This is interesting:

Each week, I receive several correspondences from black people calling me an Uncle Tom, a race traitor and that sort of thing.

The most recent epithets came as a result of my column asking Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp to shut his mouth, stop acting like a child and get back to playing the exemplary football that made him a repeat Pro Bowler.

Weeks later, I am still being accused of dissing not only Sapp but African-American culture itself. So, the question is: Exactly what is African-American, or black, culture?

According to my critics, the likes of Sapp and the late rapper Tupac Shakur epitomize African-American culture. If they are right - although I believe that some are simply venting out of anger - then I primarily dislike their brand of black culture.

What do I mean?

Although I appreciate Tupac's poetic genius, I dislike his gangsta persona. Remember, Tupac was a violent brother, and he died in a hail of automatic weapon rounds. I like Sapp's work ethic (which I would advise all youngsters to emulate) and his love of the game, but I dislike the nasty image, on and off the field, he has faithfully cultivated.

Again, if these two men represent African-American culture, then I have major concerns with my culture.

Now, to the essential point of this column: We - African-Americans - should strive to be admired for all the right reasons. I obsess over who we are as a people, about how we fit into a nation that continues to treat us as outsiders after all this time. I obsess over our survival. Sure, we will survive like everyone else. But what will be the status of our collective health in another 100 years, or 50 years even?

I agree. Why are Colin Powell, Clarence Thomas, and Condi Rice not respected figures in the black community? Because they are Conservatives? I think that there are more African-American Conservatives than make themselves known. On the flip side, who are the role models for white people? To me my role model was not an athlete or musician, it was my parents. I hope my kids feel the same way. This is not the case for all young white kids. To young girls it unfortunately may be Britney Spears, but quite a few may look up to Mia Hamm. To young boys it may unfortunately be Eminem, but it may also be Pat Tillman if they have had the good fortune to learn of him. My point here (and I know I've gotten everywhere but) is that all cultures have to take a step back and see what our definition of a role model is. All ethnicities have true role models serving in the armed forces, are these men and women not good folks to admire? but as I said a few sentences ago, the truest role models should be within ones family.