And why are black names less likely to receive a response? I know a major part of it is because people see them as less responsible, less hard working, less educated, and more of a problem than a "white" named person. But why is that? I believe it is sort of a catch-22 in society right now. Black people are more likely to be profiled negatively and therefore it causes them to have miserable lives and a poor self image which in turn causes them to be more likely to not trust the system, feel paranoid, or turn to crime and feel victimized.

I personally think the black community needs to work at setting a better image for themselves and do more to show society that they are responsible and hard working and decent members of society and to start speaking out against all the stereotypes out there about them. And I think the media has played a huge role in the negativity towards blacks and should have a responsibility in helping with reversing this, and I think we as a society need to start helping out a lot more in reversing these stereotypes in our communities.

When I think if black people, (and I don't mean any offense, but this is just what first comes to my mind) I think of the "black lives matter" movement where people storm a library and start cussing people out and shouting at them. I think of that chick who crashed Bernie Sander's rally. I think of those riots and looting after the Treyvon Martin shooting. I think of gangs, drugs, prison, beatings, guns, rape, loud and offensive rap music, disrespect, people with anger and attitude issues, baggy clothes, tattoos, and gold chains, and people who have legitimate hate towards white people.

And I know it is wrong to think this way. But somehow, some way, in my 30 years of living, society has engraved this image of black people on me. Be it through the news, music, movies, stories, bad jokes, or things I've witnessed in person. Be it half truths or lies. Somehow my mind was filled with these images and stereotypes of the black community. I was raised in a loving family, went to a diverse school, taught tolerance and acceptance, went to church, and yet I still somehow had these fears and stereotypes sneak into my inner being to distrust black people.

But yeah, a name can hold a lot of weight. You hear a name like "Steve" or "David", you're probably picturing a white guy who grew up in a decent house with a caring family who taught him to work hard, with a dog and yard. You hear a name like "Tyrone" or "DeShawn" you either picture someone who is trouble or who is going to be surrounded by trouble.

Again, it is a catch 22 because trouble breeds trouble. Fear creates more fear and anger creates more anger. I personally would like to see more and would support more efforts to help shed some more light and respect on the black community. I would really like to see more black people speak out against the violence and the stereotypes that are plaguing them. But I still stand behind my initial comment. If a black person applies themselves, has their heart in the right place, and plays by the rules, I won't see them in terms of race.

I don't think of Will Smith as a "black" guy. I don't think of Neil deGrasse Tyson as a "black" guy. I don't think of the president as a "black" guy. There is not one successful and respected "black" guy I think of a as "black" guy. When people act like responsible functioning members of society I don't see race. I just see people. And I am sure many others do to. But when you give into the stereotypes for whatever reason and act like them, you become them. And the solution is to simply not become the stereotype, and the stereotype will eventually fade.