Racism is alive and well. Stereotypes persist and hatred perpetuates.
There are a lot of positive black role models out there that largely get glossed over for the shot-too-many-times-to-count 50 Cent or the thug life guys on MTV. Positive isn't what the media wants. Positive leads to resolution. Anger is a much easier emotion to tap and exploit.
I went to college largely on my own dime like a lot of other kids because my parents can't afford to live as it is, let alone pay what amounted to $15,000 per year for me to go to school. So what? It was my choice that will pay off in the long run. If a black kid gets a scholarship, bitching about it doesn't make it any better for me. I had a gay friend who basically got a very nice scholarship because he was gay, at least as he told us (I suspect his superior intelligence and hard work didn't hurt...). I felt nothing but sheer joy for the kid, as he was going to be able to afford college a lot easier (he was accepted into a prominent Philly Ivy League school).
Education is essential. Outside of biological necessities, it's perhaps the greatest tool a man or woman can get. I understand that many people feel as though minority scholarships take away from their piece of the pie, but there are always ways to make something work if you're willing to actually go out and make it and not just bitch in the hope that it'll change.
Not to steal Keeks' teachings, but we have an obsession with externalization of blame. I'm not claiming to be anything other than average, but I've learned the hard way that focusing on what other people have or get is a stupid ****ing way to live. Deal with your own life and let people benefit from a system willing to help them. Work hard to protect your interests, but don't try to do it by decrying those of others, as it likely won't work and will make you look silly.
I know far too many people that spend their days pissed about what someone else did to affect them. Things work out in the end if you can find a way to outsmart, outwork, outmaneuver, and basically outdo the people you're competing with. I've yet to have a positive change in my life come about by pointing at the next guy down and crying that it's not fair.
BTW, the above is definitely a departure from what I may have said in previous posts on this board. My ideas and philosophies seem to be constantly changing to fit my mood. I should go into politics after a total facial reconstruction
