Please show me your research that show the opposite, then.

Which parts, exactly, do you object to?

@Jeffrey, I have seen more alcohol ads/billboards (and cigarette ads) in minority neighborhoods throughout the midwest, and the African American market magazines are full of them.

What is actually worse and gets ZERO media attention is the minority targeting by Planned Parenthood, to facilitate the eradication of future minorities via abortion. Where's the outrage, media?

I also throw the BS flag out on this story. Another coddling make believe story to give African Americans another excuse as to why the American dream never happened. I recall a pop song sung by a poor rapper that was "blame it on the alcohol" so by theory here it is the music worlds fault. No.....

Caution "JR Journalism At Work"

Another example of "Junk Science". Those who make decisions based soley on T.V. advertising have far more serious Psychological Issues than robbing and killing to get the money to buy the stuff. People make a "Free choice" to watch or not watch T.V.. Maybe these youth should get off their backsides and do something constructive like going to school for a better education and maybe even a legal paying job. Everyone that watches T.V. is exposed to the same material for thee same period of time. Blaming advertising for the inability of one segment of the population to take responsibility for themselves and stop blaming others for their total failure. This group in particular have been given every opportunity to improve themselves with the cost paid by others. They have been given the opportunities for "Free" Education at all levels, priority in jobs, quota systems, free housing, food stamps, welfare and they still blame others for their failures. All they need to do is turn Off the T.V. for a while and take advantage of the cost free opportunities that are available only to this ethnic group. There are some that will call this racist but then they are the one's sitting on their backsides watching T.V. all day and complain when they are told they need to take personal responsibility for their own failures. The "Free Ride" is over!!

I am not sure black folks have the energy to argue, they'll be accused of playing the race card.

They have far serious things to worry about like fighting a very high unemployment rate among black youths, encouraging more African Americans to pursue a higher education for better jobs and putting food on the table like every other Americans...

The truth is, anybody can tell there are more liquor stores in black, hispanic and Native Indian neighborhoods...but what the f*ck can you do? There's probably a reason for that. But reasons aside, people who live in these communities do have a choice to stay or leave...

If you try to argue about that, you can never win by today's "scornfull political atmosphere"...so the only thing you can do is to move the hell out and get a better life somewhere else by getting an education, staying outta trouble and determining your own destiny...

After all, this is the free world!

This is not an epiphany. I miss the Malt liquor bull beer commercials they were cool.lol Made me wanna go grab a 40 at the age of 8.lol

Seriously, I believe people make their own decisions regardless of advertising gimmicks. There has been so much satire on this type of advertising by African Americans over the years, that they know better in this day and age than to fall for sexy pictures glorifying alchohol or offensive racial profiling in advertising.

They probably put all the liquors in the front windows of the store in these neighorhoods so the can see it easier. The clerk in the store instead of asking if you have a discount card for the purchase says "How about a beer with your purchase today". Or maybe it is just another dumb reporter looking for a story. How about the president of the United States sticking his nose into something that he shouldn't and offering a beer party to solve the situation. What a waste! How many people heard that story and figure it is the way to resolve a fight? And he's African Kenyan.

Planned Parenthood, to facilitate the eradication of future minorities via abortion

Now that is a new twist, Planned Parenthood promotes genocide. I wonder if Romney knows that, he sure is quite if he does.

I think to be more specific with the alcohol adds the study should actually read "Alcohol industry promotes cheap booze in African neighborhoods." Has anybody seen the stuff they sell? Good luck finding a bottle of Montrachet there!

At some point your parents have to teach you right from wrong.

If you don't like the billboards or ads in store windows in your neighborhood contact your local representative. Or elect one who will change the neighborhoods. That's why we have ordinances.

I believe the technical term for the alcohol advertisements that the african-american youth are exposed to are called "rap videos".

Many alcohol ads specifically target African Americans and African American youth consume more media than youth overall. For example, African American youths watched 53 percent more television than youths in general in 2010

Let's make sure we understand what they are saying. Blacks complained that they weren't being equally represented in ads and now they are specifically being targeted because they are represented.

Of course they are going to be exposed to more alcohol ads - they are sitting around watching more TV that has the ads. If they got off their a$$e$ and quit watching as much TV they wouldn't be "targeted" as much. As for their gangsta role models, that is the culture the blacks want to propagate or they wouldn't buy the music preaching the culture.

Next we'll be hearing how birth control ads are targeted towards a certain race and that is the reason they have irresponsible breeding practices.

The truth is, anybody can tell there are more liquor stores in black, hispanic and Native Indian neighborhoods...but what the f*ck can you do?

Real simple - don't go in and buy anything! Just because it is there doesn't mean that you have to keep them financially solvent. If they don't do enough business they will close the doors - permanently!

But that would mean taking personal responsibility. Don't let the whites go into your neighbourhood and force you to buy alcohol and they leave to their white suburban homes.

I am not sure black folks have the energy to argue, they'll be accused of playing the race card.

Well....when it is their default "reason" for every single problem they ever encounter, yeah, they will be called out for playing the race card.

I quess O'Bagger showing his home brew on tv helped much.......

Blacks are subjected to gang infested neighborhoods that sling CRACK 24/7, and yet this is news???give me a break.

Boom-Which parts, exactly, do you object to?

For one, NBC makes it sound like black youth are being targeted for the advertising, when in fact it is just because they watch 50% more television that they are more exposed to alcohol ads.

If black youth watch more TV but drink less than other minority groups, whats the problem? May not drink, but boy do they like their MaryJane and Crack.

I'm old I remember when it couldn't be advertised on TV! Remember those days, this was one of the reasons given for why it should not be done the kids would see it, then it was allow after a certain hour and only beer, now it's a party on TV! Who do you see in most of the add African Americans and what do you see an good time and yes SEX! Just saying alcohol, sex and guns as the great George Carline would have said, Work as the World to Night!

You aren't that old because alcohol was advertised in the 50's and 60's along with cigarettes and small cigars.We were not harmed by the ads.

They are exposed to more alcohol advertising because they aren't in school, they don't have jobs and they sit around watching TV all day. I'm sure alcohol advertising isn't the only advertising they are exposed to more.

Don't let the whites go into your neighbourhood and force you to buy alcohol and they leave to their white suburban homes

Because I will walk in, force them to buy something(HIGHLY ILLEGAL), and then walk home? How stupid do you think people are? If I did that, all they would have to do is call the police, or get a gang to beat the @!$%# out of me...

Tempus, there are plenty of anti-abortion billboards in Black neighborhoods. As for Planned Parenthood, they prevent more abortions than they cause by providing birth control, but of course their opponents of all colors never say that.

well obama will take care of them.

