Thedewsperspective

By now we’ve all seen the “first day of school” photo of the Memphis teens.  A group of young people dressed in designer, flashing money.  Practically every foreign designer house is represented.  The young ladies hair is laid immaculate.  And they all look like they stand on business. 

The photo was posted on social media.  Commenters quickly began to lambaste the young people.  Criticizing them, joking the authenticity of their designer, shaming them for seeming to emphasize the wrong things.  Some showed support.  But it paled in comparison to the critical comments. 

I’m an Educator.  Unfortunately, this type of behavior isn’t new.  It’s not an anomaly to these Memphis kids.  This type of behavior is prevalent throughout our country in urban school districts.  And if we’re honest with ourselves, we shouldn’t be surprised.  Our young people are only imitating the mannerisms of the people they aspire to be.  They are blatantly telling us who and what is most influential in their lives.  This picture is just a microcosm of that.

When I first saw the picture, I instantly thought of the award-winning rapper, Educator and community activist Dee-1.  And his message in Hipocritical Hop.  He’s presently leading the charge of bringing attention to the influence rap music is having on our culture.  The picture of the Memphis students could easily be a photo taken from a rap video.  It distinctively shows what our youth are valuing.  But, if we’re going to be honest, it’s really just a reflection of what the adults in the community value as well.

You can’t watch “baddies tv” with your preteen daughter and not think she won’t be influenced by what’s being depicted on screen.  Fathers, uncles, older brothers, you can’t glamorize street allure and think your sons, little brothers, and nephews won’t grow up to idolize all that you glamorize.  Aspiring to be a “real n!gga” more than a “real man.”  You, we, must hold ourselves somewhat accountable for what our children are emulating.

For years, rappers have argued disingenuously. They claim the stories they rap about are no different than stories Denzel acts out.  They’re just stories.  But here is the dichotomy. These same rappers are willing to die if someone questions the authenticity of the stories they rap about.  Because their street credibility depends on it.  And for some strange reasons, nowadays, artists’ art depends more on street cred than the art itself. 

So, then we’re left with the question, who should be most influential in the lives of our youth?  Without hesitation, I’d say parents.  But then I’d also ask, “who’s influencing the parents”?  If parents and children are influenced by the same things, what should we expect?  That’s why as an Urban Educator, I know I must teach beyond classroom walls to be most impactful. I aim to impact both the home and community where my students come from.  It’s a humongous task!

When I see pictures like this Memphis high schoolers “first day of school” photo, it reinforces my belief. As a community, we have a lot more work to do.  And this is all speculative and assumption based on a photo.  I’m from the trenches. I have dedicated my whole adult life to serving there. Therefore, I know how likely it is that this photo truly reflects priorities and values. 

You see, we all want money.  And we all want to look good.  Dripped in the finest designer.  If that’s your choice.  But we also should want to sustain these things.  Plus obtaining these things shouldn’t come at the expense of more valuable commodities.  Like your morals, values, principles beliefs, community, family.  Education isn’t prioritized because we don’t rank education highly.  How many children watch their parents read and study?  What conversations are we having in front of our youth?  What conversations are we engaging our children in?  What expectations do we have of our children when we send them to school?  How important is education to us?

People oftentimes criticize students for having new Jordan’s for school.  And not having school supplies.  Kids value the things that bring them attention and get them recognized.  As dumb as it may sound, name brand sneakers with a hefty price tag attached, elevate status amongst peers.  Sadly, it’s not a full pencil holder inside a brand new three ring binder with notebook paper and dividers. 

I don’t know what outrage our community more when we see photos like this.  Is it the realization of the ball that we dropped, as a community?  Are we embarrassed by the image it projects for the rest of the world to see?    I’d hate to believe that some are jealous.  Whatever the case maybe it’s clear that these kids are emulating something and someone.  And they’re not alone with this mindset.  Sadly, it’s not just kids who think like this.  The examples are being set by the grown-ups.

Is it Hipocritical Hop like Dee-1 has coined the term.  To a certain degree, yes.  The music is of great influence on the culture.  But rappers and music executives aren’t the sole responsibility of the degradation of our community.  Everything first starts at home y’all.  I know we hate to hear it.  And for some reason we hate to hold home accountable.  But if any real change is going to take place in our community, it must first start there.  Our children are really just a reflection of the people who are raising them.  Do you agree?  Do you disagree?  Tell me what you think? 

I sincerely pray that the young people in this photo have an exceptional school year!  If they are graduating seniors, I look forward to seeing them hold their diplomas in a group picture with the same zeal and pride.  I pray it goes as viral as this photo. To all students returning to school for the 2025-2026 school year, I hope it will be your best school year yet. I wish you success in all your endeavors. 

Sincerely, Mr. Dews