40 years later and how much has changed?

It was 40 years ago today that the Rev Martin Luther King was shot in Memphis, Tenn. Reverend King was an important leader in the civil rights movement largely because he offered a non violent alternative to the teachings of Black Supremacist, like the Black Panthers. In short, King was acceptable to white America due to his non violent approach and he was acceptable to Blacks because he promoted equality and justice. You may not remember the riots or the call by Black Panthers to kill white Americans. Martin Luther King was a much better alternative to Eldridge Cleaver.

Kings efforts changed America for the better and created true equality for Blacks who had been living a second class life throughout the South. Today, Black voters have exercised these rights to install Black Politicians in numerous offices. Barrack Obama would not be running for President today had it not been for Martin Luther King. This is just one of many examples of how King's life changed America for the better.

Regardless, of the profound positive change, Black America still has not cast off the "victim mentality" promoted by many Black Leaders. Today, 40 years later, there remain many within the Black community who see themselves as victims of prejudice. The reality is that some prejudice does remain but Blacks are no longer victims and they need to move on, to fully realize the King Legacy.

Most white Americans are just plain tired of hearing about Blacks as victims of prejudice, or racial profiling. The harsh facts are that Blacks are no different then any other minority who have experienced similar prejudice. The Italians, the Irish, the Chinese, and Hispanics have all faced similar situations. Regardless, they all have worked to become mainstream participants in the greater society. Today, there are no "special" circumstances for these groups. No National Association for the Advancement of White or Asian People. No Miss Chinese America pageant, or White Entertainment network. These minorities have become mainstream while holding on to their ethnic background. Black America needs to cast off the victim mentality and become mainstream.

So why, after 40 years of incredible social change haven't Blacks become mainstream? The answer is complicated, and very simple. They don't want to be mainstream. They like playing victim and insisting of special treatment. And, if you discuss this subject, you are a racist. They cry about racial profiling and then create "gangsta rap" videos that promote racial stereotypes. They will call each other "nigga" but if a white person says "nigger" those are fightn words. In short, they want it both ways. They want R E S P E C T but refuse to address critical social issues of crime, drugs, and illegitimate child birth within their own community.

Martin Luther King significantly improved equality for Black America. It is time, 40 years after his death, for Blacks to reject the victim ideology and become mainstream.