The position of the Minority is Undervalued. ---it truly is.
In the 1970s, a disenfranchised minority of young people in the South Bronx came together to communicate the frustration, anger, and angst of ghettoLife. From this Minority, Hip-Hop culture was birthed. In the late 1800s/early 1900s a minority of Jamaican outcasts took to the mountains to escape the influence of Babylon. From this Minority, the world was given Rastafari. Currently, a minority of Americans (5%) control most of the wealth (70%) in America. (Domhoff, 2011). (---and though this example may be antithetical to the others, one can still recognize the power of the Minority.) In terms of Biology, a minority of sperm cells [ONE] reaches the egg for fertilization. LIFE is spawned from that Minority. The point is simply this: the position of the Minority should NOT be considered a position of weakness.
I challenge you to never see it that way again.
The Minority position is one of Strength.
Personally, I have been no stranger to being in the Minority. I have felt the isolation, loneliness, insecurity, and the need to belong---just for the sake of belonging. As a result, I understand the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) required to be in the Minority and be comfortable with it. I understand that it is much easier SAID than DONE. I understand the power of racial allegiances, political affiliations, economic dependence, personal ties--and anything else that can possibly be used to compromise your principles. But, I also understand the Power of Freedom. Through practice and patience, I have grown aware of the benefits of holding such a position when it is the RIGHT thing to do. I have felt the Power and Freedom granted to those who are willing to be the Minority---despite temporary discomfort.
I dream a Dream. I dream a Dream where I am looking down a soft, malleable, fleshy tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, I see fluorescent Light bouncing off a freshly waxed linoleum floor. I don't want to reach the Light. I want to go back where I was before all this movement. But, against my will, I am pushed closer to the Light. Before I reach the Light, I dream I am Great. I dream I will make a difference. Sometimes I will be popular. Sometimes I will be unpopular. But, at all times, I will be Great. Then...I am Born.
This has been my longest recurring dream.
We all have Dreams. But, many of us avoid the painstaking process of actualizing those dreams because sometimes we know we may be uncomfortable and ALONE. ---and many of us choose not to pay this price.
I have decided to pay that price.
I challenge you today--and from this point forward--to develop the mental, spiritual, and physical fortitude that will enable you to grow comfortable with YOURSELF. Yes, Community is important. Cooperation over Competition goes without saying. There is no point in being a rebel WITHOUT a cause. But, The Minority Report isn't about "kickin' up dust" for the sake of causing unnecessary rifts. The Minority Report is about Leadership, Courage, Faith, Service, Discipline, Commitment, and Perservance. You develop these skills through understanding who YOU are.
--and you never find out exactly who YOU are, if you are too scared to BE ALL BY YOURSELF.
---now listen to WILL spit the REAL....
WeBeGeekin'
www.ghettogeekin.blogspot.com
