July 13th, 2007
The Measure of a Man
Hello everybody, I have missed my fix of blogging. My last post was July 5th when I wondered what we are known for as blacks in business. I discussed different ethnic groups and the businesses they have made a ethnic core competency. Very interesting debate and we received some insightful comments. For many reasons it appears difficult if not impossible for us to find a core strength in business. Some of the divide and conquer tactics from slavery are alive and well today.
Lucky for me, I overcame my resistance to anything endorsed by Oprah “I am so glad white people love meThe Winfrey. I decided to spend time entranced by the voice of Sidney Poitier for 8 hours listening to his spiritual autobiography, “ The Measureof a Man.” Mr. Poitier helped me answer my own question regarding, what are we known for as blacks in business? I do not see us taking over a business sector; we all have different interest and do not work well together as a ethnic group. If we follow the life of Mr. Poitier, why don’t we strive to be known for achievement and accomplishment? Let be great as our business niche
Mr. Poitier start in life was not with a silver spoon in his mouth. His family home had no running water, no electricity and little hope for a better life. Those of us old enough to remember the incomparable
Movie career of Poitier, do remember how proud we were to see a black movie star. A tall dark skinned man of eloquence and panache. He was a black man playing roles, not as a clown or a criminal or an idiot. Poitiers played a doctor, a detective or a school teacher. This was in the 60’s, as a child, I wondered, “Are these things black people can do?” He gave us something to be proud of. Interesting is that Mr. Poitier faced criticisms from the black community. He was assumed to be an uncle Tom for playing white roles. That is how low our self esteem was, success was white.
The reason I think this book would be a valuable book for black business owners, is the racism Mr. Poitier faced and his attitude and drive that cemented his success, is discussed with many examples.
Did you know in 1968, Poitier had the top billing movie for the year, and the second top billing movie and the third. You knew he was black in a racist country! That is mind blowing; TO SIR WITH LOVE, GUESS WHO”S COMING TO DINNER and IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT! Denzel who?
Spencer Tracey and Kathleen Hepburn had to be convinced to take the risk of appearing in a movie with a black leading man for Guess Who’s coming to Dinner. Poitier went to Tracey’s New York apartment for dinner with the 2 stars. He was sized up and they agreed to take the risk. Keep in mind Poitier was an Academy Award winner for Lilly’s of the Field. He faced more scrutiny because he was black As Poitier pointed out, they would not have asked Paul Neumann to face the same scrutiny.
I suggest you listen to this book. Mr. Poitier won a Grammy for best spoken word album. His voice is one I could listen to all day. Lets be known for greatness, regardless of your race, this book will inspire you.
July 13th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
What are the ideologies you based your opinion concerning that blacks don’t work well together? Is it that we are too busy trying to live up to the “white man’s and or woman’s” standards, that we have forfeit our respect and teamwork efforts with one another? Or do we want to be more accepted and respected by them than we respect and accept ourselves?
I believe WE can work together and we need to stop restricting ourselves to stereotypes that have been holding us back mentally for eons.
I love Mr. Poitier and his demeanor of success. But he made himself absent from the mainstream “black community” in America in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to even now.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
One of the most tense scenes to ever have appeared in any movie was the stand-off between Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in the movie, “In the Heat of the Night”. Remember this scene: Steiger is trying to get a rise out of Poitier by goading him into making a mistake of violence against Steiger. “Just what do they call you at work, Virgil?”, snears Steiger in a scene that suggests imminent violence between the two men. Poitier replies (The famous line), delivered between clenched teeth, “They…call…me,,,Mr. Tibbs.” Only an actor of Poitier’s unique talent could have made that seen work. Poitier can be called a great Black actor, but I’d call him instead, a Great Actor. This is not to deny his race, but to identify him as transcendent among all other actors. One of very few men who could pull-off any role, in any film, at any time. Very few people make that list. That Poitier had a God given gift is impossible to deny; that he appeals to all audiences shows the special and unique gifts with which Poitier graced the screen, at the time he did it; this, in my opinion is what makes Poitier a great man. Very few people, Poitier is one, can show that man can achieve excellence, nearly perfection their chosen careers. To be great without losing a “common touch”; to rise to this level in the face of racial adversity or hatred if you wish, only makes Poitier stand even taller. God bless us all, Colin
July 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Colin, thank you for your comment and I do remember the sence for the movie set in 1960’s Mississippi. To call a black man Mr., I am sure red necks all over the south considered the role unrealistic. I hope a new generation has the opportunity to revisit some of Poitier’s movies. He is indeed a great Actor.
July 14th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
INaname, all of your points are valid and I agree we can work well together. I have enjoyed much business togetherness and success with black business people. I have also been around black people that had to have white leadership. I am looking at work well together globally, big picture, what business are we known for. I have learned of Korean people pooling their money to help one another get started.I have witness the influx of business sectors showing other peoples of color having visiable ownership of businesses. Saying that to ask for your help in educating me. I would love to blog about a business example of black business people working well together. Second although I admire your passion, it is accepted that we have strong divisions within our race. Help me out, educate all of us!
July 14th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Inaname, I almost missed your last point. Poitier did not discuss his white wives or his affair with Ms Carroll. He speaks about a lot of black issues which was a surprise, and I agree he fits in well in the white world now. Check out the audio tape, I think you will surprise yourself.Thank you so much for your support
July 19th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Hey JD.
It’s been awhile -too long, actually - so I knew I needed to check in. I really appreciated what you said about Poitier, and wondered if you had read his earlier autobiography? It’s been so long since I read it (more than 20 years) that I can’t recall the title, but it was a fascinating read. The obstacles that brother overcame - and the way he overcame them - is an inspiration to anyone and everyone who ever went through something trying to achieve a goal.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Keith, I missed the earlier one but I agree with your opinion. He is in a class by himself.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Now I am going to have to check out his audio book out. Thank you for sharing a blessing with us.