Frederick R Smith has moved to Frederick R. Smith Speaks (substack.com)
First published on June 3, 2021, the following essay showed up in your author's email inbox. Upon reading this engaging work of art, your author contacted the author, Dr. Alexander, to seek his permission to repost his work. With a thumbs up and “it will be an honor” from the good Doctor, enjoy this very entertaining and special edition of Fredrick R. Smith Speaks.
WHY DO THEY ACT THAT WAY?
A preparatory for “May you live in interesting times…” An Ancient Chinese curse
By: Stanley J Alexander, M.D., M.S., FACP, FACR
Clinical Professor of Medicine/Rheumatology (Ret)
As citizens of the United States, we are seeing a great deal of debilitating havoc in our streets, in our school systems, in the country’s leadership, at the border, and in the 4th estate – that is, the media – including paper, electronic and social.
Why? The underlying motive seems to reveal a growing effort to ‘fundamentally change’ the country, putatively, into a socialistic state. While Lenin successfully orchestrated this push eventuating with a revolution in Russia, led by the Bolshevik army, that was greatly facilitated by the yawning divide between the haves (aristocracy) and the have-nots (farmers and workers). Same as with Castro’s Cuba, Mao’s China, North Korea, Cambodia, now some places in South America, etc.
But such a divide has not been seen in the US due to Capitalism’s generation of a perennially strong middle class. Abraham Lincoln presciently stated, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we have destroyed our freedoms from within.”
For 240 years we have held strong to our constitutional guarantees, the principles of which are written on our coinage:
Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum.
Be aware that liberty and equality (socialism) are for the most part mutually exclusive. When our Constitution references equality it really means equal opportunity. Are we finally going to lose that battle? The one for which Patrick Henry declared, “Give me liberty or give me death?”
How have we gotten into this current mess? We are now engaged in an incipient revolution, carried out with the battle cry of Black Lives Matter, with ordinances proffered from Antifa and carried out under the nom de plume or rubric of ‘Systemic Racism’ but facilitated by the smoky haze of a ‘White Guilt’ cloud cover.
In WWII, Antifa (NAZIs) faced off with the likes of BLM (Communists). But now they are perhaps not so strange bedfellows: the enemy of my enemy is now my friend?
Do our good citizens now need to take a knee in honor of past atrocities from certain historic states of our Union, something even the German people (Nazis) did not have to do after the Holocaust? If so, are we still guilty of racism from a long past history, now via the blossoming forth of an ensuing ‘systemic racism?’ The underpinnings of this allegation, the proof that’s in the pudding as it were, seems to relate to the underperformance of Black America as a whole, the high rates of incarcerations therein, alleged execution-style ‘deaths at the hands of police officers,’ and the disproportionate number of deaths from diseases within that population, highlighted by a worldwide pandemic. If not racism what else could it be?
To look for the root cause of this dystrophia, we now need to peel back the layers of that (proverbial) onion; we need to figure out what’s been going on to allow such a perhaps tenuous appellation to hold sway in this country and to deliver us into a state of conflict, turbulence, and confrontation, not seen since the Civil War.
I believe the answer will seem almost too simplistic when portrayed herein; it harkens back to what Patrick Daniel “Pat” Moynihan found while working as the Assistant Secretary of Labor during the Johnson Administration in the mid-1960s, prior to his becoming a US Senator (D-NY), and as part of his doing research on behalf of Pres. Lyndon Johnson for his upcoming commencement speech at Howard University.
At the time Moynihan was surprised, and likely in a state of disbelief, to unearth a particular statistic: after decades of unemployment rates and welfare applications rising and falling in unison, in the 1960s when unemployment went down, welfare application unexpectedly went up — but up in one demographic only. He pointed out that:
- Transgenerational poverty persisted almost exclusively among Black families, along with a,
- loss of the nuclear family, replaced now with a spurt of Single Parent Families (SPF) – almost always with no fathers present and thus requiring welfare assistance.
Of note, during the 1940s the highest rate of marriage between parents had been within the Black family. Suddenly it had dropped. Now marriage between Blacks had become the lowest, and the rate of Black children with no father went into the 80th percentile. Does that demographic become a problem? You bet!
An associated ‘tangle of pathology’ is seen within the SPF: increased suicides; increased drug use; increased entry into chemical dependency units; increased incarcerations and encounters with the law and figures of authority; and school dropout rates, etc. Wow!
What Happened?
One of the most difficult tasks we have in life is good parenting and to produce good citizens as our progeny. We are not at all prepared for this: babies come with no assembly instruction or YouTube tutorials. There was a book starting in the 40s, Baby and Child Care by renowned pediatrician Benjamin Spock, M.D. As I recall he later retracted some of his teachings as being too permissive, translate that as “flexible and affectionate.” There is now a better handbook which I strongly commend, Why Do They Act That Way by David Walsh, Ph.D. Lots of examples and checklists are included for practical application.
