Shopping For Junior Peacemaker
Last night my little junior Peacemaker had a serious cold. He woke up this morning with raspy breathing. But he had the most beautiful smile on his face. I had just gotten back home from my early morning workout at the gym before heading to work. His mother was changing his diaper and applying some diaper cream to his ass. He looked up at me. I was standing on the other side of the bed so I appeared upside down from his vantage point. He grinned and started to roll over. Mama didn’t stop him and he crawled towards my direction. I had to stop him so his mother could finish dressing him and so I could finish my morning rituals as well. But as I disrobed and got ready for a bath I heard his breathing and didn’t like it. He was going to get a respirator today if I had to travel across the state to get it.
I try to get to work no later than eight thirty in the morning. But I was running just a tad late and I had promised I was going to get his respirator. The Target store right down the street from the office didn’t open until eight and I was there about ten after. I walked to the baby section and picked up his respirator. But then I saw the training potties and I thought I’d pick one of those up as well. And he’s been out growing his pajamas lately so I wanted to see if I could find him another pair. Plenty of stuff for girls but there wasn’t a one piece for boys his size. There were a couple of pajamas that featured the local sports teams. But I wasn’t about to buy anything that would influence my son to have an allegiance to a corporate logo or sports team or any other dominant culture icon that could care less about his welfare or the welfare of the black community. So I was disappointed not to be able to add pajamas to my shopping cart.
I took my purchase to the front and waited my turn in line with the single open cashier in the row of forty registers or so. I stood there and while I was waiting I realized that I loved shopping for my boy. I enjoy providing for him. Just a couple of days earlier I was in the store trying to find some clothing for him sized eighteen months or so. I always said that if I had children I’d buy them clothes so large they’d be able to wear them for years before they had to be replaced. But I was talking out my ass. I enjoy seeing him looking handsome in his striped shirts with little farm animals or his overalls looking like a little farmer.
My sister bought him a couple of Winnie the Pooh outfits and we graciously accepted him. But every time I saw that Pooh logo on his chest I cringed. The Disney Corporation, the owners of the Pooh copyright, couldn’t give a rat’s ass about my son. If anything Disney would be more likely to reinforce the racial stereotypes that prevent black children from being able to develop their own sense of self and identity. Too many black children are growing up thinking they can be the next Cinderella, Snow White, Christopher Robin, or Prince Charming. Too many black people who go to work at the Disney Corporation have to leave their ethnicity at home so they can go to work and be racially generic in the corporate environment that is predominantly white. So I will be glad when we can kick that Pooh shit to the curb.
A little while ago it was junior Peacemaker’s one year birthday. We decided to get him a walker and mama was doing all the online research to see which one got the best reviews. We avoided walkers that were made with any Caucasoid figures. We didn’t want to give him anything that would reinforce the impression that white people are more important than his own ethnicity. If we couldn’t get anything that featured some black characters we didn’t want it. So while she was doing the research, I went to one of the local Toys ‘R’ Us and found a little reversible walker without any characters on it. It had a bevy of colorful thing-a-ma-jigs on it to keep him busy. When we gave it to him on his birthday morning he couldn’t stop playing with it. He got up on it and walked it to one side of the room. He looked like he was pushing a lawnmower. It took him a second, but he figured out to keep walking once he ran out of real estate he had to turn it around and walk the other way. And in the first week that he had it, his confidence in his walking grew tremendously. The pushing arm is reversible so after he’s through using it as a walker it will double as a little wagon for him. This thing is definitely worth two thumbs up.
Like I said before I started buying him clothing. Nothing with any status labels. I see parents buying their babies little versions of status labels and I cringe again. People train their children early to look for cachet when there are generics that are just as good if not better. Little baby sized Caterpillar boots are cute but for what I pay for that crap I can buy my son a closet of shoes that Imelda Marcos would envy. And he doesn’t need to learn the handicap of being a slave to any particular corporation.
So I will continue to enjoy buying baby boy the things he needs and the things we want him to have. His wardrobe grows almost on a weekly basis with all the clothing he gets from his aunts and grandparents. They know how we feel about high profile corporate symbols but sometimes they just can’t help themselves. Mama Peacemaker and I are gracious enough to accept a Pooh outfit every now and then. But if things start getting out of hand we’ll have to take the risk of hurting somebody’s feelings. Baby boy needs to find out who he is first. At this point, the only affiliation he needs is to know that he’s one of the Peacemakers.
