Finally! It's nice to hear someone speak about this topic in a meaningful and helpful way. This conversation needs to be had more often, in this same manner!
I love this channel. This has to be the most motivating channel that I've seen on RUclips. I motivates me to be a great student, father, and husband. Hill Harper talks about real problems in our country. It's good to see a well-educated male speak about many of todays issues. I believe, if more young people get exposed to Mr. Harper, the culture of our country will change.
bigshowns1, there's nothing better than hearing that our videos are not only well-liked, but motivating others to reflect, learn, and/or act. Thanks for letting us know!
I love the fact that this conversation is being had and that there is a light being shined on an issue of such high importance. I feel as though everything that Mr. Harper as referenced is applicable in explaining why we have this problem within the African American community but on the same token, when systematic discrimination is the way of the land..a glass ceiling effect is set into place...which would lead a group of people to being exactly where the African American community is now...
I think he summed it up at the end beautifully when he said that the debate on whether it is class or race that is plaguing and restricting growth in our society is a distraction; it's a problem, and all societal problems need to be solved.
He didn't touch on those men that run away from duties or responsibilities when a woman or teen says "She's pregnant". We've also moved away from being a cohesive family unit were you would have multiple generations living together and seeking the advise of elders. The video is great we need to have more open discussion concerning African-America family and properly adapt to how parenting is handled in other Caribbean and African cultures. Most many children are lost in streets of America.
This video is very insightful. I'm in high school right now and a am dealing with an African American bully. But since he is coming from a single parent and does show signs of dropping out or being jailed, I can somewhat sympathies with his situation. Thank you for shedding some light on the situation
I always enjoy Hill Harper and he's right on point. This is an extremely difficult and complex issue that'll take a lot of time, money, and education to solve. Frankly, I don't believe that the country is willing to make the needed sacrifices in order to uplift the poor and disadvantaged into a better CULTURE. It's just not going to happen and I have no confidence that it will. Race goes into the roots of this country and it will continue to be the barrier that prevents resolution to the issues.
This is a good video. The book I hope will shed light on the fact that this is a national problem. Certainly we all miss the Ruby Dee/Ossie Davis family image. The family is our most basic social unit and when we begin to see an increasing incidence of social pathology in kids there certainly needs to be a focus on the family if the problem is going to be diagnosed and effectively treated. Many have little sense of self worth and it is reflected in the behaviors/stats Hil Harper described..
Well the old proverb says "Only a fool does the same thing and expects different results.", or is it "What does it mean to do the same thing wrong over and over and expect to get a different result?", and I believe whole heartedly in this. So continue to do and say the same thing for the next 300 years and see if we as a people get to be considered equal. Or take responsibility for our mistakes and preach to our own about our short comings and the differences we can make in the eyes of the world
It all start with the Parents. It is important to instill the value of education at a young age. This is simply something that is not implemented in a majority of most Black and brown households. This then begins the trickle affect. 1. Parent's are not involved in childs education. 2. Child feels it is not important and drops out of school, as a result douse not get his GED. 3. Child grows into a teen who can not get a good paying job. 4. As an adult finds him self working jobs for little pay and must now support a child. 5. Forced to live in low income housing. 6. Gets involved in criminal activity for more money. 7. Ends up in prison or dead. 8. Child grows up with out a dad. 9. Mother takes up two - three jobs. 10. Mother can not be involved in childs education due to work. And back to #1 again and repeat. (Now this is not always the case but it does happens more often then not and not to just black and brown families) Now I know racism can play a part in all of this but the phrase "Strong independent black women who don't need no man" didn't come out of nowhere. Sadly many Black and brown women are too busy to raise a child in such a way that it will benefit him in the long run. To no wrong doing on her part. I feel the Key is to be supportive of your children and their accomplishment and do your best to make sure they go to school, And even though it can be hard, Try to be involved in his/her school work as much as possible.
And what do most of these rappers sing about? Money, clubbing, women, gangsterism, drugs, all of the things we just don't need. They glamourize these things as the pinnacle of achievement in life. Being young and guide - less, who else can raise these young African American to understand that knowledge is the thing that can change their lives for the better?
