We don't have to agree with what others have to say, but we need to listen. Dominant discourse, prevalent in our institutions and everyday life, sets the normative standards and expectations that are required of us. A misinformed people is a subjugated people. We must listen to other people's history, struggles, and triumphs.
Nobody likes to take the blame, but everyone likes to point the finger.
I would like to add that South Central is also seen in a negative light. I told him no. The media, the dominant discourse, had fed him exaggerated and distorted images. I am not going to say that South Central is violence free, but I know I'm not dodging bullets every 5 seconds. My friend was able to come down to Los Angeles and experience the hood first hand.