On one end of this craze are wealthy blacks that basically have no social interest in their people and on the other end are blacks that foolishly continue to follow them. Of course because of their stardom, there wouldn't be any real community relationship. And if it weren't for the foundations many have to channel money back into their pockets, there would be no relationship. So besides that, I must criticize those who are drawn into this just to have meaning in their lives. It shows they are followers who lack forethought and depend on what makes them feel good, and to attach themselves to.

Unfortunately, the things in their life that should get more attention rarely get enough interest to be addressed. But for blacks who still understand why it's necessary to keep up with a changing society, they know what stifles them are things that are less obvious, that also contribute to their problems. So it keeps them from staying focused on themselves instead of less important things, by being taken into various kinds of situations of the well to do that are captivating.

It's a method that first has to reveal something sensational or negative about those who are behind it, that really becomes an issue to recapture the interest of people. It's a little mind boggling, but true. It's often channeled through certain sports media, magazines and celebrity television programming etc. In fact, tabloid newspapers and magazines has more readers than things written that could be uplifting.

But I realize, being one of many who know we've been had and still being had, the proof of how powerful this is, is to say something less complimentary about someone famous around the most devoted. I would probably get more attitude than if I had enough gall to call God a joke in front of the most so-called religious.

For some reason people get stuck on stars and will adore those who are as weak and cruel as they could be. Yet these same people fret each day, certain that committing any crime from a to z, would be the last thing they could do.

But most avoid believing, most or all of the bad behavior that affect us all also exist in that community. Strange, but hearing someone famous being involved in some wrong doings they choose to overlook it and many times will defend it. What's less productive is how they rather listen to the suggestions of a celebrity to solve their problems, where most have no expertise or credentials, than listening to someone who does, and who could at least get them headed in the right direction.

But I'll ask this, what are the benefits of buying any product, endorsed by someone famous, unless it has some value to sell? Yet people spend their last dollar not realizing the money celebrities are paid for adding their names, total in the billions.

But further into this so-called super society, there's usually some type of idle talk that's often scandalous. Since it usually ends up publicly, it's become the criteria; many fans spend their time in combat about. They take racism to the most serious woes of the society and expose them on television and in the movies to make money. It has changed nothing.

What it does is create depression and hostility amongst people who don't realize they are being infected at their own expense. So instead of being concerned about their own lives, they're to absorbed; being overwhelmed about the lives of people who have set their values and follow few rules. So as I said earlier, we're being had and the most dedicated will never get the chance to live in a big house, ride in a Bentley or wear fine clothes and jewelry. But it's their fault for not reacting to the meaning of moderation.

Although people in general will say they believe in God or something supreme, few understand that being obsessive about anything, especially another human, is usually unproductive. Of course these same people may say, what does one thing have to do with the other. My answer is this. It only fails us, because of the icon many say they believe in, who rarely gets any attention.

But to be fair, there's nothing wrong with honoring people for their achievements, since their efforts could be an example for other's to follow. But when Charles Barkley said he wasn't a role model for other people's children, the attitudes and controversy began.

But few understood, he was more then an example, since his honesty showed he knew himself better than most. Which may have also made it easy for him to admit to himself he had the potential of falling short of their expectations.

But being a skeptic, sometimes I feel their attitudes were because they felt they spent their money or time helping him to get what he has, he owed them something. But his response to their wishes should have set the groundwork for other's to understand. Regardless of the money they spend enjoying what he does, their relationship with him, or any other celebrity, is only for entertainment.

Since blacks have become as fanatical as other's in this area, any distraction from what's vital in their lives is always a step backwards. Remember, when they disclose the socio-economic improvements of groups they often target, whites are usually brought to the forefront, so only blacks can be measured on that scale; considering we rarely hear of surveys in other parts of the world that examine the social conditions of their people.

Here it's necessary for the influential agitators to keep an eye on those blacks with potential, who could change their situation. Yes, it would be fair, honest and more realistic to compare all so-called minorities in one package. But that data would be more positive and change how they want blacks to be perceived.

© July 2006 By Afromerica
T. Duffy Afro staff writer

Brother Thomas Duffy will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current Black expereinces effecting our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Duffy's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail T Duffy at: tduffy870@msn.com or tomas@afromerica.com

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