The Youth Dem
“The young know how truly difficult and dreadful youth can be. Their youth is wasted on everyone else, that’s the horror. The young have no authority, no respect.”
Anne Rice (1941 - )
So I’ve been on the run all week. Tuesday I had to take 9 cats to get their haircut. Wednesday I had to run them to a job fair. Thursday it’s a men’s group. A men’s group that by the way these folks seem to want me to sit around and hold cats hands and talk about their feelings. You can’t do that with young black me age 16 - 21. I’m trying to get them working with my man, but some of these “authority figures” seem to get nervous when there’s a black man in the building they can’t fire. I mean it’s hard enough to get these cats to put on a pair of khaki pants. I’m about to bring in Boyz N Da Hood. “See! Gangstas wear khakis! You can still be hard with them on!” It might actually help in the whole “getting a job” process as well. Novel concept…I know. It’s hard enough work to get some of these cats to not curse as much as they breathe in and out. This whole profession is a balancing act. Two extremes on different sides that are really only two sides of the same coin. Emotions. Some people can just mask theirs a little longer. These cats only mask pain…but not really. It’s just reflected in anger. As much as I like when I can help cats, this job drains you. Thank God for a three day weekend.
I worked at a mental health clinic where everyone who wasn’t white was assigned to me. But when my caseload got to 53, I said perhaps someone else should take the next black/hispanic, the director said all the other therapists were afraid. wtf we were a mental health clinic in a poor ethnic neighborhood and the other therapist were afraid? this helps the community how? my caseload got up to 68 for a 40 hr week, I was going to work on my own time just to fit everyone in, eventually it drained me, it ain’t easy.
Comment by Eslocura — May 24, 2007 @ 10:57 am
I’m glad you’re there to help these young Brothers!
Comment by jali — May 24, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
At least your job effects someone’s life in a positive manner. One day, one of these brothers may make a difference in the world and then stand at the mic and thank their Mentor, Amadeo!
Enjoy the weekend.
Comment by 1969 — May 24, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
I don’t really know what to say.
thanks for doing what you do.
Comment by GC — May 24, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
Kudos to you for making a difference in these young men’s lives. They are lucky to have you around, no joke.
BTW, enjoy your 3 day weekend! Sounds like you need some major R&R!! It’s high time to bust out the b-b-q and some cervezas…
Comment by dragonflypurity — May 24, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
you’re a credit to the community young man. you do make a difference. respect!
young black men articulating feelings? oh hell no!
Comment by jdid — May 24, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Shout me out via e-mail if you’d like — I can spare a few hours a month (at least) to drop some financial/career knowledge, etc.
Comment by LM — May 25, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Youre doing a great thing, so keep your head up! Enjoy your three-day weekend!
L
Comment by lola gets — May 28, 2007 @ 1:43 am