#2 Isn't it time to consider the example we are giving our children, the community we live in, the people of past generations we represent? When are we going to appreciate them wanting to be treated equally so we wouldn't still be treated as second class citizens? When are we going to stop embarrassing them as they see us walk down their street? Isn't it time to right what we have so severely taken from ourselves? When are we going to decide its time to be treated equally again?
Let me tell you a little story. In high school we had to do presentations on controversial topics. There was a (white) girl who was having trouble picking a topic, so I helped her by making it for her complete with argumentation (as an experiment). I kept the better topic for myself. She completely ruined the presentation I made by misunderstanding the arguments, while I did pretty well on my presentation. She got a 8/10, I got 7,5/10. One of the problems is extreme bias in schools.
LET TALK ABOUT WHAT WE DO HAVE AND LESS TALK AND FOCUS ON WHAT WE DON'T. PROACTIVE = EXAMPLE SELF LOVE AND RESPECT - QUESTION DO YOU KNOW WAHT YOU WANT AND WHY YOU WANT IT?. GOOD PLACES TO START I THINK!
I do agree with all of the points pointed in the video, however ,I believe he misses out one other factor on the alarming number of high school dropouts among African American teenagers; the influence of mainstream rap and hi hop ( note, I said mainstream ) Most of the rappers are young adult, African American males, which most African American male teenagers identify with, and consequently turn these rappers into male role models, esp. if they are raised by single mothers.
I would say that it does have to do with race - to an extent. Though there are many african american families and people which live in low income areas across the United States, the problems and worries that he mentioned briefly in the video are embedded so deep within our subconscious, that we are still seeing its repercussions through those fears, just not in such a direct way.
While it's most likely true that two parent households fair better than one parent households, I consider that a bigger condemnation of our country's priorities than an end statement of fact. Why don't we want the best lives for children regardless of race, economics or circumstance? When reliable childcare costs far more than minimum wage can cover we are saying, as a nation, that we don't care about low income children.
I think we need the school voucher system so poor kids can get a good education. You also need the mind set that school is important and the resolve of people to want to succeed and to do better then there parents.
If black people spoke the language like Hill Harper I would accept them into my life and even hire them but I just cannot tolerate ebonics and slang on an everyday basis let alone in the workplace.
I think this just needs time, although it is very alarming. You could maybe start employing more african-american males with affirmative action, but if it is ethically correct I don't know.
Thanks for the video. Hope that you are having an enjoyable holiday! Unfortunately, it is too late in the game in the US for substantive improvement to be made in the lives of urban African-American Families. The single best step that can be made right now by any American Family is to Get Out of the Cities, Immediately; even if you have to hitchhike (I've done it and I'm ugly!)! The cities of the US and EU will become battlegrounds in 2013; no one including Obama has the power to stop this! TNX!
Would get their act together. Obviously, don't get in trouble. Because the odds are stacked against you in the courts. And RAISE your KIDS. Or don't have them in the first place. Everyone deserves a chance in the country, that's what we were founded on.
How is this an epiphany?! These are things we have ALL known for decades. The legal system weighs against African Americans. Black men never stay in a monogamous relationship or bother with raising a child they have fathered. And thus, the cycle starts over. These are things we've all known, and even though it isn't ALWAYS the case, however it's almost always what is EXPECTED of the African American. You would think that a race that is usually so against being stereotyped (and who wouldn't be)
I believe that Hill Harper is critically thinking about issues of all American families of all races. I would go as far to say that he is spot on with his thoughts and assumptions about these issues. He's giving concise and clear definitions of real problems facing the American Family. If I were asked to add anything to this video it would be the culture of entitlement created by our socialist government that cripples the American Family. Nothing in this world is truly free, even "entitlements" provided by the tax payers (working Americans and businesses.) What are these families giving up to be "on the system."? What do they have to be proud of? How can you be proud and earn nothing? What is the family legacy that is being passed down to your children? How could you raise a productive member of society if you yourself doesn't know how to be one? Welfare has become a generational family disease that effects every aspect of American life. Welfare stands on the belief of, "If you do nothing we will support you entirely but if you try we will cut you off." Welfare=New Slavery! They own you. The only step down is to go to prison.
