Check out this video by a ‘tough guy’:
Now ask yourself. Does being tough play out to be a success, failure, or just a complete embarrassment?
There are a lot of ‘tough guys’ in the mainstream media as well in your neighborhoods, schools, and companies. If you listen to a lot of the rap music these days, the ‘tough guys’ are glorified and looked up to as template to emulate as a person. Where I grew up if you don’t carry this toughness that makes people fear you, than you may be considered a punk, a softy, or a ‘pushover’.
Growing up in the streets of Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain, I knew and looked up to a lot of real tough guys. One of the OGs (original gangstas) in my neighborhood that people knew was really tough, who I called my uncle, was Lorenzo. The reason why I called him my uncle is because he would show me whats really happening in the streets and how most of these ‘tough guys’ were really not tough. Lorenzo grew in rough parts of Boston himself where he hustled and got in trouble with the law. Looking back at his life, he realizes that being ‘tough’ doesn’t accomplish anything but setbacks, pain, and missed opportunities.
Talking to Lorenzo today about what a lot of youths in the city think is ‘tough’ he said, “Tough guys do not act tough. Those who go out their way to act tough uses it as a defense machinism to hide who they really are; and there is the facade.”
Check out this video by Michael Eric Dyson:
My peoples, we are a much more gifted and intelligent people. If we look at the people who paved the way for us to live better lives throughtout all races, colors, and cultures, the way to unity and prosperity is humbleness.
An inspiration of mine like Lorenzo, is my uncle Tony Irving who grew up in the same rough parts of Boston. He overcame struggle by becoming a successful photographer taking pictures for prominent Massachussetts figures like Deval Patrick. He also takes pictures for ‘The Banner’ newspaper, various events, and aspiring models. You can catch some of his work online at www.spontaneoussnapshots.com. He did work for G-HAMP Apparel at our launch event on Aug 9th, 2008. You can also see Uncle Tony’s work from the G-HAMP Apparel Launch Event at www.ghampapparel.com. If you want pictures taking for an event, modeling, etc. with high quality photophraphs than contact Tony via email at tiscribe@yahoo.com or by phone at 617-320-8661.
A quote of inspiration as you look to achieve your goals in life:
Behind me is infinite power.
Before me is endless possibility.
Around me is boundless opportunity.
Why should I fear?
-Stella Stuart
