Superman was on TV, espousing truth, justice and the American way.  There were also the Lone Ranger and John Wayne touting strong character.  Being an American meant having courage, standing up for what is right, and always trying to do the right thing.  We were the world's good guys. As a child of the 1960s, I bought it all.  Such standards and virtues were not difficult to believe in, as I saw them exercised daily in my home through my preacher dad.  Not saying that dad walked on water, but for the most part, my four younger siblings and I knew that Dad always strove to do what he thought was right. Though we are a black family, we were never taught to think of ourselves as victims of anyone or anything.  As a little boy living in the projects of Baltimore, I remember Dad, who worked as a laborer, driving me through wealthy white neighborhoods.  Dad told me that if I got an education and worked hard, I could have a beautiful home and live...(Read Full Article)