The Roanoke Tribune, 67

The Huck Finn Saga

Looked at "60 Minutes" tonight 3/20/11 featuring Byron Pitts discussing the use of the term "Nigger" in Mark Twain's portrayal of a young white boy and his sidekick "Nigger Jim" a slave. Frankly, the book is a real and actual portrayal about race relations in the ole South...where niggers were niggers and rednecks were rednecks, and to my memory I don't recall "redneck" being used...maybe an oversight.

Maybe, if the book was about niggers and rednecks getting along as two individuals of mankind, it might make the book more palatable, and less controversial. Of course, the rule of thumb in our "polite society" is that the term "nigger" should not be used in mixed racial company and only by blacks with other blacks, unless you are rapper and can make a fortune off the joint around the world...say what??

Again, it's not who uses the word it's how it's used that seems to create the conflict...remember Laura Schlessinger?  Maybe not. So, how does this solve the dilemma with reading the book in a classroom in a mixed class? Maybe, the book should be set aside as an independent study only to be read at the discretion of those who might need extra credit and possibly a better understanding of race relations?

The "N-word" is used abundantly in the book "How One Becomes Wealthy Despite Society's Ignorance and Studpidity" along with a bunch of "F-words" but, there is a cautionary discretion letting people know that the book is not for tender-hearted nor tender-minded people...mature adults only.

Making a Difference... http://www.blackengineer.com 

"Black technology entrepreneurs are increasingly providing the horsepower that drives the global economy. Over the last two decades, black entrepreneurs have created more jobs, and contributed much more to the economic expansion of the Black community as a whole than any black pastor or politician. Black entrpreneurs are taking risks and building businesses that generate economic growth and increase prosperity in underserved areas, as more minority-owned and minority focused businesses emerge, willing to serve the financial needs of Black entrepreneurs. US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine's annual list of Top Black Technology Entrepreneurs reflects one expanding scope of leading Black entrepreneurs in information technology, homeland security, and defense."

Well-earned Braggin' Rights 

The photo to the right shows 22 year-old Arizona State wrestler Anthony Robles(top), who was born without a right leg, winning the NCAA's 125-pound title Saturday night (3-19-11) with a 7-1 victory over Iowa's defending champion Matt McDonough.