I can totally understand the need not to let the corporations start branding your child. I watched a show on free speech television about how corporations are spending billions in research just to market to our kids.
They went so far as to have kids join focus groups and ask questions about how and what they do in order to get their parents to buy them what they want. Then they add that behavior into commercials so kids will reenact the behaviors that work best.
It was terrible that one of the corporate marketing people said that when they see your new baby what they call him is a brand new consumer starting from the crib. They can sell new parents on branding from the start. Clothes, crib gear, toys and all supplies a new baby needs. It is pathetic.
A lot of parents fall into that trap and only by their little one baby gap, baby this or that and then wonder why they are in financial trouble. Then the baby grows up seeing these name brands and can’t go without them. Then it is too late. The kids will use whatever works to get that gear. Now you are done for.
Great article. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback theblacksentinel,
I think I might have seen that program. Very early we allow our children to be programmed to have an attraction to corporate symbols. And with so many corporate brands geared towards white values, black children really don’t have much of a chance to develop black values. And then we wonder why so many black people find it so easy to abandon the black community.
Peace
I so admire you, Brotherpeacemaker
I am so interested in your values and how you’re raising your son! I wonder what the turn out will be.
Actually, I’ll just ask… What do you think will be the out come of keeping him away from the corporate influence? Do you think it will provide him with a more enlightened sense of our media and capitalistic society. Do you think it will influence his shopping behaviors? Do you think it will give him a sense of being above the pooh’s, cinderella’s, and Jonas Brothers? I guess which will utlimately drive his attention to the things that really matter (I probably answered my own question) but I’d still like a response.
Like Scarface says “I buy him clothes, and jewellry not the Tonka toys because the Tonka toys will only punk my boy
and I don’t want my son to look at life
through a replica of reality tryin’ to make it life-like
but yet and still I let my son be a kid
just give him up the real, exactly like my momma did
So when he gets to be a man he’ll appreciate
the game I gave him way back when he used to roller skate”
Thanks for the feedback Damien,
I would like to think that I am giving my son the foundation to understand who he is. I’d like to think that he will grow up strong and free of corporate America’s influence and with an identity free of the influence of the dominant society programming that predisposes black people to be less than white people. That’s what I like to think.
But ultimately, he has to make his own choices. I understand that despite what his parents might do and want for him his spirit might end up being one that loves materialism and needs vast amounts of wealth. That will be his choice and I have to abide by that.
All I can do is make sure he has a chance to make that choice for himself and not have it rammed down his throat by corporate America at their every opportunity. It is my hope that this will lead to another strong black person to help the black community recover. But ultimately, he has to choose his own path.
Peace
BPM- I just C&P’d your response to Damien, and want to go through it with you a bit, to better understand your views on things. Call me ignorant, just plain white, or whatever, but I’m rather curious as to some of it, so here goes (my sections in parenthesis):
“I would like to think that I am giving my son the foundation to understand who he is.” (I get this part)
“I’d like to think that he will grow up strong and free of corporate America’s influence (dont see how you can do this entirely, as anything you buy has ties back to corporate America, unless you, friends, family, or neighbors grew/made it all by yourselves)
and with an identity free of the influence of the dominant society programming that predisposes black people to be less than white people. That’s what I like to think.” (I get this part)
“But ultimately, he has to make his own choices. I understand that despite what his parents might do and want for him his spirit might end up being one that loves materialism and needs vast amounts of wealth. That will be his choice and I have to abide by that.” (I see nothing wrong with wealth, for wealth is what helps to create for others. Now yes, I know, there are some evil rich greddy bastards out there, but…I know more than a handful of selfmade millionaires, black, white, hispanic, asian, who have sought after wealth, enjoy it now, and use it for themselves, their family and a variety of charitable purposes. Those who buy into goods and services because they “have to have it”, are a little weird and off-kilter in my book. But being rich and materialistic are not always related. If you think about it, materialism basically arises out of decisions based on the dollar bill. Now, who makes more decisions based on the dollar bill, rather than what they actually want…the wealthy or the poor? BTW, I qualify as the poor, just thought I’d throw in that bit as some food for thought.)
“All I can do is make sure he has a chance to make that choice for himself and not have it rammed down his throat by corporate America at their every opportunity. (Good parenting right here!)
