Anybody watch the Grammys tonight?

What you can't be critical of is cultures that are what they are because of
 long term oppression by others .

If you have no true understanding of Historical forces you will, at best, have a 2d view of a 3d world .

"Those who do not understand history remain forever a child "
  Cicero

No cultural behavior is immune from criticism based on  observational behavior or customs particularly if such behavior is detrimental to some of its members. I based this on my own urban experiences (Detroit and Chicago) circa 1960s-1970s. I cannot speak for the childhood/youth experiences of others here. Only my first hand exposure. Schubert I suspect our backgrounds are probably quite different and no doubt informs our respective viewpoints. No problem. 
Charles 

I could not agree more with the relevance of the history of it all and that consideration of that history and compassion for the ill effects of oppression during that history are more than warranted. However, why is it then that so many of the issues that come into play, everything from the quality of the music to the strength of values that promote success as a foil to oppression were less of a problem, not now, but at a time when the oppression was truly rampant? I don’t claim to have the answer, but given my own life experience as a minority I have learned that, ultimately, every culture has to take responsibility for movement toward something better. As concerns music, the specific topic most relevant to this thread, we are speaking of individuals who are multimillionaires and have benefitted greatly from this (in their case) “oppressive” environment. Is it possible that maybe, just maybe, it’s possible to be too compassionate?

czarivey, you are quite correct there are genuine artists of every color currently.

If you are suggesting that “true tough love” means to insist on some level of accountability, that is what I’m saying and we agree. If you are suggesting that “true tough love” means to not hold those previously oppressed accountable for negative and destructive behavior today then we disagree. Again, why now more than before? I submit it is in part because those (us) outside of their community are making too many decisions for them; a form of oppression unto itself however well intended the effort may be. The idea that there is no room for criticism because of oppression previously suffered strikes me as very condescending of those that one is trying to shield from criticism and opens too many doors for potential abuses, political and otherwise. By that logic there is no room for criticism of the very society (American) that perpetrated the oppression since that society was itself founded as an escape from oppression. I understand very well what you are saying and I admire your level of compassion. I can only speak from my personal experience and what I see around me. As a legal immigrant to this country who had to escape one of the worst possible forms of oppression (Communism) and who came here without parents and without a cent in my pocket the idea of society insisting on “helping” me beyond helping to get me on my feet would be unacceptable. Again, why now more than before?
Regards.