Let's just give black folks another crutch for failures in their lives. The study claimed that black youths watch tv 53% more than other youths. Who's fault is that? The parents of course. Until the parents take responsiblity in raising their children the proper way they will continue to be failures.

This really makes me mad. I watch a lot of tv and almost all of the ads are of young, white people drinking! And I do not live in an upscale neighborhood either. I'm so sick of the poor pitiful me syndrome that so many black people have. I wish I could get the advantages they have. Instead I struggle to make it on my $700 disability check.

It seems to be just a given in the major metropolitan areas I've driven through that as one drives from neighborhoods of higher socio-eonomic status through the lowest socio-economic levels which are sadly still generally minority neighborhoods the number of liquor stores and alcohol related ads begin to proliferate. I'll only see a liquor related store or ad once in awhile in a wealthier neighborhood and a liquor store seems to be nealy every third or fourth store in the poorer neighborhoods. Of course everyone has a choice in whether or how much they drink but its a little predatory feeling almost as if the ads and stores might as well have a sign up "cant face issues? heres the solution". Not implying its any excuse for falling into alcohol abuse, simply the supply factor multiplies hugely in poorer neighborhood as I would guess so does demand when some find it hard to face the harshness of their reality.

Let's just give black folks another crutch for failures in their lives.

You need to give more credit to the "black folks" to make their own educated choices.

So the story says that blacks are exposed to more liquor ads on TV because they watch more TV, more ads in black magazines published to represent the black culture, mor exposure in black culture music because they watch and listen to black culture music, more billboards in black neighborhoods (why would you put an ad where you dont make sales? Seen many ice cream ads in Alaska?), even saw a post here that liquor stores in black neighborhoods put more bottles in the front window because they are in a black neighborhood (apparently they have more glass than non-black neighborhoods?) and this is someones fault other than the blacks. WOW, how can you argue with logic like that?

Sandie: If I could just add something to your comment in what I hope is perceived in a positive sense (its the way its intended). I agree with you that everyone of all races religions etc are just trying to live their lives. But isn't being a part of the melting pot of this country and trying to understand each other and to express about that with our two cents as you put it. I'm not talking about bigotry and deliberate putdowns. I'm talking about cross-cultural/racial/ religious communication and sharing. But you ask why white people would claim to know ANYTHING about black people. It almost sounds as if you don't want anyone to know or share anything. Maybe some of us who happen to be white have black friends, have visited with their families and have shared about our lives and our experiences with one another. Your statement sounds nearly as if you want to be a separatist and not a part of the vast number of differing ways of living that can make living in melting pot society a positive experience. You've even lumped people others into "groups" saying "you know who you are". How about sharing experience rather than saying we don't know ANYTHING. That kind of wording would be nearly deliberately blocking us off or shutting us away. I for one want to learn and not to be be told I know nothing....I think we're capable of learning and not simply being told we know nothing. Its nice, at least I feel to share experience and not to be told off.

I agree Jeffrey. It is not targeting. Where are the parents?? Get rid of the TVs and monitor the mags that they are looking at. If young black Americans are watching 53% more TV than other youths, then of course they will be exposed more. Also, this shows that there is an issue with black youths or the environment which is prompting the increase.

TO DocHolliday

Thank you soooooo much for your comment. I am beyond tired of all the generalizations, every RACE drinks, does drugs, pre-marital sex, and lets not pretend crack only happened in the hood. Get real people, if you can't look a minority in the face and say some of the things you spew....then shut up. Computer bullying is beyond WEAK.

MSN needs to make up it's mind, 1st blacks are not going to vote for PRESIDENT Obama b/c of gay marriage. Black folk are God fearing moral people. 2 days later, this crap. Get your generalizations straight. Holier-than- though or alcoholic drug users.....MAKE UP YOUR MIND MSN!!!!!

I'm sorry you feel that way amin in posting what you did just below my own post saying many people are trying to cross social/racial/religious lines in comprehending and understanding one another better. Doesn't work with all people but it does with many. Calling white people "sick white losers" and "perverted grafted devils" is frankly reverse racism personified. Bigotry is a two way street. I'm sorry you have chosen the narrow path.

I'll tell you why white people concern themselves with what black people are doing Sandie - because white people are paying for the government programs that allow black people to survive without working a day in their lives.

Ok, so this article is trying to blame the high incarceration rates of black youth on the alcohol industry right? what? Even the study they are using says that the reason the black youth is seeing more alcohol ads is because they are watching more TV than none minorities! Hello, this just goes back to bad parenting so how is that some corporations fault. i love it, blame it on whitey and coporate America and not take personal responsibility. Nice!

To every single person in this thread - do you see how much attacking there is of african-americans in these comment sections? It's getting REALLY hard to take the high road when people are sitting around talking about how all Black people don't work and mooch off the government. They act like they've never seen white hippies before. I work in Berkeley and trust me - there are far more mooching white hippies than there are African-Americans begging with their hands out. I worked my butt off to get where I am and this is the kind of trash I have to read every day. Not a single person in my family or group of friends has ever taken a hand out from the government. We pay our taxes, volunteer and try to do everything we can to make this country good but why should I be subject to feeling attacked every day? No one should!

Please, for the love of god, correct your argument to just a generalized exhaustion with PEOPLE (not a specific group because there are always exceptions to the rule and you're offending them) who don't work hard enough or expect government handouts. The racial attacking has got to STOP! This country will never progress as long as we're still attacking people based on their religion or ethnicity or gender.

MSN, you slay me!! It's like you get a memo from higher-ups feeding you the subject upon which you'll write. You then stumble through facts and numbers and text trying to make a point...but fail to do so. We've heard about the lack of black models/actors, etc., in other stories and how they're being disenfranchised as they lack representation. Now, the poor black community is being targeted as they're using black models to sell alcohol? My favorite is when you said "African Americans consume more media than youth overall." In other words, they sit around watching TV and thumbing through magazines. Whose fault is that? Who will you blame for this trend: the marketers, the corporations run by rich white men, or the consumers? I know you won't blame the black youth, will you? WHY DON'T YOU WRITE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL, LIKE YOUTH WHO ARE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS? OR, WRITE ABOUT RAP LYRICS; PERHAPS YOU COULD INCLUDE YOUR TRUSTY STATISTICS (I.E. 79% OF RAP SONGS DISCUSS DRUGS; 83% ALCOHOL; 89% SEX; 42% ANAL SEX; 2% MEDIA CONSUMPTION, ETC.) If anybody is screwing up the youth in this country it's morons like you, MSN. Instead of instilling values and encouragement, you're standing on the sidelines with the other bleeding hearts waiting for the youth to screw up and then telling them who they should blame. You, and the youth, should hold up a mirror and ask why things are as they are.

mindya...

