Is America Racist?

Without doubt, the liberal left is using the Zimmerman verdict to fan the flames of racism and racial divide. The reaction of some so‐ called “black leaders” to Zimmerman’s acquittal is a prime example of the need these folks have to continue painting the image of a "racist America". But, why? ____________________________________________________________ Simple, because is it easier to advance a picture of racism and victimhood, than it is to confront the problems afflicting black youths. I am not saying that there is no discrimination in America. In spite of this, we are a very different people from the bigots we once were. ____________________________________________________________ So, if deep seeded racism is not the problem, then why is the unemployment rate much higher for blacks? Why are more blacks convicted of crimes? And why is poverty so prevalent in black communities? ____________________________________________________________ My opinion is the rap industry is a HUGE moneymaker; and IT has a chokehold on black young men. ____________________________________________________________ It is fact that the young and particularly teens are very “moldable”. It is also a fact that the group with the most power ensures that their values, and behaviors, are those, which kids identify with. The “gangsta” persona promoted by most rappers makes it OK to disrespect women and belittle them, to father illegitimate children, to dress like thugs, and speak in ways that are undecipherable to most educated people whether white or black. ____________________________________________________________ Moreover and highly unfortunate that “manufactured self” takes over some of these young people, and they become the killers, womanizers, and abusers the rappers seem to hero‐worship. The saddest part is that other blacks are the main victims of black crime. ____________________________________________________________ According to the FBI between 1976 and 2005 (latest stats available) blacks committed 91 percent of black murders. Contrary to what Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and others are saying an argument can be made that black youth are being "hunted" down by other black youths. ____________________________________________________________ However, for the majority of the kids growing up the “hood” “looking and speaking the part of the “gangsta” is simply the need to survive and fit in. Unfortunately, that picture is not consistent with the rules of society or business. While we should not judge a book by its cover, the fact is WE DO. Even more important, so do employers. How we present ourselves matters. More often than not, it can make the difference between employment and unemployment. ____________________________________________________________ The rap industry has also declared war on the traditional black family. Liberal politicians discourage marriage and incentivize illegitimacy. And to make matters worse the government has successfully coined the career of “generational welfare”. It guarantees minorities’ reliant on the government for their livelihoods remain poor, and stuck in the ghettos. ____________________________________________________________ According to a study conducted in 2010 by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (www.teenpregnancy.org) children born to unmarried teen mothers, who do not complete highs school or obtain a GED are 9 times more likely to live in poverty. ____________________________________________________________ So while there is bias in our society, the unpleasant truth that no one wants to acknowledge is that much of what ails black America begins and ends with blacks themselves, and that the politicians they continue to elect only exacerbate the misery.