EDITOR,

Kendra L. Willis is a black woman who does not appreciate rap music and thug mentality. I’m with her all the way on that.

At the end of her May 3 Tracy Press commentary, she wonders who her people are, since some people of color don’t agree with her views. Willis’ people are mothers who are trying to raise their children to be strong, productive men and women. She refuses to climb into the race box that society would be comfortable putting her in. I applaud that!

Negative images in any genre are damaging to society as a whole. Negative music and movies that are geared toward our youth can strongly influence them. We might try to do everything we can to protect them, but these images are part of their daily lives. Even the teen dances they go to play rap music. When I looked up the lyrics of some of the songs they play, I was shocked.

I am a white mother of three sons. They have tried to bring negative music into my home. I tolerate enough to understand the lyrics, and then I talk to my sons about what they are hearing. They don’t like it, but eventually they change their musical tastes.

White, black, Asian or other — it does not matter. Parenting our children is our responsibility.

So, Ms. Williams, I am your people. There are billions of us out there. I am sure you are an awesome influence to kids who don’t have a strong mom at home.

Annie Snyder, Tracy