"This country will never progress" as long as some of the major problems in urban communities are completely ignored by the folks who are supposed to be running this country. The teenage birth rate is bad, the educational problems are getting worse dispite billions spent, and the crime rate in the cities is ridiculous. Very little is said by any political leader on these matters...too afraid of the race card being slapped on them. Because of that, almost nothing is discussed.

My little state has spent $3 billion in 15 years trying to narrow the 'achievement gap' between urban and suburban students and we now are cited as having the worst 'gap' in the nation. The only thing really found in the news on this topic is that maybe the teachers are no good. Nationally, that 'achievement gap' was reported that 'gap' to have increased.

The black community has far bigger problems than advertisements for liquor in their neighborhoods and the proliferation of sex & alcohol found in rap music.

Sometimes 'specific groups' do need to be addressed...every discussion cannot be viewed as an attack. For progress to be made, problems first need honest discussion.

Tony - Actually teenage birth rates are DOWN. Education could use some work but that is true for all ethnicities, not just black folk. There isn't a single public school in this country that couldn't use improvement. You are making this countries problems a "black people" problem or a "muslim problem" or an "immigrant problem" but you have to realize that generalizations made about one group do not speak for all the members of that group. There are always exceptions to the rule adn that's the problem with generalizations. Should we kick every Muslim out for something that a few did? How about racial profiling every hispanic person because they might be an immigrant? that is the problem with that logic! It's outright wrong and if white people were on the receiving end of it they'd be pissed.

In regards to "every discussion cannot be viewed as an attack" - you look at the comments in this post and tell me that they are not outright attacking african-americans. I'm all for a scholarly debate on some academic research but these are attacks.

justsathought-3975046

Reverse racism... pft... You volunteer to defend the various negative white reference by AAs in this thread when the negative reference by whites to this article are predictable and overwhelming. This is one-sided and disingenuous.

Everytime there is an article relating AAs, the outpouring of bigoted generalized commentry quickly ensues. It's reprehensible. Saying that alcohol and cigarette ads disproportinately target minority communities has been proven time and time again for many decades. To deny the fact is repugnant, immature and fallicious.

What I would like to see is the same all-knowing-bigots defend the entitlement theory of automatic gun toting white males in our society. You know... the ones who turn to mass murder in schools, theatres, universities, etc. because they lack the social skills, education and morality to co-exist in America without destroying innocent lives of adults and children. Also, discuss the statisitical relationship between white males, white-collar crime and the disproportionate lack of lack of law enforcement or reform. Lecture us on why they feel their white skin entitles them to rail against society with impunity?

Profer your statisitical mindset to this question while offering cross social/racial/religious lines in comprehension and understanding one another better. Let's talk about that.

The tired worn-out racially stereotyped commentary by daily referencing foodstamps, gangbanging, television over-use, self-pity victim syndromes and connotative entitlement bias gets on the nerves of people who are of color... work a regular job, are good citizens, Christian, pay IRS/sales and property taxes, are well educated and excel in society. It's sickening and to have the same generalizations promulgated front and center on a political and international basis as daily tripe is wrong!

So as long as all AAs are considered lazy, self-pitied victims who solely rely upon government and welfare. That they as a whole are uneducated project dwellers with no pride for themselves and others... Only vote black and do not contribute to society... then calling the same people who perpetuate those false doctrines "sick white losers" and "perverted graft devils" is fair game.

This one-sided bigotry game has run its course and is offcially over. You want respect... earn it. Remember the right (white) wing self-accountability argument? Then stop relying on welfare and entitlement arguments of the species to garner respect. End the reliance of verbal detriment of others and preach self-reflection. The strategy to elevate yourselves at the peril of entire races is not fooling anyone. In fact, in this day and age; it's pitiful.

Stop demeaning decent people to muddy racial progress in this country. I am positive that there are many people who are white, black, hispanic and so forth that do not share your bigoted value system who are tired of fighting this way.

If you are offended by this... then you are probably the one whom this is intended to reach. To the rest... I ask forgiveness because I'm tired of giving it instead of receiving for a mindset, value system and lifestyle I do not live but am daily associated with solely because of my ethnicity.

Mindya -

You cannot take posters on a newsvine thread as a truly representative sample of America. There are problems with all ethnicities (though not specifically due to ethnicity) and it is not right to single out a specific one. However, I think you may have over-simplified the problem with Islamic extremism. Rational people will not encourage kicking out law abiding citizens regardless of race or culture; not everyone's rational. But let's not pretend like there is not currently a serious problem with that particular faith; hopefully they get it together. One is not bigoted because they have a justifiable concern with those of a particular faith due to regular terrorism by others who claim their actions are in the name of that faith. Also, I have no problem with immigrants of any nationality, ethnicity or race as long as they are here legally. There are some bad African Americans, there are some bad Caucasians, and Asians, and Mexicans, and Guatemalans , and Congolese, and Croatians, etc... I agree it's stupid to discriminate on the basis of skin color and I understand your frustration with some of these posts but not all trepidations based on culture and religion are borne of ignorance and hatred; sometimes it's just self-preservation. On a side note I can't stand hippies or Berkeley.

Chuck - you are amazing. You so elequently said what I could not. Associating bad characteristics to one group is harmful and it's exhausting. I don't assume all white people live in trailers and live off food stamps so why do they assume that about ALL of us? I'm so sick of fighting that stereotype and it's not fair.

JQ - I really appreciate your comment and I know that MSN commentors arent representative of the population. I'm just really sick and frustrated of feeling attacked and having people point the finger at me, my family and friends when we never taken a govt handout or not held multiple jobs. I'm glad we can agree that Berkeley is some sort of sore of the planet. If more people could see how many white people were mooching off the system here, I highly doubt they would be pointing the finger at all African Americans as tax dollar wasters.

mindya...

I 'attacked' nobody. And yes urban teen birth rates are down...a little bit...in the black community but not in urban hispanic communities. And while you don't want any single 'group' pointed out, it is impossible to improve problems in any given group when having to include anyone else and everyone else in the conversation.

Yes...most schools could be improved...BUT...in yesterday's news, it was reported that the educational gap between white and Asian students...and black and hispanic students is indeed growing worse. To say that all four of those groups need help ignores the truth that the nation's black and hispanic students need far more help just to have a shot at catching up in any meaningful way.

And you are correct about what is written on this site...it can get very ugly. Anonymity gives false courage to those who have none. And I'm about the last person on the planet who would say that America is overpopulated with intelligent folk.

