Letters To The Editor - Letter to the Editor

Ebony, Nov, 2001

THE TRUTH ABOUT SLAVERY IN SUDAN

As an African-American professional who has been active in Africa, including Sudan, since 1964, I must respectfully disagree with those self-appointed "Black leaders" who contend that government-sponsored slavery exists in Sudan ("The Truth About Slavery In Sudan," Aug. 2001).

Certainly there are very complex Black tribal conflicts that have prevailed in Sudan for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the 18-year civil war has only exasperated these conditions and cross-fertilized human rights abuses on all sides. Nevertheless, to oversimplify these painful social conflicts in the name of opportunistic grandstanding is similar to accusing the U.S. government of modern-day slavery because Black racial gangs are committing wholesale terrorism, murders, assassinations and kidnapping within Black urban America.

In the interest of finding lasting and honest solutions to the nagging problems plaguing Sudan, I would challenge the self-appointed African-American "leaders" of the Sudanese people, to participate in substantive public debates designed to let the people decide the truth.

DR. KHALID ABDULLAH TARIQ AL-MANSOUR
San Antonio, Texas

FOR BROTHERS ONLY

To get right to the point, yes, it is still OK to be a gentleman ("Is It Still OK To Be A Gentleman?" Aug. 2001).

Each man must recognize his right to determine for himself the kind of person he's going to be. Each man must recognize that the person he needs to be does not require validation from any other man or woman. Next, he must look inward to identify his values, beliefs and principles. Then, if that process leads him to feel good about himself when he extends traditional courtesies to women and men, he should consistently do that without guilt or apology to anyone.

Secondly, men should remember that you really can't please all the people (Sisters) all the time. If you consistently change your behavior based on present company, women (generally very perceptive people) will soon identify you as false and easily manipulated, characteristics few find attractive in a man. Additionally, as stated in the article, "although some women believe physical courtesies are politically incorrect, most Sisters still appreciate--and seek--chivalrous men." So, if you believe in being courteous, remain true to that. Although you won't please all the Sisters, you certainly will draw approval from most.

In summary, the so-called "perplexing dilemma" over whether to be a gentleman has a very simple and obvious solution. Each individual man must decide for himself what kind of person he's going to be. Then, once a decision is reached, he must demonstrate the strength of character to remain true to that decision.

MICHAEL T. SHADE
Rio Rancho, N.M.

Thanks for the column, "Are You Afraid Of A Successful Sister?" This column really touched base and was very down to earth. At 24, I purchased my first home as an investment and to keep Uncle Sam out of my pocket at tax time. I received so much negativity from Brothers. First, they thought my parents must be rich and gave me the down payment. No, my parents are not rich. I worked, saved my money and started reading on investing. Then I had to hear "who died" and left me an inheritance. No one died and left me anything. I made numerous sacrifices and did what any smart woman who did not like apartment living would have done. I was not raised in an apartment, but a house with a backyard.