All too often we get into dicussions as afrikan people "on stage" so to speak for all the world to see. From another thread three brothers recognized this and asked for a halt, which was a start in the right direction. Tavis Smiley siad it best regarding recent issues with BET:

There are, however, a few things Mr. Johnson said last night that I feel obligated to address briefly for the record. And I will do so momentarily. But first, let me be clear: I will not, Tom will not, we will not be participants in some public spectacle for the enjoyment and entertainment of Viacom or anyone else.

This will not be Black radio vs. Black television. This is not Tavis and Tom vs. Bob Johnson. We are not Holyfield, he is not Tyson and Mel Karmazin is no Don King! What's next? Ebony vs. Essence?

The very thought of this kind of Black on Black verbal nihilism sickens me. Black America can ill-afford this kind of wretched public display of Black on Black character assassination and personal destruction.

As Steve Cokely might say: the children should never see parents fighting, this gives the illusion of a non-united front.

PEACE

"REAL RECOGNIZE REAL, and even more than that, the fake, they REALLY REALLY recognize REAL!" -BlackThought