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Review: Come on, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors 7/22/2008 10:39:14 AM
Below is my review of Come on, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors. Written by Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint. Reggie Johnson's sales training programs and audio cds are available at: http://www.success-tapes.com
I read this remarkable book in one day. Not because I am a fast reader but because I could not put it down! Doctors Poussaint and Cosby have written a provocative book that will have foes and proponents gasping for oxygen from beginning to end.
On October 17, 2007, I saw them on Oprah giving stunning statistics, analyses, and testimonies to what are growing, sustained, and unacceptable problems in black communities across America.
Those who wish to hide behind the mantle of political correctness or the cloak of blind faith … will throttle, vilify, and punish the authors for their efforts. However, those who understand problems can not be solved until they are confronted … will applaud, commend, and salute their courage for making us look in the “mirror of reality”.
“Come on People”, made me reflect on the minimization of words like: “Love”, “represent”, and “proud”. Many years ago, I was a Vice President (in charge of sales) for a national company. Being the only one kissed by the sun, I was close and grateful to the CEO for giving me an opportunity not fashionable at the time.
When the CEO”s only son was killed by a black man, I took it as a personal embarrassment. This book reminded me the responsibility rested with the thug who had wantonly taken his life. Conversely, while positive achievements taken by others can be grounds for admiration, we should save stronger terms of endearment … for family members and friends.
If we all start within our homes and daily lives with things we can control, all societies will benefit. It does not require wealth to tell children we love them. But it can change their lives, definitively, forever. For me the most important message in the book is getting a good education … from that foundation, many houses can be built. I agree … families need more fathers in the home. However, due to incarcerations, deaths, and domestic abuses, it is not feasible for many single parents. Going to school is available to everyone. Send me no letters with the usual rationalizations. I have been to countries where there are one-hundred children in one room (with one book) with one teacher for all grades. Any of them would trade places with our worst schools to experience what we take for granted.
I know I am preaching to the choir. Consequently, I plan to purchase copies of this marvelous resource and distribute them to families in surrounding communities. If I may loosely paraphrase Jefferson Airplane; Join me, come on, people … let’s smile on our brothers … and sisters!
