Black vs. Asian

What's the difference in thinking between Blacks and Asians?

Asians own the corner stores, nail salons and beauty supply chains where many Blacks spend their money.

Many Blacks see themselves as the customers and not the owners.

But can movies (or popular culture) influence this thinking?

Jet Li (above) possess the power to overcome in The One.

It is up to him to unlock his inherent power.

Stephen Chow goes from being a broke small time criminal to Master in Kung Fu Hustle.

This revelation is only realized after a long and arduous process that brings him near death.

Madea plays like a Mary J. Blige song - "I'm So Pitiful" being it's approach to problem solving.

The Tyler Perry characters never possess an inner strength that has yet to be realized.

The characters are always just getting by and never rise to a self awareness that is beyond what others expect of them.

The characters always settle for just enough to get to the next bad situation.

The Wayans choose to be the clown in the tragedy of life.

Is this bad?

No, not really - but there has to be an example of a Black film maker who understands more than the "Just Get By" school of thought.

When Black film makers are criticized for their lack of inspiration, their supporters are quick to outline the "reality" of their work.

Maybe this is the flaw in any attempt to raise the bar for Blacks.

Maybe too many American Blacks feel as though it is their place to be the eternal victim.

Maybe too many American Blacks can't comprehend being in the top position.

Maybe our failure is that too many can't even imagine being anything other than a clown or a victim.

Maybe our common perception of ourselves is what is really holding many of us back.

Maybe we need to change the way we view ourselves and not worry so much about how others view us.