Introduction: Some Reflexive Comments on The Role of Editor.

This article addresses the difficulties and challenges faced by the editor of the periodical on social problems as an Afro-American in relating to a mostly white readership. It is recognized that his ethnic background will significantly impact the selection/rejection criteria of the publication. Furthermore, the editor is expecting to confront the set of expectations developed by white readers of black academic contributions which make the justification process more difficult. Stated somewhat differently, the situation is such that white readers are interested in the "what" aspect of the published research while black readers are interested in the "why". Thus, answers which satisfy one will almost invariably dissatisfy the other. Consequently, it is recognized that the periodical is not the place to detail the set of expectations and preferences white scientists have about what black authors ought to write