₦airaland Forum

big father:
Pally , just picture that goatee you're having with dreadlocks and see if you'll be allowed entry into the board room.

LOL!!

I think I would still be allowed. Honestly what I have seen here in the States is that the people that have in an issue with natural hair or natural hairstyles are Black people (I work with Black people from Latin America, Continent, and the States). I remember at first Black people said something but after a while people started to like it. Black Men let their hair grow out and Black Women (that gave me issues) stopped perming their hair!

The White, Asian, and Latin Americans (other than the Afro-Latinos) don't have a problem with it or to scared to say something about it. LOL!!

It is all about is your hair taken care of and clean/shaped up. I just love the way tightly curled hair looks and feels.

@poster

I agree with you. I never had locks but if you look at my picture. I was in the process of letting my hair just bush out and for a while it was just out, big, and natural. I also had a goatee that was growing long as well. (I actually still have that) LOL! I am in Software Development and I am in meetings and functions with all types of business individuals.

I think people really have to get out of that mind state. Keep your locks!! I love the way natural hair, locks, twist, etc look.

Ruby_Pearl:
^{Not sure where to post this, just looking for people's perceptives.}

According to the Declaration of Independence, each of us is "endowed by our creator with certain inalienable ritghts, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Since TJ wrote this words, the question of what is happiness and what is required to attain it has been discussed in philosophy clases and bars, in classrooms and US Supreme Court. Does happiness come from pleasure? The fulfilment of every desire, From love? From meaning? Is it an end itself or the consequence of fulfilling some other love?

In your own perceptive, What is happiness and how does one attain it?

Well first TJ only stated that people shouldn't be denied "the pursuit of happiness" not that you shouldn't be denied "happiness".

True happiness to me is something that is permanent and to me cannot be found at the state humans are now. So it is something that cannot be found here on earth.

I think many people confuse pleasure/desires/etc with happiness. Those types of things change like the wind but True Happiness is eternal.

huxley:
I agree, parent tend to be unconscious ( to the child) role models to their children and the parent-child relationship is one of the most fundamental of relationships.

No I do not have a problem with role models. In fact there are many people I could consider good role model, although I think as one matures one should learn to wean oneself from that of the minor in the relationship.

Although you would not have known, the reason I raised this question was as precursor to the question of "elder" in traditional African societies. I wanted to first of all tease out what nairalanders felt about looking up to role models before raising the question.

I think I understand what you are saying by weaning of that relationship but for me since I am always learning and in constant growth, I find there is always someone that knows more than I do and has traveled the path that lays in front of me. With that being said, I may lose some role models that I previously had but obtain new ones.

Well since I am an AA, I really don't have much to add to your question on Elders in traditional African societies. I would love to read your thoughts because it seems you have you own ideas on that topic.

@poster

Lupe is great artist but a legend?? Come on??

I think many feel this way because of the artists that have come out in the era skill levels are not up to par.

SeanT21:
Eminem is one of the best rapper on the planet. Nas has knowledge and is also very good

Jay Z and Lil Wayne are all overrated. BEST RAPPER ALIVE MY ASS!!

I feel you and don't disagree but with the Jay-Z comment, his lyrical skills are up there with the best of them.

I think the title of this contest is mis-leading as well. I can name many rappers alive that I would place up there, that are not in the contest.

Rakim
KRS-One


But for me I would have in that top tier:

Nas
Lauryn Hill
Black Thought
Common
Talib Kweli
Andre 3000

SeanT21:
Eminem or Nas.

What is you criteria in picking those two?

To subjective? It depends on what the person is looking for.

@poster

The New Yorker can print anything that they want but it was REALLY POOR JUDGMENT on their part.

huxley:
Do you model your life, career, education and mental development on individuals you admire? In fact, do you think the concept of role model is a healthy one? At what age should one refrain from seeking role models and rely on one's own internal mature resources?

What are your criteria for selecting your role models and what would be your reaction upon learning of something negative about your role models?

The natural role models to any child is usually their parents. Even if one chooses not to look at them as such, they are the first individuals that you observe the behavior of. They shape who you are from a very young age whether they are "good" or "bad" (for you to decide good and bad) role models. That shaping stays with a child even into their adulthood. Even if one is missing it provides some instruction to a child as well.

I don't think you should ever stop seeking "role" models?? I am always in a constant state of grow and depending in what area of growth I am in, there is usually someone that can give me information about that. I don't know if under your definition you would call it a role model but I see that as such.

I am in state of constant growth in my life. There will never be a time when that will end.

Do you have a problem with "role" models and how do you define "role" models?

lucabrasi:
seeing as thats the only contribution you seee fit to make in the thread,i hope my use of the trem minority wont be an issue that will overshadow the discourse here,
thats the answer to your great question

If my statement came across as an inconsiderate statement then I apologize. I just read the response and I am so tired of the minority label because of its relativity. You use of that word didn't overshadow the discourse.

drrionelli:
@lazy:
I can appreciate your sentiments about being the "Smart, Black guy" as I, too, was subjected to that! Such qualified compliments were (and are) frustrating.

Your point is on target with respect to the word "race" being used to categorize. At least with one's nationality, one can tangibly verify a designation. That we attempt to classify people by "race" (which, as you note, is truly a garbage description) only further emphasizes the contempt in which we hold not only one another, but also ourselves.

I am glad someone else out there feels me!

I agree that nationality is easier to designate and is probably the easiest out of all the catagorizations. All one has to do is look at the passport that they hold. That is what you are. People can scream all they want but your passport holds you Nationality. Well I think we view Race negatively because it is something that is garbage science but also and maybe most importantly because of the way it was used and its history.

khai_khai:
Since when did the black person become a minority? Because the term minority you've used is relative

This is a great question/Statement!