television on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. I could not believe what I was seeing: hillbillies, country bumpkins, and hicks were used to represent our state. I don't understand why we are stereotyped as being hillbillies. Everyone in Kentucky doesn't own a farm. We don't wear overalls. We actually were tennis shoes, not just sandals. And more than anything- We are not backwoods idiots! I don't understand. When people in other states think about the people of Ketucky, they get the image that we are dirty, raggedy, and tooth-less. That part is understandable because the television gives people that image of Kentuckians. People in Kentucky are often shown on television as being low-class and poor farm owners. I wish that people in other states wouldn't steroetype us as being hillbillies. I also wish that television stations would stop worrying about "Keeping the Stereotype Alive" and start showing the real Kentucky. We are not hillbillies!

It Is Time for a Change

As the days leading up to the inauguration are narrowing down, I am beginning to find myself infused with excitement and joy. Personally, I am overwhelmed at the thought of having Barack Obama as our president. Not only is he dedicated to helping and serving in our country, but he is an inspiration to the future generations to come. I believe that he will generate many ideas that will help our country to become a better place. The thoughts of positivity run through my mind whenever I think about our new president. Unfortunately, there are others who feel the opposite way.

Even though I am excited about Barack Obama's inauguration, there is something that has caused me to become upset. That is the negativity. I am so tired of hearing people say things such as, "
He can't change the economy" or "He doesn't have enough experience". The negative outlooks have to stop. Throughout the whole election, I have realized how judgmental people can be. Just give him a chance! Of course everyone knows that he can't become the president one week and a week later, the country is perfect. It takes time. Before we begin to point fingers towards others, we should always look in the mirror and do a full examination of ourselves. Barack Obama is not superman. He can't perform miracles. What a lot of people fail to realize is that "Before you walk, you must learn to crawl".