January 7, 2013Dear SirLife has taught me many things. Whether it is of a personal nature or humanitarian cause. People are basically the same regarding emotions. How we react however, depends upon our personal life experiences, cultural inheritance, information perceived/popular belief, value systems, morals, principles or ignorance of the facts. When we encounter distress or emotional volatility, there’s a tendency to be hasty, illogical or irrational in our decisions. Whilst in this state of mind, we are vulnerable to outside influences that may sway our thinking. This being so, we therefore unconsciously adapt an attitude of obsequiousness (compliance). Others in the position of perceived control adapt the attitude that whilst these people are in that state of mind, can be subservient: useful in an inferior capacity — prepared to obey others unquestionably; or simply taken advantage of/used. Historically, these emotional roller coasters are more evident among descendants of Africans.I pray for the day that black people put principle before personality, and come together as one, in order to prosper collectively. Why not? Just about every other race or ethnicity clearly understand the power of unity, the ability to acquire more as a group. Staying focused, amid hurdles or (placed) obstacles, making personal sacrifices, assisting those in areas where needed — yielding progress, for the entire group, is a positive by-product. One of my favourite clichés is ‘attitude determines altitude’! Put another way, ‘what the mind can conceive and believe it will achieve’. It is time for collective positive attitude changes. Comparison of race and (overvalued) materialism needs to stop. Have you ever seen an armoured vehicle following a hearse? The time must come where the majority race or people of colour have their rightful place. It’s time to reconnect with our spiritual being, lead by example, exhibiting traits of compassion, caring, sharing, love, understanding, fairness, forgiveness etc. Becoming absorbed in this fast-paced material world, we are losing some morals and values.GLENN CHASEWarwick