Yes, I know I wasn’t even born when the O’Jays recorded this song, but I feel the sentiments of these words apply to similar situations that have occurred in my years, here, at Prairie View. The more I get involved in campus life, the more I see the subliminal work involved in running a university. You have the people who say, “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” Then there are the ones who disregard the rules and make their own, not caring whom their decisions may effect. Finally, there are persons in higher positions who pimp, punk, and play students and faculty to get what they want, either academically or politically. This is a disgrace.
I am very frustrated by all of this. I don’t understand the point of having personal agendas when everyone is supposed to be working for the same purpose: to educate and serve young black men and women. The backstabbing from administrators to faculty and students must stop.
In the end, no one wins, because you permanently tarnish the legacy and credibility of a university built on the backs of our people.
Professors speak of the importance of order, yet certain university officials directly contradict the values imparted by faculty. How is that for an example?
These words may go over the heads of a few readers and some may not care. But to those of you who are feeling guilty you know who you are. Whether or not this affects you doesn’t matter. Continue to smile and lie in my face… eventually karma will stab you in your back and you’ll reap what you sowed.