Письмо моего хорошего знакомого (помещаю с его разрешения). На свое письмо он получил личный обстоятельный ответ от ведущего программы и в конце с просьбой делиться со своим мнением почаще.
Saturday July 12, 2003, I was watching CNN. The topic being discussed was of the recent trip to Africa made by President Bush. The CNN commentator was soliciting opinions from Bev Smith and Armstrong Williams as to the purpose of the trip and it’s value. Williams supported the President’s trip, pointing out the value of increasing the awareness of the AIDs epidemic plaguing the continent. Williams also pointed out the President’s pledge of $15B dollars to fight AIDs in Africa. Of course we all know this amount has to first be approved by congress. Non-the less, it is a significant amount to pledge.
Smith on the other hand took usual apposing cast-in-stone African American Democrat position on just about everything the President does. She criticized the trip as being nothing more than a photo opportunity, implying that it was a publicity stump with no substance.
This is not supposed to be a political (Bush vs. the Democrats) opinion. In fact, I question the Bush administration on the current Iraq situation.
I am a naturalized American citizen of African origin. I have never bought into the typical African American talking points on racial issues here in the US. Yes, I’m aware of the issues of slavery, it’s negative effect on the country. I am also aware of racism and it’s continued effect. But I must say that the status quo African American position on racism; the need for reparations, and certain aspects of affirmative action is destroying black America. Black America is becoming a slave to it’s own line of excuses.
Racism is not holding the black people down. If black people are being held down, it’s by their own lies and denials. Yes “white America” might have a stereotypical view of black Americans. However, the question is whether this view results from a difference in the color of their skin, or the fact that black America refuses to look past the issue of slavery, refuses to take responsibility for their current status and build better lives for themselves using the abundant resources they have available to them here in the United States?
I guarantee that if more African Americans shared the social/economic views (not necessarily Republican) of other African Americans such as Secretary of State Colin Powell and national security advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the rest of America (and the world) would have greater respect of African Americans.
It is quite well known that immigrants work hard and do well here in the U.S. I know many immigrants that question why those who have lived here their whole lives can’t/refuse to do the same. Latinos are now the largest minority group here in the U.S. In another 20 to 30 years, they will significantly surpass African American social/economic status and maybe even political clout. If African Americans do not wake up from their repressed/I need a handout perspective, they will be the laughing stock of the world.
Imagine 200 years from know and African Americans are still the poorest “minority” group. What then will the excuse?
If it’s thought that white Americans look down on African Americans, don’t even begin to contemplate the racial views of other racial and ethnic groups from around the world (including those of African descent). Trust me it’s a lot worse.
Black America, Bev Smith, please wake up before it’s too late.
Sincerely,