James T. Harris: Cornball Brothers

James T. Harris has a great article up on Right Wisconsin, "Corn Ball Brothas Have The X Factor."

What's a "cornball brother"?

According to the Urban Dictionary a cornball brother is:

a. An African American male who chooses not to follow the stereotype. This includes, but is not limited to, being educated, well spoken, a role model, a leader, selfless, an upstanding member of the community and above all - humble.

b. life choices include marrying white women, being republican, and not being "down with the cause".

c. a rare breed of African American males who should be praised, not chastised by their own race.

d. a term where MLK would be rolling over his grave for

Presently there are two, possibly three “cornball brothas” in the NFL: Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins, Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, and Packer Killer Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers.

What else is different about “cornballs?” What is that X factor that makes RG3 and Russell Wilson “all work, no play, in bed by 9:00 and up by 6:00” type of leader?

Harris identifies the X factor:

The X factor missing from the Urban Dictionary definition and in too many black children’s lives is….

e. a father.

Yes, a father. What a concept!

It's politically incorrect to acknowledge the important role a father plays in a family. However, it's completely acceptable to view government in that role - protector, provider, enforcer, moral compass.

It's a twisted society that scoffs at traditional values.

Harris writes:

Our society has long diminished the role of fathers in the lives of their children. Leave it to the NFL to highlight fatherhood’s glorious role and potential!

This football season welcomed the next wave of Millennial age black quarterbacks to the NFL. They are poised, skilled and wise beyond their years. They are confident in their skills, humble, and disciplined. They come from strong families and exude a strong quiet faith.

They are role models of leadership and have garnered the respect of their teammates and millions of fans… except those who still question their blackness.

Somewhere between Dr. King and President Obama, the content of one’s character lost to the color of one’s skin… and to the culture it represents! It’s the culture, stupid, and the culture is sick.

The American culture in general is sick, but I don't think it's hopeless. We haven't quite reached the edge of the abyss.

The fact is the War on Poverty backfired. There were unintended consequences, like the systematic dismantling of the family. Instead of helping, government policies devastated generations.

I wish Obama would use his bully pulpit and encourage cornball brothers, hold them up as the role models they are. He could make a profound difference. Unfortunately, Obama is too focused on his cool guy status to take that risk. 

We need a cornball revolution. Sadly, I don't expect to find its leader in the White House. Look for leaders in your neighborhood and church, and follow.