Letters to the Editor: A Mother's Perspective

To the editor:

Jonathan Peterson's article, "We're Hypocrites, So Our Protests Are Short-Lived" (Nov. 22) was very informative.

Jonathan Peterson

I'm also the mother of of Jonathan Peterson. We have tried very hard to make a difference in our sons' lives and daily remind them of past, present and future struggles of Afro Americans. We must learn to support and network with other races by standing on the principles of dignity and trust.

I grew up during the Civil Rights Movement and remember as a youth how we would walk to downtown Fort Worth, Texas, singing "I'm Black and I'm Proud," and people would stare, honk or wave at us. I think today we still face similar problems trying to get our black communities to unite and support each other to help make things better. Our concerns then and now are similar -- education and jobs. The only difference today is that our youths' heroes are no longer teachers, doctors, lawyers or ministers, but rappers, hustlers, gangs, football or basketball players, and those who say "get rich quick." I'm not trying to blame anyone for the choices made, but realize that it is short-lived if we are not making a positive difference in someone's life.

I also enjoyed the article, "Howard's Yardfest Was a Curse-fest" (Nov. 8). I am happy to know there is a young lady willing to speak against the offensive lyrics degrading women. We struggled and protested so hard for respect as Afro Americans that to see it slowly slipping away by our own behavior is very sad. No way would Howard in the seventies have considered or allowed these performances. I was a student there. I hope that hip-hop will change for the better.

Laura Peterson
Fort Worth, Texas
Nov. 25, 2004

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