Home » Writer's Blogs » kdandm

Why Do Black People Do The Things They Do?

Kevin D. Moore ⁽¹⁶³⁾ United States

Kevin D. Moore

Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC

Painful To Be Famous

Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 (215 days 18 hours ago.) Viewed 69 times.

Like so many others in this world, I too longed to be famous at one point in my life. I too, like many others in this world, was drawn to all of the positive possibilities that fame could and would bring to my life. I too, looked at all the famous people - actors, singers, public officials, and sports professionals and imagined how great their lives were compared to mine. I could just imagine how great things would be if I were famous and had phenomenal amounts of money, screaming crowds of people requesting my autograph, and everyone else - the common people - wanting to be just like me.

Imagine all the good I could do with my fame. Imagine, with phenomenal amounts of money, what I could give to charity thus making life easier for others. Imagine, all the autographs I could sign thus bringing and giving much joy to all the fans. And just imagine, the good example I could be for so many that would aspire to be like me resulting in a much better world. Wow, I could do anything, be anything, and more importantly be extremely happy if only I were famous.

Since I considered myself a fairly talented individual, I figured that fame wouldn't take long to achieve. For starters, I began reaching for my dream by acting in one of my high school plays. Although, I didn't have the lead role, I just knew that the critics and others would see my abilities and as a result I would become a "Shooting Star." Unfortunately, things didn't exactly go as expected. Instead of being a "Shooting Star", my acting career turned out to be more like a "Star-fish" out of water.

However, I didn't let that disappointment in acting fame deter me from stardom. So, I decided to become famous through my singing abilities. Wow, what a difference a day makes! I actually had two songs released to the world. I couldn't believe how great being famous was. Well, Ok, maybe I wasn't "big" famous but at least I was a "little" famous. Ok...Ok... I wasn't famous at all. The most fame I got was dancing to my own song in a couple of dance clubs. And to make it worse, I probably danced by myself. Not much fame there but again I would not be deterred from my right to be famous and receive all of the pleasures that fame would bring.

So…I wrote a book, became a motivational speaker, and have been a guest on many radio shows across the nation. And needless to say, everything I've done to date is now paying off. Fame has finally come!!! No matter where I go, whether it is on the street, in an airport, or in a public restroom (go figure), I'm recognized and approached by adoring fans.

Only one problem - all these fans think I'm somebody else! As it turns out, it seems that in-person I seem to resemble the actor, director, and producer named Tyler Perry. What a let down... Now, don't get me wrong. I am a fan of Tyler Perry's myself, however, I wanted to be famous on my own accord.

Imagine, how painful it is to want to bring joy to others through fame and then have that very fame bring hurt and disappointment to others when they discover and realize that you are not who they thought you were. I must admit that at first it was fairly humorous and flattering. That is until I started to focus on the other person's reactions after coming to their disappointed conclusion. Of course, they don't blame me personally for not being Tyler Perry but the "high" and "low" that they experience are there and obvious "none the less."

It's funny, not once did I ever believe that fame wasn't everything I thought and many others thought it would be. That is until now. I guess my mother and father were right when they said be careful what you wish for - you might just get it!

Permalink Comments (0)

Stupid American

Posted Wednesday, September 17, 2008 (1 year 66 days ago.) Viewed 347 times.

As much as I hate to admit it, I knew a guy who must have been one of the stupidest Americans around. The most ironic thing about this guy was that he was an intelligent person but absolutely had no clue how stupid he was.

This American's stupidity manifested itself in his support for one of two Presidential Candidates.

During the Presidential Race, he listened to both sides and watched their Ads. And, using or not using his God given talent of reasoning, he made a decision to support a specific Candidate. Unfortunately, that decision was stupid.

For example:

He actually believed that the potential Leader of this great nation of values would not purposely spin, taint, or tell half truths about the other Candidate. Stupid!

He actually believed that he did not have to do any research on his own given that the News Media would definitely ensure that there was no foul play. In other words, the News Media would establish a "No Spin Zone." Stupid!

He actually believed that fellow citizens would be outraged if there was the slightest hint that a Candidate running for the President of the United States was "Spinning" out of control. Stupid!

You know, it's amazing how smart I have become since the last Presidential Race. My eyes have been opened. I'm no longer that Stupid American.

Copyright 2008 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Permalink Comments (4)

Grandma Got Thrown Under The Bus!

Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 (1 year 237 days ago.) Viewed 3,592 times.

Recently, Senator Barack Obama gave a speech on race relations in America. During that speech, he gave a very personal example of how issues associated with race can hit close to home.

Specifically, the example he gave involved his grandma on his mother's side whose tan was not as good as his for as long as his. In other words, his grandma was White. While citing this example, Barack said that his grandma helped raise him, had sacrificed for him, and truly loved him. And, of course, he truly loved her back.

However, although his grandma truly loved him, she had confessed that she was fearful of Black men who passed her on the street and she would sometimes say things in a negative manner about Black people that would make him cringe.

