Well, the media circus has disappeared and the hoopla will soon dwindle away now that black Muslim leader Louis Farrakhan has left NIU.

Farrakhan spoke charismatically on Tuesday in the Chick Evans Field House and had the full attention of his spectators. He said many interesting things and brought up good points.

But now that it is over, it is up to individuals to decide how they will let his words affect them. Each point he made was worth consideration, but people should consider them with an open mind and draw their own conclusions.

Is it true that people don’t know enough about themselves to join with other racial groups?

Do black children tend to join gangs because of a lack of organized activities?

Should homosexuals be condemned for their “sexual deviance?”

Should educators be paid more than football heroes?

Is the U.S. government covering up scandals that could explain the spread of the AIDS virus?

Is the white upper class giving automatic weapons to black gang members, thinking the black people will kill each other in return?

No matter how people answer these questions or any others that arise from Farrakhan’s speech, people should honor at least one of his suggestions: Take in all that was said and taught, but reach beyond what is presented and improve upon it so our nation can progress educationally and socially.