This section requires Flash Player (version 9). You can download the Flash player here

Celebrity Blogs >> more Celebrity Blogs

GG's Poli Director Almost Got Jumped By 2 15 Yr Olds!

Posted by: Michael Skolnik 11/1/2009 | 5,735 Views

COMMENTS

Thursday, October 29, 2009 was just like every other day of my life. Number 4. Call. Speed Dial. Girlfriend. It took no more than 5 seconds to let her know that I had arrived at our office and that I was waiting for her downstairs. It was quiet. Real quiet. This tree-lined block in Brooklyn at 10am on a Wednesday morning never made a lot of noise. I saw all four of them approach me. 2 kept walking. 2 stopped. They were young. Real young. 14. 15. Maybe. Whispers ensued. My blackberry was checked. My girlfriend came out and we were ready to go. “Hey mista! You know what time it is?” Yeah. 10 of 10. I guess the two kids didn’t have a watch or cell phone. I kept it moving. “Yo, why you starin’ at my man like that?” one kid said. Confusion, but don’t fool me for a rookie in the game. We kept it moving. “Yo, mothafucka! Why you lookin’ at me like that?” he repeated. I ain’t lookin’ at you. “You sure?” Positive.

We turned the corner and they followed. Two young teenagers. Not in school. Bored. And it was just about to get more intense. “Yo! Why you walkin’ away you from me you piece of sh*t. I wanna fight you. I’m gonna fight you!” Options. What options do I have ran through my head as quickly as the time I was in the middle of a gun-fight in Port Au Prince and as quickly as the time when I was in the middle of a police riot in Swaziland with an RPG flew three feet from my head. Make one wrong move, and you can all start preparing what you would say to my mother at my funeral. “Yo! I’m gonna f*ck you up! I’m gonna fight you!”

Yeah, I know you want to fight me, but if I disrespected you, then I apologize. No harm intended. Face to face. Girlfriend. 20 feet away watching. My hand extended. Olive branch proposed. “Don’t touch me!” The talker kept talking, the quiet one seemed embarrassed. The quiet one took my hand and nodded his head. “YO! I’M GONNA FIGHT YOU!” The talker kept talking. No, you’re not gonna fight me, that is the last thing you want to do right now. We kept it moving. They kept following. “Yo! Let’s fight! Right now! Let’s fight!” Face to face. His hands clenched. His hands shaking. His lips quivering. Nervous. Real young. Really nervous.

I saw the punch coming before he even thought about throwing it. The shooter is always more nervous than the one shot. He swung and barely missed. He stepped back. I stepped forward. “Give me 10 dollas!” Get the f*ck out of here with that 10 dollars. The quiet one kept quiet. The talker now realized his options had come to an end. The anger had been released. The punch didn’t connect, but the anger got out. You both hungry? The quiet one shook his head yes quietly. The talker not trying to show defeat, agreed with a mean mug on his face. But hungry too. Let me take you both to breakfast and we can talk about what I do and how I do it. Both real hungry when they took a big bite out of the egg and cheeses with bacon that the deli served them with my ten dollars.

We shook hands. The quiet one finally spoke. “C’mon son. This guy is a good guy. Apologize.” The talker apologized. You can’t do that. You can’t just run up on people on the street and try to knock em’ out. You have more intelligence than that. More promise. More potential. I go to work everyday for you. I’m the last one you want to hurt. More apologies. More bites into the sandwich. Another one? Of course. Whatever you want. A pack of gum. And now even a smile and laugh. Three minutes ago, you tried to knock me out…now you sayin’ that “I’m your man.” Funny how money changes situations…

Poverty and Anger. Mix like rum and coke, but don’t make you feel as good as a Cuba Libre. These two young men were hungry and angry. And those are two main ingredients for hopelessness. The most dangerous kid in America is a kid who has no hope. Get involved.

