March 07-2007:
Americans & Their Ridicule Of Nerds!
Reference article copied below:
ATTENTION:
I read the article copied below these comments. And I have a few comments to make about the Gist of that story.
Except for the GOD element that was mentioned, in terms of how these two individuals met, bonded, and became friends. I do not believe in that concept or influence.
I believe in 'Cause & Effect This universe in based on the spiritual or invisible workings of cause and effect. All actions, thoughts, and expressions, affect the entire universe, and results in certain concomitant re-actions. The Buddhist calls it KARMA, the Hindus call it Dharma, etc.
However, with regard to the youngster referred to as a "NERD" in this article. Let me tell you about that concept from another cultural perspective.
In Guyana (my Homeland), and the Caribbean, so called NERDS (as you Americans call them), are revered, in our cultures. Yes, we love to see studious and intelligent children, with the ability to show excellence, scholarship, and brilliance. We do not reproach such individuals in our cultures. In fact, our parents and grandparents would love to know they have a son or daughter who is brilliant, or very intelligent.
It is the wherewithal for economic opportunities in the world of work. It also brings great admiration and respect to the family whose son or daughter is brilliant, or scholarly. Because Black people must realize that the Whites or Europeans have been telling our people over the centuries, that we were less than them, not educable, or does not have the brain or ability for excellence.
So when a brother or sister shows brilliance or scholarship among our peoples, we languish that feeling, and praise them for their abilities!
Something Black Americans aught to emulate, and not denigrate among each other. Until Black & Latino Americans change their attitudes about education, or intelligence, the ASIANS and other Foreign Brains, will continue to be the ones in authority. The Power in Business, and the one's who Black and Latino Americans will always have to seek employment from, and do the low level jobs available.
Because of their lack of scholarship!
Derryck.
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American's Ridicule Of Nerds:
Let's see if you send it back. We all know or knew someone like this! One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?
He must really be a nerd."
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them la nd in the grass about ten feet from him.
He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. "
They really should get lives. " He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and myfriends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came! , and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!
He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think
about college.
Kyle decided onGeorgetown , and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. " Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved.
My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of y our actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for God in others. You now have two choices, you can:
1) Pass this on to your friends or
2) Delete it and act like it didn't touch your heart.
As you can see, I took choice number 1. "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.
It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.
END.