I think he forgets a major - if not the most important - issue: promiscuity. This dates back to african descent of african americans. Look at Africa now: Having as much women as possible is the most important for young blacks. This is a major reason of african amercian family desintegration I'm sure. HIV in Africa is also an indicator of that. I don't know if this could be improved by education or if it is just genes. But Harper also - as a black - is ignoring this aspect.
Although through different means. Liberals and conservative ultimately achieve the same cause. It is false flag of division, these "right wing" or "leftist" ostensible stances that push the people, who have the true power, to exert their energy having right or left debades. All the while these elitists, are one in the same, and are achieving these goals and remaining rich whilst the "average joe" is destracted by petty squabbles. Divide & Conquer. An ingenious stategy of propagation.
Disagreed, we cant continue to say the white man keeps us down and always have. At some point we have to say we don't accept the common misconception that we put ourselves in this situation. Just look at the things we post on TV for our children to watch, observe, envy. When are we going to stop putting that image out there to see and associate with the majority. We ask the world to make a positive change in our favor but give no reason for the request.
Finally! It's nice to hear someone speak about this topic in a meaningful and helpful way. This conversation needs to be had more often, in this same manner!
You are such a strong man very smart
That’s right, Hill. Good for you for being honest.
I love this channel. This has to be the most motivating channel that I've seen on RUclips. I motivates me to be a great student, father, and husband. Hill Harper talks about real problems in our country. It's good to see a well-educated male speak about many of todays issues. I believe, if more young people get exposed to Mr. Harper, the culture of our country will change.
bigshowns1, there's nothing better than hearing that our videos are not only well-liked, but motivating others to reflect, learn, and/or act. Thanks for letting us know!
I agree with you.. I think the problem lies within the living standards aswell and that is where we have to focus solving this issue.
I love the fact that this conversation is being had and that there is a light being shined on an issue of such high importance. I feel as though everything that Mr. Harper as referenced is applicable in explaining why we have this problem within the African American community but on the same token, when systematic discrimination is the way of the land..a glass ceiling effect is set into place...which would lead a group of people to being exactly where the African American community is now...
I think he summed it up at the end beautifully when he said that the debate on whether it is class or race that is plaguing and restricting growth in our society is a distraction; it's a problem, and all societal problems need to be solved.
he instantly became my hero
He didn't touch on those men that run away from duties or responsibilities when a woman or teen says "She's pregnant". We've also moved away from being a cohesive family unit were you would have multiple generations living together and seeking the advise of elders. The video is great we need to have more open discussion concerning African-America family and properly adapt to how parenting is handled in other Caribbean and African cultures. Most many children are lost in streets of America.
I applaud your clear insight sallymandar.
This video is very insightful. I'm in high school right now and a am dealing with an African American bully. But since he is coming from a single parent and does show signs of dropping out or being jailed, I can somewhat sympathies with his situation. Thank you for shedding some light on the situation
philip k did he drop out
What happened to him?
This video does make you think. Great insight.
Great to see the enthusiasm to post a comment, but what did you think of the video?
So glad I subscribed to you guys, love your videos
Stay awesome!
Awesome
My sentiments exactly. I would just like to see you overcome your obstacles with women and begin a family. Then you can preach by your own example.
I always enjoy Hill Harper and he's right on point. This is an extremely difficult and complex issue that'll take a lot of time, money, and education to solve. Frankly, I don't believe that the country is willing to make the needed sacrifices in order to uplift the poor and disadvantaged into a better CULTURE. It's just not going to happen and I have no confidence that it will. Race goes into the roots of this country and it will continue to be the barrier that prevents resolution to the issues.
The videos are always well made, TV like.
I love this channel is extremly intresting
This is a good video. The book I hope will shed light on the fact that this is a national problem. Certainly we all miss the Ruby Dee/Ossie Davis family image. The family is our most basic social unit and when we begin to see an increasing incidence of social pathology in kids there certainly needs to be a focus on the family if the problem is going to be diagnosed and effectively treated. Many have little sense of self worth and it is reflected in the behaviors/stats Hil Harper described..
