A thought that came, I had to write it.

Miseducation of a new generation
by Mocha Sistah

Miseducation of a new generation
that consistently thinks making it
means....being on BET, MTV, or any
type of TV or media type of thing.
Not realizing that those videos
are not free.
And that the images are scripted
and acted out by models who are
hired.
And that the cars in the videos
are on loan
just like the rest of the bling bling.
But they just haven't heard.

Miseducation of a new generation
that consistently thinks you ain't made
it until you got that huge break
and that success just comes on really
quick.
But they don't know that success takes
time.


They think rappers don't write.
They don't know the work that comes
behind a concert or tour schedule.
They don't know that it takes a lot of
people behind an artist to market that
person, or album affectively.
They don't see the value in trying to slowly
build an career path.

The miseducation of a new generation
just doesn't stop at the lost young soldiers
of street life, but those lost in the cracks
in "No Child Left Behind" izm that pushes children
quickly through the system.
Though you have minimal reading.
and Math skills lacking.
And some mommas, grandmas, and other parents who
don't reinforce reading and other skills.
Because ain't they supposed to learn everything in the
school?

The miseducation of a new generation
just doesn't stop.
It whirls out of control.
It gets confronted with hate
by single mothers who don't want to listen
to the old schoolers.

Oh, I long for the days when momma's dragged
their children over to the libraries.
Where there was real homework, not just fill in sheets.
Where every one on the block had the right to help
educate your child.
Where encylopedias were the norm
and were book reports gave you your imagination.

Not, now, when children are entertained by
television, radio, videos and movies.
Not, now, where children are graduating but
still lack basic life skills to get them through.
Not, now, where children who don't have the proper
resources like books, and programs designed to inspire them,
will be lost in the cracks.

What we gonna do?
Cause it's all our responsibilities, to be that
village, that helps raise the children to a whole
new level of artistry, intellectual skills, and
raise them so they can shine for all to see.

What we gonna do?
Blind shut our eyes.
Or just silently cry in amen corners?

(c) 2005 by Mocha Sistah