04:32 AM Tuesday, February 09, 2010
The Truth Hurts: Black America's 10 Biggest Lies
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 4:31 am
By: Tonya Pendleton, BlackAmericaWeb.com
Black America, are we lying to ourselves? It seems as though there are quite a few areas where we are not totally being honest with one another.
A recent study proves that people lie to each other at least three times in a 10-minute period after just being introduced! The study also says that it’s difficult for even law enforcement personnel to know when someone is really lying.
With all of that in mind, what lies does black America believe most? We thought we’d do our own unofficial study to see what the record shows. What lies do we believe about ourselves or continue to perpetuate? Here’s our list of the top 10.
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Lie #1: Soul food is good for you. Our mamas, grandmamas, dads and uncles definitely loved us. So much, in fact, that they cooked chitlins and pig feet and hosted lavish barbeques featuring plates overflowing with delicious food like macaroni and cheese, candied yams, pork chops and fried chicken. Let’s not forget about those desserts like red velvet cake and peach cobbler - and that oh-so-good lemonade and sweet tea. The problem is that the soul food diet, as good as it is, is filled with fatty meats, fried foods, sugar, salt and a high percentage of dietary fat. Those are the very things that are causing record numbers of obesity in our community. Nobody’s saying you shouldn’t enjoy our cultural food every now and then. But a soul food diet all the time is a license for health problems down the line.
Lie #2: Baby mamas/daddies are okay. No, not every child in the world is going to come into the world with two loving, married parents. And even some who do may end up as children of divorce. There are no guarantees that an intact family will stay intact. But statistics overwhelmingly prove that children born to single, teenage mothers have a much greater chance of being poor with limited educations and a show a greater propensity for violent and criminal behavior. When did we begin to accept that having children was a random and thoughtless decision, particularly at a time when birth control is more accessible and easier to use than ever before? When did we start to believe, as both men and women, that it’s okay to bring a life into the world before either parent is able to truly handle the responsibility? Given the grim statistics, we need to look at what a costly lie this has become.
Lie #3: Celebrities are more deserving of forgiveness than others. Convicted felons Li’l Kim, T.I., Chris Brown and Michael Vick have something in common despite their legal issues – the support of the black community. Given their respective crimes of perjury, weapons charges, domestic violence and dog-fighting, you have to wonder if they would receive that same support if their names weren’t bold-faced. Think about it: If any one of your friends and relatives had done any of those same things, would you have been so forgiving? It’s amazing that black folks who have washed their hands of people in their own lives have embraced celebrities they don’t even know after they’ve committed some pretty disturbing crimes.
Lie #4: A hustler mentality is more important than a formal education. The black community loves its hustlers, whether it’s Diddy, Jay-Z, The Knowles family or 50 Cent. Hustle, hustle, hustle is the ethos that permeates black America. Sure, hustling has its merits – but is it the only way to achieve success? President Barack Obama is probably the most primary example of what an education can do. He and his wife are both proud .....
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8. Our tribal differences have over-flowed into America,if u are a descendant of East-Africa,such as the Ethiopians,or the Somalis,u will most resemble their tall, & willowy body-frame,West & Central Africa tend to lend their extra 'juggle' for the 'snuggle'! NATCH!
9. U can't tell me that I did NOT descend from royalty!!! I walk with my head held high,and I do:expect MORE, & I won't STAND for anything LESS!!! HMMMMPH!!!!
10. Now.see,if our A.A. men were able to display their human emotions--I would NOT have to be bone-ing,home alone!! (plez refer to my #7,comment!)
by
Rubinisk
August 29, 2009, 3:01 am
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by
Rubinisk
August 29, 2009, 2:37 am
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this article is great and right. I'm could be in denial like Nvonne, but that would be pointless. I for one do want to clean up my act and become a better role model for my child and grandchildren.
by
Ignat43
August 28, 2009, 11:10 am
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You people need to get off of Ms. Pendleton's back about these 10 biggest lies. Because as we can see the truth really does hurt. I see several of you people have come out in full force to deny the truths. The problem with the black community is that most of us are in a common state of denial when it come to the state of black america. I think Ms. Pendleton was on point and you naysayers should take this on as an educational tool to better behavior. Empower Yourself
by
Reality_Check
August 28, 2009, 8:15 am
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Ms. Tonya Pendleton, maybe YOU believe these things but no one I do does. There is one TRUTH you don't speak of in your article. Instead of accentuating the positive. Slavery has ended but YOUR mind is still in chains have you heard that old axiom "divide and conquer" EVERYONE would benefit if you would stop reinforcing this kind of stupidity. How about writing about something SUBSTANTIVE that folks can learn or benefit from?
by
Nevonne
August 28, 2009, 4:16 am
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Ae we being honest, black America? Here are the top 10 lies we tell ourselves, each other - and actually believe.
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