By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means
At this point, I’m sure everyone has seen the horrifically appalling videos of the senseless violence that took place in Atlanta during their 2016 Pride celebration. I’m also almost positive that as more people make it home and recuperate from the festivities, perhaps a few more clips will become public. Shockingly, I don’t blame Atlanta at all! I place the blame squarely at the foot of us as a community. I have a very Malcom X opinion of the situation. The is just the “chickens coming home to roost.” See, as a whole, we have transitioned from a community known and built on the fundamentals of adults being sophisticated, polished, upwardly mobile and sexy; to a community that places prime value on men whom can most effectively emulate and portray what most of the world identify as “hood nigga” “ghetto” or “ratchet.” In fact, we somehow manipulate this portrayal into being a distorted definition of the perfect example of masculinity or realness. If you analyze your local night clubs, house/family meetings, social media or even dating apps; these are the exact men that are most sought after or glamorized in our community. Meanwhile, men with a mind, intelligence, goals, ambition and life accomplishments are viewed as third or fourth choices, if that at all. Considering we all want to be desired and reach the highest pinnacle of admiration in our community, this factor alone teaches the younger generation at an early age that in this quest it’s more profitable to take the “hood nigga-ratchet” route than the sophisticated/classy route. In 2016, a man can be broke, unable to afford minor luxuries such as a pack of cigarettes, unemployed, no bus-fare and unable to construct ONE full sentence without at least TWO misspelled words; yet if he projects the image of a hood nigga, put on a fitted hat and show a lil booty, he will QUICKLY become one of the most desirables within his local community while accumulating a massive following of others that lust after and idolize him.
Well see, you can’t endorse the image of a hood nigga but expect this same man to act classy or grown & sexy in challenging situations. That’s not how this works! Hood niggaz tend to be the product of extreme poverty, low education, limited opportunity and no exposure to the real world. Therefore, they are volatile, aggressive, conniving, thieves, bullies and take pleasure in causing damage and inflicting pain at others expense. They have no concept of conflict resolution. In fact, they lust after conflicts so they can terrorize their victims in situations whereas most time the victim is outnumbered or over powered. Then they run back to their circles and social media and gloat about it. Ratchets have no understanding of appropriateness. In fact they operate on a mindset of “anytime, anyplace, we can get it cracking!” Hood niggaz have nothing to live for and nothing to lose, so they don’t ponder future repercussions of their present actions. Seriously and permanently injuring someone or going to jail never crosses their mind. Hood niggaz fundamentally feel as if they were dealt a bad hand and society as a whole has conspired to hold them down, so they operate on a mentality of “it’s all about me”. They don’t think about how their actions can affect those around them and the community at large. The innocent gas station attendant that was punched in the neck could be a future vote that the community needs to pass legislation to benefit our causes. The night club in which the two young men were dragged across the parking lot by the hair could very well have their licenses suspended if lawsuits are pursued. The hotel room that was destroyed in another altercation could’ve served as a host lodging spot for future festivities. More importantly, in ANY of the many violent incidents that occurred, someone could’ve been seriously injured! But ratchets don’t take things like that into consideration. Sadly, as we gain more acceptance and civil rights as a community, we are becoming more divided as a community. The ratchets are like a pack wild of Tasmanian devils. Once that fuse is lit, they spin off brazenly and uncontrollably causing unspeakable and horrific damage which they gloat about. The grown and sexy- regardless of socio or economic standing- just don’t wanna deal with that or take that risk. So they party in their small circles or stay at home and wait the next day for the latest report on the ratchet induced antics that caused the community to collective gag the previous night.
To be fair, each generation has it’s “stain”. My generation will always have to deal with the scourge of “crafting”, but those kids didn’t craft to be ratchet and ghetto. They took that risk out of a desire to be fab and live a sophisticated lifestyle which the world at that time refused to grant them access to. My point is, just because you were born in the hood doesn’t mean you were preordained to stay in the hood and embrace that mindset. The game was always played to GET OUT of the hood! We gotta stop associating ratchet behavior with masculinity and begin to seek those men and women in our community that are carrying themselves as upwardly mobile adults. In 2016, it’s too much opportunity out here for a man to choose ratchetness as a lifestyle. The world is watching us. Celebrities are watching us for the latest trends. Our lingo and culture is being studied and disseminated into pop culture as the next big thing; yet we decided to glamorize dragging people across parking lots, tearing up hotel room and assaulting innocent people? And for what? If something don’t change, there will be no Pride or clubs in the next five years. It’s utterly preposterous that there are people within our circles that finally have the disposable income to actively support our events and take them to the next level, yet they’ve decided to withdraw from the scene because they don’t wanna deal with the ratchedness! It’s even more embarrassing that promoters are increasingly finding it impossible to rent venues because owners find it MORE of a risk and liability to rent to an urban LGBT crowd than an urban straight black crowd! Point blank, yall are becoming known for tearing shit up and acting a fool! Nothing is going to change until the friends, dates, mothers/fathers, mentors, sex partners and social media followers begin to be vocal and let these hoodlums know not only is it not cute but you will no longer associate with them until their behavior and mindset change. Many of you changed your profile pic and bewailed “We stand with Orlando” during the tragedy. But I read comments in the videos posted and some of these same people not only glorifying, but flirting with those responsible for the violence this past weekend. That’s sick! It’s nothing cute or attractive about a grown man running around bashing people. Some of you may not agree with my views, but we all have to agree it’s a sad day when you can’t go to a urban gay club without seriously contemplating the risk of returning home battered, broken, bloody and bruised…..Now that’s a fool!… Best Regards…Deo
flyylife.com 
This was a very interesting article to read. To keep my comment short, you mentioned several topics that I have been harping on for a while.
