Monday

Money Mondays

Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes


For this episode of Money Mondays we are going to continue to pursue the theme of "Don't Get Played For Your Paper". All of us learn via different methods so for this lesson I'm going to prescribe a bit of homework. For this lesson, I'm recommending that you watch the theatrical release of "A Raisin In the Sun", featuring Phylicia Rashaad, Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, and Audra McDonald. It's at Blockbuster or wherever you get your films, so pick it up. I know this story deals with so much more than money, but after watching it I just felt it spoke to the heart of how we can often make decisions hastily because our dreams have seemed to have gone deferred. Although I have watched the original movie in the past, I really enjoyed this version. I also want to speak to the chatter surrounding Sean Combs' performance. I heard what the haters had to say, but despite that I enjoyed his performance tremendously. I think he did an excellent job bringing the character of Walter Lee to life.

Watch the film. Study the themes and walk away with some timeless messages that go a long way in reminding you not to get played for your paper.

For those of you who have seen the film or just have an opinion, speak to any of the following:

Tell us about a time when you have made a decision surrounding money because you felt you needed to "make a move". How did it turn out? Why did it take the direction that resulted?

Have you ever laid it ALL on the line? What was the result?

Are you currently in a situation where you feel you could get to where you wanted if other's around you would see the big picture and "help a brother/sister out"?

Is the presence of money being available a "sign" of an opportunity being golden?

How would you protect yourself in a business arrangement when all parties aren't known by you?



Enjoy the holiday.


About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.

12 comments:

Mizrepresent said...

I have in the past laid it all on the line...and i learned a valuable lesson from it all. First i believe you should invest in a dream, if you won't invest in your dream why would anyone else. But it is also good to invest wisely and have a back up plan, in fact have a plan. A well-thought out plan, implemented in sometimes small steps can prove to be a more successful than dumping all your eggs and in one basket and wanting immediate results.

Unknown said...

I have dreams that I want to follow.
I don't think I would lay it all out on the line. I believe in careful planning. I have made bad mistakes with money but, I have others who rely on me so I have to do any dream chasing carefully.
Like moving to a new state. I want to go to NC but, I have to consider that I would have to get a house and job and with the market the way it is ...who knows what to expect. While here in the sucky city of Pgh I already own my house and my children are secure in a decent middle class neighborhood.
It doesn't mean I'm not going, I'm just not going without a plan.

I have made the decision of chasing entrepreneurship but, even with that I am cautious. I still work at my other job two days a week.

I think lots of people feel if someone gave them "the break" they could achieve something great.

Contracts and common sense are your best defense in business with both known and unknown parties. (family included).

CapCity said...

I'm thankful that the lessons I've learned in life & business have been gentle. I've been GREATLY blessed by generous individuals in my life and GRRREAT teachers - who seem to come as I need them! All I can continue to say is God is GOOD!!

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

At the end of the day there is only me and GOD. There is only my ability and His WILL.

I am bound and determined to live how I want. to love fully and to seek financial freedom on my own steam.

I will not wait, rest or hesitate. I am putting my plan into action. I can fdream all day and all night but if I don't make a move then it truly is a dream deferred.

James Tubman said...

I am a proud puffy hater but

I gotta admit he played the hell out of the role

even rashad had to admit that he did a good job

he surprused me with that

i'm still a hater though lol

Dreamy said...

This doesnt pertain to the questions you asked but I have made major mistakes as far as money goes.

The credit cards, the splurging, the just gotta have, and not saving,

Sometimes I think why save you know but then i think about my future and I get paranoid.

I have learned to put aside money and know when I need to stop trying to have this and that.

Its a work in progress but Im trying

Sorry for getting off the subject at hand.

Darius T. Williams said...

Totally off subject - but I love that poem and the play...the original!

Shelia said...

When the casinos first opened up here, I recall going and spending money hoping I would win the jackpot. I had a better chance at playing the lotto :)

Don said...

I don't think the presence of money being avaliable makes the oppurtunity golden. I think it could make it more worthwhile, if there's interest.

I had a bad episode once, 8 years ago, concerning rushing when it came to money. Which also would cover laying it all on the line.

Never again.

Are you currently in a situation where you feel you could get to where you wanted if other's around you would see the big picture and "help a brother/sister out"?

That's ALWAYS, rich. You already know that. Sometimes I think our people are afraid to let each other fly. I really do.

The Pew View said...

A dream deferred? That ol' heffa at the church used to date Langston. She would always throw it up in my face. It's a wonder I didn't beat her until she dried up like a raisin in the son. Whew...let me go pray.

With Love,
Mrs. Mabel

Shai said...

Is the presence of money being available a "sign" of an opportunity being golden?

No. You have to be careful about the lure of money. Some folks so bent on chasing the money they lose perspective.

Eb the Celeb said...

I love that langston hughes poem!