what is the reason why........

[natirnr]

We seem to get a thrill out of flame wars but seem unable to get over our differencs and network for the betterment of our people.
With all the killings going on, (recent Elizabeth New Jersey Black on Back shooting,
New York City Black
man(with mental problems) holding a hair brush shot 20 tmes by police, I say why dont we all just pledge AS ADULTS to stop the violence here.
Attacking women, religion, light skin dark skin, seniority or ANY OTHER WILLY LYNCH TRICK TO DIVIDE US!

[jamesfrmphilly]

um, you are the one doing most of the flaming here. if you shut it down there won't be none....

[natirnr]

I will turn the other cheek and let you slap me there but when I aint got no more cheeks to turn I believe the Constitution of the United States says I go the Right for self defense.
Also the Emancipaqtion Proclaimation says the same thing.
My posts encourge unity in regards to problems we as Black folks face across this country and around the world,
check my topics if you dont believe me,
Some folks seem to have a fixation on mental illnesses, masochism, sadism, depression and a schizophrenia, hey maybe one day they will become a psychiatrist and help to heal this here Post Slavery trauma, that Dr. Jewel Leary writes about, Amos Wilson and Jwanzaa Kunjufu too.
______________________________________________

Like the old folks say there are only 2 kinds of people in this here world

There are 1."Warm fuzzy" positive,
light hearted
and the 2."cold Prickly" negative, heavy hearted
and folks usually likes to congregate around one more so then the other
( now what category does **** Cheney fit into)

[Sumyr]

These threads start with good intentions, then we (myself) included get so wrapped up in our own opinions that we fail to come to a mutual understanding and move forward for the better of all. We never really “listen” to each other. Example: Oprah has been saying for years that the lyrics in hip hop were degrading to women. But NO ONE listened to her and many rappers downgraded her. But low-and-behold old Imus call us the same thing Oprah spoke against, now it’s a problem? Why wasn’t it a problem when one of “our own” said we call women this but it had to come to a halt when the white man used it? But yet some speak of we don’t love our own or support our own. Where was her support? Oh, that’s right she’s not black enough. Senseless. Some think if we don’t wear our hair natural/locked/braided, sport African clothing, have African sounding names, and read African literature etc. then we aren’t African. If that be the case, then anyone can be African regardless of culture. You can’t “be” black by doing anything in the physical sense. Period.

It seems we only love our own when they agree with our agenda. But heaven forbid they have an opinion of their own or disagree with our ideals. Then they are no longer black or wanted in our communities. I will always love and respect – Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Rock, Tyra Banks, Bill Cosby, Obama, the Knowles Family and others. Now mind you I don’t always agree with their politics and/or the way they do things, but I can’t see me saying they aren’t a part of the African American Family. I have nothing but respect for these people – regardless of what others feel “I” should feel. I respect your decision to hate/dislike anyone you choose. That is “your” decision. But don’t chastise others just because their opinions don’t mirror yours to a tee.

Natirnr, With all due respect you have come across in some threads as one of the ones fanning the flames. From what I have seen, some have called you on it and for whatever reason you have chosen to ignore their humble advice. I guess if we want progress one should start with ones self - that includes heeding/following your own advice. Just "my" opinion.

[CatsPaw]

Sumyr your first sentence says it all.

Finding resolution to many if not all the issues that plaque the black community in america lies in a single fact. It will take more than ONE positive ingredient/thought/action.

Fixing our community is going to have to be similar to preparing a meal. A body is not nourished with just one ingestable item. A tasty cake is not baked with just flour, a pie is not baked with just fruit, a meal of only meat won't make a body healthy.

All the people you mention in your post have an ingredient to offer, they cannot fix an entire community with just that one ingredient. Also none of them are perfect so relying on just the one is not realistic.

The moment more of us can embrace that our single opinion has merit when combined with others we might just begin healing our community.

[Nyela]

Originally Posted by Sumyr

These threads start with good intentions, then we (myself) included get so wrapped up in our own opinions that we fail to come to a mutual understanding and move forward for the better of all. We never really “listen” to each other. Example: Oprah has been saying for years that the lyrics in hip hop were degrading to women. But NO ONE listened to her and many rappers downgraded her. But low-and-behold old Imus call us the same thing Oprah spoke against, now it’s a problem? Why wasn’t it a problem when one of “our own” said we call women this but it had to come to a halt when the white man used it? But yet some speak of we don’t love our own or support our own. Where was her support? Oh, that’s right she’s not black enough. Senseless. Some think if we don’t wear our hair natural/locked/braided, sport African clothing, have African sounding names, and read African literature etc. then we aren’t African. If that be the case, then anyone can be African regardless of culture. You can’t “be” black by doing anything in the physical sense. Period.

