PLEASE read. - Posted by Karen
Posted by Karen on August 16, 2001 at 21:53:17:
Hi Brown,
I totally agree with JimFl. I don’t want to take you all the way back through history but I think people, especially black people, have to learn, have to come to an understanding, a knowing that some of your fathers, and grandfathers and their fathers have died for a time such as this.
They have literally given blood and sweat and tears, holding on to just the hope and dream and knowledge that as a black person they ARE equal and deserve to be treated as such. They held on to the dream that maintained that one day they’ll would be able to walk with white men as equals…by no means is this altogether so, but you are living in a time when you can go to school and educate yourself alongside a rainbow of colors.
You have the potential and the opportunity and the mind and will to do anything that you set your mind to and to do that which for others have been only a distant dream.
I don’t know how old you are, but for arguments sake…if your father’s grandfather could hear you ask these questions how do you think he would feel knowing that his life paved the way for you to be able to be where you’re at …right here, right now?
Too often people (in general) have allowed stereo types whether it be of their race or language or handicap or whatever the differences that divide us, to become their reality. In essence they are allowing an OPINION to destroy and place a ceiling on their potential. They are allowing an OPINION to dictate, stunt, and smother their growth. An OPINION!!! d$%n if you only knew that opinions will always be… and they are no more or no less than what the word implies…an opinion! nothing more, nothing less. The only validity it has is the one you lend to it.
Even if you don’t know or have never heard of a black woman that has been successful at real estate investing…determine right now that you are going to be. Forget what the norm is, forget what is popular, forget what is socially acceptable, stifle racist thoughts and attitudes by educating yourself. Knowledge is power! And the only way you can have it working in your favor and in your arsenal is if you arm yourself with as much of it as you can and on a continuous basis. Then and only then you’ll be able to rise above that which is causing you to question.
I dare say that you have a rich and noble heritage, do not dishonor the blood of your fathers by relying on someone elses opinion or someone elses bigoted attitude to define your future. Be it in real estate or any other endeavor… you alone can determine your success (or failure if you choose it.)
Yes racism is prevalent, and yes you’ll come across those that will refuse to do deals with you because of the fact that you’re black. SO WHAT??? Are you going to let this stop you from trying?
By the way ‘brown sugar’ is demeaning. Set yourself up to succeed. You can’t have a goal in front of you and walk backwards to reach it. You are on this board soley for the information that is freely given, whether you’re black or not. Take it, make it your own, embrace it all and then use it to help yourself and others.
Sorry if I seem harsh, but I despise excuses… it sabotages your endeavors and undermines your plans. In short it does not offer an ounce of help. Anything that does not help needs to go!
Much success to ya!
Karen.