Money, Cash, Hoes?

To any teenaged black male in 2008 obsessed with the whips and chains that their role model flaunts, the phrase "Money, Cash, Hos" represents the end reward of whatever career path they have already used to strike it rich. That's a far cry from what a teenager in 1708 would think when hearing "Money, Cash, Hoes," as it would represent the whips and chains their role model endured daily. You see, if he had any ambition at all, he would quickly understand how a hoe could bring him cash money.

The business of agriculture flourished following slavery, and it was agriculture that provided the first glimpse of financial success for the enterprising members of black communities back then. Times have changed drastically though, and the collective mentalities of most enterprising members in our communities have followed suit to reflect our surroundings (or vice versa I could argue.) Somehow, industries that have long been dependable avenues for income in our communities are now looked down upon and considered to be beneath us. Lawn services, gardening, landscaping, and various other blue collar jobs hold no appeal to our young people that want to be shiny without sweating. These are opportunities for pure entrepreneurship, and are true black owned businesses that circulate money within our own communities. But we would rather struggle in the A/C than thrive in the sun. I can't be too hypocritical. I mean, it's not like I own a landscaping business myself or anything. It's just baffling to me how misguided some of our most talented minds are. We can concoct all kinds of formulas for combining illegal powders and substances, but don't think we're smart enough to be chemists. We already possess all the skills necessary to become successful business people, we just need to reexamine the application of these skills.

"Money, Cash, Hoes" sums up the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit. It's a phrase that starts with what is desired and ends with the means to get what's desired. In injects the desire for ownership into the hustler's spirit we already possess. As soon as you're old enough to shovel a sidewalk, push a lawnmower, or even clean up your room, you're old enough to become a successful businessman or businesswoman. And when it comes time for college, what do you think about a 17 year old who has 4 years of owning their own leaf raking company to go with his 3.3 GPA and other extra-curriculars? Not to mention the money they've made and presumably saved, relieving some of the financial stress on their parent(s), even if it's just buying their own clothes and snacks. Convicted felons can use the concept behind the phrase to gain their own financial independence, which can lead to fewer repeat offenders, and provide a chance for real rehabilitation, thus strengthening our communities in additional ways.

"Money, Cash, Hoes" is no "I'm black and I'm proud," meaning realistically it can't be adopted by everybody in every location. You also probably don't want your kids running around screaming Jay-Z lyrics as opposed to James Brown either. However, I believe the slogan could have very functional positive effects within our communities, and the accompanying mentality could spread like wildfires through generations to come.