>As long as Blacks are singing, dancing, or shooting
>hoops...they are cool and acting in their place BUT as soon as
>we start thinking, evaluating, or commenting on our
>experience, race relations, etc...White people want us to
>explain ourselves...the whole, "what did he mean by that"
>starts.
>
>I'm glad Common expressed himself on this issue...and I'm glad
>his art has moved everyone else into a discussion. That's
>what art is supposed to do - move you.
>
>I agree with some of the posts made earlier...stating that
>people outside of the race, outside of the country may not
>understand...no matter how much Bob Marley you listen to...its
>not the same as wearing the skin. Its a sensitive topic
>because there are still many tensions and unresolved
>issues...

This post really is some patronising nonsense. No-one has said that common shouldn't be commenting on race relations etc (there has been no "oh, he's acting out of place: type comment), but there are plenty of people who disagree with his opinions - and contrary to your suggestion, those people have not all been "outside of the race, outside of the country". Don't try to stifle discussion by suggesting that anyone who disagrees with common is a racist or a foreigner.