Analyst rejects 'culture of failure' - He says blacks must get past citing grievances

Juan Williams, a journalist who chronicled the civil rights movement, challenged African Americans on Monday to reject the "culture of failure" and grievance that he said characterizes today's black popular culture.

And he challenged all Americans to level the playing field of opportunity for everybody, regardless of race.

Williams drew a prolonged standing ovation from a racially and politically diverse audience at a Charlotte luncheon. Around 250 people attended the event, sponsored by the conservative John Locke Foundation.

Williams, an analyst for National Public Radio and Fox News, discussed the themes of his new book, "Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America - and What We Can Do About It" (Random House, $25).

Too often, Williams said, popular culture, through everything from hip-hop music to media images, glorifies violence, aggression and sex, and denigrates education. He called acceptance of such standards a "poisonous message."

"We are locked in a tradition now where people put down those who are striving for success in the black community," he said.

Williams argued that the story of black American history is one of constant striving for better lives, from slavery to "the grandeur of the black civil rights struggle." Young African Americans, he said, should graduate from high school, get a job and wait until they're married to have children.

"What a radical, liberating message," he said.

In answer to a question, he described the call by some for slavery reparations as "a dead end" and "waste of time." Work and education are more important goals, he said.

Williams dismissed black leaders who play on grievances and victimization.

One questioner suggested black voters' overwhelming support for Democrats is counterproductive. He asked Williams when African Americans would start splitting their votes.

Williams turned the question around, asking when more white voters - particularly in the South - will start voting Democratic. He agreed that one-party support is not advantageous to black Americans.

Williams said Americans should get beyond race and help everybody prosper.

"We all have an investment in an America," he said, "where people believe they can move forward and succeed."

For many, Williams' remarks hit home.

"It was absolutely on target," said Bishop Phillip Davis of Nations Ford Community Church. "It's a message of empowerment that we must begin to communicate at all levels, from grade school through college."