Seriously ... seriously.

As some of you may have seen, Bernard Hopkins (boxer) has accused Donovan McNabb of not being "black enough."  Seriously.  Is being Black about being black enough?  What does that even mean?  This troubles me, not only because I have heard that insult before, but also because I am the father of 3 children who are "mixed twice" (my phrase).  They are going to hear insults about that (at least I assume so.  I hope by the time they are older such ignorance has been eradicated, but I doubt it).

They are going to be questioned about their race, whether I'm their Dad (at least for the youngest since he has blue eyes), or whether my wife is their mother (the oldest two are darker).  A major problem for the black community is this idea about "being black."  Hopkins is only the latest to embarrass himself and his race by suggesting that a black man who grows up with parents and part of the middle class is not black enough.  We probably all remember the Jalen Rose/Grant Hill debacle. For those that do not remember, Jalen Rose called Grant Hill an Uncle Tom because he grew up in a two parent home.  Are you kidding me?

Grant Hill responded better than I ever could.  Why must a black man be a certain way to be considered black enough.  I've heard it from clients, class mates, and people in bars (when I did that type of stuff :).  Is it too white to speak as if one has actually completed their education?  Am I too white because I have 2 parents involved in my life.  Am I too white because I am a lawyer?  Where does the ignorance stop and when does actual common sense, wisdom, and progressive thinking (sad that this would be progressive) take over.  When do black communities start elevating each other instead of pushing down?

I don't know the solution, but I know that things better change.

On another note, I discovered that  Bread Company will make my ham and swiss toasted.  Clearly, I should have known that, but I didn't.  As  result, I had a very good ham and swiss on toasted rye bread for lunch.  I can only hope tomorrow brings as much joy as that sandwich.

Remember, it is just what I think.

Be Easy.

-cp