*Please check out video below after reading*Monday, was the first day of football practice for Judah Mordecai. Both, Judah and I were nervous. Judah will not fess-up to his preoccupation - but I guess my maturation has encouraged me over the years to be honest with my feelings. My Judah is still at that age of not admitting to what makes him fearful. Soon he will learn that fear is a 'best friend', and not an emotion to 'punk' compartmentalize. *He can start by fearing the POLICE! They have been known to randomly kill black men.
As I watched young men run up and down the mosquito-infested field, I could not stop thinking about how I DO NOT WANT Judah to play football. My 'wants' are irrelevant at this point in his development. It is he who is the decider of his extracurricular activities. My job is done along these lines.
I have pressed upon him the REMARKABLE advantages of owning a football team. I have pressed upon him the importance of being in a decision making role: in the FRONT office. *Isn't it interesting that the men who determine the fate (reinstatement, trade location, salary, type of community service, etc.) of the players are mostly white - but yet the league work horses/players are 90 percent African American?
Most importantly, I have conveyed to my Judah what I expect from him in regards to sports, academics, and clothing:
"Only a few make it to the 'big leagues'. So, putting all ya eggs in that athletic basket is not a good idea. Keep ya options open. Read two-three books a month, and never allow me to catch you saggin'."
If I had my say on this one, Judah Mordecai would be going to guitar and/or violin lessons (like I had planned) considering I am not an avid promoter of sports. Why?
The dynamics of youth sports have changed drastically. It is all about winning now. No socialization skills or fundamentals focus. The affects of this NEGLECT are prevalent. Think about the young athletes who could have ‘been somebody’ (according to shallow-minded black folk). Their lack of learning to properly function in society ruined their aspirations and destroyed the over zealous dreams of one track-thinking parents: 'My son will be the next Vincent Young.' *More black folk should encourage: "their sons to be judges so that they can be in a position to have an affect on the horribly imbalanced judicial system."
My Judah is growing up. This decision was his, not mine. Watch/listen:
As I watched young men run up and down the mosquito-infested field, I could not stop thinking about how I DO NOT WANT Judah to play football. My 'wants' are irrelevant at this point in his development. It is he who is the decider of his extracurricular activities. My job is done along these lines.
I have pressed upon him the REMARKABLE advantages of owning a football team. I have pressed upon him the importance of being in a decision making role: in the FRONT office. *Isn't it interesting that the men who determine the fate (reinstatement, trade location, salary, type of community service, etc.) of the players are mostly white - but yet the league work horses/players are 90 percent African American?
Most importantly, I have conveyed to my Judah what I expect from him in regards to sports, academics, and clothing:
"Only a few make it to the 'big leagues'. So, putting all ya eggs in that athletic basket is not a good idea. Keep ya options open. Read two-three books a month, and never allow me to catch you saggin'."
If I had my say on this one, Judah Mordecai would be going to guitar and/or violin lessons (like I had planned) considering I am not an avid promoter of sports. Why?
The dynamics of youth sports have changed drastically. It is all about winning now. No socialization skills or fundamentals focus. The affects of this NEGLECT are prevalent. Think about the young athletes who could have ‘been somebody’ (according to shallow-minded black folk). Their lack of learning to properly function in society ruined their aspirations and destroyed the over zealous dreams of one track-thinking parents: 'My son will be the next Vincent Young.' *More black folk should encourage: "their sons to be judges so that they can be in a position to have an affect on the horribly imbalanced judicial system."
My Judah is growing up. This decision was his, not mine. Watch/listen:
He did say at the end that he wants to be an astronaut...Thank the Lord!
14 comments:
Reader Response:
Go Judah Yea! I love football. I'm glad he's playing football that is my favorite sport. The sheer energy from the game and the team spirit will be a great tool to add to his arsenal along with the discipline that comes along with being on a team. I'm sure he will be able to balance both sports and academics. I am glad he is thinking for himself. And allowing himself to experience different things so that he won't look back on life when he is older and say, "I wish I would have joined the football team." Kudos to you to dad for allowing him to have some control of his path and life.
So, Lighten up dad. My God son is a running back at Colorado and he received a full ride, so sports have their advantages too!
PS: You are right. That ESPN reporter was really weird LOL...
-Freedom
Muata responds to Freedom:
I know. Just being protective. I really don't believe he is the football type. Or, ,maybe I don't want him to be...?
Today's practice was good.
-Muata
Freedom Responds to Muata:
Even if he is not the football type let him experience this experience for himself with your FULL support behind him! Therefore, if he decides to stop playing you will know it is not because he did not have his father's full support behind him. Even if he doesn't become a football star the experience alone of being on a team will open him up to many possibilities that his body and imagination can run wild with...
-Freedom
Muata responds to Freedom:
Yeah, I have given him all of my support. He has no idea that I have reservations.
-Muata
Reader Response:
Just like his mom, right?
-AH
Muata responds to AH:
She's the tough one of the two parents!
-Muata
Reader Response:
Didn't you play sports? Judah was looking like ok, I'm not feeling this interview. The weird ESPN reporter needs practice!
-ME
Muata responds to ME:
Yes. I would prefer he plays an instrument. Anyway, not my decision. I fully support him! Love that thang! He needs to interview better. LOL!
-Muata
ME responds to Muata:
He can still play an instrument. Interview better........he's only a kid. LOL
-ME
Reader Response:
I love football!!!! Why are you upset? Is it because it is a contact sport and not for pretty boys like track and field (lol) just kidding!
-PD
Reader Response:
You dont want him playing sports or just not football?
-JJ
Muata responds to JJ:
prefer soccer, cross country, or track/field. football is a brutal game.
-Muata
Reader response:
Omg. I so felt the same way when Kingsly started playing last year. To my amazement and a little anxiety, he ended up being one of the best players. The coaches could not believe it was his first year. We just started practice this Monday in the pouring down rain...ugh.
But the joy of watching him have a release that he loves and receive companionship and respect from his peers outweighs my desire for him to be doing something else.
Just like Judah he is an excellent student and an excellent athlete. He takes that excellence everywhere like his Mom ;-). I know Judah does too.
And because they shine at what they do. They will be used in this arena to show strength in character and academics, where it is so often lost to vanity and competition.
You go Judah!!!!!
-TLJ
Muata responds to TLJ:
You the only one who has responded that felt the same way I did. I just want the best for him; and at times my wants are perceived to be the best by me.
Judah is loving it. I am happy for him!
He best not allow his grades to slip.
-Muata
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