Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. followed up his “Open Letter to America,” regarding the situation in Ferguson, Missouri, with “An Open Letter to My People.”
Here it is:
“Look at us. Rebels without a cause. Soldiers without a general. A lost generation. Ready For War. No strategy…no training. Armed only with our grief, aggravation and passionate disdain for our treatment in America. Sick and tired of everything…especially ourselves. We’d rather use the tragedies of our environment as an excuse to act-out, go-off, or turn-up, rather than use our education, talents and future opportunities to get-out, speak-up and make-a-change.
Look at us…Too Enraged to sit around and do nothing. But Too Entrapped in da cycle of vengeance/hostility to do anything WORTH doing. Look at us. So upset with our conditions that we’ve gone into “F***-it” mode… “F***-the-world” “F**-the-Police” and even “F***” the wishes and requests of a grieving mother, father, family who lost a son…who’s memory they would NOT like to see tarnished by OUR negative ACTIONS/DECISIONS. Naaah G, that ain’t the code, this ain’t da way.
Notice I say, ‘Look at US.’ Because make no mistake now…. I AM ONE OF YOU!!!! My life experience, execution of talent/opportunity, and use of education are the only things that separate US. I TOO know what it’s like to be stereotyped, profiled, and feel hopelessly stuck in unbearable conditions with no signs of prosperity. I’m just as enraged, frustrated and overwhelmed with despair as everyone else. I just refuse to take any action that will contribute to any outcome other than change (for the better).
Look at us. We’re giving them every excuse and justifying all action necessary taken against us. We’re making it easier for the young black man in America to be just as excusably profiled as a middle-eastern man in an airport (no offense).
When faced with opposition, we must take what our opponent gives us, not fight against them using their strengths. All action taken MUST contribute to a more desired outcome. What I see us doing is just as futile as swinging wildly into the wind, waiting on the air to get tired. One question to MY PEOPLE: What are we changing…Really?
Look at us. Destroying our own community, but continuing to spend money in theirs. Refusing education…revolving in the same cycle of ignorance instead of evolving out of it. I must admit that I TOO am disgusted wit America’s treatment. I TOO demand change. But Goddddaaaaamn man…. Look at us!!!!! Although I too am at fault to a degree and I admit that I may not have all da answers… I do have a fun fact for you. Insanity is…Going about things the same way, expecting a different result. U wanna different result? U must take different action. What else do u expect? Look at us!!!”
