Obama Youth -- Junior Fraternity Regiment
Okay, so there is this middle school teacher in Missouri who got himself into trouble for posting a video on you tube of his junior fraternity regiment. This teacher, whose name was undisclosed, had his students perform a step routine while chanting lines from speeches of Barack Obama. Their step and dress are common to anyone who is familiar with African American fraternities. These students, who all happen to be African American, recited lines saying how Obama inspired them to be the next architect, the next lawyer, the next doctor, the next chemical engineer, the next entrepreneur, etc. They also spoke on Obama’s healthcare plan. Foxnews, the source that reported this story, stated the school’s superintendent, Joyce McGautha, felt that teacher should have also spoke about John McCain’s healthcare plan. According to Fox News, McGautha stated, “People are upset that possibly taxpayer money is being used to support one particular candidate and now I can understand that. And I didn’t condone them. I try very, very hard to remain within the limits of the law. I think this is unfortunate.” She also stated she was aware of the video and had a letter sent to the teacher warning him not to put it on the internet. Hmm. Now I can understand some measures being taken if the teacher was told not to put it up. But the superintendent is considering taking legal action against the teacher. So to quote The Joker (Heath Ledger) from Dark Night, “Why So Serious?” I am questioning the motives of the superintendent. Is this really about tax payer dollars supporting one particular candidate. As an African American male, I did not see that. I saw young black men Inspired by what another African American man is accomplishing, which is seeking the highest office in the most powerful nation in the world. I was inspired from watching this video. But I have to acknowledge what may inspire one person may threaten another individual. As I viewed this video on youtube, I saw that some users had posted their own video responses. As I viewed these videos, I nearly fell out of my chair from laughing so hard at their rediculous repsonses. Some were very scared of the army fatigue uniforms these kids were wearing and by them chanting “Alpha. Omega. Alpha. Omega. ” Some felt their apparel and chants were very “Marxist” like. No people. Obama is not building an army to lead our country to destruction. But from this video, I can tell you he is leading the next generation of thinkers, doctors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, etc. And that thought also may scare people. We have young black men who have a positive outlook on their lives. Too often, the media portrays a negative depiciton of our black youth. And I believe this teacher was trying to put a stop to that. Thank goodness for You Tube for we are able to create our own t.v. Though it is unfortunate this teacher was suspended and may face a lawsuit, the message he is giving to the world is far more profound.
October 13, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Pretty interesting post, and I did see FOX News getting all lathered up over this. I appreciate your arguments, but would be nice to have more links–such as links to those good YouTube videos you talk about. Also, watch typos.
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February 20, 2011 at 6:04 pm
The teacher in question is Terrance Vick, who pled guilty in 1998 to possession of crack cocaine with intent to sell. He served time in federal prison and was stripped of his teaching license. He has applied for re-certification many times since his release, but has been denied thus far. That is why he now teaches at a charter school; he cannot by law teach in a public, state-funded school.
I think an interesting follow-up to this video (which I didn’t find frightening or offensive; it was just another step routine with an Obama theme) would be to catch up with all the young men involved and see how many are actively pursuing their ambition to become an engineer, entrepeneur, etc. Such a success story would surely be an “in your face!” to the naysayers who were squicked out by the video.