Sadly enough, this is a perpetual problem that our culture remains confined within. Blacks, as a majority, have problems with structure anyway. We just don't get it. Now when white authority presents said structure on any level, we kick and scream but acquiesce eventually. When a black is in a position of authority however, it's downright mutiny. We as a people have little respect for ourselves, so how can we expect those of that sort to have respect for one of their own. It goes back to slave and plantation mentality.

In the private sector work place it is no different. I have been a manager in my field for 15 years. I have managed all races and if I were to be honest, my biggest and most consistent challenges have always been my people. It never ceases to amaze me how most others can just initially respect my position and then later learn to respect me based on my abilities. With blacks it's always about challenge, non-conformity, confrontation, and insubordination. Let a white counterpart be in charge, however, and it's “Yes, sir … no, sir” I've seen this consistently as well, and have experienced it. You can be shopping in a department store and when approached by a black sales rep, it's: "What's up man?" or "What ya’ need bro?"

But when approaching any other race of people it's: "How are you sir?" or "May I help you?" It's just a sad commentary on the progress we haven’t made in society even after all these years.

The sad part is that the observers of our race and culture see this too. Is it any wonder respect is hard to come by? Professional athletes, especially those that make all the cheese, bite into the same mentality. Even in representation. All the competent professional agents, lawyers and accounts are available to them and they run to the white guy. Why? They believe he's better, more deserving of their trust. OUT
-- Damonant2kaol Damonant2k

I have been in management for almost 32 years and the one thing I had to always remind my fellow black brothers, as well as my sisters, is of this issue. I have called meetings to let them know this famous line of mine that goes like this: “I ain't no different than Mr. Charlie. You give him the utmost respect as your boss and you will do the same with me. I demand it. I take care of my people and my people take care of me.” But you have to get that out of the way when you first meet. My employees know that I demand loyalty, but loyalty goes both ways. The answer to your question is that no black basketball players does respect black coaches … he must demand it.
--Lanny Jackson Birmingham, AL

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