Are “haters” still relevant in 2011?
A friend posted a question in a facebook group asking “why black people fail to support each other, yet other races help each other build?” Translation: “Why do black people hate on each other?” I responded briefly in the group, but here’s a more in depth look at the phenomenon of the “hater”.
Remember that from slavery, blacks were pit against one another for the best scraps of food, clothing, etc for survival. For hundreds of years, we were taught to be disloyal to each other and loyal to the ruling class. Hundreds of years of mental programming produced “self hatred” or “haters”, as they are commonly known today. Today, “haters” make up a large part of the black community. They have evolved into a new breed. “Haters” lack vision and focus. They don’t have their own passion to drive them, so they hate on you for following your life’s dream. They hate themselves for their perceived lack of opportunity. They hate other blacks who have the audacity to dream bigger than their neighborhoods and environment. “Haters” come in all shapes sizes and colors. They come disguised as family members, offering you advice on how you should live your life. They come disguised as friends, who can’t see how you’re going to achieve your dream, so they may talk you out of what they think is a “foolish endeavor”. They come as blatant enemies, determined to stop your success by bad mouthing you or trying to diminish your reputation.
In 2011, you would think this mentality would be obsolete. For some, we’ve managed to overcome in in spite of those around us who beat us with the word “can’t”. I’m personally a product of this. “You can’t get into college, let alone UCLA.” “Even if you do get in, you can’t afford to go, so forget it.” ‘Why would you pledge a sorority? You’re not ‘girly’ enough.” “You can’t major in graphic design, you don’t have the pre-reqs.” “You can’t get a job at a adidas, they don’t hire black people.” “Why would you start your own business in this ecconomy? You should go get a ‘real’ job.” “You’re too big to ride a motorcycle.” “There are no female presidents on the MC set.”
Meet Porsche Taylor:
UCLA Graduate – B.A. History, c/o 1999
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho
adidas PR Manager – 2001 – 2009
Owner of Springcart
Vice President of Steel Horses MC Los Angeles
Publisher of Black Girls Ride Magazine
My answer to that is this: Don’t allow anyone’s lack of focus and vision to define you. Find a way or Make a way. Channel your energy towards your passion. The best answer to a hater is to live life more abundantly. Also, don’t let “haters” fool you into thinking that we can’t get along as a people and succeed. You need to surround yourself with black people who achieve greatness. Work with black people who FOLLOW THROUGH. Within your own social economic base, there are those of your friends who are about their business. They are usually gainfully employed or on the road to financial independence. If you don’t have any, YOU NEED NEW FRIENDS. Make it a point to network among upwardly mobile people, and you’ll soon find that you’ve elevated yourself above the hatred among the bottom feeders and crabs in a barrel.
