I don’t have a general answer that fits all black men. I believe there are good ones out there and there are some who can be reprogrammed to do better if that is what is required of them. There are also those who are dogs and are only looking out for their own needs. I’d tell you what I tell my daughters, “You can’t control their behavior but you can control your own. Set high standards and don’t accept anything less.” It helps to be crystal clear about what your standards are.

There are a whole lot of social and economic factors that shape black men in general. In many ways, they are forced into competition with black women and some don’t find their way around it. Also, certain types of behavior are reinforced from childhood, certain behavior from a boy is considered “mannish” while a girl would be considered “fast.” This behavior is encouraged not only by men but by women. There is also a lacking in role models who promote monogamy and respect.

But all that is in general, there are good ones out there, waste as little time as possible dismissing the bad ones. People show you who they are… believe them.