Page 18 - Fuck the Matrix The Removal of Any Black Man´s Confusion

Stop Dumbing Down

One Sunday morning I stopped to make a deposit at an ATM. I chose an ATM next
to a young lady whom had clutched the leash of her dog and blatantly tensed up in
horror. She canceled her transaction and inhaled. I smiled at my reflection that was
being recorded and told the lady, while multi-tasking, “Relax. Like you, I am also
concerned about my security, but you are safe with me. I will not touch you.” She
exhaled and commenced to fumble with the commands that were in her native
language. I completed my transaction and looked at her. She was very attractive. I
had not bothered to flirt with her. And I gave no indications that I wanted to harm
her. I wished her a good day and admonished her to be careful. Besides, I knew that
if any robbing was going to take place, it would be by persons looking like her.
Besides, in Mexico, there are not many people that look like me. I returned to my
car and scanned the surroundings while erasing any negativity that could grow
from me sharing the same space, in those awkward moments, with the
indoctrinated woman.

I have had numerous, questionable encounters in elevators, hotels, restaurants,
stores, trains and even on flights. I refuse to empower my detractors and enemies
by intellectualizing what they cannot verbalize.

When I was in prison, I perfected the art of dumbing down. Often, I did it to survive.
But, mostly it was to keep from giving advantage to individuals that only wanted to
improve as criminals without applying themselves because they thought being
criminal-minded required less intelligence.

It is important that you know and understand that as a Black man you are feared.
Some fear you will have more athleticism; others think your sexual prowess is off
the charts; some are scared your presence will depreciate the value of their home;
and some know that if you know who you are…you are unstoppable.

For this reason, you will have to
stop hating yourself, being stereo-
typical or dumbing down. The
following recommendations are
suggestions to assist you in being a
better you.