While a medical student at USC/Keck, there were some classes in child psychology at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). One professor pontificated that when born, children’s brains were a “Tabula Rasa,” an empty slate and that all of life’s experiences became imprinted thereon. That seemed simplistic at the time, and now we do see that was not fully correct: genetics play a significant role too, especially in things such as ADD, ADHA, autism, Asperger’s, mood disorders, and, later in life, Alzheimer’s. But, to look introspectively at our parenteral roles, let's first look at growth and development in humans and see where we can go wrong.
As we traipse through the 12 Stages of the “Human Life Cycle,” as defined by the American Institute for Leaning, we have likely experienced various lumps, bumps, potholes, and undesignated forks along that pathway. Hopefully not too many fissures.
The first three Stages were pretty easy for us:
- Prebirth (Potential);
- Birth (Hope); and
- Infancy, Age 0-3 (Vitality) - although some friends and acquaintances still seem the have stayed largely in stage 3; or better, stuck in Stages 4-6:
- Early (Playfulness) Age 3-6;
- Middle (Imagination) Age 6-8; and
- Late Childhood (Ingenuity) Age 9-11, through which most of us have enjoyed an orderly transition, whereas too many liberals seem to have had their growth and development arrested therein.
But the most difficult, I believe, is:
- Adolescence (Passion) – Age 12-20. And we will come back to that transition in considerable detail. The next three stages are:
- Early Adulthood (Enterprise);
- Middle Adulthood (Contemplation); then
- Mature Adulthood (Benevolence) - Ages 50-80.
Hopefully, we can peacefully reach Stage 10, unscathed; and then become what Rush Limbaugh referenced as “Seasoned Citizens.”
Looking back from that perspective should earn us some introspect or gravitas. From your perspective, what is the key Stage? — Which was the one you liked the best and which was the most turbulent? What have you learned? What would you do differently?
So, why did I pick the Adolescent Stage?
The Answer: Because it’s a triple whammy — It’s a very difficult time for the youngster; it’s challenging for the parent, both boys, and girls and it’s also problematical for society in general. It’s that time when the brains are undergoing growth and development and hormonal changes; So, when L.A.’s DA George Gascon says that we cannot let a 17-year old go to adult court, even if for a heinous crime, and makes the point that their brains aren’t fully developed until age 24, I would counter, “So why do you want to lower the voting age?” in fact shouldn’t y’all delay their voting until age 24 when the brain is better facilitated? The left would counter, “If they can serve in the military, they should be able to vote.”
Of course, I like to quote Winston Churchill here, “If you are not a liberal when you are young, you have no heart; but if you are not a conservative when you are older, you have no brain.”
Is Gascon correct? Yes, the brain is still undergoing further development into the 20s; but not right about letting 76,000 criminals out onto the street. I’ve seen no statistical support for such an action, and ‘it just don’t seem right’ that the victim should suffer less regard than the perp.
There are three fundamental things in the growth and development of the brain: neuronal growth; the production of neurochemical transmitters; and hormone production. In the former, the brain's cells (neurons) undergo a process of growth and pruning, where functional neural pathways are developed. As an example, if rats were ‘blinded’ by having their eyelids sutured shut, later when the eyelids were opened after a lengthy time in ‘rat years,’ the rat will remain blind.
Same with humans: if there is a congenital cataract at birth, if not removed early, that eye will likely remain blind. Same with hearing. So, we should have the neurons, where available, “firing, and wiring.” The unused ones may be “pruned” out or diverted, so the ‘use it or lose it’ principle surely applies here. We learn things like the skills of balance and muscle memory by this mechanism.
In addition to brain cells (neurons), there is connectivity to a myriad of other nerve cells. At the point of near contact (synapse), an electric signal jumps from one cell to a receptor in the next one via a specialized chemical. In turn, we have even more specialized chemicals collectively called ‘neurotransmitters,’ many of which are capable of causing excitation, depression, pain facilitation, or pain amelioration. Then there are hormones, like cortisone and adrenaline, the latter capable of promoting a ‘fight or flight’ response’ — they can also provoke an anger outburst; and on top of that are the ‘sometimes raging sex hormones: testosterone for males much greater than females; and estrogen/progesterone cycles for females.
Then, of course, there are the street drugs now more common to youths. While tobacco use has declined, marijuana and alcohol are used earlier and earlier and methamphetamine and derivatives such as Ecstasy or Molly are available as psychoactive drugs for recreational use, inducing euphoria or a ‘trip’ often followed by amnesia - Want to get away? You got it. How about unprotected sex? Comes with that territory. Note that now boys lose their virginity at about age 13, generally, and girls at age 14! So, there is at least one area where boys are ahead of and outperform the opposite sex — and it ain't math or language!