As a result of this very personal example, there have been people that have not viewed nor received Barack's comments in a positive light. In fact, some have said that Barack needlessly threw his grandma under the bus!

Well, I disagree... Furthermore, I truly appreciate that he was willing to provide such a personal experience that resonates in so many people that live in the United States. The fact is that we (Americans) are still dealing with the baggage associated with racial issues derived from our past. Of course, there are many Americans today who do not see these issues, may never have directly added to these issues, or do not view these issues as hitting close to home. But unfortunately, these issues are still there, none the less, and, for many, do hit close to home.

However, as reflected in Barack's speech, these issues are not one sided no matter how close they hit to home.

For me, approximately a year ago, while walking out of a very large Mall in a racial mixed area, I was called something that I had not been called in years!

Unfortunately, while walking to my parked car, a taxi cab slowly pulled up next me. The cab was driven by a White man. Needless to say, I expected him to ask me if I needed a ride or maybe he needed directions. I was wrong on both accounts. What he wanted instead was to yell and call me a "NIGGER!" Upon satisfying himself, he quickly drove off.

Now as you can probably guess, I was somewhat enraged although I did not show it (I did not want to empower him or the word he used.) But that is not the point of this story. I wish it were but it is not.

The point is that after being yelled at, the first thought that entered my mind was that I could not believe that he called me this because of the way I was dressed… You see, I was dressed in a business suit. I not only looked "Corporate", but felt "Corporate", and for whatever reason felt somewhat part of the "Majority."

The problem with this whole thought process was that somehow I initially thought that being called a "NIGGER" would be more appropriate if I was wearing stereotypically different clothes.

WRONG ANSWER! What was I thinking?

My initial thought demonstrates to me that I probably have some issues of my own deep down inside. Fortunately, I quickly put myself in check. But I had thought this none the less. Ironically, if you ask those who are close to me they will tell you that I probably do not have a prejudiced bone in my body. But obviously, this was a failing moment that hit close to home.

So why tell you this? Better yet, why throw myself under the bus?

Because, personal experiences tend to be more meaningful and credible to others and I want to do my part in helping America continue moving forward in its desire to truly and totally be united as a nation. If that means throwing myself under the "so called" bus to demonstrate that there are two sides of the racial divide and that these issues hit closer to home than we may realize… Then so be it…

I guess when you really think about it sometimes being thrown under the bus is a good thing…

Permalink Comments (26)

Catch 22

Posted Sunday, February 10, 2008 (1 year 286 days ago.) Viewed 2,354 times.

Like most children, when I was a child growing up, I aspired to be something great. My aspiration was that of the President of the United States of America. Fortunately, my parents supported this level of desired leadership during my early formative years. They did not squash my dream. Instead they were supportive!

It was not until I became a parent myself that I realized that my parents were truly torn between support and nonsupport in my endeavor to become the Leader of this Nation. Looking back in my memory, I can see the expressions on my parents' faces. As a child, I only saw the encouragement that they had. I did not notice the worry and concern that was simultaneously behind the encouragement. Come to think of it, I did notice that something was not quite right when I reached my teenage years and better understood the ways of the world. However, it was not until I was a parent that I truly understood.

I say this because there has never been a President of the United States that has ever had the year long tan that I happen to have. In other words, there has never been a Black/African American or Multi-racial President. (Note: Please forgive me for stating the obvious)

Now, I do not know if you have noticed or not but I have, to date, not attempted to join the race to become President. Unfortunately, as much as I strive to be the best leader that I can be, I have also come to the harsh reality that I may be a "Big Chicken!"

Like many, I have faced and for the most part overcome many small and large challenges in life. But there is one challenge that always seems difficult to face. That challenge is "Catch 22" especially as it relates to a Presidential Race.

Here is what I noticed Non-year long tan (i.e. White) candidates will and are expected to address the issues and concerns of the majority voters as well as those that are in the minority (e.g. Black, Hispanic, etc.) Many view this as just good politics. There generally is not a fear or concern that this type of candidate, if elected, is going to focus primarily on the issues associated with minorities. Again, it is just good politics to court minority voters.

However, things seem to change when that candidate is themselves classified as a minority. For example, I have heard many majority voters state their concern that a minority candidate once in the White House would focus on minority issues which they believe would not be good overall for the Nation. To reduce this perception and fear, there is a likelihood that a minority candidate would focus more on majority issues. One might even argue that by addressing many of the majority issues the minority issues are addressed simultaneously. Needless to say, not everyone agrees with this.

On the other hand, I have also heard many minority voters state their concern that a minority candidate is not focusing on minority issues and therefore will not effectively work to resolve these issues once in the White House. As result, some have said that they are voting for a majority candidate.

Catch 22! What is a minority candidate to do?

Answer: Face the challenge head on, address the issues, inspire, motivate, and more importantly convince the Nation that he or she can lead it.

Copyright 2008 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Permalink Comments (4)

Archives:

November 2009
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30
« Oct

All Posts by Kevin D. Moore