I wanted to bump up this conversation from the comments between Felix Moulier and Keith Benson regarding the oppression of and responsibilities of parents and residents in Camden. The context for this discussion was a post on False Accountability from the Camden School District:
Felix Moulier:
Accountability of ALL and not just the elected or appointed. I am sick and tired of the blame game but we are not willing to take blame for the condition of our city. No one is not willing to look in the mirror because they are scared of the reflection of themselves of not doing more or enough.
There is always talk of changing the status quo, well WE are the status quo because we need to change ourselves and mindset. Attendance at public meetings consist of 12-15 ppl and usually have the same cast who appear to just fight for the sake of fighting but do not provide an alternative or solutions to the problems we face.
Voter turnout is beyond deplorable but let there be a new release of the newest Jordan’s and I’ve witnessed more people waiting outside of Sneaker Villa than at the polls. If you do not involve yourself or vote you should not complain. It is more than voting, become involved with your local party, become a committee person, apply to serve on one of the board or commissions that exist and some are just not advisory.
When I see the word COMMUNITY I think of COMMON UNITY but where is the Common Unity, Collaboration and Partnership amongst each other to obtain the change we all seek?? WE all want a better quality of life and the best education for our children. Unity is the path we need to take to obtain the change we seek. Margaret Mead says it best “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”
In closing, I want to be more accountable in educating and training people to become more involved and active. It is not impossible but I am confident I can train Camdenites to be more proactive and constructive. My goal in life is to create agents of change and leaders. WE can make our city the model for other post industrial cities to follow by turning the tide which is not too late to do or impossible. Screaming, shouting, protesting, blog posts and letters to the editor only do so much but decision makers respect and acknowledge organized people and money with discipline and effective messaging.
Keith Benson:
In reference to the most recent post by Mr. Moulier, it always kind of amazes how trained people are to blamed oppressed and exploited people for their own condition. In reality, the myth of objectivity, “that everything will be taken care of and made right if those people simply acted or behaved in a certain way” only reaffirms and perpetuates the exlploitation. I would suggest, perhaps reading literature by Friere and Franz Fannon where analysis on the behavior of oppressed ppl and what it takes to authentically empower them are explored in detail. Without that knowledge unwittingly Mr. Moulier’s post simply gives the okay for the city power structure to continue exploiting residents, and that would be pitiful.
Felix Moulier:
It is misleading to say that my post gives the okay for a supposed power structure to continue an exploitation. Last I checked the residents have the power but do not use it to their advantage. People only have power over you that you allow them to have. The purpose of obtaining power is defend your values.
Reality and history shows when people come together as a collective body is the only way to positively effectuate change. I always say a mind is a terrible thing to waste when it is morbidly obese with knowledge.
Enough reading, research and mistakes have been made to know what it takes to make a difference.
Leaders know when to take blame and turn it into motivation to help others. When you learn from your mistakes, accept blame without hurting your pride is the litmus that needs to be passed before you can Lead.
Regardless of how my post it taken I am still willing to help like I’ve always done. Like the meaning of the African proverb “Ubuntu” – I am what I am because of who we all are. So let’s get together and do something constructive.
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