It is my hope that this will lead to another strong black person to help the black community recover. (Couldn’t agree more)
But ultimately, he has to choose his own path.” (As we all should be allowed to do)
Thanks for listening!
Mook
Mike,
I don’t think he means that the article he buys won’t have ties to corporate America as everything has ties to something. But he doesn’t have to be branded by wearing only Nike or Adidas. He doesn’t have to be walking corporate logo advertising for a company who could careless if he is being duped and subjugated through their brand of merchandising.
I think that being rich and materialistic are not necessarily tied. But there is a MUCH higher chance that if you are in the endless pursuit of wealth then you are also pursuing materialism. As what is wealth if you do nothing with it. Most people aren’t working to get rich so they can just stare at the paper money or numbers in the bank.
Most people pursue wealth as a means to get the material goods they desire. Materialism is based mostly on the propaganda and promotion by corporations. Most of the things we buy and feel we need we are told we need. No one NEEDS a two hundred dollar pair of shoes or purse etc. But so many think they do then have to pursue wealth in order to get those things. Dollar bills don’t evoke a need to buy junk the marketing does that.
I think we all agree that making ones own path is best. And by people buying and pushing all the names, logos, brands and whatever else on their kids are taking their choices away. Those kids will forever (unless they wake up) be slaves to corporate programming. We can all think back to our earlier programming. I can still remember buying Tide after I left home because it supposedly is the only soap that cleans clothes. Well of course I woke up and found out that other cheaper soaps do that too.
Hopefully we all take this example and cut the corporate umbilical cord off from our children.
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback Mike Lovell and Mook,
There’s a big difference between having to do business with a corporation and having a one sided affiliation with a corporate entity. There are people who know that when they have to buy their kid’s next whatever, it is going to have an affiliation with a corporate icon. For example, a parent may be predisposed to think it’s going to be Disney branded bed sheets for the kid’s bed instead of just what might be the best available sheets for the kid’s bed. A parent will buy corporate branded toys with a distinct look and obvious branding for their kid to play with instead of toys that are truly generic and easily replaced with another generic toy.
Corporate America is everywhere. They are on the sales attack and are targeting everyone in the family for their wares. But instead of just rolling over and allowing these companies complete access to my son in order to brainwash him with some deep affiliation to one of their icons, be it Mickey Mouse, Ronald McDonald, Lego blocks, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or whatever, I will do my best to filter what gets down to his level. He will have toys and clothes and whatever else he may need. But he will not know anything about labels and icons that do nothing but appeal to his ego and makes him feel better about himself when he has them.
As far as the pursuit of wealth goes, there are a couple of Christian bible verses that do a better job of summing up what I’m trying to say.
I Timothy 6:10-11 – For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains. But you, as a person dedicated to spirituality, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.
I Timothy 6:17-19 – Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.
Hebrews 13:5 – Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.
I John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of God is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from God, but is from the world. And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.
Peace
“A parent will buy corporate branded toys with a distinct look and obvious branding for their kid to play with instead of toys that are truly generic and easily replaced with another generic toy.”
Certainly not my parents..i got some $6 pair of plastic shoes for gym from the Ben Franklin store growing up. Brand names never were an issue for me, I still buy the cheap shoes cuz I tear them up just the same and prefer to not waste whatever the brand name costs. But I agree, many parents do this for their kids for whatever reason..ego I suppose.
“For the love of money is the root of all evils…”
Thank you for including the first 3 words most people forget about. It is not that I love money, but rather I view it as a necessary tool in this world. Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but the good or evil is in the intention and the use of it. I had laid out a proposal to theblacksentinel over a scholarship fund I would love to start, although a lot of the technicals still have me a bit confused.
“Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain”
Again…it’s just money in the end. To use it to provide for the common good of those around you, not to brag about what you have, be it money or the things purchased with it. So, I agree here. I see not riches as being sinful, as God himself provided riches to His people (i.e.- Solomon). As one becomes more “successful” as we define it here, they must be ever more vigilant to maintain a Godly attitude, for humility in success can oftentimes be hard to find, but not impossible. God commanded that we go forth and do good. Somethings I want, are a nice house and property, where I can gather my friends and family, that we might be able to enjoy our company in one place without being crowded. That I can go into places in the city and gather the children who may know nothing but their neighborhood. That they may have a refuge from the bustling of the inner city, to either study in peace, or enjoy the solitude of nature (which is where I often go to have my time with God, where there are no distractions). I like nice cars, not because someone told me they are nice, but because oftentimes the “nice” cars are built more safely than the standards we see with the average person, but I do not need a fleet of them. I’m not a boat kind of guy, but if my family or friends wanted to go out onto a lake or the ocean, rather than pay $thousands for a cruise line or whatever, I can rent a boat specifically so that they may enjoy some time on the water, be it fishing, whale watching or whatever.
