<p>Hello, I am an active user of College Confidential and I find that the people here are excellent people. I am writing a paper and I just need a couple of opinions from people. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>-What do you consider success in the African American community is? How can you tell if someone has "made it" in life? Is it there profession? Their social standing, etc....</p>
<p>-Furthermore name some individuals of African American descent that you believe has been successful in life and tell why. </p>
<p>This is open to individuals of all race. I would really like your honest opinion. If you need more details please inform me.</p>
<p>As a middle-class, Southern, Caucasian male...</p>
<p>I define success in life in the African-American community the same way I define it for all people. I believe people should have a strong education, be compassionate and caring (a good parent, if they have children), respect their families, and achieve their personal financial goals. I believe you can tell if someone has "made it" in life if their eyes light up when you ask about their family or about their job. In simple terms, I think people have "made it" in life when their kids are better off (in general, college, work, etc) than the parents. For those who can't or don't have kids, I think making it is when you are better off than your parents.</p>
<p>Two of the African-Americans I know best were middle school teachers. One graduated as a proud Tennessee Volunteer and the other from Penn. Both were warm-hearted, gregarious people with endless energy, patience, and support. They beamed when their kids did well in school, enjoyed happy marriages, and had an obvious talent and passion for teaching. These two men had the most formative impact on my life. I don't define success as fame or wealth, so I can't really elaborate on public figures who have been "successful." Any public figure who is personally happy and does not do a disservice to society in general (rappers do a disservice to society) has been successful. </p>
<p>These are rather vague, intangible definitions of success but I hope it's something to go on. If you want more, just reply to the post. Helping others with their homework is far more appealing than doing my own.</p>
<p>I totally agree with you. However, lately it seems that the media potrays success as having the big house, the mast amount of wealth, and fame. Do you agree with this aspect of success ninja.of.love?</p>