Excuse Me Miss, My Name Is…

Greetings Southern University, what you are about to encounter is a serious issue that has been going on for several years and no one has taken the initiative of saying something about it.
Particularly, how black men are viewed when they approach a black woman incorrectly. So, for all you single men out there, here is your chance to clean up the mess you brought upon yourself before you get involved in any relationship.
I remember going to the mall recently with one of my best friends. Anybody that knows me knows that wherever and anywhere I go, I will look, smell and carry myself with class. Prior to walking in the mall, my friend and I were conversing about our Easter activities and plans.
As soon as I entered the mall, passing through the perfume and cologne section, four or five black males-wearing oversized jackets with the words “Office Depot” and “UPS” embroidered on them, baggy jeans, 32-inch chains, and “stunna shades”(literally)-pulled my arm and said, ” Say lil’ momma, let me get dat numba.”
I didn’t cause a big scene or get loud while customers were busy shopping, and instead of stooping to his level I choose to enlighten him with intelligence on how to properly approach a lady, because by his actions I could tell he was lacking in general etiquette.
I approached him and his ‘posse’ with a smile and said, “Young man, I am NOT YOUR MOTHER! NOR AM I YOUR LAST GIRLFRIEND.” I said, “By law, I have the right to defend myself because you have (1) invaded personal space, (2) grabbed my arm and (3) approached me incorrectly. If you were seeking for my attention, you could have said, ‘excuse me miss my name is…,’ don’t assume that every girl is not like that last girl you approached. Because when you assume you know what they say… you make an a** out of yourself.”
His friends started laughing and I left him standing there alone. I was not trying to be rude, I was helping him out. This may seem like a small issue but it goes beyond all knowledge. So, before I begin to preach to, you so called “grown men” listen up!
There are ladies out there who are about their business, like me. And you should never approach a lady with broke down Ebonics and a lack of intelligence. And for the most part please do not “hiss” at women like we are a snakes, or yell things like “say lil red.” If she is a woman like I am, she will shut you down every time!
Ladies, you are priceless and valuable. Don’t let “one bitter-sweet line” tarnish your worthiness. Men, when you approach a defined “lady” you greet her in the same presence as you greet your grandmother or how you would want ANY male to greet your mother…with RESPECT.
I’m going to give you (men) a second before I prolong my “amen, preach-on sermon.”
Done yet… good!
According to Google, a defined “lady” is a woman who is the counterpart of a lord; or, the counterpart of a gentleMAN. If you call your self a MAN, act in that manner. That is why the African-American society is always wondering why our black men are lacking in proper etiquette or why (you) find yourself alone at night and holidays or why cousin ‘Pookie’ has a different girl every holiday. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Convert the typical stereotype of a black man into the epitome of a black man.
Aren’t you tired of your black women getting treated less than they are? Aren’t you tired of society demeaning your race? I don’t want myself portrayed as a racist but do you see any white man approaching a white lady saying, “say lil’ momma, let me have dat numba.”
NEGATIVE!
We have this ongoing problem of improper etiquette because we as a whole are ‘okaying’ these inhuman acts of our daily lifestyles. Needless to say, there are those out there who think these immature acts are cute or sexy. I am here to tell you that mess is not cute or sexy!
Ladies, if you fall into that pit of sluggishness you are degrading yourself and are helping promote the improper etiquette and disrespect to continue. In order for this thing to work, both males and females, blacks and whites, will have a part to play and it all begins with RESPECT.