In a world filled with endless noise, Big Mama’s voice was a beacon of wisdom and faith, guiding not just her immediate family but a vast network of 235 relatives across generations.
Although Big Mama’s wisdom was dispensed from her back porch, today we might call her a master prompt engineer because her words had the power to set us in motion, inspiring action and reflection with her simple, yet profound, advice.
Big Mama often said, “You are barking up the wrong tree.”
This saying means pursuing an incorrect course of action or directing efforts toward the wrong target. It’s a phrase used to encourage someone when they are not finding success or luck, suggesting that they need to reconsider their approach. When you tell someone they are barking up the wrong tree, you mean they are following the wrong course of action because their beliefs or ideas about something are incorrect.
Consider the recent events surrounding the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the attacks questioning Joe Biden’s sanity.
These incidents highlight how the public and the media are barking up the wrong tree. Rather than focusing on the sensationalism of individual personalities, we should be examining the deeper ideological issues at play. The media often fixates on surface-level controversies and personal attacks, diverting attention from the significant and complex ideologies that are influencing American politics.
Big Mama’s wisdom is particularly relevant here. She would urge us to look beyond the immediate and obvious distractions to understand the root causes and underlying issues.
The real challenge on the American ballot isn’t about individual personalities but about the conflicting ideologies that shape our nation’s future. These ideological battles determine policy directions, societal values, and the overall trajectory of the country.
By shifting our focus from the superficial to the substantive, we can better grasp the challenges we face and work towards meaningful solutions. Big Mama’s advice teaches us to think critically and act wisely, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards the right tar- gets and grounded in a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Let us honor her legacy by applying her wisdom to our current challenges, recognizing when we might be barking up the wrong tree and adjusting our course accordingly.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
