A Christmas Wish List - wish list for African American men - Brief Article

Ebony, Dec, 2000 by Walter Leavy

NOW that the Christmas season is upon us, our thoughts turn to family gatherings, sumptious holiday meals and the traditional act of gift-giving--based on the all-important and precious wish list that we diligently compile during the entire year. Typically, it is made up of the things we hope for, dream for and long for--the things that, if delivered, are, for many people, the best part of Christmas.

But in the face of the growing commercialism that has become such a huge part of the Christmas season, the following Christmas wish list is not the usual wish list that's crammed with trinkets and other materialistic things that can lose some of their luster with the passing of time. This is a wish list that's filled with the kind of sought-after items that you won't find under the Christmas tree or in Santa's bag, instead they are things that can enrich and enhance the quality of any Brother's life during this Christmas season and beyond.

So take a look at this wish list and think about how significantly each entry, if granted, could change your life.

* Equal Opportunity--Contrary to what many people think, most Black men aren't looking for a handout. Most have too much self-respect, too much self-esteem, too much dignity. What we wish for is a level playing field and the same set of rules for everyone--rules that don't change in the middle of the game.

* The Love Of A Good Black Woman--Perhaps the greatest gift of all. It can inspire you, uplift you, sustain you. No one loves us, no one understands us, no one tolerates us and, despite what some may think, no one supports us like a good Black woman!

* A Transformation That Would Allow Every White Man To Be Black For Just 1 Day (without the knowledge that he would return to his original state in 24 hours)--After getting a taste of what it's like to try to make it in a world where racism permeates the entire fabric of your being, White men would suddenly get a newfound respect for Blacks and Black life. They would see what it's like to routinely be considered guilty until proven innocent, see what it's like to be the object of racial profiling, see what it's like to be sized-up based on nothing more than the color of your skin, see what it's like to be economically disenfranchised, see what it's like to be burdened with humiliation and despair, see what it's like to be turned down for a job when you know that you're more qualified than the other guy who just happens to be White.

This would be an invaluable, eye-opening experience, providing new vision that, hopefully, would change these men's lives--perhaps changing their thoughts and perceptions about (and interactions with) Blacks forever.

* The Knowledge, Sensitivity And Enthusiasm To Love A Black Woman The Right Way--Far too many Brothers don't know how to love a Black woman. Too often there is no appreciation for her strength and resilience, not enough admiration for her courage and wisdom, not enough respect for her unselfishness and dedication. Too many Sisters give their love unselfishly and often get nothing in return but misery.

* An Unfailing Memory--One that allows you to remember those who paved the way for you, those who inspired you to be the best that you can be--whether it's the icons of the past, your parents, a special teacher or anyone else who steered you clear of the pit of destruction and put you on the right path. They should not be forgotten.

* The Understanding Of The Importance Of Routine Medical Examinations (and the courage to actually visit a physician on a regular basis)--While some Brothers clearly understand that routine medical exams can save their lives, far too many are too fearful to actually see a doctor, many times refusing to take that step until they are convinced by the woman in their lives. Too many Black men (because they refuse to go to a doctor) are failing to give themselves a chance at life.

Many of those who have died from prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other deadly conditions could have significantly extended their lives if they had gone to the doctor and detected the condition before it was too late.

* The Strength To Not Give Up Or Give In--In the face of so much negativity and adversity, so many roadblocks and stumbling blocks, stepping-stones and dead ends, it's a wonder more of us aren't beaten into submission. But in the game of life, it's all about staying power. As a wise man once said, "In life's footrace, don't give up--don't quit and find out two minutes later [when it's too late] that a miracle was waiting for you just around the next corner."

* A Reason To Believe--No matter what you want in life (no matter how improbable it might seem), you have to believe that it can happen. It is the only thing that encourages you, inspires you, motivates you. It's what makes your desires real. Without a reason to believe, you have nothing more than a fantasy.

So, there you have it--just in time for Christmas, an abbreviated wish list that can change your life, enhance your life, energize your life and, perhaps, even prolong your life. But remember, wishing and hoping and dreaming are not enough, you have to make sure that you aren't blocking the blessings.