This issue is not a theorectical one. For me and I would venture to say for many people posting it is one of personal experience.

I am a member of the black middle class. My family lives in a just about an all white neighborhood. My father drives a late model Lexus. I have attend private school most of my life. Do I feel like a sell out? No.

How did my family get here? My parents have dedicated their careers helping uplift the black community. My mother taught school second grade kids in a parochial school in inner city Baltimore (all black). My father is doctor who started off as a pediatrian in Baltimore health clinics and then moved on to an administrator in managed care. He is now the medical director of a Black owned HMO that serves primarily the Medicaid population.

My family is where it is today because of care about the black community and not because of "selling out". Do I question all the creature comforts around me? Definately, but never do I question my blackness or dedication to the black community.

Because unlike my parents, the black community is not where I live I do constantly have to challenge myself to keep abreast of issues pertainent to black community by reading newpapers, books ect and participating in the community through church and social organizations at school.

I see my place in society is a someone who needs to give back. The quote I live by, "To whom, much is given more is expected".

I'm not saying that my situation is the situation of every member of the Black middle class, but I am sure that my case is not an isolated occurrance either.

Think about that before making sweeping statements.

freethought