[rdb3]

The Black community has to look for leaders other than the Jacksons, Mfume, Sharpton, and the gaggle of Black lawyers who have figured out how to get rich from keeping Blacks poor. There are a lot of better role models for Black kids.

I concur with your sentiment, yet I disagree with your point at the same time.

When I speak with other blacks with respect to "leaders," I say that if you want a good one, start by looking in the mirror. You know what you want and need more than anyone else does regardless of their skin color.

Or, in short, I feel that blacks don't need "leaders." This is not what you're saying (don't take it the wrong way), but even referring to the leadership of an entire people infantlizes that group of people that the "leader(s)" claim to represent.

I'm 30, not an infant! ;-)

[speekinout]

Or, in short, I feel that blacks don't need "leaders." This is not what you're saying (don't take it the wrong way), but even referring to the leadership of an entire people infantlizes that group of people that the "leader(s)" claim to represent.

Absolutely!That was my point. Having designated leaders for all Blacks makes them look like they are a special class in need of protection. The kids should never be made to feel that way!

BTW, are you Black? I'm white, so I don't dare to say that sort of thing in public. (Which is another problem, IMO)