Public Representations; What Do They Say?

I have serious mixed emotions about this matter in Texas wherein the school Principal, Carlotta Browne, sent a letter home detailing a dress code for parents, well maybe not... I don't think the Principal, who has been celebrated for her good work and commitment to the community, meant harm in her directive. She graduated from that school and aspired to be Principal there. She is probably heart broken by some of what she sees and is determined to turn it around. Good For Her! She went "back to her hood", which we say we want our professionals to do so give her a break.

She achieved her dream to lead the school and this is a positive message to send to those who live there, especially the young people. How sad that any folks, but especially Black folks, grown ups, need to be reminded of how to appropriately present ourselves in public. Folks have lost all sense of decorum and pride as they roll out of bed to go to the grocery store, 7-11, to walk the dog or to their children's school. I don't like seeing people in their pajamas and I don't care what race they are. It's just tacky. Just as tacky as sagging pants and some of the other restrictions on her list. Yes it is one's right but damn!

Sometimes we have to consider the messenger. In this instance, I have heard nothing that questions this woman's motive, intent or commitment to the community she serves. I am going to yield on the side that she wrote and released this memo from a good place, not one purely of judgment, probably more from disbelief at how low some folks go which we probably have not seen the worst of. We have all seen it. She called it. Good for her!

What is wrong with us policing us? Stop the madness. She is pretty much saying take ownership and control of your image and the perceptions it transmits. It is up to us to change or manage our narrative. I support her narrative... Folks are calling it classism and accusing that she is putting down her own people. Again, what is her intent? I err in favor of her record of caring and put this move in that category. I ask WHY would we defend Black folks not taking ownership for our image, whether it is for our right to wear our natural hair, ethnic clothing, or men with facial hair? We got mad at some point about each of those situations because other folks tried to dictate that we compromise our culture. It is not our culture, to present ourselves in ways as demonstrated by these parents and others. I get the bad hair day, but there are beautiful scarves, hats, WIGS or the like. No need to be in the street with a sleeping net on one's head. IJS...

Call me a prude. I'm OK with that. I, too, am sick of seeing it; Black folks, White folks or whoever. Take a minute to get it together before embarrassing your kids at school. I would have been mortified if my Mom came to my school or presented herself in public as some folks I see here in this video and in my daily ventures, as would most who are condemning the principal for taking steps to control. At least she's got the conversation going and hopefully raised the consciousness of at least a few folks. Kids get bullied for far less. Don't add to their drama. Be presentable...

My Humble Opinion...