Gene Marks, a contributor for Forbes.com recently wrote a piece that ignited considerable debate on the blogosphere. Most of the debaters disagreed with Marks. Thousands of people responded; either by posting comments under the Marks’ article or writing their own response and publishing it via their own blog or media outlet.
You’re probably wondering what Marks wrote about that has sparked such a reaction. I can tell you one thing: the headline of the article didn’t necessarily start things off on the right foot.
Marks titled his Dec. 12 piece “If I were a poor Black kid.”
You see, Marks is a middle-aged white man who is an accountant by trade and also owns a customer relationship management consulting firm. In addition to Forbes.com, he also writes columns for the New York Times, the Huffington Post and The American City Business Journals. Because Marks is a white entrepreneur who I assume has had professional success, many people instantly took offense to his headline. I didn’t. The headline was something that certainly got my attention and out of sheer curiosity, particularly because Marks’ picture next to the headline proved he was a middle-aged white man; I knew I had to read the article.
By the seventh paragraph, I had joined the others and was offended.
Before I get too deep into describing Marks’ offensive piece, let me preface by saying that I really don’t think Marks was intentionally trying to be controversial or offend anyone. I truly believe his writing reflected his opinion based on a perception he has of poor Black people. The problem is that Marks’ perception is a bit warped.
I’m willing to bet that Marks does not know, nor has he ever interacted with a poor Black child. Because of this, his perception of what a poor Black child represents is something that he has either created in his mind, or has seen in a misinterpretation or generalization somewhere else. Because Marks has probably never been exposed to poor Black children, he can’t accurately speak on their experiences, nor can he explain why they are in unfortunate situations. So in short, Marks’ perception of Black children and the methods needed to “save” them are flawed.
Here are a few things that Marks wrote that raised my eyebrows:
“If I was a poor Black kid I would first and most importantly work to make sure I got the best grades possible. I would make it my #1 priority to be able to read sufficiently. I wouldn’t care if I was a student at the worst public middle school in the worst inner city. Even the worst have their best.”
Marks may have had good intentions, but his style of writing and his continuous reference to a poor Black kid, rather than simply a poor kid; is a bit off-putting. In addition, Marks’ wording leads one to believe that he assumes poor Black kids don’t work hard to get good grades. Since I actually know poor Black kids, I know that is not true.
“If you do poorly in school, particularly in a lousy school, you’re severely limiting the limited opportunities you have.”
While I understand where he’s coming from, the way he chooses to illustrate his point is offensive. I can’t imagine saying that statement with its harsh and demeaning undertone to a child. If I did, I would imagine that child would feel subpar…as if they were less than because of their circumstances.
“I know a few school teachers and they tell me that many inner city parents usually have or can afford cheap computers and Internet service nowadays. That’s because (and sadly) it’s oftentimes a necessary thing to keep their kids safe at home than on the streets.”
This statement is wrong and offensive on so many levels. In reading Marks’ work, I couldn’t figure out if he was simply clueless or if his writing style was reflective of what I assume may be his tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. First of all, although it is 2011 and most people may have computers at home; it is unrealistic to think that most inner-city parents “have or can afford” computers. While it is unfortunate, many of these parents have limited incomes that oftentimes force them to choose between paying a bill or putting food on the table. While computers help to enhance a child’s learning; they unfortunately fall to the bottom of the “must-have” list low income parents continuously add to.
Again, I really don’t think his goal was to be malicious. As a matter of fact, Marks’ “If I were a poor Black kid” piece reminded me of an editorial I wrote in the Nov. 18 issue of the Recorder that provided insight on the Jerry Sandusky case from a victim’s perspective. Throughout the piece I wrote “If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would…” While I have never been a victim of sexual abuse, I have spent time talking with dozens of victims…many of whom I know on a personal level
I wonder if Gene Marks actually spoke with a “poor Black kid”?
Something tells me that he probably didn’t.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