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You my young man said a mouthful.
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My sentiments exactly you took the words right out of my mouth!
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Great commentary and thanks for sharing .
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Great article, I hope more people read this. I will be sharing and I hope other do as well.
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WoW!!! It was as if you stepped into my mind and saw my thoughts. I’ve been on my soapbox about how it was ” in my day” for years and always been shot down by contemporaries that I was “romanticizing” the time. And my response was, I lived it and it was a reality. A gay guy who is tatted, smokes weed and has no career; reigns supreme in the dating world. Good guys finish last…
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When I saw the videos, my heart sank. This was a great read. I hope it gets to the right number of kids who are hell bent on destruction.
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I originally came across this article from a share on Facebook and knew I needed to find the source and follow your blog. This piece speaks volumes from a general perspective and not just targeting this past weekend. As a whole our community needs to do better…
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Thank you for this…Thank You!
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Very well stated all we can wish for is that as a community WE change & do better as a WHOLE
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This article reveals so much truth.
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And there you have it !!!! Nothing for me to say but, Thank you!!
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This is exactly why I don’t do some gay prides. They are widely known for this type of behavior. Many of our today’s youth travel to Atlanta and end up coming back home with something more than they bargained for. Your post was truly an eye opener.
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Thank you for pointing out that Atlanta as a whole is not to blame. It’s just like people that blame “Black Lives Matter” for the despicable acts of a few. Sadly, I think those that NEED to get this point of view won’t until someone beats the entire hell out of THEM.
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This was a well written article.When I saw the the live videos on Facebookmy heart was broken I have never witnessed any thing like it.
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I am glad I was part of the grown and sexy this past weekend!
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Thank you for your post it is very well written and clearly heartfelt. So much to say but first PLEASE stop watching these videos! I long ago posted that I would unfriend anyone that repost a fight video, anyone who find those videos entertaining has nothing in common with me. I’m glad that you spoke to the generational part of this. I’m a man of a certain age we used to do the whole PRIDE circuit starting in NY then DC and ending in ATL without incident but we were not on a 2 hour feed! The very sad thing is these young men are following what they see in the straight community ratchet behavior is on the rise everywhere so it’s actually not surprising that the kids are now finding it “cute” to video so ignorant nigga acting a complete fool! Your very right that this type of behavior could very well cost your generation and future generations a chance to enjoy these events, which would be very sad indeed. I’m going to end like I started PLEASE STOP REPOSTING these videos, they evidentially love the attention stop giving it them. Bunch of dumb ignorant kids with no home training. Again very well said thank you being a positive young man!
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Absolutely the Best Truth so Eloquently stated. Facts proven by most recent events! Wake up Community..Take Note…Take Action
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Great read, I couldn’t have said it better.
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I must a seen a different videos. I saw no HOOD NIGZ as it was posted. I saw a bunch of young immature queens. Maybe ratchet hood queens but nothing masculine in none of the videos.
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Whoa…my head is spinning. Gay or straight, this is a remarkable read. Very well and astutely said!
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Oh my God. I could read this a million times. Thank you for this. I remembered when I was about 21 as spohisicated as I was I fought for the first time in all my life at an event. I was so embrassed for months. I changed my number locked down my Facebook. As I couldn’t come to terms to what I just did. I didn’t just fought. I embrassed myself, my friends my university, my family. I learnt it the hard way. But I did.
Thank you for this.
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The gay lifestyle was classy well dressed harder working people ! now its bitter hateful angry drama and slackers
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I love this article and will share. I never use the terms “Rachets” just because..I hate that word…lol but I understand the slang and yes it applies to this weekend. I am saddened and so angry. I dare not watch one video. I live in Baltimore MD by way of Ny and I do my best to get the word out there that you don’t have to be emotional, rude, you don’t have to be rowdy, what does that get you in the end? It’s this culture of “oh he tried it ” attitude. I’m gonna knock them sentiment. The truth it’s been in our imbedded in our culture. Worldstar..You tube… how many likes and shares I can get. It’s so sad… but I am in the trenches trying dispel these attitudes.
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Well written, we as a black community fought for yrs for respect from others and as I watched most of the violent videos, mostly was black fighting each other instead of loving one another to show white gay community we know how to act. I’m really ashamed and will continue not to go to the different black prides. My life matters
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You’re absolutely right about those with means withdrawing from the scene. My friends and I chose to party overseas and we had an amazing time with no violence, looting, or ratchetness.
