Wake Up!

For some strange reason I watched Spike Lee's"Do the Right Thing" movie not once but two times this past weekend.
As many times as I've seen this movie in the past years, It hit me like a sledge hammer in a different way. I equated the "right thing" to other issues other than the racial injustices painfully depicted in this classic film. The parenthood and relationship injustices and communication barriers became clearer to me. I can't tell a lie...I wasn't always a good boyfriend so I'll let that one go. I will use another relationship instead. Being a parent, I can and have often told my oldest son to make sure that he does the right thing relating to other people. However, oldest son does in fact mean more than one. I also have another son, "J" my 3 yr old soldier.

He is a wonderfully spirited, high energy, little guy with lots of personality. I am very excited about his future impact on the world!!!
While watching this film for the first time in years, I reflected on what that term meant in relation to my youngest son. For the most references in my blogs, you read about my eldest son, "DJ" the one that provides me with more than a lil blog material.

All I can say is, this dude is a character! Seriously!!
For my readers already know, I like to put a spin on something...just being me!!!

The most incredible personal relation to this movie is the Radio Raheem character...

far deeper than a dude walking around with his "box" blasting Public Enemy(which of course happens to be one of my favorite hip hop groups...ever). The freedom and respect for the uplifting of his own culture has me contemplating the limitations that I, as a parent have or will impose on my sons. Hmmm.....

The poise and dignity of a proud man...no one in this classic pic seemed to have such an unwavering position on their beliefs other than the part of "Buggin out"

The outward impression of this persona was that he was a revolutionary of his own neighborhood..looking to bring about the acknowledgement of African Americans in an Italian American restaurant.

Take a different spin on these two dudes..and apply it to your own situation...For me they exemplify the growth process for adolescence to young adulthood and young adulthood to a maturing grown adult..

Radio Raheem, the defining character of having a conviction strong enough to lose his life over it..fighting to be heard. Comparable to the teenager that struggles to be heard and will defy me


because his convictions are that strong. Choking the dreams out of him..thus making him a shadow of himself in the future.

Buggin out, the revolutionary that draws others into his way of thinking. Comparable to the young fella that starts playing with a toy and creates a desire in others to follow along with what he wants to do. Inspiring change in many...Like "J"!

My quandary is determining when to let go....how much of a support cushion is needed and how can I elevate my young sons to become the "great men" they are destined to be.

I came to the conclusion that choosing to take the time to elevate the mothers of our "leaders of tomorrow" will create a ripple effect...teaching how to break the chains of ignorance and disrespect to our queens. It is time as brothas to "do the right thing" and build up our women, so they can elevate us and a new cycle of positive growth and development can emerge from our children.
In the words of Spike Lee in his movies...it's time to "WAKE UP"