Well the old proverb says "Only a fool does the same thing and expects different results.", or is it "What does it mean to do the same thing wrong over and over and expect to get a different result?", and I believe whole heartedly in this. So continue to do and say the same thing for the next 300 years and see if we as a people get to be considered equal. Or take responsibility for our mistakes and preach to our own about our short comings and the differences we can make in the eyes of the world
interesting...
Holly mother of hell! I thaught I was going to see a woke actor talk about racism....but this guy actually knows what he’s talking about
It all start with the Parents. It is important to instill the value of education at a young age.
This is simply something that is not implemented in a majority of most Black and brown households.
This then begins the trickle affect.
1. Parent's are not involved in childs education.
2. Child feels it is not important and drops out of school, as a result douse not get his GED.
3. Child grows into a teen who can not get a good paying job.
4. As an adult finds him self working jobs for little pay and must now support a child.
5. Forced to live in low income housing.
6. Gets involved in criminal activity for more money.
7. Ends up in prison or dead.
8. Child grows up with out a dad.
9. Mother takes up two - three jobs.
10. Mother can not be involved in childs education due to work.
And back to #1 again and repeat.
(Now this is not always the case but it does happens more often then not and not to just black and brown families)
Now I know racism can play a part in all of this but the phrase "Strong independent black women who don't need no man" didn't come out of nowhere. Sadly many Black and brown women are too busy to raise a child in such a way that it will benefit him in the long run. To no wrong doing on her part.
I feel the Key is to be supportive of your children and their accomplishment and do your best to make sure they go to school, And even though it can be hard, Try to be involved in his/her school work as much as possible.
powerful
I thought so too
And what do most of these rappers sing about? Money, clubbing, women, gangsterism, drugs, all of the things we just don't need. They glamourize these things as the pinnacle of achievement in life. Being young and guide - less, who else can raise these young African American to understand that knowledge is the thing that can change their lives for the better?
#2 Isn't it time to consider the example we are giving our children, the community we live in, the people of past generations we represent? When are we going to appreciate them wanting to be treated equally so we wouldn't still be treated as second class citizens? When are we going to stop embarrassing them as they see us walk down their street? Isn't it time to right what we have so severely taken from ourselves? When are we going to decide its time to be treated equally again?
Let me tell you a little story. In high school we had to do presentations on controversial topics. There was a (white) girl who was having trouble picking a topic, so I helped her by making it for her complete with argumentation (as an experiment). I kept the better topic for myself. She completely ruined the presentation I made by misunderstanding the arguments, while I did pretty well on my presentation.
She got a 8/10, I got 7,5/10. One of the problems is extreme bias in schools.
yes
LET TALK ABOUT WHAT WE DO HAVE AND LESS TALK AND FOCUS ON WHAT WE DON'T. PROACTIVE = EXAMPLE SELF LOVE AND RESPECT - QUESTION DO YOU KNOW WAHT YOU WANT AND WHY YOU WANT IT?. GOOD PLACES TO START I THINK!
Very interesting..
Bravo.
Ola Hill Harper soy María de Arquillos me gustaría que vengas a mi cumpleaños como mi familia es enorme me gustaría que las conozcas guapetón
I do agree with all of the points pointed in the video, however ,I believe he misses out one other factor on the alarming number of high school dropouts among African American teenagers; the influence of mainstream rap and hi hop ( note, I said mainstream ) Most of the rappers are young adult, African American males, which most African American male teenagers identify with, and consequently turn these rappers into male role models, esp. if they are raised by single mothers.
I would say that it does have to do with race - to an extent. Though there are many african american families and people which live in low income areas across the United States, the problems and worries that he mentioned briefly in the video are embedded so deep within our subconscious, that we are still seeing its repercussions through those fears, just not in such a direct way.
While it's most likely true that two parent households fair better than one parent households, I consider that a bigger condemnation of our country's priorities than an end statement of fact. Why don't we want the best lives for children regardless of race, economics or circumstance? When reliable childcare costs far more than minimum wage can cover we are saying, as a nation, that we don't care about low income children.
cool
that is what the "like" button is for.
