Take the mask off, GANG. Naw, for real! 👀🙄

As I write this post, I’m torn between how I should address it, who I’m addressing, and who this post will most likely end up in front of.

The original idea behind this blog came from a video titled “Take the Mask Off, GANG.”

The basis behind that video was to give young, urban members of the streets reasons not to start unnecessary violence—no matter what has been circulated through the grapevine.

As a writer, a man, and a father, I know this post is more than likely going to reach people who read it and think:

“Well, duh. 🙄”

And honestly, I can’t blame you for thinking that.

But the same people who don’t understand the principle of not perpetuating unnecessary violence could look at certain parts of your life and say:

“Man, take the mask off, GANG!”

Can I preach to you for a second?

Naw, better yet—can I “reach” you something real quick?

For those who aren’t familiar, or who have been living under a rock, members of the younger generation sometimes refer to themselves and each other as “GANG.”

It’s no different from “clique” or whatever term your generation used during your time.

And as someone who has been around for a couple of moons, I know there’s nothing new under the sun.

It’s simply repackaged and repurposed. Then people try to make you feel like you don’t understand what’s happening.

It’s just a different word in a new time.

Cool. Now that we’re all hip and tucked in, let’s get to this quick little jewel:

Take the mask off, GANG.

In the civilian world, as our street members might call it, there’s a simple principle. If you live by this principle, more than likely, you’ll be okay:

Be who the fuck you are. Simple.

Where are you masking your real self?

Where do you make yourself smaller just to fit in?

Where do you refuse to speak your truth out of fear of being ostracized by the group?

Take the mask off, GANG.

Be who the fuck you are.

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