Dear Editor,
Come On, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors is an absolutely inspiring and amazing book that must be read by all, irrespective of race and culture. While speaking directly to the African American condition, the book addresses many of the pressing issues that afflict families in Guyana. As much as playing the proverbial ostrich is attractive, the no holds barred approach of this book is what is needed to emphasize some home truths. I hope that libraries and schools will endeavour to have this book on the shelves and in the classroom.
This book is not an easy read; the sincerity and honesty that characterises the writing is brutal at times, but not without offering practical and appropriate solutions. It speaks volumes about the absence and shirking of responsibility of fathers and the detrimental cycle that this perpetuates. This is particularly important in the local context in Guyana and the wider Caribbean where this phenomenon is prevalent.
Besides addressing race relations and issues directly relating to the African American audience for which it is intended, the zero tolerance on defeat and holistic approach to addressing the multitudinous ills that afflict the community are important lessons for everyone. The book underscores the importance of dignity; dignity in the self and dignity in the treatment of others. The repudiation of everything akin to social degradation is championed.
The principal enemy is the Victimhood syndrome, that inevitable cloak we wear when confronted with hard times, prejudice and negativity. While I make no attempt to delegitimize issues of discrimination within the Guyanese community, we should embrace the message that discrimination, bigotry, prejudice and extenuating circumstances are not excuses that we should readily accept to explain our condition. Rather, these should be stimuli for perseverance, for succeeding beyond all odds and be there tomorrow to lead a better example.
Bill Cosby and Dr Alvin F Poussiant’s, Come On, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors is very much needed in contemporary society.
Yours faithfully,
Kowlasar Misir
