Odessa

I have a friend who is a great guy. He is hard working, intelligent, thoughtful, and trusting. He is dating a woman. That woman's sister said "What are you doing dating a black man?" Yup, my friend is black and his new girlfriend is white. They are both well into their 40's and definitely able to decide for themselves what human beings are worth spending time with. When he recounted this story to me I told him that unfortunately the media has painted black males in particular harsh tones. His girlfriend needs to set her sister straight.

Think about it. While most African-Americans in this country are overcoming and surpassed all kinds of awful stereotypes, the media clamors to a few bad apples. And stupid teenagers of all races are using the few bad apples as role models. However, thankfully, I have heard that "gangsta" rap sales are down - way down.

Perhaps the novelty of calling women bitches and 'ho's and glorifying violent crime has passed. One can hope. Maybe now people can get to living their lives in harmony rather than acting like a bunch of felons. I'm not so naive to think it will happen, but one can hope, can't one?