[FenwickHockey65]

First off...keep it civil people...

Secondly...I have to agree. I know many, many respectable African Americans who have worked their way up in society and are very successful. None of them act the way you've described. None of their kids act that way. The ones who DO act this way gain absolutely no respect from me, nor should they ever expect my respect. And, I'm sorry to say, most of the ones that act this way are lazy and just do not want to work.

Reputation is based on your own actions. Act respectable and you will get respect. Act like thugs and criminals and you will get the respect that people give thugs and criminals. Quite simple.