Saving Isaiah in Seattle: The Struggle Continues

While reading the Seattle-based online news publication, I was heartbroken to read this article out of Seattle. Several issues rose to the surface while critically reading the article. I titled my commentary ‘Saving Isiah’ because this young boy’s story doesn’t rest in isolation but in my young wisdom and guesstimation mirrors countless unpublished accounts of families who are striving for a better for their children. So I can be quick say the issue Isaiah’s mother is facing is race-based. But frankly my mind like the tactics used on today’s politics are too sophisticated and complex to settle for that variable alone.

Since Hurricane Katrina, I have been inspired to write poetry addressing issues of humanity. In the Washington-based YES Magazine’s unscientific poll, nearly three-quarters of Americans didn’t know their basic human rights.

As our nation reaches a brink of a recession. (Yes we are…the only factor impeding the collapse is called politics…meaning not under my house mentality will we have such a catastrophe…but the damn will break after elections. Read the latest news from Federal Reserve Chairman this week) So as I was saying as we reach a recession, it reflects the continual economic and class divide looming in America.

Because race/ethnicity has become such a convenient factor in dividing America by all parties, it’s hard at times for people to consider other variables like economics and class. This inability to discern may be based compounding factors as we say in the research world.

What does that mean? Well when multiple factors interplay in causing the success or a downfall of a person, place or thing, it’s hard to note what made the difference. Take childhood obesity…there are so many campaigns and initiatives to address the issue that at the end of the day who knows what made a key impact. And frankly someone may say ‘who cares?” if we when the battle of the bulge…if that’s really the battle. (I am conspiracy theorist so indulge me )

So back to Isaiah…the article brings about several points:

1. Even if issues are squashed, there is still an aftermath…and the trauma on all parties especially Isaiah as occurred.

2. The social/emotional/cognitive development during childhood is most impressionable than anytime in our lives…so this we have a lasting impact on Isaiah but doesn’t have to remain the case, which the proper support and encouragement which it appears that his mother is providing.

3. The perpetuation of race and class in this article reflects the continued ‘privileged’ mentality that doesn’t support equity in humanity…because of inequality in economics. (Side note: Even if economics were at the same level, race and cultural orientation will most likely lead down a parallel pathway as seen in health disparities among minorities in hospital settings)

4. The diction used in this article also perpetuates certain perceived images in black and white which isn’t conducive to building a better, healthier society…from the description of the families…though there may not have been any harm intended…words are powerful.

5.The tactics used by the financially sound parents on a child…is down right despicable and more traumatic than a physical switch…because it impacts the mind of the child (read the cafeteria scene).

6. Regardless of race, no child should endure the harm and turmoil that could negatively impact his academic, spiritual, emotional and social development. Adults talk to Adults. Kids talk to Kids.

7. Adults don’t necessarily have the competence to handle issues properly because sometimes they never addressed their own issues; so some become dysfunctional role models even for their own children. And it takes years for children to reflect and understand the difference between what’s right and wrong by listening to spirit and seeing action.

Do you know an Isaiah that needs to be saved? We should all play a role in child’s life as a mentor. I hope someone can reach out to Isaiah’s family in the Seattle area…clearly they can’t do this alone.

From this story he has the potential to being marginalized and have his reputation preceded wherever he goes. Unfortunately he wasn’t the model minority for the gala dinners for this school…and sometimes organizations who on paper state their commitment to diversity has put it’s reputation on the line because their actions don’t precede as well.