Dear Editor:
Was it really the picture of Alan Brown that was so disturbing to Mr. Nat Irvin, or was it just that our generation is out of touch with others?Whether it has been realized or not, our generation has a culture of its own. A culture in which we speak, think, and socialize differently. We are often ridiculed, and often classified under stereotypes that are highlighted in all types of media including TV, magazines, newspapers and radio.This controversy comes as a way to show that our accomplishments in the eyes of some are small and limitless. Still students from across North Carolina and the surrounding states come to Winston-Salem State University to attain something that countless others in their communities might not be able to gain – an education.Many have said that we have no movement, but we believe we do have a movement. Our movement is the same one of the 60’s or 70’s, a movement that is forced upon us by a society and that is the individual movement. It seems that this generation can do no right. Needless to say we are mimicking the generation which has come before us. A generation that has created a problem and has yet to find a fitting end.We believe that our generation will have positive movements, as well as negative. But we must realize with whom we are in a constant war. Is it ourselves or with the other generations before us that simply do not understand?We do not disagree with Nat Irvin, or his remarks, however, the problem could have been dealt with in a more professional matter. As is the case with many people, he judged a book by one element of its cover. Mr. Irvin challenged students at WSSU to observer the stereotypes that the media has placed on us. This challenge should be taken seriously and with a fervor that will ultimately raise our consciousness and our awareness of the world we are living in.We believe that we should not only discuss the many problems in our culture, but also discuss the solutions. In the years to come our generation will stand-up and fight for our beliefs. It is the birth of new organizations such as Black Men for Change that will foster the new ideas of black thought which we hope will extend into new political and governmental involvement. We must challenge ourselves and accept the challenges of others. For it is so easy for us to be seen as sideline students, and armchair intellects.There is a need that must be filled and we must fill it. It is time for us to accept our purpose in this world and set forth a plan of action that will insure that we are seen as more than just another societal problem.Through the publication of the photo and comments by Mr. Irvin, it goes to show that our voices need to be made a little louder. If we remain silent, if we do not say what is going through our minds, if we do not have a voice, then we are ultimately giving into the very principles which have sustained for so long.As young people we have been placed in a box and it is the actions of the few which many believe is reflective of the whole. One question raised by Mr. Irvin is interesting. Are the students at WSSU really celebrating the “pimp” culture? Or are we unfairly being judge by someone who does not know us?We are always picked at for everything that we are doing wrong how many pictures and articles are written from the standpoint of everything we are doing right? We did not invent this culture, we simply exist in it. Take offense to this article, like this article, but do something about it. Remember this is the Golden Mile, Golden opportunities, Golden People and Golden Memories. From our differences, come our ideas, from our ideas come change, Repaving the Foundations for Future Generations – BLACK MEN FOR CHANGE.
Sincerely,
The members of Black Men For Change