Read about Richard Aoki, the Japanese field marshall of the original Black Panther Party. The Panthers weren't totally racially motivated, you can't bypass the fact that they were socialist... they were class orientated with racial overtones, because they understood no one would do for the black community like blacks would, like the Young lords understood no one would do for PR's like Pr's, like the Brown Berets understood no one would do for Chicanos/Mexicans like Chicanos/Mexicans, et cetera.
And don't forget their lunch programs, clothing programs, busing programs, child development centers, free dental programs... they did so much more than fight fire with fire as you say, and it's actually sad that you as a person of color would diminish their attributes and contribution to society to violently confronting the police.
And don't forget their lunch programs, clothing programs, busing programs, child development centers, free dental programs... they did so much more than fight fire with fire as you say, and it's actually sad that you as a person of color would diminish their attributes and contribution to society to violently confronting the police.
when did i say i didnt agree with their beliefs or like you would say "diminish their attributes and contributions"? i'm aware that they have made positive contributions to the communities of their time. but because i dont agree with violence any longer unless threatened and because i've contributed to the exact things that allow the system and law enforcement to racially profile minorities, i'm sad or wrong? i've been profiled and railroaded by the system. i have every reason to be anti this and anti that and very bitter. but at the end of the day i keep it real with myself and understand i gave them the reason. i've rubbed elbows with some very radical individuals on the streets and behind the walls. that doesnt make me special but definately gives me a first hand look at the real picture. for media purposes it sounds very good, i agree. but behind the scenes it isnt what it seems. criminal activity is criminal activity. because the law prohibits it, they are profiling and targeting. there are innocent people that suffer but there are the guilty that claim to suffer. there is a difference.