It seems we only love our own when they agree with our agenda. But heaven forbid they have an opinion of their own or disagree with our ideals. Then they are no longer black or wanted in our communities. I will always love and respect – Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Rock, Tyra Banks, Bill Cosby, Obama, the Knowles Family and others. Now mind you I don’t always agree with their politics and/or the way they do things, but I can’t see me saying they aren’t a part of the African American Family. I have nothing but respect for these people – regardless of what others feel “I” should feel. I respect your decision to hate/dislike anyone you choose. That is “your” decision. But don’t chastise others just because their opinions don’t mirror yours to a tee.

Natirnr, With all due respect you have come across in some threads as one of the ones fanning the flames. From what I have seen, some have called you on it and for whatever reason you have chosen to ignore their humble advice. I guess if we want progress one should start with ones self - that includes heeding/following your own advice. Just "my" opinion.

Sis, I have very strong feelings about this issue. So until I can comment without offending others, I will just say that I understand your point of view. Apparently there are no easy answers. I for one have grown tired of having my "black" card pulled for expressing a differing view point. So I choose to not let if affect me anymore. But oh well...such is life.

[robbboy2003]

Originally Posted by Nyela

Sis, I have very strong feelings about this issue. So until I can comment without offending others, I will just say that I understand your point of view. Apparently there are no easy answers. I for one have grown tired of having my "black" card pulled for expressing a differing view point. So I choose to not let if affect me anymore. But oh well...such is life.

I feel you on this one as well sista. This is a great site,but(you knew there was one but didn't ya lol) Going to certain discussions with some folks gets you beat down. I got drama in real life don't need it here. I will persist and resist before getting dismissed on another ones abyss.

I'm a spiritual warrior ie,bold. However, you cannot one person save the world,or convince someone to think,as you do. Here as in life,there's always someone looking to fatten his/her rep total rather,than dropping factual,or life experience knowledge. At this point i would much rather have positive discussions,with possible solutions, than the old flame and bait threads,but that's just me. Some folks need the drama. Peace!

[smedium]

Brother I'm spiritual also but some drama is necessary.

Originally Posted by Sumyr

These threads start with good intentions, then we (myself) included get so wrapped up in our own opinions that we fail to come to a mutual understanding and move forward for the better of all. We never really “listen” to each other. Example: Oprah has been saying for years that the lyrics in hip hop were degrading to women. But NO ONE listened to her and many rappers downgraded her. But low-and-behold old Imus call us the same thing Oprah spoke against, now it’s a problem? Why wasn’t it a problem when one of “our own” said we call women this but it had to come to a halt when the white man used it? But yet some speak of we don’t love our own or support our own. Where was her support? Oh, that’s right she’s not black enough. Senseless. Some think if we don’t wear our hair natural/locked/braided, sport African clothing, have African sounding names, and read African literature etc. then we aren’t African. If that be the case, then anyone can be African regardless of culture. You can’t “be” black by doing anything in the physical sense. Period.

It seems we only love our own when they agree with our agenda. But heaven forbid they have an opinion of their own or disagree with our ideals. Then they are no longer black or wanted in our communities. I will always love and respect – Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Rock, Tyra Banks, Bill Cosby, Obama, the Knowles Family and others. Now mind you I don’t always agree with their politics and/or the way they do things, but I can’t see me saying they aren’t a part of the African American Family. I have nothing but respect for these people – regardless of what others feel “I” should feel. I respect your decision to hate/dislike anyone you choose. That is “your” decision. But don’t chastise others just because their opinions don’t mirror yours to a tee.

Natirnr, With all due respect you have come across in some threads as one of the ones fanning the flames. From what I have seen, some have called you on it and for whatever reason you have chosen to ignore their humble advice. I guess if we want progress one should start with ones self - that includes heeding/following your own advice. Just "my" opinion.

The Imus thing is old, and intellectually weak. Ones music the others speech. You think every song is true? Do you believe every movie? A part of being an adult is understanding the difference between entertainment and commentary.
I think we love our own when they are our own. If they aren't loyal, know nothing a bout Black/African history and are a detriment to the community, why wouldn't we shun them? Not to say any of this applies to you, just commenting on your post.

[MadameX]

Originally Posted by robbboy2003

I feel you on this one as well sista. This is a great site,but(you knew there was one but didn't ya lol) Going to certain discussions with some folks gets you beat down. I got drama in real life don't need it here. I will persist and resist before getting dismissed on another ones abyss.

I concur. Granted misery loves company. However, they can save the drama for their mama because I am sure not here to babysit some nutcase/insane adults. Stalkers and Trollsville community members need to find a another hospice in mental facility of county jail where they belong not on cyberspace on a board where premise is to uplift and enlighten our people as an whole.

Originally Posted by robbboy2003

I'm a spiritual warrior ie,bold. However, you cannot one person save the world,or convince someone to think,as you do. Here as in life,there's always someone looking to fatten his/her rep total rather,than dropping factual,or life experience knowledge. At this point i would much rather have positive discussions,with possible solutions, than the old flame and bait threads,but that's just me. Some folks need the drama.

Preach. Well Stated Brotha Rob.