People we read about in magazines, see speak on television or hear on the radio all influence our attitudes and behaviors of how we might treat someone. Stephen Balkaran of Yale Political Quarterly points out that because of the media’s focus of African-American males on crime, the use of drugs and gang violence, a distorted and spiteful public perception of African-American males has been created.

In addition, cultures in America have suffered from a deep uncertainty as to who African-American males really are.

Stop for a moment and ask yourself a question. What is the first mental image that comes to your mind when you hear the word African-American male? If “basketball player,” “football player,” “rapper,” “purse snatcher” or “lazy, no good man” comes to mind, ask yourself: Where did I get these images from?

Furthermore, ask yourself exactly how many African-American males you know. If the answer to this question is two or fewer, it can be assumed the media have miseducated you on what the characteristics of an African-American male are.

In Marxist class theory, Marx argued that society has two classes: the exploited, or working class, and the exploiters, or owners of the means of production. He further stressed that one class ultimately will overpower the other using any necessary means.

The media and some law enforcement officials have this title hands-down. They are representative of exploiters who will take advantage of the working class, or African-American males, to boost their own ego.

In every ethnic culture, there are disruptive and irresponsible individuals – whether they be white, Hispanic or Asian. The media should not take a handful of negative situations and present that as representation of one’s culture. While it is within the media’s right to present to the community what is taking place – good or bad – it is also within the right of the media to report fairly and equally on this subject.

Lastly, for readers who might not be aware, there are African-American males in DeKalb and around the country who are educated; who are fathers taking care of their children; who are husbands, lawyers or doctors; and who are mentors. However, in Hollywood, these examples are seldom shown. For example, Denzel Washington, a great African-American actor, admired and well-liked among different cultures, received an Oscar for an excellent acting job in the 2001 movie “Training Day” – awarded for this film over other great movie roles because of his great performance as a corrupt cop.

I would suggest not worrying about the African-American male if he looks half-dressed and messy, according to individual standards. Instead, the guy many of us should be worried about is the investor in the $800 suit and shiny shoes – the Wall Street broker. This guy represents a Fortune 500 company and is trying to decide how much money he is going to lie about and tell you he has in your investment or retirement fund. In comparison, the typical African-American male, even if dressed messily, is hardly your biggest threat.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.