Wow. That was an interesting, loaded comment. I think the discrimination part is correct but needs to be modified with their own cultural contribution to their

Wow. That was an interesting, loaded comment. I think the discrimination part is correct but needs to be modified with their own cultural contribution to their problems. Like with your women reference, attitude and priorities go a long way to improving success in a biased or hostile environment. Going to black schools, I got to listen to them tell me lies about their experiences that they were too young for that I later heard their parents saying. The defeatist or defensive mindset was passed down based on the parent's worst experiences with them still believing that's all that happens to them even when their situation was better (eg black-controlled city or schools w/ no oppression). There were others, much fewer, that believed they could do anything they set their mind to, studied, and got stuff done. Like their parents. Then there was the thug culture where a subset told me it was cool to sell hard drugs for piles of cash, get/play women, and kill who was a problem. Later I found some of their lines were from black music and movies. Also some realistic thinking about how most "honest" jobs are evil companies exploiting people for profiting owners so why not take risk to make more cash for themselves? (Sounds more like startups, eh?) So, very important to remember a culture contributing to a vicious cycle that started with their enslavement or racism by whites plus increased with some of their own traditions. The OP's experience fits in perfect as the stories they looked for were the same shit the blacks in school told me "always happens" to blacks but not anyone else. Right... Note: They were also convinced whites had their whole life handled to them, never experienced ostracism, and so on. Other myths creating an us vs them attitude that I later found was human nature in general. All groups do it unless they explicitly counter it like, say, the two of us each stated trying to identify our biases & reduce them. Most folks don't do that enough, esp for heated topics. So, traditional beliefs (including bullshit) spread faster than objective analysis of past or current situation. "Yes, the Black community in the U.S. has real and serious problems. This man's experience is not the norm. But I think he has a valid criticism of the media here. Blacks routinely complain that they are underrepresented in media and they lack good role models because of racism by Whites who control so much media, yet he can't get his story published in a major Black medium because it isn't enough of a sob story. I think that is a completely legitimate thing to point out as something very wrong with the system." Great overview. "wondering if I need to just quit trying to be helpful and just focus on figuring out how to solve my own financial problems" A problem we share. I'm already doing R&D, online stuff, etc way too much. I probably should focus on short-term elimination of major problems (esp financial & some stressors) with most or all my effort with high focus. I give same recommendation to you, too. Just allocate a small amount of time to stuff like your blog or HN with majority on improving your situation. Just don't quit entirely as I doubt I'm only one who will miss your good comments whether they're those I agree with or disagree. It's what I'm going to do when I switch employers as this one drains my energy too much. R&D, HN, etc are how I recharge my brain. :) "it sure as hell does not give a flying fuck about me, so why should I give a flying fuck about it, only to be kicked in the teeth for it?" It's in your nature to be helpful and write. At least, I think so based on what you've said. So, you should continue doing it to some degree. Life might be tough being who you really are but far more satisfying than being fake out of bitterness or greed you don't really believe in. Again, if those are your traits. I have no idea.