-Michael Skolnik
Global Grind Managing Editor & Political Director to Russell Simmons

Follow Michael on Twitter @michaelskolnik

TAGS -

39 comments

Lastly, it is NOT the school system's complete responsibility to teach children what their parent's should have already taught them while @ home. Although, they should co-assist in reinforcing good values, respectfulness, manners, and kindness among children today. I believe that the school system isn't what it used to be. & that there is a serious problem with how teachers deal with student's bad behaviors in class. The communication & comprehension between teachers & parents are rapidly fading, if existent at all.

Whatever happened to programs like D.A.R.E.? Do they even still have these in schools today? There is such a disconnect between parents and children today. It's sad. The kids are running to the wrong people for advice. So, does this ring true, does it take a village to raise a child? & what happens when the village itself cannot rise above the everyday struggles?

pynklyzurd14 11/3/2009 | reply
1
Michael, I commend you for handling this situation correctly. It takes a bigger man to even bother to find the root of the problem, instead of just checking someone.

But, now that we know poverty is 1 of their sources of anger, a question for all:

Who do we blame? The economy? The kid's parents? The school system?

There are so many factors that can go into this but, to me, these are the main 3.

The economy is driving everyone to their worst. We are forced to look for new resources to make money. This crisis should be making us stronger, but instead it's tearing us at the seams one way or another. & our youth are watching this, watching the very best of us buckle under pressure, and in turn, it is making them do the very same. Money does make the world go 'round. & this is what happens when you don't have it. It doesn't have to resort to this behavior but, sadly, it has.

Parenting, not everyone should be allowed to do it. If you can't allow yourself the time to teach and raise a child & most importantly afford one, you shouldn't have one. & if you already have one, try your best to teach them right. You'd better believe that if you don't teach them, someone else will. & not necessarily what they should be teaching them. Which is what I fear has happened to these 2, or 4, & many more. Smh...

pynklyzurd14 11/3/2009 | reply
1
Michael, I commend you for handling this situation correctly. It takes a bigger man to even bother to find the root of the problem, instead of just checking someone.

pynklyzurd14 11/3/2009 | reply
1
BEWARE OF THE TEENS.

http://www.wegotithere.com/

info@wegotithere.com

U.S.A. SUPPLIER

WITH US, DELIVERY IS 1.0.0.% GUARANTEED.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED IF ANY PRODUCT IS OUT OF STOCK.

YOUR ORDER IS NEVER SUBSTITUTED WITH OTHER ITEMS.

YOU SHOP, YOU SEE, YOU BUY & YOU RECEIVE WHAT YOU PAID FOR. 1.0.0.% GUARANTEED.

**ALL ORDERS OF TWO ITEMS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE WHOLESALE PRICING. (LOWER PRICING)**

*Order (5) or more items & Shipping is FREE !

*We accept all Credit / Debit cards.

*Western Union payments are available upon request.

*All orders are shipped with a tracking# via USPS, At: www.usps.com

***THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDERS !***

***WE APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE !***

*Hott!/ Classic TV SERIES COMPLETE SEASON DVD SETS!!!!

http://wegotithere.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_82

*BRAND: Optical Frames: Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Prada, Armani, Fendi, etc..

http://wegotithere.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_9

*THA HOTTEST PURSES & BAGS ON THE PLANET!!!

http://wegotithere.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=20

*MICHAEL JACKSON NIKES

http://wegotithere.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_124_11

*YouTube Video#1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHYfwND9JJk

*YouTube Video#2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGAftGGEdv4

*YouTube Video#3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yed5a-fM_eU

*YouTube Video#4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0OY09tEes0

www.WeGOTitHeRe.com 11/3/2009 | reply
0
Very insightful for Michael Skolnik to read the situation correctly. Because those could have easily been 2 teens full of hate and anger, and could have hurt them both.

Very admirable of you to try to get to the root of their anger. Because many would have handed them their azz first, and asked questions later.

I wonder if those young men took heed to your kindness, or if they just went on to the next one. The next victim...