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Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you for this! The words need to become actions of black men being men by NOT exemplifying poor images of a black man… (sagging… thievery… disrespecting women… shootings… immaturity…etc). Hate all the thug mentality with a passion despite that it USE to be an attractive trait but not something a man should consider as a symbol of being a GOOD black man of image…. Sad that what WE witness and how way men are nowadays aren’t GOOD role models at ALL which is misleading the youths to follow and live as savages with no good morals, teaching, etc at all… Poor example of raising a young mind that’s for sure…
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Great article and you hit dead on the nail!! I’ve lived in Atlanta going on 14 years. It’s to the point now that I actually go out of town during MLK Weekend and Labor Day Weekend to avoid all the madness. It gets worst and worst each year. I’ve done all the pride events, Splash, DC Pride, ATL Pride, Chicago Pride, and Sizzle and have never experience anything to this magnitude. The sad part about it is that the majority of these hood rats not even from Atlanta!!
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I have to agree that this article was one that was on point but also has sadden many people, men and women. One thing I don’t agree with is something one of the Poster post about stop posting ratchet videos. I always believe when you know better you do better and even though I don’t just make it my day to search for those types of videos, I still see that they can be a reflection of one’s own action. You may not be the one that is fighting in the video or the one that is being film having unprotected sex with a stranger but you may have done something that you may want to keep in the dark. In any case you done it. It’s no different from the ” ghetto S^%t we see on video. I treasure myself in a way that I have nor want anyone to see shame in my action. So the ball is left on our own court. If this shows a bad reflection on you, your family, community or race, change that. Don’t discredit Pride. Support it because many people fought for this. We know this is not what Pride is about. Chances are the one’s that exhibit this type of behavior has no idea what Pride is all about. Do something positive. Have you function but add some flair to it. Add a dress code. Go for a classic setting. When you entertain a Thug Life, then you can expect a Thug Life. You can’t blame the messenger you blame the message.
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Great article and you hit dead on the nail!! I’ve lived in Atlanta going on 14 years. It’s to the point now that I actually go out of town during MLK Weekend and Labor Day Weekend to avoid all the madness. It gets worst and worst each year. I’ve done all the pride events, Splash, DC Pride, ATL Pride, Chicago Pride, and Sizzle and have never experience anything to this magnitude. The sad part about it is that the majority of these hood rats not even from Atlanta!!
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Brilliant. Simply brilliant analysis & writing.
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Wow… Great article!!!!
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Very timely! Awesome read.
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Thank you so much for an Amazing Article. I completely agree with every word written. Once again Thank you so much for the speaking the Truth.
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Thank you so much for an Amazing Article. I completely agree with every word written. Once again Thank you so much for the speaking the Truth.
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these were not hood niggas these were hood low life QUEENS
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I’m confused. Exactly WHAT DID ANY OF THOSE IMAGES OF DUDES HAVE TO DO WITH THE ARTICLE???!! ( this is first time I’ve visited this site, so if its part of the thing, I didn’t know).
Sorry. But I think its just kinda silly.
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THANKS FOR AL OPORTUNITY
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WELL SAID MY BTOTHER!!!!!!!
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This message might not get back to those who may need to hear this, but thanks for the write up. Its my responsibility to share and teach and…..lead.
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Very well said and I’m happy that you were bold enough to put it out here for anyone to read. It’s a discrace to know that as a gay black man, I am put in to a category because of the overall views of how a few spoiled apples in the bunch can make us all loook bad. I’m that man who is struggling to keep a roof over his head, trying to find a decent job and do what is right, but yet get knocked down because my “hood” side isn’t there or it only comes out when I’m mad. Never have I been to the urban LGBT Pride because of the past stories I have heard and after this, I don’t think I’ll ever plan on going. My safety and life means so much more. You’ve said all of what I have been feeling, saying and thensome for many years now.
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Profound……so sorry that mess occurred….It makes someone 53 yrs old not want to be bothered in patronizing Atlanta pride…..some of our youth….gay and straight are lost in the abyss…no promise no future….u can’t make them see…they’re on a journey to nowhere…..again Thanks for speaking out!!!
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Best of the best. You hit SEVERAL nails on the head!,,
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I am so glad I come from a better generation of gay men, when we used to hang out, it was all about having a good ole time with each other, no fighting like these kids today, who love to be ratchet and fight in groups to beat up on one person, or to be loud out in public to be seen and create a disturbance in the public’s eye. They need to grow up to be men instead of trying to be a female with that Bullshit.
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Great article, thought provoking.
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So poignant… Their future is doomed… Jails shelters and strangers beds looms. Muscle’s and tats do not make a man nor does the latest fad on that muscled body or how well it is swagged out. Education =occupation if your name is not on a lease or deed you’re homeless or one misunderstanding from. Sadly society has decided your dreads and tats are not desired in the work place, survival sex is not a career its against the law. Wake up a process that begins in the 5th grade of elementary schooling…. Are We a community that helps our mislead two spirited male youth being identified as gay or queer or any other idenity will never exonerate your Blackness. WE have an enormous task before US and the church is not helping in a white patriarchal society.
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Very well articulated and expressive of my exact sentiments
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