Cocaine and Fentanyl were never part of the street scene in my youth but your kids may have access here. And of course, there’s the media (TV, Cell phones, and Electronic Games) which has a direct (potentially addicting) effect in this growing “Digital Revolution.” There are telltale signs for alcohol and drug use and even ‘online’ overuse, and Dr. David Walsh’s book, Why Do They Act That Way outlines these cues. At the least, remember, just don’t turn a ‘blind eye.’
It sounds like a heavy-duty task for a teenager, and it is. So, how does s/he handle it: what’s the equipment available? As mentioned, the brain is not fully developed until about age 24, after which tasks are run through the ‘Pre-Frontal Cortex.’ That potion of the brain is directly under the skull, lying under the frontal bone, as the vanguard of the brain’s frontal lobes. It serves as the CEO with its so-called ‘executive function.’ Prior to that area of maturation, the brain circuitry runs more through the limbic system which lies under the mid-brain. The limbic system is involved in emotional and behavioral functions. This Is also involved in motivation, learning, and memory. At the forefront of this somewhat horseshoe-shaped structure lies the amygdala [ah-migh’-duh-la] which is involved in fear and anger, but also joy.
Teens are going to have emotional outbursts due to a combination of triggers in the environment and the limbic system. As a parent, one has to realize this and not get too over disciplinary, just exercise your parenteral responsibility to help guide the teen through this emotional minefield. Some have suggested that God made Adam and Eve adults so He wouldn’t have to deal with that troublesome Stage-7 (only kidding.). But, just think of issues facing a very young single mother with multiple children from various fathers. And even if the father stays, without marriage there may be little motivation for him to participate.
Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson [author of The Antidote] gives a long list of Blacks whose fathers have bolted at about age 2-3. This list includes Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Rodney King, Malcolm X, Tupac Shakur, Freddy Gray, Mike Tyson, O. J. Simpson, and many more including Rev Peterson himself. And, yes, George Floyd’s mother “Sissy” split from her husband early on and worked hard to keep her family of 5 afloat. No surprise he went bad.
And not just Blacks: Put rock-star Eminem in that category. Ever wonder why he is so angry with his mother? A father gives some breathing space for the mother; offers additional support, guidance, and direction to the child; and with his wife, they together make sacrifices for their children’s future. An abandoned child will become angry both at the father for leaving and the mother for causing that to happen or may blame him/herself. The child may also be subject to abuse from a ‘stand-in father.’
Extended Families can help but it is not the perfect substitution and just doesn’t really remove the aforementioned anger construct. Look at adopted football QB Colin Kaepernick, a very angry, disrespectful person, wearing his ‘Che Guevara Tees’ and ‘Cops are Pigs’ socks, and apparently fully alienating his adoptive White parents. And it appears he wants to blame everyone except himself for his failures, mostly the American system.
My dad was the disciplinarian, so I was surprised when my cousin said he wished that he was his dad, rather than his own easy-peazy going pop. What a surprise it was to hear that. And “spare the rod spoil the child” sounds good, but in my experience, it’s not always the best answer. Just make sure the punishment fits the “crime.” And that goes for loss of privileges. If a child gets home after curfew, dock them the same amount of missed time next evening for going out or for TV watching or cellphone time and maybe cut their driving privileges for a week. Don’t ground them like forever. But don’t forget you’re the parent, you are not their best friend. Again, all this is well covered by Dr. David Walsh.
COMMENTARY:
There are better explanations than systemic racism to explain why the black population’s getting short shrift in some areas. Perhaps the easiest, or presumably least controversial, should come in addressing disparate outcomes in healthcare. One simply has to recognize that there is a greater susceptibility of Blacks to so many metabolic disorders — and it is to a great extent genetic. There is a higher incidence of the gene for diabetes which is 60% more common when compared to Caucasians and cancer 40% higher. Also, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and stroke are over-represented in persons of color. Also, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and other auto-immune diseases. Alternatively, receiving care and recovering from such illnesses can entail environmental issues, such as not having sufficient insurance (Medicaid is the pits); insurance coverage improves if one has a good job, which requires motivation and training. But telling people that they are in a subclass won’t fix that.
In regards to lack of social accomplishments, one has to focus again on the SPF, with all the aforementioned economic pathologies that it entails. Since there is a devolution of the Black family over the past few generations, it’s hard to blame antebellum slavery. Things should have gotten better with each ensuing generation, so it cannot be a progression, especially since the Brown Act and the Civil Rights Act legislation of the 1960s. Besides, things appear to have gotten better only until they got worse. Whose fault is that? Politicians? Civil Rights leaders?