God's Angel 11/3/2009 | reply
0
- i was thinking the very same thing.
  
  pynklyzurd14 11/3/2009 | reply
  0
Glad you have enough street savvy to read the situation! But, I do not recommend this approach to most people. I would have sent my girlfriend back in the building and told her to give me ten minutes. If I do not call within ten minutes, call the 911 and anybody else for help. I do not live my life being afraid of anyone and I will talk to anyone. But, when my first intuition flags for danger, it is usually right. There are “no excuses” for young men and women to threaten or become violent.

Rock Roxanne 11/3/2009 | reply
1
- My business grinds:
  
  www.beautipage.com/beauty-skincare
  
  www.travelshoppros.com
  
  Rock Roxanne
  
  Rock Roxanne 11/3/2009 | reply
  0
How involve can one get... Can't save all of them :-|

DennyDth02 11/3/2009 | reply
0
I give it to you because I would have started scrapping after he said "yo muthafucka why" he wouldnt have finished his sentance, Next time he might confuse your kindness for weakness then what? more egg sandwiches ? or double up 20 bucks ? I give to you I really do. Hats off

ceebo 11/3/2009 | reply
0
WHO CARES.

TRUE FACTS 11/2/2009 | reply
0
- you also would make a lousy parent- you are heartless. If you're gonna be so heartless, don't ever choose to be a parent to a child.
  
  cu 11/2/2009 | reply
  0
I APPLAUD U FOR STEPPING TO THEM THE WAY YOU DID AND FEEDING THEM , BEUCASE ME I WOULDA SHOT THEM

KISS 11/2/2009 | reply
0
- you'd make a lousy parent.
  
  cu 11/2/2009 | reply
  0
- KISS..... So youre saying youre the hungry kid??? What the hell is shooting a man that isnt even armed and trying to shoot you gonna do?? Land your ASS in jail for 20 to life. Thats the reason this man wrote about this. Glad to see you got the point(sarcastic)!!!!!
  
  Eric 11/3/2009 | reply
  0
"The most dangerous kid in America is a kid who has no hope. Get involved."

The bottom line...

Natural Black Earth 11/2/2009 | reply
0
- the most dangerous kid in America is not necessarily the kid who has no hope. Kids who feel that they have no hope is because the parents who gave birth to the kid who feels they don't have hope obviously did not pay alot attention to that child. It is up to the parents of a child to make sure that their child are brought up well. Keep in mind, the child is part of their parents.
  
  cu 11/2/2009 | reply
  0
- as a long time activist and youth advocate, i can tell you your comments couldn't be further from the truth. studies now show that friends have more infuence in children's lives than parents and teachers. no family is an island and no longer can we simply say that if i raise "my child" with values then my job is done. if you do not take the time to incorporate that concern to your childs friends and to your neighbors, when you child leaves your home, they will be confronted by others with little or no values. we really are a village.
  
  Ms. Smith 11/3/2009 | reply
  0
Michael, I salute your ability to remain fluid, open- minded, and caring in this situation. May we all react with such grace under pressure. Times are indeed, challenging and harrowing.

Elizabeth Breslin 11/1/2009 | reply
0
correction: When one feels angry, it is usually because of hostile behavior, feeling undefeated.

cu 11/1/2009 | reply
0
You are so right that Hunger and anger are 2 main ingredients for hopelessness. When one feels hungry, it is because they are craving for food(energy) for one to soothe their hunger pains. As it is, when someone has no energy, one feels weak. When one feels angry, it is usually because of hostile behavior, feeling defeated.
You definitely had alot of courage and maintained a dignified presence. That was a
tearful story. Good to see you didn't get hurt for showing your heart to the two boys.

cu 11/1/2009 | reply
0
Yes, great read. But, down here in the south their so quick to shoot that this story would have had a different ending. Everyone is scared of everyone.

T-Boi 11/1/2009 | reply
0
- stop thinking cause you in some other region,,,its worst,,, hood is hood hunger is hunger
  people get killed for less everyday,,,in the south,north,west,,east on this f*cking planet so please save the subliminal,,down here sh*t,,,evil is busy all around the world,,,he knew what it was and played the situation accordingly
  
  11/2/2009 | reply
  1