Don’t you think Obama has displayed actions that should be shunned by Black youth? Lying, doing unConstitutional things, race baiting, stepping into criminal matters in public, rather than letting the trial take place without that stigma, these are things (at least in part) that foster the beliefs of problematic Black youth. “Hey, even the president believes in White Privilege” and that we’re getting treated unfairly. So it’s okay if we act out. We deserve to!”
I didn’t say anyone should imitate anyone.
You stated in your original post that young Black kids might look up to and imitate Cosby, Obama, Barkley.
I say that I have never seen a young man of any race try to be like Cosby, Obama, or Barkley.
They do not dress like, speak like, nor act like these men. Right or wrong, and I will agree the president leaves a lot to be desired, he largely conducts himself in a professional manner (suits, proper speech, etc) as does Cosby and Barkley. I do not see any young people trying to behave as a professional politician, actor, or commentator. Most dress in a clownish style, speak something other than proper English, and act like professional buffoons as do most adults.
Most kids want to dress and behave like wannabe gangsters and are upset when they are accepted as such and are treated as those on the fringe of the law. The will never dress or speak like Obama, Cosby or Barkley.
I sort of like people dressing and behaving like clowns, self mutilating with tattoos and piercings and speaking poor English. Never before have questionable people been so clearly labeled and joy of joys it is a self imposed labeling. No scarlet “A”s or purple or yellow stars, or branding imposed either by law or society. People are reverting to a native/animalistic mentality and marking themselves. Sadly they seek to do the same to the environment and deface public and private property.