Life Lessons Learned From the Ghetto

A few disclaimers before I proceed:

1. My use of the term “Ghetto” is the commonly accepted, colloquial version. It is not in any way meant to demean those who come from lesser-income neighborhoods. Rather, it represents a subculture that has formed within American society.
2. Some content of the music videos in this article may be considered offensive or inappropriate for those under the age of 18. There is no nudity or blood or gang endorsement, but there may be scenes that depict situations related to the daily violence experienced on the streets or scantily-clad women.
3. I was blessed to grow up in a few multi-cultural neighborhoods. My bloodline also represents a variety of ethnicities. Nothing mentioned in this article is intended to be racist, prejudice, or segragationalist. Rather, this is a viewpoint from a person who has experienced these cultures and lifestyles on her own or via close friends or family.

Lesson One: Honor and Respect

Kanye West: Image source

Living in the ghetto, honor is one of the most important things to maintain of oneself. Without honor, you will be treated as dust and nobody will take heed to what you have to say for yourself.

Lesson Two: Pride

Always be proud of who you are and where you came from. Never let anyone make fun of you because you have an accent, a skin-tint, almond-shaped eyes, or scrumptious homemade cuisine. Whether you're Vietnamese, Croatian, Indian, Samoan, Dominican, Eritrean, or whatever else, you must keep your head high. Don't be afraid to show your true colors by flaunting your flag or inviting your new somebody home to meet the parents.

Lesson Three: Passion

Do not only exhibit a thrill for everything you do, but actually feel that emotion. Put your whole-heart into the things that you love... You won't regret it. One of the young men, Doral Miller, in the above photo (this was taken in high school when I was using a film camera... film?) is a prime example of the successes possible by following your passion.

Lesson Four: Enjoying the Moment

We have no idea how much time we truly have here. In the ghetto, you don't know what will happen next... Will there be a drive-by shooting that claims the life of a friend (my best-friend from high school was murdered earlier this year by a stray bullet, R.I.P. Kebret), will you experience an act of violence that will physically/financially/emotionally disable you (like arson)... the point is, you never know what G-D has in store for you, so live life to the fullest ... every second of it!

Lesson Five: Brotherhood

N.W.A.: image source

Your father left your mother, your mother is working full-time to support 3 kids. You need the emotional support and love of somebody. Brotherhood keeps young adults and teens together and in one piece. If your own family is not there for you, find people who are. Connect with each other, develop a bond, and be there through thick and thin for one another.

Lesson Six: Love

Because the rest of your life can be a hectic mess, you will always feel the need to have an escape. Find that one person who understands you and cares for you unconditionally. Once you have this person who gives you the same love they receive from you, hold on tight and treat them accordingly.

Lesson Seven: Loyalty

T.A.C.T. Family: image source

See Lesson Five. You learn through time who is really on your side and rooting for you in all you do. Do the same with your ideals and whatever you put yourself into. Loyalty pays off in the long-run... no one likes a flake.

Lesson Eight: Activism

Stand for your rights and what you believe in. If there is something wrong in your neighborhood, don't be afraid to be the first one to put your foot forward for change. Others will follow, trust in what's right and you'll succeed in pushing for it.

Lesson Nine: Soulfood

Tamales image source

Good food is to be eaten and enjoyed thoroughly. Throw all calorie counts out the window, there is nothing like a home-cooked meal. Imagine tamales con crema (sour cream) or some scrumptious barbecued beef sandwiches... Drooling yet? Here are a couple of recipes:

• Chicken Tamales
• BBQ Beef Sandwiches
• Lumpia
• Maluach

Lesson Ten: Real Women Have Curves

This is my light-hearted note for the topic. Men from the 'hood love a woman who has 'meat on her bones' and is a little 'thick.' Take note of the girls you see in the music videos. All have a round derrière, shapely hips, and strong legs.

Truthfully, there are many problematic issues involved in living the ghetto lifestyle. The main thing is to always look at the bright side of life and take it for what it's worth. Make the most of what you have, enjoy it, and live!