I have a problem. Jeffrey McCants compared rap music to minstrel shows (“Rap music reinforces old black stereotypes,” May 3). I was very offended.

It is unfortunate that today’s youth are highly affected by popular culture. The band whose members performed at a predominantly rock and roll event felt threatened. It sounds as if they weren’t good anyway. Curse words and space fillers are always substitution for lack of skill in rap music. You should have chosen to ignore them.

When you have a problem with society and its portrayal of black youth, you should think. There are too many students who search for identity in self. Because we lack strong leaders in the black community there is a problem. It is easier to identify with environment, as families migrate to the suburbs. They limit their children to popular culture.

The media has had a field day on black youth expressing themselves in music. Those who give attention to ignorance spread ignorance. Although rap music is extremely graphic, when used skillfully, it is a voice to poverty and oppression. I can openly listen to messages in rap music and understand hope. My environment does not define me. I have taken bits and pieces of life’s experience and molded into a man who can think for himself.

We as a nation need to heal. Only then can we understand why people behave a certain way. It is unfortunate those who struggle with identity come from different areas. It is by grace we experience a good education and a safe environment. When struggling with being black, it is hard to view yourself compared to those around you. Adapting to the social environment is not always the best answer for self identity as taught by Charles Darwin.

In my past I have struggled to live in a poor neighborhood and be called proper. Those from nice areas thought I was a heartless thug. I chose to love self and define self positive through experience. Learn from people’s mistakes. Make an honest judgment about people before you pass judgment. When you make the mistake of abusing power, you hurt yourself and cripple others around you when you give attention to ignorance.

Tony JenkinsColumbus, Ohio