Prominent blacks, noting that white and black police were taped in the beating, contended that the incident was one of brutality more than racism toward the arrested man, who is black.

But some prominent blacks in Toronto contend that the show romanticizes a dehumanizing era in black history, reinforcing negative images and stereotypes that are used to undermine black people.

But blatant discrimination is not the issue in American business today, most blacks contend.

The blacks contend the Rebel battle flag, flying from a cupola on the Capitol dome, is a racist symbol of slavery and black oppression.

It would be helpful not only in helping blacks contend with some of the insensitive comments they hear but may also prevent the comments from being made in the first place.

Some blacks contend that the operation was directed disproportionately at black legislators, and some skeptics say legislators on the fringes of power, rather than the center of power, were the ones most affected by the investigation.

Although the method had significantly contributed to the increase in gun seizures, many blacks and Hispanics contended that they were being harassed by an abuse of the technique.

But many blacks contend that Mr. Jones's death proves those changes were superficial.

The blacks contend the rebel battle flag is a symbol of slavery.

It is a gamble because many blacks contend there is no longer a need for a black person to play that role in America.