I think the criticism comes from people who feel rejected by Gumble. They feel he thinks he’s better than them now that he’s made it. They resent his attitude, and probably felt this way about him before he had cancer. They don’t much care about his cancer diagnosis. I don’t feel that way, but I understand it.

He’s one of the many African Americans who got great educations and jobs due to affirmative action laws for African Americans back in the 70′s and 80′s. Now that they’re successful, some refuse to acknowledge that they got a break because they were African American. They often act as if their success is all because of their own brilliance and actions.

People marched and died so that the Bryant Gumbles of the world could have the opportunities and career success he’s had. Some people view him as benefiting from those sacrifices, and turning his back on the people who got him there.

He has a right to live his life the way he chooses, but people also have a right to criticize him if they want to, as well. If they don’t feel any empathy for him because of his cancer status, they just don’t.

God bless you!