That's the way prisoners usually describe what it's like being in jail. They call it "doing time", but the synonym for "doing ", is [responsibility] and the synonym for responsibility is [blame].

Without being poetic, children's lack of responsibility today could be blamed on our methods of teaching. I remember when I was being interviewed for my position for officer in New York City and they asked me if I was ever in jail. They were surprised when I said I was. But they were more surprised when I told them why and when.

It was during my years in elementary school, when our teacher took us on a field trip to the local precinct to see what it was like inside. After that trip, I knew that would be the last place I wanted to end up, although we were told it was just a place to hold prisoners temporarily.

But I found out after becoming an officer, there was a bigger place they ended up in, which made my reason not to end up there my life's goal. I only say this because the schools had a way of preparing us, not only the better things in life, but they also showed us things we should avoid. There were no computers, or special programs to teach us, but we seem to have gotten more from having less.

Maybe it was that we were told over and over again, education was the only way out. So sometimes teaching should include many things and come from many directions. Actually, showing them the kind of profession they may talk about can stir their interest.

Planning trips to the baseball or basketball games, or amusement parks, won't keep children from falling through the cracks. But black children are simply "doing time", in an educational system that have suffered from controversy and weaknesses since Brown vs. the Board of Education.

Yes, there are few situations regarding desegregation today, but our problem is getting the most learned blacks to participate in the lives of all black children. Statistics say regardless of the money or physical improvements of these institutions, most black children are still struggling to keep up. But few care why there still may be problems.

Unfortunately, when a teacher is willing to step beyond the required rules with new teaching methods, they are scolded and sometimes punished for being idealistic. Blacks have to be more innovative to teach our children and not be intimidated by whites that really have contributed nothing but rhetoric.

Within the black community, truths about opportunities have to be weighed for them to understand their real options. Although basketball may begin with the letter B, there are many professions that cover the entire alphabet. Becoming a rap star is unlikely for most, but knowing there are many other professions in this same industry may help to keep their interest.

Most may not be able to use a socket wrench, or become a model, but using their minds to learn the skills to design the tools or clothing is just as unique. Professional auto driver or designer of the engines that propel the vehicles, each has an important and viable responsibility.

It's also our responsibility to avoid badgering children when their interests seem to be less traditional than what's expected. Most successful men and women were more self-driven, than traditional. Many black men and women, whose inventions have been played down until black history month, were idealistic and reluctant to conform.

Even looking at Bill Gates who's white, should reveal how his lack of interest in the customary methods of learning, allowed him to express his interest in what may have never been brought out in him. Teachers and educators often tell children what they expect of them, but few of these people rarely ask children what they want to do with their lives, or should expect of themselves.

The only request I had for my children was to pursue something they were interested in, that would be more significant then working. Of course, all children can't be professionals, but it could encourage them to reach higher, although they may still face obstacles.

Reading writing and arithmetic are the basics of education, but when children are expected to learn subjects unrelated to their interest, this have caused many to drop out. Although I was trapped in fundamentals, I realized years ago, American history was one sided because it excluded people of other cultures, especially blacks.

The history of foreign places I may never see was less interesting, because most of it showed how the powerful took advantage of the weak, as American history have been able to hide many of the same transgressions. As a child I was taught to believe whatever they told to me without challenging it, because I was expected to follow the rules. But our children should question the rules because no one has come up with a solution why they're failing, yet they're getting complaints from all areas.

But they are exciting and innovative individuals to watch growing up. Even though many are deprived or cared for by parents and the system, some are still able to get out without emotional injury. But I assure you, opening the range of learning will encourage many more to rise to the top.

Until then, they will still be "doing time", because they are often treated as though they're a threat to the society they're suppose to someday, use their skills to contribute.

© 2005 By Thomas Duffy
Afromerica staff writer

Brother Thomas Duffy will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current Black expereinces effecting our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Duffy's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail T Duffy at: tduffy870@msn.com or tomas@afromerica.com

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