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I actually agree with this but it won't do much to help.
Quote:
His new “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative is aimed at finding ways in which business and civic leaders can intervene at just the right moment to keep young black men and other men of color on a successful course.
The announcement is not likely to satisfy Mr. Obama’s most vocal critics in the black population, who have accused him of forgetting the people he came from. Tavis Smiley, a black talk-show host, said last year that the progress of blacks had languished during Mr. Obama’s presidency.
“The data is going to indicate sadly that when the Obama administration is over, black people will have lost ground in every single leading economic indicator category,” Mr. Smiley said on Fox News in October. “On that regard, the president ought to be held responsible.”
It's also astounding how many kids can't read proficiently by 4th grade, even the majority of White boys can't read proficiently by the 4th grade.
One-size-fits-all mixed-ability classes actually fit no one. None of the students' educational needs are met because the ability/skill level range is too wide in such classes. Given that, the majority having insufficient reading skills by 4th grade is no surprise. That would seem to be the intent.
"His new “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative is aimed at finding ways in which business and civic leaders can intervene at just the right moment to keep young black men and other men of color on a successful course."
"Young men of color" ? White IS a color too you know.
Indeed. In fact, white is the presence of all color.
As for the topic, the President's initiative is long overdue. Very little, too late, but I hope it helps someone even if it is a politically motivated, vote garnering, image building effort.
Even less than admirable motives can produce some beneficial results to impact lives.
However, rather than playing to the blacks (again), I'd like to see him empower ALL youth.
It's also astounding how many kids can't read proficiently by 4th grade, even the majority of White boys can't read proficiently by the 4th grade.
I agree with you in both of your statements.
It is very astounding in regards to the reading proficiency of 4th graders. It is something, as a mother of a black boy that really is unsettling for our young males and it is the main reason why I have always ensured that my own son reads at least 2 grades above reading level. Illiteracy and lack of education are directly correlated to incarceration rates.
It's not the "boys" he needs to reach but their parents instead.
The parents need to be taught how to "parent".
I agree with this as well.
Also want to note that teachers in regards to reading levels need to be more active in ensuring proficiency. Too many times I have seen and heard with my own eyes and ears attitudes from (mostly liberal) teachers that pity a young black boy and his circumstance so they don't expect him to read and achieve in other subjects on level.
Indeed. In fact, white is the presence of all color.
As for the topic, the President's initiative is long overdue. Very little, too late, but I hope it helps someone even if it is a politically motivated, vote garnering, image building effort.
Even less than admirable motives can produce some beneficial results to impact lives.
However, rather than playing to the blacks (again), I'd like to see him empower ALL youth.
Excellent point. Young Black men are not the only youth endangered by our abysmal public school system and Obama's stagnantly underperforming economy.
While I applaud the effort, it should have happened MUCH earlier in Obama's presidency, and should definitely have been more inclusive. Obama's presidency has been an equal opportunity destroyer of our youths' futures.
"Young men of color" ? White IS a color too you know.
Good comeback. Can't rep you...
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This approach is a short term fix.
He has done nothing for 5+ years - which tells me that this is REALLY not that important. To me this should have been on the agenda in year one or two - not year six.
The correct fix is not to prod others to do something for black people. He should be motivating us. He should be doing what he can to better our education. Instead of telling everyone what to eat - Michelle should be telling young black girls and women to keep themselves from sexual situations - and he should be doing what Steve Harvey does, which is have a camp for black boys 13-18 that gives discipline and structure, while telling them to reach for their dreams.
But it's something - so we will see what happens.
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Indeed. In fact, white is the presence of all color.
