Jill Nelson writes: "What I care about is Black community, culture, and conscience, and that's what I see being bought and sold for a few ducats." This seems contrary to her main point that hip-hop culture (so-called) is NOT equivalent to Black culture, even though it is sold as such. Perhaps she meant that American Black cultural heritage is betrayed and obliterated by hip-hop and its promoters.

Ms. Nelson concludes her Oscars piece with: "Perhaps recent events are evidence that we are now truly integrated into American culture, that we finally belong. Instead of having to be overqualified and superbly talented, and possessed of a vision greater than the individual, now Black people can get rich being just as mediocre and small-minded as the worst of White folks."

This is not integration. The fact that hip-hop is identified as Black culture most surely spotlights American segregation - with white people still claiming the intellectual high ground by being able to point down to the animalistic thugs whose so-called artistry is sold as authentic Blackness. With persons whose only value system is crass commercialism promoting and being enriched by this self-serving cultural segregation. The American entertainment industry is totally committed to preserving - no, to aggravating - the racial status quo.

. . . hey, is this the Discuss![i/] Forum?