The only one of those criticisms I’ll agree with is that it’s time for new leadership in the Black community. But I don’t agree because Jackson and Sharpton are illegitimate leaders, rather because it is time for a new generation of leaders to stand up and carry on the work that Jackson and Sharpton have been carrying on since their predecessors passed the torch to them following the Civil Rights’ movement of the 50’s and 60’s.
In comparing Imus with Jackson and Sharpton, the media has dredged up 1 (Jackson) or 2 (Sharpton) statements that could be construed as racist, therefore maintaining that if Imus was wrong for making racists statements, Jackson and Sharpton aren’t the people to tell him so.
I disagree!
If Jackson and Sharpton did make racist statements, that makes Imus’ statements no less racist. Furthermore, Jackson and Sharpton are recognized as defenders for those who otherwise can’t defend themselves, therefore affording them the kind of clout that can bring light to a situation that deserves such attention. Acting in that capacity, despite purported past transgressions, they were certainly qualified to criticize Imus’ attack on the ladies of
Above all the criticisms of the duo that bothered me over the last few days, the assertion that Jackson and Sharpton haven’t criticized Black rappers for using vile, derogatory and destructive language has just astonished me the most. I keep hearing “where are they” when rappers are using the same kind of language that got Imus canned. I submit to you that the question isn’t “where were Jackson and Sharpton when rappers used this kind of language,” but rather, “where was the media when Jackson and Sharpton were criticizing this era of rappers for using such language?”
I’m astounded that this criticism even exists given some of the events that Jackson and Sharpton have been involved with over the last 3 years.
As it pertains to Sharpton not speaking out about rappers and their violence and misogyny, I challenge anyone to do one thing: go to google.com and type these three words “sharpton rap violence.” A quick click on any of the hits that return should indicate to you that Rev. Al Sharpton has been fighting the war on violence and misogyny in rap music for several years. He’s even written editorials about it (see one in the New York Daily News archives: March 7, 2005). Sharpton even called for a 90 day ban and boycott on rap music that used such language and imagery; a boycott that got support from esteemed Princeton Professor Cornel West as well as Jesse Jackson. So, where was the media when Sharpton was attacking the rappers as he has done Imus? There is no inconsistency in his attack on Imus, it follows the same pattern he first established with rappers.
As for Jackson, due to his common last name a google search is a little harder to do, but we are on the heels of at least two major instances in which he called out Black artists for saying denigrating things. Following Michael Richards’ (of Seinfeld) racist tirade during a comedy act last year, Jackson brought Michael Richards and Paul Mooney on his radio show and convinced them both to quit using the “N” word, and Mooney committed to not using the “B” word anymore as well (in case you don’t know, Mooney is a Black comedian who is often credited with proliferating the use of the “N” word in comedy).
Many have become well acquainted with Bill Cosby’s very loud disapproval of rap music and the way that Black parents are raising their children in this new millennium. Well one of the first prominent people to stand up alongside Cosby was none other than the Rev. Jesse Jackson. So to say that he hasn’t been around and hasn’t criticized black rappers for all these years, but is now scapegoating Imus, is completely false.
I will stop there for now, but I could opine about how both men are not “self-appointed leaders of the Black community” as several Black journalists have stated in the last week; they are leaders of the Black community by virtue of the body of work they have put together over the last 50 plus years (which include 3 very profoundly run Presidential campaigns as well as countless diplomatic acts here and abroad).
I’ll just finish by emphasizing that, with respect to Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson as it pertains to violence and misogyny in
The question isn’t “where were Al and Jesse when…,” it remains “where was the media when Al and Jesse were raising the issue before!”
-Maelstrom (a very frustrated, disturbed and disappointed Maelstrom)
PS: Sharpton certainly did apologize for his now infamous “white interlopers” comment!
1 comment:
I'll start by saying that we ARE in need of a new Black leader(s). Personally I would like to see what it would be like with younger intellectual minds stepping up to lead our Black Community. I think with some younger minds or new generation thinkers you have a better chance at reaching the foundations to a lot of things. For instance, the hip hop community. And even better yet, what if this leader was an actual face that youth were already familiar with? Rapper, Athlete, Entertainer... doesn't matter. These are the people that the youth listen to. Not Sharpton and Jackson. Why not use that hypnotizing power that you have as a rapper, and make a kid learn a different way to hold down the block. Be voices in their communities.
Aside from the leaders, Hip Hop has been blasted from day one from people who don't understand it. You can say it's wrong, rude, disrespectful, and raunchy... or whatever else you want to call it. The truth of the matter is that it is a form of expression and art, and its real. The same kind of form of expression as a movie. Where is the media when Martin Scorsese makes a movie, or when you have all these movies with same tone as rap music? That form of expression becomes funny or critically acclaimed for Oscars and what not. I agree, the media needs to find something better to do.
DocBoone
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