I chose not to even read further on your comment because you are not african american and you are giving advice for those families.
I think we need the school voucher system so poor kids can get a good education. You also need the mind set that school is important and the resolve of people to want to succeed and to do better then there parents.
you just told blacks to get over slavery? Why do you keep referring to everything being a plantation?
If black people spoke the language like Hill Harper I would accept them into my life and even hire them but I just cannot tolerate ebonics and slang on an everyday basis let alone in the workplace.
Is it bad to say"black"? He says "African American" a lot. What if some black people aren't from African lineage?
I think this just needs time, although it is very alarming. You could maybe start employing more african-american males with affirmative action, but if it is ethically correct I don't know.
Thanks for the video. Hope that you are having an enjoyable holiday! Unfortunately, it is too late in the game in the US for substantive improvement to be made in the lives of urban African-American Families. The single best step that can be made right now by any American Family is to Get Out of the Cities, Immediately; even if you have to hitchhike (I've done it and I'm ugly!)! The cities of the US and EU will become battlegrounds in 2013; no one including Obama has the power to stop this! TNX!
Would get their act together. Obviously, don't get in trouble. Because the odds are stacked against you in the courts. And RAISE your KIDS. Or don't have them in the first place. Everyone deserves a chance in the country, that's what we were founded on.
How is this an epiphany?! These are things we have ALL known for decades. The legal system weighs against African Americans. Black men never stay in a monogamous relationship or bother with raising a child they have fathered. And thus, the cycle starts over. These are things we've all known, and even though it isn't ALWAYS the case, however it's almost always what is EXPECTED of the African American. You would think that a race that is usually so against being stereotyped (and who wouldn't be)
I believe that Hill Harper is critically thinking about issues of all American families of all races. I would go as far to say that he is spot on with his thoughts and assumptions about these issues. He's giving concise and clear definitions of real problems facing the American Family. If I were asked to add anything to this video it would be the culture of entitlement created by our socialist government that cripples the American Family. Nothing in this world is truly free, even "entitlements" provided by the tax payers (working Americans and businesses.) What are these families giving up to be "on the system."? What do they have to be proud of? How can you be proud and earn nothing? What is the family legacy that is being passed down to your children? How could you raise a productive member of society if you yourself doesn't know how to be one? Welfare has become a generational family disease that effects every aspect of American life. Welfare stands on the belief of, "If you do nothing we will support you entirely but if you try we will cut you off." Welfare=New Slavery! They own you. The only step down is to go to prison.
There is no such thing as free in our world today
Stereotyping? Oh classy.
Nice job.
Smh its the same with American Latinos its the same thing 😩....smh we need families now more then ever
Be my baby daddy!
apparently every one came from africa....so whites in america could be african american too....that's confusing
I think he forgets a major - if not the most important - issue: promiscuity. This dates back to african descent of african americans. Look at Africa now: Having as much women as possible is the most important for young blacks. This is a major reason of african amercian family desintegration I'm sure. HIV in Africa is also an indicator of that.
I don't know if this could be improved by education or if it is just genes. But Harper also - as a black - is ignoring this aspect.
Although through different means. Liberals and conservative ultimately achieve the same cause. It is false flag of division, these "right wing" or "leftist" ostensible stances that push the people, who have the true power, to exert their energy having right or left debades. All the while these elitists, are one in the same, and are achieving these goals and remaining rich whilst the "average joe" is destracted by petty squabbles. Divide & Conquer. An ingenious stategy of propagation.
not african american,just african.
Disagreed, we cant continue to say the white man keeps us down and always have. At some point we have to say we don't accept the common misconception that we put ourselves in this situation. Just look at the things we post on TV for our children to watch, observe, envy. When are we going to stop putting that image out there to see and associate with the majority. We ask the world to make a positive change in our favor but give no reason for the request.
No one will respect your comment if you write using caps lock
Third.
FIRST! :D
4th
Fail.
lol ALL black people are from african lineage.if you have black in you,then that means you have african ancestry.