There are major problems in our cities that are not addressed over fear of labelling groups of people. New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut on the small end and Chicago on the big end...with hunderd of cities in between imploding by the day. There are specific problems that need to be addressed with scalpels...not broad brush strokes.

It's not happening as long as just about any political leader you or I could name refuses to begin an open and honest conversation that has not even begun to be started. Things are not getting better. Sadly.

Tony - I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about the countless remarks I've gotten to "go back to africa" or "go stand in the welfare line" from others on this site. You are just fine.

And I agree that issues need to be dealt with specific to each group HOWEVER, my issue is with the broad brush stroke remarks as you call them. The "all blacks love crack" weak arguments should not be tolerated in an academic and civil debate and that is where my frustration is coming from. Any debate where more people are stereotyped than actual facts are presented is counter productive. You and I are on the same page. Have no fear. I most definitely wasn't talking about you attacking African-Americans in a generalized fashion.

Beautiful chuck, Beautiful.

Chuck 41439--you state that in condemning reverse racism I "volunteer" to "defend negative white comments". I'm terribly sorry however you are dead wrong. I deplore and condemn any "negative white comments" that would be racically motivated as well and sadly reverse racisim does exist as well and its certainly ok to condemn that too. I condemn any racially motivated commentary that is negative purely for the sake of race. I'm certain if you read any of my prior postings you would know where I'm coming from which is an all encompassing perspective in life pertaining to all races religions and creeds. If you have somehow incomprehensibly thought I am defending negative white comments by writing within my posting in essence the words that we should reach out to one another and share our way of being in a state of brotherhood and try to understand one another rather than shutting each other out theres not much more I could possibly say to you.

mindya...

"Debate" with some people is not happening. Some here on Newsvine are only writing to stick a thumb in someone else's eye or tell someone else what a complete idiot he or she is. Safety glasses are advised !

justathought - im not going to speak for chuck but i think its pretty hilarious all the people crying reverse racism now. Thousands of people sat idly by while minorities were confronted with racism on a daily basis (and not just trash talking - not being allowed in the same room as whites) but now that minorities are no longer banned on television and have mocked white people in the mainstream media, now all a sudden it is something that should not be permitted. White people talking about reverse racism seems very self interested when it does not seem as though they cared when it was happening to minorities. That's just how it comes off TO ME, however, I would agree with you that no racism should be permitted.

BUT then again look at whos comment you are policing. Did you not see all the comments below about how Black people love crack and sitting on their porches all day? I don't see you tirading against those people.... Just sayin'

Hi Mindyabusiness: I don't "police" anybody. I find racism sexism, religious intolerance and injustice against those pertaining to their sexual preference or injustice in any form, completely deplorable. I have many times spoken out against all of the above in my writing and many many many times to mainstream white people about their intolerance. I may have jumped into today's thread late in the game...not enough time in the day to read everything all the time I suppose. I, for one wasn't "crying" reverse racism, yet to say reverse racism doesn't exist would be incorrect. Its alive and well as well. Sadly undeniable. Any form of racism is intolerable from my perspective. You may find it "hilarious" as you put it when reversed. I find it revolting in any way shape or form. I wasn't alive when people werent allowed in the same room that you wrote about but find it a shameful part of our history. If anyone wrote about black people loving crack and sitting on their porch it assuredly wasn't me and I find it disgusting if written and I didn't see it or point it out. I'm sorry anyone would feel that way or write such a thing its disgusting. My main point today in my writing earlier if you have read it all was to reach out in comprehension and understanding of one another one and all and try to come to a better understanding and help one another one and all.......Just sayin'

@bs,

Your post #1.35 reveals the thought process of someone who might benefit from some form of therapy. Run, don't walk!

@justathought, I can appreciate what you are saying in your response in post #1.30, however, for the most part, that melting pot you speak of is just as nebulous as "The American Dream" whatever in hell that is. If after reading just this thread, just this one thread and many of the derogatory comments about black people, you still seem to think that black people ( I know that African American is the politically correct designation but I prefer the term black) need to "go along to get along" as the old saying goes, you'd be mistaken. There's a reason that it's an old saying. In order to receive understanding and comprehension, one must give it. Let's just say that, for the most part, I ain't feelin' the love! I spoke previously about the good, bad and ugly that comprises every race. The thing is, take a good long look at some of the commments here and then look up some other threads, here and elsewhere, where the topic references race or some statistic about what this or that ethnic group does or does not do. White people will make the choice to say the vilest things! As a person of a certain age, this isn't exactly news to me. More like the same old same old. Comprehension and understanding is not a one way street and it would seem that many white people are stuck in a time warp. So sad for them! I realize that not all whites have this mindset but just as so many of you love to tell blacks to take responsibility for whatever bad thing you think we blacks are up to, I say to white people that there is a very large population of whites who drink the racist kool-aid during their every waking moment. And they are proud of it. There is no comprehension and understanding I want to have with those people. Hell, I don't even want to walk by them on the street! Raised with hate for a people that they have never had any real, true contact with and never will because their hatred rules them. Why in the world would I want to have any association with people like that? Even under the guise of understanding and comprehension? I don't even believe that people like that are capable of understanding anything that does not affect them personally because their hatred comes before anything and everything else. I am fully aware that I carry my own baggage into this arena, believe me, I have to check myself on an almost daily basis against crap just like what has been posted on this thread. Do you have that to deal with as you go about your day, living your life? Ummm, I gonna go ahead and say that you probably do not. Which is why I said that people need to basically stay in their own lane and do what they need to do for themselves. Generally, black people do that. White people, on the other hand, have some serious issues with putting their noses where they do not belong and where thay are not wanted. This is a direct result of being in the majority for so long. Like I said earlier in this post......stuck in a time warp. Now the majority is the minority. Interesting. Lastly, any white people out there who are truly interested in understanding and comprehension, I am all for it. Let's have a discussion, a real discussion and see where we are at the end of it. My guess is that we are not far apart at all.

justathought - you sir are wise beyond your years. really appreciate your throughtful comment.

Sandie: I think we are very much coming from the same place wherein our own "dialouge" started feeling confrontational in a sense. I think thats about "feelings" and misconceptions from the outset which is bad from the get go. I am with you 100% and agree with you 100% about "Lets have a discussion, a real discussion and see where we are at the end of it. My guess is we are not that far apart at all." I never have felt or thought "go along to get along" about any race creed color or whatever. That a misconception on your part. I have fought my own battles in my own ways against injustices. I can tell you only from my experience that the "American Dream" is simply a saying from my perspective. Something for everyone all inclusive to aspire to. I'm a white male and trust me I've had my share of major disappointments that just as you said yourself you can't totally comprehend until you've been there. Thats what sharing is all about....walking a mile in each other's shoes.....then we finally get somewhere. Thank you very much for your post. I appreciate it. I hope as a nation and ONE people we can walk many miles together as one.

