Skip to main content

Past. Present. Future. Some Guys Just Don’t Get It.

DPJustDontGetIt Some guys just don’t get it. Past, present, or future.
And that is a statement I believe to be true after reading several stories that littered our society’s news feed this week.
From the mismanagement of finances, unacceptable behavior, shocking statements, and the spoiled sense of entitlement portrayed this week, “not getting it”, is the only conclusion any normal, sane individual can come to. Unfortunately, in a world where all of these character traits are on a list with many other more, these are the types of actions that a) either propels one to fame, or b) keeps one on the front pages of newspapers and the leads of nightly news telecasts.

Exhibit A is Charlie Sheen. Yes, I’ve tried to refrain from mentioning Sheen in fear of assisting his self-aggrandizing ways, however, this post calls for an examination of Sheen to prove this point. However, the public meltdown we have witnessed over the past week regarding Sheen is one that is very, very sad. Actually, it is downright depressing. Watching Sheen parade around flaunting a dead-end lifestyle, and which, let’s be honest, is the base of his character on the show Two and a Half Men, is cause for concern. Living with women? Excessive drinking? Drug habits? Winning? Nope. Absolutely not. 
More importantly and the biggest cause for concern, is that Sheen inability to realize the present that he is living in. His current obligation to his fans, his co-workers (including those that depend on him for their employment), and the sheer appreciation of his current lifestyle. All taken for granted. 
Exhibit B is Chris Brown. Ah yes, the star that could have been. Anything attached to such a statement, will always be a disappointment. And Chris Brown is indeed a disappointment. This past week Brown released his latest album F.A.M.E, which was supposed to be the first step in Brown’s recovery from the fiasco of beating Rhianna like a coward (yeah, I said it). Nonetheless, after appearing on Good Morning America, Brown showed despite all the tweeting, statements, and certificates of achievements from anger management classes, Brown showed that he also, does not get it. Brown destroyed the GMA dressing room, including damaging a glass window and getting in the face of a producer before exiting the studio shirtless. The kicker? Brown walked down to West 4th street and played basketball.
DPJustDontGetIt1
Great way to promote your new album, Chris.
Here is a guy loaded with unbelievable talent. There is no question Brown has it all as a performer. Unfortunately, Brown has no regards for his current lifestyle, or the one that could have been. He’s wrapped up in himself, and even worse, we will never see the Chris Brown we all thought was possible. 
Finally, Exhibit C is Lawrence Taylor. Talk about someone who never got it, and of course, after this past week, the boat has sailed on him ever getting it. Taylor made several controversial statements on his case regarding soliciting an underage prostitute, that leaves many shaking their heads in disgust. Below are a couple of those comments:
'I am not the cause of prostitution - I didn't pick her up in no playground, she wasn't hiding behind a school bus, this is a working girl who came to my room.
'I asked her age, she told me she was 19.
'I had been on the road 10- 11 days, I made a phone call to a friend of mine and he made a phone call.
'Its the world of prostitution, you never what you are going to get.
'I don't card them, I don't ask for a birth certificate.'
'It's the oldest profession in the world, everybody does it.'
A man who has been forgiven time and time again for mistakes finally had an opportunity to make good on those chances. However, like exhibit A, and B, Taylor, a phenomenal football player and legend, also just doesn’t get it. Now, Taylor will forever have his legend, something of the past, be erased by aan action and a few statements that will change his image forever. 
Exhibit A, B, and C. Past, present and future. 
Three guys that unfortunately, doesn’t, haven’t, and will never get it.

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...

Quick Ponder: Living for Your Kids

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.