Leaders or Followers?

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we need absolute unification of all 43 million of us

Who do you suggest design our uniforms? Should we goose step or march in a more normal fashion? I know, we can all do synchronized moon walking like Michael Jackson. LOL

umbrarchist

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You don't seem to mind if you have to force-feed your leaders with ideas and motivation and garner support for them.

Your powers of imagination are quite potent. I've said nor intimated nothing to infer this. In fact, I require no less than anybody else - actually probably much more since I think I can come up with an idea or two myself about things!

You said the following:

"We are always - seemingly - questioning/doubting/criticizing (hatin'?) our leaders, maybe we should just shut up and follow someone, anyone (within reason)."

"Let's choose a thoughtful forward-thinking person and suport, suport, suport."

"Let's work with her/him to craft a national strategy for us, and then march lock-step behind."

I don't think I've mischaracterized your comments. You repeatedly put the bulk of the responsibility on the followers. And that's what I disagree with.

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That said, I just flat out disagree with many who complain about a lack of leadership in our community. As I've said, there are PLENTY of people who have stepped up. There are far fewer people who have stepped up to be good followers - that's my point.

MBM, do you think people would deliberately ignore a message they respond to and feel passionate about? IMO, the real explanation is that there is a plethora of people with platforms, but no real leaders, no one person or issue people feel compelled to throw their weight behind. You should follow someone you are enthusiastic about, not follow just for the sake of following.

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Large, unified groups of very stupid people under a stupid leader can do some very dangerous things.

Why would you assume that any group of us would be "stupid"? Why would you assume that we would empower a "stupid" leader? Isn't that a rather pessimistic and paternalistic view of people?

Wha? I don't assume that a large group of us would be stupid. You are continually pushing unity above all. IMO, it's more important to think of what a potential group is going to be about. The full sentence was "This depends on what you are unified around and who you're unified under. Large, unified groups of very stupid people under a stupid leader can do some very dangerous things."

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I agree, and haven't suggested otherwise Ms. Queen of the Hyprebole.

I'm out.

Be the leader you want to follow.

Peace....

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Is the problem in African America that we need more/different leaders, or do we really need more followers? There seem to be plenty of people who would put themselves forward as leaders - from political leaders, to religous leaders, to traditional civil rights leaders. Is the problem that we don't have "the leader", or that black folks just need to pick a path and wholeheartedly support it? If someone did emerge now as our "messiah", as in times of old, would we also just "crucify him/her?

I believe that the black community has witnessed the end of a very long era which was dominated by a "leader/follower" model. In this modern age of super information it is practically impossible for any person to withstand the scrutiny which comes with leadership. If there is any dirt on you, even if it is buried deep in the recesses of a hidden closet, it will come out to destroy any leader raised to the position of "Black Messiah".


I do not think that we are lacking quantity, or quality in leadership or followers. I think that we must adapt to a new landscape which presents our community with new challenges. Our approach must match the course.

Instead of following people, we should create a vision, and then commission the great minds in our community to create a road map toward the objective. However, even before this we must successfully make the argument that unity is a necessity for survival. People must understand that without unity we will perish. Once this message is received, then, I believe we can move forward with implementing a plan.

Unfortunately, we have adopted an every man for himself attitude. this is the monster we must subdue, and silence forever.



Kai

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Originally posted by Isome:
Be the leader you want to follow.

Precisely.

Peace....

I find it interesting that people have raised he named Barack Obama, and TD Jakes as leaders when they have led nothing, yet no one has raised the name Louis Farrakhan who has demonstrated great leadership for the entire black community for the last 20 years.

I think this is another reason why we will always have a hard time finding good leadership, we always fail to acknowledge the good of people who are not backed by the media machine. Perhaps we haven't figured ut yet that the news agencies are part of the problem.


Kai

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Originally posted by Kai:
Peace....


I think this is another reason why we will always have a hard time finding good leadership, we always fail to acknowledge the good of people who are not backed by the media machine.

Leadership doesn't have to be "found".....

If it is truly leadership......

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Perhaps we haven't figured ut yet that the news agencies are part of the problem.

And.....

It is also true...... that people are fickle..... and sometimes immature in handling what's in their midst.... they follow conjecture....


Peace,
Virtue

Peace....

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Leadership doesn't have to be "found".....

If it is truly leadership......

I agree. The problem is that the natural progression of real leadership is always stifled by opposition coming from the opinion creators in the media.

Yhere are those who do not wish to see the rise of real black leadership..

The direct route is closed, and heavily fortified. And so an indirect approach is needed...leaders may have to emerge who lead outside of the lime light.

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And.....

It is also true...... that people are fickle..... and sometimes immature in handling what's in their midst.... they follow conjecture....

Indeed.



Kai

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Originally posted by Kai:
Peace....


I agree. The problem is that the natural progression of real leadership is always stifled by opposition coming from the opinion creators in the media.

Yhere are those who do not wish to see the rise of real black leadership..

Again.... if it is true leadership these obstacles would not thrive..... not a successful leader....

Why would I follow someone who cannot figure out how to defeat the opposition?

Overtly or not....

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The direct route is closed, and heavily fortified. And so an indirect approach is needed...leaders may have to emerge who lead outside of the lime light.

Of course..... but again.... if it is true leadership.... then well... those who follow will know..... and if they are in the majority..... this conversation does not have to take place..... it will be understood..... and then you will have "successful" leadership......


Peace,
Virtue