Mindyabusiness: I'm just a fellow passenger living within the same borders as you. I just believe if we are in the same canoe, its easier if we all row in the same direction otherwise we dont get anywhere :-) Good wishes.

@justathought,

Thank you for your response, it is appreciated. I hear what you are saying in terms of feelings and misconceptions. Both things are easy to misconstrue in person, let alone, within this medium. As far as the past and present situation that some of us have been DISCUSSING here this evening, it seems to me that one of the tenets this country was founded upon, (all men are created equal) has caused more chaos than anyone could have ever imagined. Ironically, the profound truthfulness of these words has caused a rift between people that they cannot handle. I think that very many black people believe, or want to believe, the meaning of those words despite their history in this country. I also think that many white people believe those words as well. The civil rights era and the many people who came to this country by way of Ellis Island give testament to that. The problem lies in those who never believed that ideal and did terrible, ugly and sometimes murderous things to people in order to "prove" their "superiority". A construct that could only go down one path....the one which is in effect this very day.....a basic feeling of distrust for "the other guy" that only seems to be more entrenched with time. As I said previously, white people clamor for black people to "take responsibility" but whites need to step up and own their crap as well instead of making blacks a scapegoat for their own mess or trying to sweep things under the rug. We black people are well aware of the issues that need to be addressed within the black community and guess what, those problems did not spring up overnight and they are not going away overnight either. Do whites think that they are free of their own issues? By many of the comments made here, it seems many think they are as pure as the driven snow. Au contraire mon frere. So if a discussion can be a start to something better than what has be shown here tonight, where do I sign up? More importantly, who among those here that had something hateful to say, will have the guts to sign up with me? Have the balls to come out from behind your keyboard (so to speak) and let's speak to our issues with one another. But maybe that does not suit you or your agenda. Talk does not always have to be cheap. You can contact me through the 'vine if you wish. And I'm not excluding those who are of the same mindset as justathought-3975046, not at all. It is though, the person who thinks that black people are in some way less than a white person to whom I am issuing the "throwdown".

so the only thing you can do is to move the hell out and get a better life somewhere else by getting an education, staying outta trouble and determining your own destiny...

Well, one can also stay, do all those other things, and improved black neighborhoods, to the extent any particular one needs to be improved.

So as long as all AAs are considered lazy, self-pitied victims who solely rely upon government and welfare. That they as a whole are uneducated project dwellers with no pride for themselves and others... Only vote black and do not contribute to society... then calling the same people who perpetuate those false doctrines "sick white losers" and "perverted graft devils" is fair game.

Hear, hear.

Sandie and Aman..haha you're black

Calm down, it's not something all the rest of us haven't already figured out.

@warprofiteer, from a Black man to you, "well said". Thanks for your insight and support.

First, was anyone paying attention when the article said black kids drink LESS than other racial group? Second, worry about your own households---the drug and alcohol rates among whites and non-blacks are far higher. Third, we don't need advice from a group who is involved in over 95% of the organized crime in this country, over 90% of the white collar crime that has nearly leveled the US economy, over twice as many sexual assualts against children than any other group, who also comprise the largest percentage of serial killers and mass murders in this country...Tend to the weeds in your own backyard.

How do you know that war is white will? Racist pig...

Will, I also noticed that the fact that Black kids drink LESS was buried about halfway through the article, after all the sensationalism.

Thank you Will and Cassandra for those great posts. I see the racists want to glaze over the comment about white people and other minorities drinking more alcohol.

When I saw this article I just knew there would be so many comments. As long as something about black people is in an article it gives racist cowards a chance to say what they want behind a computer, yet would never say this in the face of the people they love to talk negatively about.

Will, Tree - I believe you just completely and most difinatively proved Wars post. Any one who want fall in line with the idea that blacks can not make it on their own and but have a nanny to watch over them is a racist aren't they? The article in question was not written about who drank more, it was written about who saw more ads. As for cowards behind keyboards, where are you and what are you doing? Until the people who want to keep blacks under their control stop getting results and the blacks in reference begin to believe in themselves in lieu of life long dependency, they will continue to be enslaved by the monthly check writer.

ncm - isn't there a responsible way of doing that? Better education maybe? Better enforcement of truancy laws? Gun control in ghettos? All anyone ever talks about is taking more things away from minorities but never focuses on their betterment. If they haven't been able to pull themselves up by the boot straps thus far, what makes you think taking more away from them is going to solve everything and make them rely on the government less?? How does a group of millions of people pull themselves up by the boot straps if we keep taking less of them?

Will-4219255

Over 90% of the white collar crime that has nearly leveled the US economy, over twice as many sexual assualts against children than any other group, who also comprise the largest percentage of serial killers and mass murders in this country...Tend to the weeds in your own backyard.

Agreed.

However, We ashould not be playing the blame game.

I think we all should band together and remove all our "weeds" but thats just wishful thinking.

So, I have a question. Are there ANY current or past negative trends, disproportionate findings, negative stigmas, negative stereotypes, negative perceptions or behaviors within the black community which THEY THEMSELVES are in direct fault or responsibility for? Anything at all???

No! They are just like Obama with the economy....none of it is their fault.

Good question Vet. I dare say there are few negative perceptions or behaviors which they would accept responsibility for but you know how it is. When you do something great, EVERYBODY want credit but when you make a mistake then you're on your own. We as a society cannot win against the black populace here in this country. It'll be an eternity before the black population has had their fill of demanding reparations for the slavery issue while continuing to promote separation and racism (see Mrs. Black America, BET Television, NAACP, ad nauseum) but I, for one, will NOT drink the koolaid pushed upon the public by those who would make me believe that I PERSONALLY owe the entire black population a debt of any sort. What it all boils down to is PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and that is something that not many out there desire to accept.

I am so sick of these so called studies saying its harder to be black, @!$%# off what about affermitive action, the NAACP and many other programs directed and the blsck population to do nothing more then help them. I wanna start the NAAWP (National Association for the Advancement of White People) i bet instantly this organization would be called racist or the next KKK. Black people get it both ways they get all the help they want, can scream racisim at any time, and they can segragate themselves into little group, NAACP, BET, BOUNCE network, what if there was a WET (White entertainment Televison) that would probably be racist as well. now i bet someone on here will call me a racist and to those people i say that i am not doing anything diffrent then any of the above mentioned groups, standing up for my race, and untill the day comes when people pull there head out of there ASS and realize that we are all part of the same race, the human race, i will keep on thinking the way i am.