And, be aware that increasing the largess to be a parent in such a dysfunctional home environment should be considered as REWARDING FAILURE. It hasn’t worked in the past going back to the Pilgrims.
Much of the denial of the aforementioned Sen. Moynihan’s finding of a “massive deterioration” in Black society associated with transgenerational poverty and relating to the Black [Matriarchal] SPF comes from Race-baiters; the Civil Rights crowd; and Academia, who generally support socialism and therein have a conflict of interest. The NY Times has been cozying up to socialism since WWII and should have lost credibility with being a long-time Holocaust denier, plus its current controversial push for the 1619 Project. Just read James A Michener’s, Chesapeake for a better understanding of that issue. And for a quick tutorial on Moynihan’s findings look up Moynihan’s Scissors on Youtube.
But let me ask y’all a couple of questions:
- would a racist country elect a Black president — twice, and a mixed-race VP currently? Would there be Black congressmen at proportionate rates as to that of Blacks in American society? And,
- if there is ongoing racism shouldn’t there be pervasive widespread poverty? Note that if you were to carve out the Black population and add up their accumulative wealth, it would make them the 19th wealthiest country in the World!
Also, note that poor school accomplishments come in school districts where Mayors and school superintendents are Black. How can that be racism? An example here in Baltimore - I am sure you can add some others. Now the new focus is on “Reading, Riting, and Racism” -
Oh My!
And, Rev Jesse Peterson, a Black minister from LA, notes that while being born in a broken home Alabama, a Confederate State, things were better there than when he moved North to Gary, Indiana, and then got even worse when he moved West to L.A. So, how did he overcome his troubled past and its affiliated anger?
The treatment for an illness depends on what is causing it. And our country is indeed sick and getting sicker. Historically, people from all over the world came here to partake of our manifold freedoms. But for immigrants to vote more for politicians who would embrace similar authoritarianism to that of the country that they recently abandoned seems counter-intuitive. But now, there becomes a real concern that they will enable the left-wing to “fundamentally change” this country to be just like their old country, with less liberty and more socialism.
The left-wing is aware of the voting proclivities here and helps to usher them in, even if entering illegally, and by using US taxpayers’ monies to underpin the strategy. The same with all minorities, like Black SPFs and the offspring thereof. A Black conservative Quincy McDaniel recently stated that white liberals are the most toxic poison to Blacks and other people of color. So, earning the heart and souls of these populations will be quite difficult. Those white liberals want to REWARD FAILURE, anything (so to speak) to keep Blacks down on the plantation. I know I can get myself into trouble saying that but, please, just “follow the science.”
The current left-wing narrative to ‘fundamentally transform this country’ is now built on that false foundation and the premise of systemic racism. We need to counter that, and one who had been on that journey and successfully negotiated the pitfalls thereof is the above noted Rev Jesse Peterson. His book outlines the journey and the dysfunctions of society and the strategies to overcome them. His book is titled:
The ANTIDOTE - HEALING AMERICA FROM THE POISON OF HATE, BLAME AND VICTIMHOOD.
There are some solutions, the first of which is to quit blaming others for your failures. Finding religion helps, but I don’t mean becoming a jihadist where anger is actually promoted and harnessed. People like Malcolm-X are full of hate and bigotry, rather than the more Christian appellation of, “Love thy neighbor….” But it won’t be easy.
Rev Peterson notes that, “what has been going on for decades is the refusal of most black men (and women - my addition) to do any soul searching.” What Obama did with his comments [on racism] was to create an environment for blacks to blame the police. These were code words for “racism is real, and the problem is white men.” In the Freddy Grey incident, all that Baltimore’s state attorney did by indicting six police officers – three of them black – was to confirm that black people’s problems are other people’s fault. In truth, nothing is going to change for the people in Baltimore – or in America – until they take responsibility for their own lives.
This is true for all men - black, white, yellow, and brown – they have to understand their roles in life and in the family. And they hopefully can turn back to God and realize that they represent Christ on earth. Their role is to be the spiritual head of the family. They have to speak the truth.
“Love is patient, love is kind,” the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, “it does not envy it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, it always trusts, always helps, always preservers. Love never fails.”
Rev. Peterson went on to note, that, “If men live like this their wives and children will be greatly blessed.” I add: Take responsibility for yourselves and your family.
If you commit to these minimum tenets, good things will happen:
- set standards to guide your children,
- help keep them out of trouble, but to accept blame,
- ensure they graduate from high school,
- that they get a job after graduation or go to college or trade school,
- delay marriage until at least age 21, and
- don’t have children until married.
If this is done, you will break that ‘Cycle of Poverty.’ With this, you can actually start to enjoy those “Equal Opportunities” afforded in our Constitution.
Cogent Publisher, Frederick R. Smith
Cogent Guest Author, Stanley J Alexander, M.D., M.S., FACP, FACR
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