In the animal kingdom, the elephant is dominant; few predators even attempt to attack one. The male bull elephant is pre-eminent, but when adolescent males are isolated from the herd and influence of mature elephants, they become troublesome, attacking each other as well as other species. Similarly in contemporary 21st century inner-city USA, unsupervised adolescent males create many problems with criminal behavior of all kinds that lead to conflicts with law-enforcement and resulting in the decay of entire neighborhoods.
Also in contemporary 21st century USA, the black-male is becoming the Alpha male in sports, entertainment, and many other career pursuits including politics. Black females are finding similar success. This illustrates two important points–there is opportunity in the USA for everyone of any race who has the intelligence, skills, and talents to succeed when they use those assets.
So why, we may ask, do politicians and leaders on the “Left” side of the political spectrum not recognize the true causes of inner-city turmoil? Why blame the justice system, law enforcement, guns, and lack of opportunity? The answer is simple—political expediency—it’s easier to blame than to fix. This kind of turmoil is what people like Al Sharpton thrive on.
Professor John McWhorter, a black professor at UC Berkley, in his book “Authentically Black” sees Sharpton as an opportunist helping no one but himself and a purveyor of “victimology.” The real culprit—fatherless households—is a much more complex problem that has been ignored far too long. The Left also seems blind to the proliferation of violence in TV shows, movies, and videos which act as simulators for violence.
Unfortunately, too many “Alpha-males” are not “Alpha-dads,” many having abandoned their responsibilities, some having no knowledge that they are even biological fathers let alone knowing their offspring. Far too many alpha-males are completely absorbed in their lifestyle with no time for family building. They are missing the opportunity of participating in the most rewarding accomplishment a man can have, that of being a dad. It’s just possible that the viability of our nation as a world leader hinges on one factor, that of responsible fathers who take care of their families. If Alpha-males are being Omega-dads it’s time for a change; time to suck it up and be a real dad—an Alpha-dad.
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate a person who has had a great impact in our lives—the man who helped guide us, protect us and provide for us. We come into this world on a journey in which there is much to learn and to experience. While dealing with all the earthly things, we begin to realize that we came from somewhere and are going somewhere and the question is: why?
The question is illustrated by a story of a sparrow that flew through the spacious halls and banquet room of the castle of an ancient king. A wise man likened this to the human journey; the sparrow flew into the room, circled about and flew out toward another destination. As we circle about in our “space,” hopefully, we learn the path that will take us to our next destination; that is the one after we leave this mortal life. An important duty of males who journey through life is to be the best you can as a father and provider.
We might learn that, “Neither fame nor riches nor great achievements will cross with us to the other side. Resentments, bitterness, and regrets will not serve us well, though many cling to them as if to gold; to carry them with us would be hell indeed.” (Philosopher, Henri Nouwen. John McWhorter’s book “Authentically Black”, Gotham Books.)
We all have an Alpha and Omega, a beginning and an end, what’s important is what we do in between. The world and life is full of challenges, sometimes just surviving consumes all of our energy. Hopefully we find time to achieve more than just surviving. Life can be very rewarding as we achieve goals and self-actualization.
Prophetic words from an anonymous poet –“A father is someone to shelter and guide you, to love you as only he can; someone who’s always beside you to lend you the strength of his hand; someone who gives you his best and shares all his wisdom and skill. In everyones heart there’s a place set apart that only a father can fill.”
To all you Alpha-dads and to those aspiring to be; Happy Fathers Day! To Omega-dads and those heading that way—man-up.