TRUE FREEDOM7414

I am so sick of these so called studies saying its harder to be black, @!$%# off what about affermitive action, the NAACP and many other programs directed and the blsck population to do nothing more then help them. I wanna start the NAAWP (National Association for the Advancement of White People) i bet instantly this organization would be called racist or the next KKK. Black people get it both ways they get all the help they want, can scream racisim at any time, and they can segragate themselves into little group, NAACP, BET, BOUNCE network, what if there was a WET (White entertainment Televison) that would probably be racist as well. now i bet someone on here will call me a racist and to those people i say that i am not doing anything diffrent then any of the above mentioned groups, standing up for my race, and untill the day comes when people pull there head out of there ASS and realize that we are all part of the same race, the human race, i will keep on thinking the way i am

Someone seems to forget that the NAACP was set up for a reason.....

Most "AA" groups you see up are a direct result of black people not being able to join "white" groups, Call it karma full swing.

Who asked for BET, I didnt not - Personally If your worth your salt being a human being you should never watch that channel.

You keep thinking the way you do, Because no matter what changes that occur - you'll never change.

Someone also does not know that white people get handouts too, try again.

So, you must also live in a Sugar and rainbow world where racism does not exist, either that or your some nut that think most black people are looking to kill you....

Do yourself a favor, do some actual research before you open your mouth and spew garbadge.

Or go join the KKK, Hells angels, Aryan Nation, Pecker woods - I can go on.

You want us all to "get along" yet you sprout all this bull? Please.

jawzee that is such a stupid and silly response..I am sure there are people in every race and ethnicity that just like to drink and get high..if you cannot give an intelligent and thoughtful response on the topic stfu..I think the artist who put out these music videos need to be held accountable..this article is nothing but a way for MSN to rile the waters..

LOL Heavenandearth,

You said the same thing that I said..,but you think your statement is more intelligent and thoughtful..

I think the artist who put out these music videos need to be held accountable

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.... what do you think the response would be, from the black community, if you tried to censor black rappers and tell them they can't depict alcohol or cigarette use in their "art" form...raps, rap videos, etc....?

That's right! They'd scream racism for THAT, too.

Jax you've hit the nail on the head and I applaud you. So true sir/maam, so true.

WHAT PART OF BLACK YOUTH ACTUALLY DRINKING LESS THAN OTHER GROUPS DON'T YOU GET. So who cares about the videos...who cares about the artists. It's obvious Black Youth have much better sense than that.

Wish 1/2 the folks posting did....morons

Actually JAX, you are wrong. A certain New York Minister who is now a College President challenged the record industry to stop promoting violence and other anti-social behavior in rap music. At the time, violent lyrics and so forth was seen as a glorification of evil in rap music.

In fact, he rented a bulldozer and crushed the CDs in protest as a public statement against certain rap lyrics. It was nationally televised. His name is Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY.

His vigilence was rewarded by death threats and a promise to get a bullet in his head if he didn't mind his business. Look it up. I don't need to because I witnessed the incidents. Nothing is new under the sun and if you didn't know... now you know.

I read about the stand Rev. Butts took....steel guts inside that guy !

Chuck, you just proved my point. This guy sounds just like Bill Cosby, who said he and his colleagues lived through the hell of the civil rights movement so young black people could actually have the opportunities to go to college and get educated and lead better lives... not just join gangs, become baby daddies, shoplift, deal drugs, and shoot each other up... and Bill Cosby was met with the same reaction you're talking about as well.

Not only can white people not speak out against the faults of black society these days, apparently, neither can black people.

If the Jax in your moniker means Jacksonville, Fl, Then I can understand your remark seeing as how Jacksonville is one of the most racist, stupidest places I have ever had the misfortune to reside within. The bad far outweighs any good in Jacksonville. To top it off, it's in the state of Floriduh!

Sorry for your luck Sandie, but I've lived in New England states all my life. If stupid people, as you claim, live in Jacksonville FL, I'm sure you feel right at home.

Yeah, New England's pretty umm, homogeneous isn't it? So your comment makes even more sense.....to racists. But I suppose if that is all one knows.............

Yeah DonW but that wouldn't incite people to argue and be at odds as much a this title. MSN...the great insidious divider!

dootiumus - MSN can't be blamed for the fact that people don't actually read the articles before commenting. Call it race baiting but you'd actually have to get past the headline to know that it isn't. The obvious knee jerk reaction is WELL DANG THOSE BLACK YOUTHS but after fully reading the article, people should be asking themselves why alcohol companies are focusing their advertising on African-American youth if they are drinking less than the other groups.

It's bigoted? Really? Would it be bigotry to suggest that whites drink significantly more than blacks do? The data and DUI statistics indicate that is the case by a large margin...and I agree. Or is talking the truth about whites the only acceptable form of criticism and accountability (regardless of the harm to our public image)?

Poor Pat G. Your head is so far up your azz, it'd take 10 pounds of lube and a crow bar to pry it out. The pure hatred comes from you for hating yourself. Stop projecting your own loathing onto others. Dumbazz...

I don't think the article is bigoted, I think there are a lot of truth in it. The operative question is "What do we do about the problem?" By we, I mean all of us. As warprofiteer suggested above, it takes all of us.

Although the numbers are a little off...you are absolutely correct. My interaction with whites and blacks throughout my life has always been that whites drink alcohol significantly much more than blacks. Even more, whites drink to the point of extreme intoxication too.

Could it be because the blacks prefer more illicit means on getting into an altered state of consciousness - crack over bud lite?

@the thinker: BINGO! DING! DING! DING! WE HAVE A WINNER!

the thinker - your assumption about crack shows you are not familiar with african-american youth. Marijuana would be their drug of choice. Regardless - you should be asking yourself why advertising companies are targeting African-American youth if they are not the ones drinking heavily.

And I guess whites are not cooking, selling and doing meth like they won't be cooking, selling and doing it within the next 30 minutes. Meth, heroin, grandma's medicine cabinet and liquor seem to be the drugs of choice for the little white boys and girls these days. A visit to granny ain't what it used to be.

Granny used to run mooshine, now she's all Sons of Anarchy....

If they aren't trying to stir up racial hatred they are pumping out their anti-gun agenda. And they also combine them - it's the whites' fault for making them buy illegal guns and shoot each other.

Don't forget to throw in the class warfare as well.

It's the RICH white folks' fault for making black people watch more TV, do more drugs and obtain illegal guns to shoot each other...and oh yeah, RICH white folks created the AIDS virus just to kill black people too.

someone finally put it all together THANK YOU Chuck'sterUSA.

