[The Original Ape]

I see the merit in what you're saying Professor. I however, don't see it as a lack of skills because technology has impacted the economy so quickly and perversely that lack of skills is a problem with the entire work force. I see it as more of a lack of opportunity due to the diminished number of employers. Today's plant output is multiple times that of plants ten years ago, and requires half the workforce. Mergers and corporate absorption has decreased the number of employers across the country, along with NAFTA.

I also see the problem we have as a severe image problem. The generalized portrayal of African-American men on shows like COPS, BET(THE VIDEOS-like you mentioned), and quite frankly, ALL of the tv shows, is one that scares even our own people. When we are encountered by people of all walks of life, we are prejudged, and prematurely convicted as guilty, regardless of the situation.

WE(African-American Men) ARE RESPONSIBLE for some of that image; and as a result, we need to do some damage control for our image by creating a new fad: DOIN' THE RIGHT THING-whatever the right thing is for our family, AND OUR KIND.