It isn't about being or not being a thug. It's about being real.

Sisqó, in his wisdom born of struggle and song, spoke words that pierce through illusion: “It isn’t about being or not being a thug. It’s about being real. I think that is how street respect is earned.” This saying, though clothed in the language of the streets, is as ancient as the teachings of the sages. It is a cry for authenticity, for truth of self, for living without mask or disguise. For respect—whether in palaces or on street corners—cannot be faked. It is won not by appearance or pretense, but by the steadfastness of the soul to be true.

The first truth of this teaching is that respect cannot be forced by falsehood. To call oneself strong, while living a lie, is to build a house upon sand. In the streets, where eyes are sharp and hearts have endured, falsehood is quickly revealed. But when a person stands in their own truth—acknowledging who they are, without shame or performance—they command an authority that cannot be denied. Thus, Sisqó reminds us that it is not about claiming the title of toughness or meekness, but about being real in every breath.

The ancients taught this lesson in different words. The Oracle of Delphi inscribed upon the temple of Apollo: “Know thyself.” The warrior who knows himself, even with his flaws, is stronger than the one who wears armor of deceit. In this way, Sisqó’s wisdom aligns with eternal truths: to be authentic is to wield a strength greater than fear, for authenticity cannot be broken by doubt.

Consider the life of Malcolm X. He was born into hardship and forged by the streets. For a time, he lived a life of deception and crime. But when he transformed himself, he became brutally honest about both his past and his convictions. That honesty, that refusal to pretend, drew respect not only from his community but from the world. People may have disagreed with his methods, but few could deny his realness. And it was this very authenticity that gave his words power and carved his name into history.

In contrast, those who seek respect through imitation or empty bravado are like shadows—loud, but without substance. A crown worn without honor means nothing. A title claimed without truth will not endure. Respect that comes from fear is fleeting, but respect that comes from being real is everlasting.

O children of tomorrow, hear this: if you would be respected, first be true. Do not clothe yourself in borrowed identities, nor seek to prove your worth through noise and pretense. Instead, stand in your own story, flawed yet authentic, humble yet strong. In the streets, in the workplace, in the family—everywhere—people recognize what is real, and they honor it.

The lesson is plain: authenticity breeds respect. In your daily life, practice honesty. Speak truth even when it trembles on your lips. Live your values even when others mock them. Admit your flaws, but also honor your strengths. Do not try to be what you are not, for the world does not respect masks—it respects the face beneath them.

Thus let Sisqó’s words guide you: “It isn’t about being or not being a thug. It’s about being real.” Live real, and respect will follow you like a shadow that never departs. Live false, and all your power will crumble like ash in the wind. Choose truth, and you will walk with a strength the world cannot take away.