You Obviously never heard of Marilyn Manson or Slipknot Both rock....What do you think the "white" kids in your nieghborhood listen to.....

There isnt much in the black community that is their fault. None at all. The white man did this to them. I mean, it's ONLY been 50 years since the Civil Rights Act was passed.

Here we go again with "reparations" , are the blacks today better off than they would have been in todays Africa? Ok let America pay "reparations" but all who take it also get a one-way ticket to Africa and lose American citizenship. Then they will have been made whole and America can mow down the empty gettos.

Reparations have already been paid 100x's over. If you added up the wages if slaves got paid in the 1800's it would be nothing compared to the welfare and college funds that have been paid out with today's prices.

Franks - Fine. We will go back to Africa. Could you tell us where they got us from so we could go back to our original villages? Oh you can't? Then we're not leaving.

Mindya- Going back to Africa notwithstanding...you may be able to pin down the area of your origin by DNA testing, which is getting less expensive. If you do have an interest, here is a novel idea: I'm of Scandanavian descent, and I can and have visited the "old country". Surprisingly, you just get a ticket, fly in to the nearest airport and check it out. You just travel to Africa as you would to Atlanta, Chicago or Acapulco

Your original village is pinning it down too close. However, enough history is known to find your area and more importantly for considering slavery...the history of the tribe/group your ancestors might have been fighting with in the era when Europeans bought slaves in Africa. Almost all of the enslaved Africans were sold to Europeans by Africans. By the time your ancestors were sold as slaves, they were already slaves in africa, chained to the wall by Africans in the slave market.

Frankly, I'd recommend staying here, because Africa is a dangerous, disease ridden, economically challenged continent. Overpopulated, undereducated and fearing AIDS. Reparations will never be paid, because Africa owes the most. Other blacks enslaved your ancestors. Have they offered to pay? 600,000 whites died during the Civil War, freeing the slaves. Debt paid.

Now...even though I don't recommend moving to Africa, if you hate this country and are unwilling to accept history and move on, maybe that is an option. Africa won't give you much sympathy, and there aren't enough white people to bother blaming them for how things are.

Steve - I was being facetious. I am not leaving this country because I was born and raised here just like everybody else.

and your last paragraph - wow dude f you. Where in my comment do you see me blaming white people for how things are or asking for reparation? All i said was that nobody has a right to tell me to leave this country. The rest is just you assigning your stereotype of how black people think/feel about this country to me. I don't think reparation is necessary in 2012 and i do believe it's time to let that one go. Thanks for speaking FOR me, instead of listening to me though.

No thank you. I was speaking generally about persons who blame whites for black problems. (you will admit this happens going both ways). And you might admit that reparations have been discussed. So...again I was speaking generally. Of course you shouldn't leave the country unless you wish to. It is true that Africa is NOT sympathetic to American blacks, and not hard to research. Visiting American blacks in Africa are often assaulted for being "too rich". (sound familiar?)

So...sorry if I sterotyped you. Didn't mean to. The other thing, about travelling to your ancestral lands, is something I wish more people would try. I did, I learned a lot and it wasn't all that expensive. It can be eye opening.

By the time your ancestors were sold as slaves, they were already slaves in africa, chained to the wall by Africans in the slave market.

Reparations will never be paid, because Africa owes the most. Other blacks enslaved your ancestors. Have they offered to pay? 600,000 whites died during the Civil War, freeing the slaves. Debt paid.

Now...even though I don't recommend moving to Africa, if you hate this country and are unwilling to accept history and move on, maybe that is an option. Africa won't give you much sympathy, and there aren't enough white people to bother blaming them for how things are.

Yes, Ok - What does that mean hmmm? So Rival tribes decided to in-slave my own people. What point are you trying to make?

That there was no supply or demand? That its OK? to buy people because there selling?

Almost all of the enslaved Africans were sold to Europeans by Africans.

Partially true, Your basically telling me that most tribes were war like and willing to sell there there own for little next to nothing.

Non-sense.

Your also telling me that All those Europeon's were all rich guys capable of buying up the population, at such an extent.

Non-sense.

Why is it the "educated" people always play the blame game? When this happens it all goes into a continuous circle - this will not help. Imjust pointing it out.

Africa is among one of the many Resource Dense Country'son this sh*t planet - It is STILL to this day getting Milked by Various Country's world-wide.

A shame that their Politicians are the same as other Politicians on the planet, All of them Corrupt and deserve a bullet to the head.

600,000 whites died during the Civil War, freeing the slaves.

Using our own military this day as a comparison, Our own Government points AND we do, No questions asked. (questions that are asked are often side-stepped and ignored.)

Most of those "whites that fought" did not do this out of the goodness of there heart, they did this on orders. Military Bravado and Rhetoric, Promise.

Illusions of patriotism and honor- with pride on the line Vs the Confederate's, is what drove them mainly.

Abraham lincoln - "My paramount object in this struggle, is to save the Union and it not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it..."

"Free them, and make them politically and socially, our equals? My own feelings will not admit of this; and if mine would, we well know that those of the great mass of white people will not."

Freedom is something that your born with, This country was founded on Slave labor, Imperalism and Rhetoric.

We dont owe anyone ANYTHING.

When this owe game is played, You might as well give the land back to the Native Americans they deserve it.

Seriously. Its there land, But thats for another day.

I'm not looking for "reparations" I just dont like it when people get it twisted - about history that is.

You do know that the primary consumers of rap music are White youths, right?

Other than that, your post deserves no further comment. "Maybe the black kids sit in front of the tv more..." "And they idolize the dead beat rappers and hip hop thugs"... As a mother of a Black boy who does NOT, I am offended.

Stephanie,

You are offended? How cliche'. Who isnt these days? You being offended offends me.

Blogs are such an easy way for cowards to throw raging insults towards others that they would never do in person. I have worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years and if you believe your actions on a day-to-day basis are not influenced by advertising and imagines you are exposed to, you must spend countless hours daily researching the products and choices you make for every aspect of your life---which you don't. As a mom of 2 teenage boys, I appreciate that there is a lot of research being done on the impact of alcohol on teens and the exposure. Rap music is consumed heavily by white teens and the amount of drinking at smoking pot is a lot greater--mainly due to overindulgence of parents in things rather than parenting. Until just a year ago, major billboard companies had actual rate cards that had different rates based on the prevailing race of where the ads targeted. It said "African-American" and "Hispanic" on the rate sheets. Radio has managed it differently by referencing the genre more with terms like "Urban". The reality exists whether you want to accept it or not.

As many of you are commnenting on why MSN is publishing this, etc, well, if it wasn't of interest to you and you weren't the target of the information, why did you choose to take the time to read it and then to respond with such anger. Sorta like I don't like strip clubs and they are not targeted to me, so I don't go in them and then begin to berate everyone in there.

