Local legislator makes mockery of the term 'role model'

The Shreveport Sun
June 29, 2009

Last week – the day before the Legislative Session ended – Shreveport rapper, Hurricane Chris, performed his latest single “Halle Berry (She’s Fine)” on the House floor after receiving a proclamation for his musical accomplishments.

Local State Rep., Barbara Norton introduced the motion by saying she felt it was important to support young people who are doing positive things in their community and inspiring other youth to do the same.

I do not know of the positive contributions Hurricane Chris has or has not made in the community. However, I do know that we must be mindful of who we praise and what we condone especially for the sake of our children who look to us for guidance and examples of what is right and wrong.

Today, far too many of our children believe that in order to find success, they must rap/sing, become professional athletes or even sell drugs or other illegal items. My concern is that this recent proclamation will solidify this myth.

At some point, we have to take a stand and increase our expectations of each other. At some point, we have to teach our sons to have respect for women and teach our daughters to respect themselves.

At some point, we have to look at disrespectful, disgusting, sexist and hateful lyrics and tell our children they are not ok. At some point, we have to tell them that just because you see something on television or hear it on the radio does not make it good or right.

At some point, we need to teach our children (and a number of adults) that their value in life is beyond being someone’s sexual object. At some point, we have to redefine what it means to be a hero in our community.

Yes, Hurricane Chris has made accomplishments in his musical career – but that, alone, does not make him a role model. Role models should be the people in our everyday lives who strive to make life better for the people around and the generations to follow.

Role models are people who are not only respectful but are respectable and radiate a sense of pride. Role models uplift their communities, not take advantage of them. You cannot uplift your community if you play an active role in its downfall.

If a child is disobedient, yet he receives praises for his actions he will continue to disobey. If we celebrate songs that disrespect women, promote drug selling and violence; what are we teaching our children?

Yes, a number of political figures have recently admitted to extra-marital affairs but honestly, how many of our children go around quoting them? We can always look around and see what other people are doing wrong, but it never changes the damages that we have made.

Some people have argued that doing something and rapping about it are not the same, children are not the best at filtering reality from fiction and unless we tell them when things are right and when others are wrong, they may never know.

Right now, the world is looking and laughing at us yet I am only concerned with what our children see. It is my desire that we show them hope, dignity, respect and the path towards a productive future. I ask that we all work together in exposing them to role models who may guide them in this direction.

Michael Jackson touched many lives, the man and the artist

The Shreveport Sun

June 29, 2009

Many people can, will and have professed their undying love and respect for Michael Jackson and his music. Likely, nothing I say will be original or groundbreaking. Many of us cannot list our favorite MJ song – that is simply impossible as trying to settle on even a favorite album may be too difficult of a task.

I, like many other 70’s, 80’s and 90’s babies, literally grew up to the sounds of the Jackson family. I simply cannot think of a time when his music was not a part of my life. I am certain millions of others feel the same.

And in this group of millions are people who look, sound and live nothing similar to how I look, sound and live. The fact that someone in a far off part of the world that I do not even know exists, understands how I feel right now speaks of Jackson’s reach.

To say that Michael Jackson created music that sounded good is selling him short. What made him and his artistry remarkable is that it felt good. With his piercing vocals, often in depth lyrics, stellar production and likely the best dance moves of our lifetime – he was the epitome of the word entertainer.

Though many people would say entertaining was his forte, I argue that using entertainment to provide social commentary and inspire social change was his greatest strength.

With songs like “We are the World,” “Stranger in Moscow,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Another Part of Me,” “They Don’t Care about US” “Heal the World” and so many others, Jackson used his worldwide platform to expose us all to the harsh realities of the world.

A young boy from Gary, Indiana, a place known for its limited options, grew to become an icon who transcended race, gender, class, culture and other restricting barriers. Michael Jackson changed the world of music and as the first – and likely only – artist to sell a billion records, globally, he obviously touched many lives.