[teena]

I can see validity in everyones post. I give AlphaFrog props for standing by her opposing viewpoint. I dont agree. But I can see how she could have that view. She hasnt ever been a minority, so she may empathize but she wont fully understand.

Many AA dont and wont see the poem as racist simply because of the fundamental question--Can an AA be racist when we dont hold any real power? We can have racist beliefs but I dont think we can be racists simply because we dont sit in the driver's seat.

I dont think the poem is racist. I am very uncomfortable with the little girl's poem for a somewhat different reason. I am a parent. At seven, prodigy or not, her poem is regurgitation of viewpoints expressed to her by her parents. My thing is, at seven why is she being shoved into adulthood and dealing with full on adult issues. This is not the age where is black children speak out of line or dont know their place, they could get killed, like it was back during slavery. It is not a matter of safety for her to be aware of racial issues. I think to some degree her parents are doing her a disservice by no allowing her to fully enjoy her childhood.

I dont agree with Rain Man's view point of pull yourself up by your bootstraps and dont worry about it. But I respect his right to feel that way. AA are the only race that are not allowed to discuss the current ramifications of past injustices without being accused of pulling the 'race card'. No other race has a 'race card'.

Just my 2 cents.....