Pies in the oven...and tomatoes are cocked...did u really just say that!

No pussy-footing here. If you don't hear what u wish....wish again. I've been pondering a statement that I hear a lot as a "professional black man" and I really have to refute it. Goes like this...where do you work? I reply "I teach." Person says, "Great, we need more black men to teach" and usually I hear this everywhere I go. And its pretty obvious that when asked where I work or wish to work, people will respond with ..."Great we need  more black men to do (after "do"...put whatever job you would like)!

Ha! Ha! Ha! How funny! Now I realize that small talk has its innuendos and common sayings. I also realize that in the hearts of many, a productive black is just rare. And so I get inunadated with "statements as I've mentioned. It made me think and now I have the ability to formulate a reponse that is the equivalent of "sure, please...get a grip"! I really wanted to say "f--k off"! But I will be nice.

Here I is what I know (notice I didn't say think)! Society and those that say this shit should stop. As a black man that has worked in various fields, while living life...I know that black men in leadership or acclaim is seemingly the last thing people wantor need. Sure the ideal of it is nice. I mean my God...homeless people need homes and the poor and famished need food and money. Oh God, how great. Where there is a shortage or need, it's great to see it fulfilled. Even as we let homes go un-occupied. Even as restaraunts throw away pounds of food. Even while politicians and companies blow millions of dollars yearly. GOD its just great to see someone help the poor.

Now, what do we really need? I will tell you. We need to cut the b.s and realize that black men aren't needed in these fields. Its not a matter of application. Its not like black men are not applying themselves in these arenas. Black men teach. Black men do alot in various industries. Black men need a release from the contract that so called advanced and open minded thinkers have created, yet they didn't ask for our signatures. We didn't agree. Yes, this notion of us being need, but not available is "bull shit". If your so damn smart....why is there a need in the first damn place? Why isn't there a need of white men in leadership roles....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm! THINK, THINK, THINK! Because no shortage was created.

Maybe, just maybe there was a shortage of this magnitude...because it was created. Maybe people's perception of black men should change. Maybe the environments that ask for black men's leadership, should change. Maybe society should learn how to deal with black men in authority. Maybe society should take notice of the black leadership and men they have in these roles now. And then maybe, just maybe...society will see that it is not a black man problem. Its the perception of those around us.

So, as a black man who works in a position of leadership, I say in small talk voice..."we need White men to maybe ease up the competitve edge and realize that black men wont exist in their industries as long as they are strategically kept out. Can you say...corportate American culture aka "good ole' boys club"! Don't bite your tongue...speaking of tongue biting....can you tell Black women to put their lips on their tongue and speak up in industries where they work and shortages of black men exist. HMMMM...Can you tell white women to quit perpetuating the notion of black men as threatning and intimidating and angry....and also to stop forwarding our resumes to the trash bin. And to look at our resumes with an un-biased eye. HMMMMMM....Can you tell Uncle tom type black men to be mentors and help usher in new black men of talent. HMMMMM.....

Kind of funny isn't it. We really don't want or need black men in these positions of leadership. We need them where they are. People need war stories to hear and talk about. People need flunkies in society to feel good about themselves. Please, we don't want problems fixed. We need black men as problems to validate our existence...right. We care more about the shortage, than the man filling it. Please, cut it out. When Americans need or want something, they get it right. Seemingly, it is obvious...many Americans need and want black men obsolete in classrooms and other spectacles...why, it helps others keep their psyche's in check.

So, I say "kiss my ass"! I only live once and I wont ponder this foolishness. I mean, why would a black man become a teacher and try to influence a black boy to be a black leader...when society doesn't want "black men in leadership positions. Maybe we aren't dumb at all. Maybe it's you....