KRYPTONITE

Kryptonite is a fictional element from the Superman myth.The material is usually shown as having been created from the remains of Superman's native planet of Krypton, and generally has detrimental effects on Superman and other members of his race. Kryptonite is one of the few things that can kill Superman.The word kryptonite is also used in modern speech as a synonym for Achilles' heel, the one weakness of an otherwise invulnerable hero

First, let me state without reservation that I am proud to be a black man. In my humble opinion black people are the most beautiful, innovative and resilient people on the planet. It is because of that love and respect that I have decided to devote the time and energy to produce this blog.

There is a reason why I chose the name Blaxkryptonite.com (Blacks Kryptonite) as my domain name, and I will attempt to explain. The last line of the above definition states that the element Kryptonite is synonymous with, Achilles heel, the one weakness of the invulnerable hero. I’ve amended the characterization for this fictional element and have applied its adverse effects to black people.

That being said I recognize that our evolution as a people recently has been impeded. Some might say that as a people we have actually regressed from the progress we’ve made in the past. We, as a people need to recognize that the path of selfishness, violence and material worship that permeates our culture will ultimately lead to our destruction.

As a child I loved to read, especially comic books. I guess I loved the idea that the hero, even in the presence insurmountable odds against him always found a way to triumph. No comic book hero was totally invincible. They all have a weakness, or an Achilles heal. However there also is a way to counteract effects of their nemesis. In the Superman comics there is a substance that can protect the “Man of Steel” from the affects of Kryptonite, that substance was lead.

The weakness of an otherwise resilient, beautiful people, our Kryptonite, as it were is a lack of knowledge, better known as…Ignorance.

In the reality that is America there also is something that can ward off the effects of ignorance. The antithesis, or protection (lead shield) against ignorance is knowledge and wisdom. Someone once said that “If you want to keep something away from black people, just hide it in a book”. We all must embrace knowledge of self, to make an effort to learn our proud history, and take personal responsibility for our evolution as a people and a culture. It’s time stop letting others define us as a people. To let the world know that we are about more than "saggin" pants, “Ebonics”, disrespecting our elders and beautiful black women. Let today begin a movement, no check that, a revolution to display what is best in us, negative stereotypes be damned.

“It all starts with us”.

In my next submission, I will discuss the fundamental difference between knowledge and wisdom, how we can acquire both and apply it to our every day lives.

" The more you know, the more you grow"

NOTE: Whether or not you agree with the issues being stated in this blog is not the primary issue. What is important is that hopefully, this blog will stimulate dialogue, which will ultimately become a catalyst for change.

At the end of each future blog I intend to include a history fact. This time I've included a little quiz. Take it and see how you do:

Match the following African Americans with their

accomplishments by putting the correct letter on the space following

each number.

a. “The Father of Blues”                              ___  Harriet Tubman 

b. Traveled throughout the country               ___  Phillis Wheatley

speaking against slavery and for                  ___  Carter G. Woodson

women’s rights                                             ___  Sojourner Truth

c. Discovered the process for                      ___  Charles Richard Drew

   

separating plasma from blood and                ___  W.C. Handy

storing it until needed                                   ___  George Washington Carver

d. Would not give up her seat to a                ___  Malcolm X

European American man on a                       ___  Mary McLeod Bethune

Montgomery bus in 1955                              ___  Rosa Parks

e. “The Father of Black History”

f. Founded a school in 1904 that still

exists today

g. First African American to publish a

book

h. Helped runaway slaves by use of

the Underground Railroad

i. Agricultural scientist who

produced over 300 products from

the peanut

j. Changed from an early life of

crime to a Muslim preacher

Till next time…PEACE.