It is unfortunate that for those touting to "live on the other side of the tracks" and using terms like "them" and making other generalizations--where you live, what you have been exposed to and the money you have made couldn't bring you out of Mental Poverty--otherwise known as ignorance.

Go read the articles that appeal to you and stop spewing your hatred to those of us that may want to have an intelligent conversation about the topic.

• !

#24.1 - Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:38 AM EDT

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I accidentally thanked you for this idiotic post and that was a mistake. I find it funny that you talk about black people love rap music when one of the largest (if not the largest) groups of buyers of rap music is suburban white boys. Hmmm...go figure!

Black people are not keeping these rappers popular; your young white sons are helping out in a major way.

Thank you treebee and stephanie. Guess who owns BET? A white man. You wanna talk trash about how harmful hip hop is to the African-American community? Talk to them. When I was in college, I didn't know a single African American who watched BET. That speaks volumes. Educated African-Americans aren't watching that garbage.

@tc88rider Marijuana plants were here before any of that, not to mention that marijuana is natural, alcohol is not @ Stephanie and anyone else who say young white boys are the largest buyers of Rap music-----Bull@!$%# maybe in your run down ghetto neighborhood, trying to fit in with the rest of the worthless ghetto rats sucking up the nations money because they would rather sell drugs and collect welfare then be a positive influance on society. around my part of this country the "young white boys" are out spending time with there familys, friends and yes maybe they listen to a little hip hop or r&b but no one cares about Jay Z or P diddy, they are all a bunch of self serving brats---loojk at what racist ass kanya west (or however you spell it) did to taylor swift at the music award show a couple of years back. if a white singer had done that to a cracked head Whitney Houston then all hell would have broke lose and there probably would have been riots. I dont blame the alcohol, the hip hop industry, celebrites, i blame the parrents teach your kids, read to your kids, turn the damn TV off and play a board game, go ouotside, let your kids have positive interactions with you instead of yelling at them and making them look else where for an idol.

STOP WITH THE EXCUSSES.....TAKE TIME TO BE A PARRENT AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS AMERICA

Did you read the article? African-American youth drink LESS than other groups. The question you should be asking yourself is why are they focusing all of this energy on advertising to a group who isn't consuming their product?

I've got a feeling that you have something interesting to say. It's just that you have no grammatical skills. Try learning how to write and then come back and post.

sighber--that is the most intelligent comment on this page. Blogs are such an easy way for cowards to throw raging insults towards others that they would never do in person. I have worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years and if you believe your actions on a day-to-day basis are not influenced by advertising and imagines you are exposed to, you must spend countless hours daily researching the products and choices you make for every aspect of your life---which you don't. As a mom of 2 teenage boys, I appreciate that there is a lot of research being done on the impact of alcohol on teens and the exposure. Rap music is consumed heavily by white teens and the amount of drinking at smoking pot is a lot greater--mainly due to overindulgence of parents in things rather than parenting. Until just a year ago, major billboard companies had actual rate cards that had different rates based on the prevailing race of where the ads targeted. It said "African-American" and "Hispanic" on the rate sheets. Radio has managed it differently by referencing the genre more with terms like "Urban". The reality exists whether you want to accept it or not.

As many of you are commnenting on why MSN is publishing this, etc, well, if it wasn't of interest to you and you weren't the target of the information, why did you choose to take the time to read it and then to respond with such anger. Sorta like I don't like strip clubs and they are not targeted to me, so I don't go in them and then begin to berate everyone in there.

It is unfortunate that for those touting to "live on the other side of the tracks" and using terms like "them" and making other generalizations--where you live, what you have been exposed to and the money you have made couldn't bring you out of Mental Poverty--otherwise known as ignorance.

Go read the articles that appeal to you and stop spewing your hatred to those of us that may want to have an intelligent conversation about the topic.

Why does it have to be "the race card" again? Studies are done all the time on youths of ALL races, not just Black kids.

Blogs are such an easy way for cowards to throw raging insults towards others that they would never do in person. I have worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years and if you believe your actions on a day-to-day basis are not influenced by advertising and imagines you are exposed to, you must spend countless hours daily researching the products and choices you make for every aspect of your life---which you don't. As a mom of 2 teenage boys, I appreciate that there is a lot of research being done on the impact of alcohol on teens and the exposure. Rap music is consumed heavily by white teens and the amount of drinking at smoking pot is a lot greater--mainly due to overindulgence of parents in things rather than parenting. Until just a year ago, major billboard companies had actual rate cards that had different rates based on the prevailing race of where the ads targeted. It said "African-American" and "Hispanic" on the rate sheets. Radio has managed it differently by referencing the genre more with terms like "Urban". The reality exists whether you want to accept it or not.

As many of you are commnenting on why MSN is publishing this, etc, well, if it wasn't of interest to you and you weren't the target of the information, why did you choose to take the time to read it and then to respond with such anger. Sorta like I don't like strip clubs and they are not targeted to me, so I don't go in them and then begin to berate everyone in there.

It is unfortunate that for those touting to "live on the other side of the tracks" and using terms like "them" and making other generalizations--where you live, what you have been exposed to and the money you have made couldn't bring you out of Mental Poverty--otherwise known as ignorance.

Go read the articles that appeal to you and stop spewing your hatred to those of us that may want to have an intelligent conversation about the topic.

• !

#24.1 - Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:38 AM EDT

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Go read the articles that appeal to you and stop spewing your hatred to those of us that may want to have an intelligent conversation about the topic.

Just my 2 cents? Guess we struck a nerve, huh?

Sorry if the fact that this is a public messagboard where people are allowed to post their thoughts and opinions bothers you...but guess what...that's exactly what it is... a public messageboard.

You say you want "intelligent conversation" but offer "you're all hateful, ignorant and cowardly" as what, clever discourse?

Not so much striking a nerve as much as disbelief that there is so much animosity and a need for a platform to spew so much anger and hatred and divisiveness--there are so many different types of black people and white people and other races/heritages. The stereotyping is unbelievable. African Americans don't always equate to bad parenting, drugs, drinking, living in the inner city. Living in the inner city doesn't equate to poor parenting. Money doesn't equate to morals or good parenting and drinking/drug issues are really color-blind, neighborhood and financial status neutral. You know that.

I would challenge you to have a personal open conversation with a variety of people you see everyday that are not necessarily of your same race, gender, age and mindset with the same level of inflamatory dialogue so easily typed behind this shield of secrecy. Might help others understand the world better because of your insights and who knows, maybe you may learn a bit more.