Years, ago, Dr. Robert Staples, wrote a book, entitled, “Black Masculinity”.  Dr. Staples, who by the way, is a Sociologist, discussed, the three major images, of the African American male, historically, in  America, which were, the Super Athlete, the Super Sex Stud, and the Crazy Criminal. For the most part, I think, that these images still hold today, even in 2009.  Nevertheless, there are a group of African American males, who have a tendency to downplayed their masculinity, in order, to appease their white counterparts, so, that they will not appear to be threatening to them. These African American males, fall within, two major categories, or, they can be a combination of both.  The first, is the black christian male, and the second, is the  highly, educated, black man.  Both have been deceived, into thinking, that being, so-called, professional, goes hand in hand, with being apathetic and passive.  In other words, being professional, means, that one must be a pious, quiet, and an emasculated individual.  The black christian males, justify, their passivity, by going to the bible, and, quoting Romans, the 13th, chapter, which basically, says that one should obey authority, and, I agree with this, one hundred percent. However, when those who are in authority, are doing wrong, the christian, must understand, that he or she, must obey God rather than man.  The black christian males, at the church where I attend, are very passive, and all they want to do, is sit around,and engage in spiritual rap. I have seen this attitude, among black christian men, in practically, every church, where I have attended.  As a christian, I am not support to be apathetic, and sit around, waiting to die, so that I can go to heaven. There, are times, when I should stand up, for Jesus, and let my voice be heard.  Being passive and apathetic, is why slavery, lasted as long as it did, in the U.S. , being passive and apathetic, is why million of babies, are constantly being kill through, abortions.  Apathy, and passivity, are the cause for the breakdown of the traditional family in America, and the sad thing about this, is that this apathetic, and passive behavior, is  the way of life, among many christian circles, and, in the black christian community, this is the ongoing attitude, of most black males.  The black man must understand, that being a christian, does not mean that one is a lemon, to squeeze, or someone, who others can take as a fool. The black christian male, must understand, that Jesus Christ, is his true employer, and not the boss on his job. Yes, the christian, is suppose to honor and respect, his or her boss, as well as other authoritative figures, but, the boss, does not have the last word, God does. This is something, that the highly educated black man must understand as well, whether he is a christian or not, there is no need for him to run around, on his job, bowing and grinning or engaging in actions, like the festivities, of a clown. This is the reason why so many black women, are turned off, by both the christian and educated black man, because she does not see someone, to whom, she can respect. The christian and education black men are look upon, as weak, shiftless, punks, soft, Uncle Toms, Uncle Roys, and Uncle Remuses.  This is not the case, with the Black Muslim brothers, these men demand, respect, and, they carry themselves, in such a way, that one knows, that if he or she tries, to disrespect one of them, he or she must be prepared for a spiritual, intellectual, and if necessary, a physical battle, because these men, are not just a lot of talk, they are men of action. I have personally seen this, first hand.  Older educated black men, are suppose to be role models, for younger African American males, but, how can these, young men respect, older black men, who do not  have respect for themselves.  When young black guys, observe, older christian, and educated, Africa American men, skinning and grinning, and engaging in actions, which are similar to the, festivities of a clown, it is a complete turn off to these young black men. Why?  These young men, perceive, such actions, as being weak, soft, and sissified, and, they do not want to be that way, and, many believe, that if getting an education means, they are going to have to act that way, then, the education is something, that many of them do not want, and when young African American males, go through the process, of acquiring an education, they realize, they cannot, be themselves, but, must put on acceptable facades, which are pleasing to the so-called status quo, if they hopes for any intentions, of being promoted, in corporate America, institutions of higher education, federal and state agencies, and local municipalities. When young black males start their careers, the older black men, who have been on similar jobs or careers, do not give these young guys any guidance.  Therefore, these young men are left out there, to fend for themselves.  Too many old, professional black men, are selfish, and they do nothing, to mentor,  young black men, who are trying to move up in life. These old Negroes, are usually, Uncle Toms, and, they are kept around, in leadership positions, because those in power, know that they are shiftless, and will not do anything, to rock the boat. Also, these old Negroes, are allowed to stay in positions of authority, because, those who are truly in power, can use them, to oppress their own people.  When I say “Old Negroes”, I mean, between the ages of 65, and up.  One, would think, that such, individuals, would have retired by now, but, not in the educational world, such as k-12, and institutions of higher education. These old guys, dwell a long time, in these professionals, and, they constantly, want to be seen by those in power, as being good Negroes.  Nevertheless, these old Negro sellouts, have hindered, the development, of upcoming and promising, young, African American males. These, old Negroes, are sick, and, even though, they have acquired, their education, most of them still possess, an “inferiority complex”, when it comes to dealing,with white folks, and, they have the nerve or audacity, to expect, younger African American males to act like them.  It is no wonder, why so many black women, see both education and christian black men as being weak, shiftless, soft, and sissified, and, I don’t blame them, for wanting a thug, instead, of the so-called, nice educated, christian, black man. Black christian and educated men, must start standing up, and, holding their ground, and, stop running around, letting others emasculate them, and, I am not talking about running around, and starting trouble, However, when the time comes,  for one to stand up, the christian and educated, black males, must show themselves, to be a men.

         The Bowtie Professor Speaks!

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