I like things, I like what money can provide for us, but it is most definitely not an end all.
Mike Lovell,
It’s true that a lot of people forget that it is the love of money that leads to evil. But even more people forget the words instructing us to “…pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness” and “…be generous givers, sharing with others…”.
And like you I have a sincere love of nice cars. When I bought the minivan a few months ago there was a brand new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T on the showroom floor. It was extremely beautiful and the only flaws were that it had an automatic transmission and got something like thirteen miles to the gallon on the highway and that it cost something like forty thousand dollars. Even if I had forty grand to drop like that I couldn’t do it without thinking about the impact it would have on my family, my neighbors, my community, etcetera. If I’m going to tell people in my neighborhood to practice restraint, if I’m going to tell my son to practice restraint, I have to practice restraint. I want my son to live simply. I have to learn to live simply.
The Charger R/T is nice. And when they start building them with the manual transmission it’ll be even nicer. But more than likely I’ll junk hunker down, have the the 1.8L DOHC GSR motor from my 16 year old Civic rebuilt, and keep rolling with what I already got. Besides, it’s so much more satisfying to see people’s jaw drop at getting smoked by a ‘92 Civic LX Sedan! And I still get almost thirty miles to a gallon of gas. Won’t smoke any Chargers, but I think it’s a nice compromise.
Trust me, I like nice things too! But there’s a much bigger issue here.
Peace
I wish you all the best of luck. It’s not easy. I believe that in some part of her heart, my 32-year-old daughter still holds it against me that I wouldn’t buy her a “real” Cabbage Patch doll. Sixty bucks for a doll still seems a bit crazy, but it really did then when you could still get an apartment in New York for $400 a month. Oddly, I had my own Barbie dolls to let her play with, thanks to my mother who never threw out anything. We loved Pooh, but not the Disney version — the original book by A.A. Milne, who may not have been the nicest person either if his son Christopher is to be believed. But at least it was an original set of stories.
Oh and the baby clothes? So many cute little outfits could be had for a quarter at the Salvation Army. My daughter now happily shops there for herself and still finds nice outfits.
Thanks for the feedback Betsy,
Maybe your daughter just doesn’t realize how lucky she is to have a mother that actually cares about the fact that she didn’t get her child that Cabbage Patch doll all those years ago. Between you and me I thought those things were hideous.
Peace
I think that children cant tell the difference between Winnie the Pooh and other cartoons… they just like the bright colours. I think youretaking this whole “oppressed black man” to the extremes. I do agree with you, you do have to have your morales and children especially need to know but come on… not buying your kid (who Im NOT making fun of) pyjamas because they have a picture of a copyrighted bear on them is a bit extreme…
I never wear brand names because to get my size you have to hand over about £300 (about $5OO) also I love whenever I walk into P.E (its basically the Irish way to say Gym) with my £15 marks and spencer shoes and all of the richoes look and point at my feet, I get a good feeling knowing that i worked for what im standing on… something that the people in their generic Adidas and Reebok cant understand. I was also brought up on hand me downs so I dont really care what the stuck up gits think of me.
Thanks for the feedback Adam,
I have to agree with you. Children don’t know the difference between name labels and generics. They learn to tell the difference from their parents. You may think it’s extreme. A lot of people happily feed their children the tainted kool-aid of corporate America. Most people are more than happy to help their children learn all the corporate logos and pay the extra price to have some registered trademark on their children’s clothing. Maybe you’re right. That Snoopy adds that extra oomph that makes paying three times more all that more reasonable. Thank you for helping me see the light!
Peace
Youre welcome
OK if you want people to spread the word about this blog you shouldnt be so sarcastic… I was just stating that you should ease up and stop being a tight-ass, how the hell was I supposed to know that it cost 3 times as much
Adam,
The sarcasm is just a bonus!
Peace
Oh yeah so it is… thank you for showing me the light! (as a wise man once said)