Posted by
nhoop on Monday, January 08, 2007 12:55:14 PM
Why did Oprah Winfrey donated 40 million dollars to build the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, in South Africa, rather than here in America?
She explained in a Newsweek interview:
"I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools (in America) that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there. If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school."
Clarence Page penned a column published at "jewishworldreview.com", noting that it wasn't the kid's fault for wanting sneakers or Ipods rather than a good education, noting they can only learn what their parents, peers, and teachers teach them.
But can you blame the parents? All they know is what they, in turn, hear from those they listen to. I heap the blame on the reverends, Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, who are unseen until something like a white cop shooting a black guy, that makes their shrill and very public cry; "RACISM! The only problem is WHITE RACISM!" sound plausible.
I don't recall ever hearing them suggest educated and successful blacks as role models. Lord knows there's plenty to choose from. For fear of omitting the deserving, I'm not going to make a list other than the obvious: Barack Obama, shooting for the Presidency, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Oprah Winfrey.
There is, and will always be, racist elements in society. We imperfect humans are free to think what we will, reasonable or otherwise. But there is overwhelming proof that with appropriate education and motivation, members of every ethnicity in America can reach the heights. Isn't it time for minority groups to develop leaders who are aware of this and really want the best for their people?