Black America's leadership challenge

It’s not surprising that America’s cultural imperialism is reaching into the lives of millions of people around the world and particularly in Africa.

Entertainment has become the number one U.S. export via movies, videos, fashion, music and images beamed via satellite.

It’s a pity that the culture of violence, sexism, nationalism and a rampant materialism is what the world is seeing.

In cultures where respect for elders, women, marriage and traditional relationships with family were once treasured, America’s individualistic, self-centered drive for self-gratification is wrecking havoc.

The problem is as so-called Third World nations seek the affluence and advancement of Western nations, little attention is paid to the human cost of "high standards of living" and illusions of freedom.

America faces high divorce rates, high rates of sexual abuse, high rates of violence, a growing disdain for the poor, a racial gulf and a growing economic gulf between the haves and the have nots.

Americans face high levels of stress, obesity and emotional problems in a world where simple compassion seems to be a missing element and where psychologists beg parents to spend more time with their children and cut back on using television as a baby-sitter.

Is this the example that the world really wants to follow?

The Honorable Louis Farrakhan has said that America—with her diverse racial background, wealth and technological might—could be an example for the world of good, if she would give justice and embrace spiritual values that promote respect for life.

He has urged America, in general, and Black America, in particular, to reject the culture of filth and degeneracy.

"Duty to God should always come first in everything we do. The more we neglect duty to God the more the whole society falls into disrepair," writes Min. Farrakhan, in his book "A Torchlight for America."

"The artistic community has historically been in the vanguard of social change. What is needed is for the artistic community to lead a cultural revolution. ... Our gifts, as artists, are a blessing from God. We have the responsibility of the proper use of our gifts," the Minister adds.

"If the artists turn away from filth and indecency, then the people will follow. ... In every field of endeavor, good leadership has to be asserted to turn corruption, greed, filth and indecency into righteousness."

It’s time to heed that call and embrace a cultural revolution that will uplift and inspire humanity, not appeal to low desires that debase human beings.

Black Americans in song, dance and fashion are the models for many young Africans, on the Motherland and in Europe, who identify with their brothers and sisters in modern Babylon.

But the image that is embraced is a skewed one exploited by corporations who use their seductive power to create a false need for products that feed a false image.

In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, the Black liberation struggle helped to inspire the Motherland to struggle for self-determination. Black Power slogans and a commitment to justice at home, helped fuel the liberation struggle aboard.

As the new millennium approaches, what type of leadership will Black America provide for the world? Will Africa’s lost children lead the struggle for freedom, decency and righteousness, or will we be pawns used by wise but evil forces to help fuel our own destruction and the global destruction of our people?

Min. Farrakhan is an example of how a principled man, filled with the spirit of God, can carry a divine word around the globe and help heal wounds. It’s time to emulate that positive image.