May 20, 2022 / 5 Minute Read

be like Huey

If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you love The Boondocks as much as I do.

If you haven’t seen the show, you should watch it immediately, as it provides a wealth of social commentary in regards to the social phenomena present in the so-called black community.

Speaking of social phenomena in the black community, I’m sure we’re all aware of the various stereotypes and stigmas associated with so-called black men. 

Deadbeat dad

Criminal

Pimp

Drug dealer

Thug

Athlete

Rapper

And the list goes on….

It’s no wonder why so many of our young men consistently embrace these archetypes, and the often deleterious lifestyles that come with them. 

But why?

Why do we continue to embrace destructive lifestyles?

Why do we continue to worship celebrities, idols, and puppets?

Why do we continuously emulate Riley instead of Huey? 

You should meditate on the answers to these questions, as they are at the root of the various problems that plague our community. 

I don’t believe this phenomenon is due to a lack of positive role models, but instead has to do with our own ignorance, as well as a lack of integrity and will-power.

While most mainstream depictions of so-called black men tend to be negative, there are several candles in the dark, one of them being Huey Freeman.

I want to evaluate the differences between Huey and his chaotic, younger brother Riley, to highlight the consequences of their opposing lifestyles, as well as illustrating why I believe Huey is worth emulating.

By evaluating the character archetypes of Huey and Riley Freeman, we will gain a greater understanding of our social dilemmas, as well as methods of correction.

So why should you be like Huey?

intellect 

The most prominent difference between these two characters can be seen through their respective intelligence levels.

With a verbose vocabulary and a portfolio of inventions on his resume, it’s clear Huey is lightyears ahead of Riley when it comes to intellectual pursuits.

But why?

Why is the gap so vast when these two characters have identical parents and backgrounds?

I’ve noticed several key differences that I believe are the cause of this gap: 

• Huey is a reader.

• Huey is a thinker. 

• Huey wants to learn.

In my view, these three character traits are responsible for the intellectual differences between the two brothers. Throughout the series we see Huey inventing hair products, writing plays, and curating apocalypse contingency plans.

Riley on the other hand, is seen skipping class, bullying other kids, worshiping rappers like Gangstalicious and Thugnificent, and doing hoodrat stuff with his friends. 

Be like Huey.

athleticism

Next, lets evaluate the athletic prowess of both characters, specifically their affinity for martial arts and fighting.

Throughout the series, we see that Huey has seemingly mastered an array of fighting styles and abilities; ranging from Kung-Fu, to classic anime-style Karate. He’s proficient in numerous weapons, and has been shown to display an astounding level of strength and endurance.

He is also a kickball prodigy. 

While Riley has shown glimpses of athletic prowess, specifically in basketball, he is sorely lacking in this department compared to his brother. There have been multiple duels between the brothers in the series, and Huey has consistently dominated Riley. Riley hasn’t seemed to master a single fighting style, aside from basic street fighting, as opposed to his brother who is proficient in multiple advanced fighting styles. 

I feel that as a man, it is very important to be proficient in at least one fighting style. Men are supposed to be protectors right? If you can’t protect yourself, how can you hope to protect your family? I’m sure many of you grew up watching superheroes and anime. Every character in these shows, from Goku to Batman, is an amazing fighter.

I’m guilty of not taking this fact seriously in my youth, but I am making efforts to correct this now. I would also encourage you to study a martial arts style that interests you.

Be like Huey.

character

Finally, let’s evaluate the personality traits present within each character. 

If you read Culture Creation Volume 2, then you should be able to discern what these two characters represent. It’s very clear that these two characters symbolize the concept of duality.

Huey represents the proverbial good twin, the righteous aspect displaying the higher, angelic nature.

Riley represents the proverbial bad twin, the wicked aspect, displaying the lower, demonic nature.

In biblical terms, they represent the war between flesh and spirit, life and death, God and satan.

Through these two characters, we not only see another manifestation of the eternal battle between good and evil, but also a reflection of the inner conflict that so many so-called black men struggle with today.

Be like Huey. 

Dear Negro,

Would you rather be smart or ignorant? Wisdom and knowledge require work. Are you willing to put in this work? Are you willing to read consistently? Are you willing to seek knowledge?

Do you believe all men should be proficient in a fighting style? If not, what would you do if you or your family were injected into a violent situation with no alternative but self defense?

What type of person do you want to be? What do you want your reputation to say about you? Would you rather be righteous or wicked? And do your definitions of righteous and wicked align with biblical principles?

Once again, we have far too many Rileys and not enough Hueys scattered throughout the so-called community.

Hopefully, this evaluation will assist you in breaking away from the mental bondage and negative thought patterns that so many of our people embrace. I also hope that it will facilitate an acceptance of the true heroes of our community, characters like Huey Freeman. 

And remember…

Be like Huey.

Bye chance.