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Poor Taste

Recently, I posted on my facebook status that I fell like I should have been around in the 60's because I've got a ton of fight in me to be something great! Little did I know the 60's lived on my block.

A few days ago I was walking my daughters home from school and my 7 year old said, "daddy look, that looks like the men in the black history books". I immediately asked her what she was talking about. Then she pointed at the image below. I had to hit the instant replay button on the remote in my head. For those that don't know, I grew up in the south so you can only imagine the levity of the observation after I made eye contact with what she was referring to.
Unknowingly, I immediately felt the residual emotional effects of the stories of my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents. Part of me wanted to cut it down and part of me wanted to teach my daughters a history lesson. It was one of those times in life where I was so in shock that did none of the above. I've been stuck on pause for a few days. I've sought the advice of some of my most rational friends, I've prayed, I've studied and I've even done more homework on the image. Needless to say I was still at square one until earlier today.

As I jogged past the insensitive image I saw a woman of color getting out of a car. I believe she noticed the question mark look in my eyes as I gazed at the stuffed lynched man. She stopped me and said, "young man, don't you pay that no mind that's just "Poor Taste". I said Ms. if you don't mind me asking, how old are you? she said, "89 baby", now finish your run. That quiet subtle statement was the lesson that I needed to teach my children how to respond to pure ignorance. She gave me a two way street to be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Stokley Carmichael. The residual scars of the past are for me to empower, educate, motivate and denounce all fear of success to my children and those alike. So tomorrow I will empower my children to not indulge in "Poor Taste". I challenge you to do the same.


Comments

Gail Raiford said…
JJ I had the same feelings as you at first, but the more I thought, the more I chalked it up to ignorance. Everyone in this day and age knows the significance of a lynched fiqure so the person that hung it wanted a response from someone so that it could be used against all of us. Hooray to the lady that crossed your path and pointed you in the right direction. If you see her again give her a KISS for me.
October 20, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Y. Titus said…
I love the way God talks to us. He understands us better then we do. I Love this story it speaks on so many levels. Thanks for not moving, just being moved!!!!
October 20, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Unknown said…
JJ. I know that when we seek clarity from the right source, HE will send people in our direction even if only to meet once in order to give us the answer we need. I do believe the elder sister you crossed paths with was the answer you needed. With all she has surely seen in her lifetime, if she was able to chalk it up to poor taste then I would do just that. I'm pretty sure it wasn't ignorance as I find it hard to believe your neighbor was unaware of the possible interpretations of the display, so yes I would chalk it up to poor and insensitive taste.
October 20, 2010 at 11:54 PM
Melson Tookes said…
JJ, I took the time to read your comments and I will say that you are to be commended for the way in which you handled this situation. Racism is still very prevalent in society today as shown in this subtle and tasteless overtone. The elder woman served as a source of courage and strength for you to do the right thing and you have shown that same strength for your children. Racism in any form is a very ugly thing but we combat it with knowledge and love. Love you my brother!

Melson
October 21, 2010 at 3:16 AM
MarciK said…
This post was very insightful! I love it that you took the time to ponder and pray and that your answer came through an angel on this earth. What a great example you are to your daughters!
October 30, 2010 at 10:43 PM
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