- Jun 8, 2004
- 3,210
- 64
Over the past few days I have on, ocassion, become troubled by my own behavior at this board. I sense that, perhaps, I have stepped out of line with some of my thoughts, some of my passion, and said some things I need to apologize for. I was brought up to be respectful of my elders whether they were 1 or 100 years older than I...
Some may not know, nor care that that is how it was in the African American community 35, 40, 50 years ago, or that this kinship custom of respect of elders is as African as it gets, but I live to tell those who don't know that I cannot, nor do I, want to ever forget the importance of respecting my elders, and having them share the wisdom of their experiences with me, and the family. The very LAST thing I would ever want to do is chase away the wisdom of an elder by being a knucklehead.
So I thought it appropriate to dedicate this thread to our well known Elders at this board, Sister Pdiane and brother JamesFrmPhilly. They frequently share themselves and their experiences with us in given threads, but I think such a thread as this can serve as their "teaching Stump", if you will... An Oral History teaching forum, where they can come, and just teach, and say whatever is on their mind, and not have to concern themselves with any young folk treading on SACRED GROUND, so to speak... A place where the youth ask questions, listen and take notes from the elders...
We have oft spoken on the value system of old in our communities... We have not been able to fully explain the many aspects of the value system so that it is plain and clear for our youth. Perhaps, then, I will pose the very first question on this thread to our elders, concerning the African American Value system of old... What was it, this value system, and how and when did we lose it???
Peace!
Isaiah
Some may not know, nor care that that is how it was in the African American community 35, 40, 50 years ago, or that this kinship custom of respect of elders is as African as it gets, but I live to tell those who don't know that I cannot, nor do I, want to ever forget the importance of respecting my elders, and having them share the wisdom of their experiences with me, and the family. The very LAST thing I would ever want to do is chase away the wisdom of an elder by being a knucklehead.
So I thought it appropriate to dedicate this thread to our well known Elders at this board, Sister Pdiane and brother JamesFrmPhilly. They frequently share themselves and their experiences with us in given threads, but I think such a thread as this can serve as their "teaching Stump", if you will... An Oral History teaching forum, where they can come, and just teach, and say whatever is on their mind, and not have to concern themselves with any young folk treading on SACRED GROUND, so to speak... A place where the youth ask questions, listen and take notes from the elders...
We have oft spoken on the value system of old in our communities... We have not been able to fully explain the many aspects of the value system so that it is plain and clear for our youth. Perhaps, then, I will pose the very first question on this thread to our elders, concerning the African American Value system of old... What was it, this value system, and how and when did we lose it???
Peace!
Isaiah