Thrasher

As a recovering racist raised in North Dakota, I agree with you that there is far too much decay and continued underdevelopment in poor black communities, but forcing Gordon out will add to the tragedy not alleviate it. Black leaders like Gordon and Bill Cosby are asking you to stop falling victim to racists who want to keep things the way they are and help you understand that is up to you, not the “man” to bring about real change.

When you remain trapped as a victim, your belief in yourself and ability to solve very real problems is hampered. The energy spent thrashing the “man,” by either you or board members of the NAACP, dissipates the energy needed to create the society you so much deserve.

All Americans should be forever grateful for what the NAACP accomplished in the past. Without a new vision for the future like the one Gordon wanted to create, the NAACP will sadly be relegated to the past. When I watch black leaders in gatherings like those organized by Tavis Smiley, invariably, one leader talking about the troubled youth problem and how much of the behavior could be prevented if children were smacked by their mama like they were when they misbehaved as a child, there are always many loud shouts of approval. Myopic views like that of teaching children to use violence to solve problems by hitting them, only perpetuates the “eye for an eye” philosophy that results in useless deaths, damaged psyches and delayed progress. It illustrates that even very intelligent, decisive leaders can short side themselves and their community because of the pervasiveness of racism and victimization.

The “man” who taught blacks such savagery through slavery wants you Thrasher to keep practicing what he taught so that you will not be able to reach your dreams. In no way can I ever understand what it is like for you to face the racism that you face every day. I owe it to you to make my feeble attempt to urge you to stop being a victim because I am ashamed of the racism I was taught as a child and have tried, since a young sergeant from the projects in Chicago convinced me of my racism, to do what I can to make amends.