Robert Culp - 1930 to 2010

Robert Culp passed away yesterday at the age of 79. he lived a long life and had a great career in movies and television. But some younger readers might not be familiar with who he is.

Culp was in more than 8 films, including playing the President in Pelican Breif starring Denzel Washington, but is probably best known for his work on televsion. He had roles on Everyone Love Raymond, Columbo, The Outer Limits (the great episode Demon with a Glass Hand) and The Greatest American Hero, even doing voice work for Robot Chicken.

But the single biggest role he is known for, and the television show that earned him 3 Emmy nominations, was in 1965 - 1968. It was called I Spy )and had nothing to do with the mockery of the movie with Eddie Murphy of the same name based loosely on the show).

I Spy was a significant show because of 1 special person, and the meaning the show conveyed. The show was about 2 American spys, who had the cover of professional tennis player and his trainer. Culp was the tennis star, the trainer was Bill Cosby.

This was the program that seriously launched Cosby on a national basis. It was also the first time that a Black actor was the co-star of a television series, while never once being a caricature. It was groundbreaking television at a time when the country was still trying to decide if African Americans could enter a diner by the front door, or ride on a bus in the front seats.

I liked Robert Culp in his role on the Greatest American Hero. I think Demon With A Glass Hand was great television. But more than anything else, I respect him for taking a stand, breaking a ridiculous standard in Hollywood at the time, and risking his career to be in a television show with a Black man on equal footing. It may not sound like much now, with actors like Denzel and Will Smith. But at the time it was unheard of. Without it, there would not be a Will Smith and Fresh Prince of Bel Aire or any other show with a Black lead.





Robert Culp was an accomplished actor with a career that spanned 50 years. He was a civil rights activist. And he was a father of 4. For all those reasons I am sorry to know he has died. I give my condolences to his friends as they must have so many more reasons to be sad at his passing.

Black Conservatives on television

I don't know how many people saw this on Friday. I think it was very important. I think that there are far too few that pay attention to the other Black voice in the Black community.



These days Black culture is a commodity up for sale. Various consumer products use it to sell everything. Politicians use it to get votes. The youth are sold it as the norm they should observe. Yet there is a portion of African Americans that are completely opposed to such an outright mental slavery.

Why is it that the youth of today are sold on the idea that they should got to jail? Why do kids think that the only way to make money is via illegal actions, rap music, or sports? How have we moved from creating some of the most important inventions in the world, and multiple scientific discoveries that have saved untold millions of lives, to (some of us) waiting to be handed money?

Not only that, but why is it that in a mere 40 years we have gone from a people that led the nation from a mindset of prejudice and segregation to that of subservience. Dr. Martin Luther King never advocated that, Malcolm X never believed that. Both men were conservatives, especially in the political world of today. Yet Conservatives that are Black today are shunned and rejected. Why?

I really don't understand why we have come to a place where intelligent Blacks that offer strong reasonable opinions, that differ from the Liberal mindset, are considered to have abandoned their race. I don't understand why just speaking American English is considered an insult to so many. It leaves me with my head spinning.

I know of some younger African Americans that have bought into the commoditized view of Black culture. They rush out to buy anything that is hip hop, they obsess over rappers and bling. They are the first to go to any movie that is Black-oriented - no matter the quality - the first to buy a big SUV while living in the projects, the first to get $500 jeans and/or Prada shoes while they can't pay rent. And they are the first to denounce the Black businessman that questions the economic programs of President Obama, or the kid going to college.

Listen to the things said in the video clip. Forget that it's on Fox News, forget about Glenn Beck. Listen to the words, listen to the people. Have you heard these voices in your community? Maybe you even heard it from Bill Cosby. Now ask yourself this, Why have you not supported these views and instead contributed the nearly $1 trillion dollars of Black buying power supporting those that would keep you in a line for food stamps - essentially economic slavery?

Why, in America, would Black Conservatives consistently be called sell-outs, yet entertainers that are followed and emulated and are merely high paid employees selling the denigration and commoditization of Black culture are seen as being pro-Black?

How can an African American that rises from poverty, gets an education even though in sub-standard schools, goes to and pays for college without a trust fund or family money, and creates a career - maybe even a business - so that they can raise their kids in a better life than they had be called a sell-out?

Maybe Black Conservatives don't agree with every word coming out of President Obama's mouth. Maybe they aren't Democrats. Maybe they speak well and have educations. And how does that make them any less worthwhile or Black? How does that make them so different from Dr. King, Malcolm X, or even President Obama?

I'm glad Glenn Beck did this show on Black Conservatives. I'm glad that finally the major media is acknowledging our existence. I'm glad that the Black community is now faced with addressing this segment of Black Americans. Because maybe now we can have some real discussions on fixing the problems we all face. At least until another rapper tells the Black community that jail is good, drugs are great, and abandoning their own children is manly.

The full video is available at www.mvass.com. Either way let me know your thoughts.

Bill Cosby given the Mark Twain Prize

There are but a few comedians that have had the ability to entertain the masses for more than just a moment. They are people whose names can be remembered by gerations, across the globe. To these few, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is given.



Bill Cosby recieved this honor yesterday, at an event filled with stars and fans. Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sinbad, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Phylicia Rashad, Rita Moreno, and many others were on hand to celebrate the gift of humor that Cosby has shared with us all for decades.

Without a single curse, without a need to be ghettofabulous, Cosby has acheived greatness and opened doors for all that have come after him. There would be no Martin, no Lining Single, no In Living Color, and on without Cosby and I Spy. There would be arguably be no Tyler Perry without The Cosby Show. His footprints cover movies, television, and stand-up comedy.



Many may not realize it, but back in the 80's as the Cosby Show was shocking Hollywood that an African American family could be successful and funny, and America would flock to it in droves, Dr. Bill Cosby had the chance to buy NBC - and turned the deal down. Just having such an option is remarkable. In fact I only can recall one other star that was capable of such a feat, Dezi Arnaz (who oddly enough was also a person of color).

These days Dr. Cosby may be covered by the media mostly for his comments about our society, and Black culture. It's an insight that is both piercing and accurate. No statement ever causes more discussion and complaint than the absolute truth. But I believe he has earned the right to chide the very same people that he joked with through out their formative years.



For all these reasons, I am glad to know that Dr. Bill Cosby has received the Mark Twain Prize. Because it is his ability to communicate with us, in humor and abject gravity, that defines what he was and is today. Like Mark Twain he has used the American language and culture to inform, educate, and unify us. As I said, few can ever hope to acheive such great levels, and when they do we should take note.

Keep an eye out. The tribute will air on PBS on November 4th. It will surely be worthy of watching.

Bill Cosby to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

There is no doubt that Bill Cosby is a standout among his peers. For nearly 5 decades he has made people laugh across the globe. He created the beloved cartoon Fat Albert, he broke racial barriers in television, and he created and starred in one of the most beloved shows on television since the 1980's (The Cosby Show). He is so well loved that he is often referred to as "America's Dad".

So there really should be no surprise that he will be receiving the 2009 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In 2002 he received the highest civillian award possible, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And then there are the three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series he received for I Spy in the 1960's (a breakthru for the racial attitudes of the nation at the time), 2003 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

How well loved is Bill Cosby? Here is the announced list of enertainers that will appear at the awards ceremony:

Dick Gregory, Sinbad, Carl Reiner, George Lopez, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Willie Nelson, Len Chandler, symphonic orchestra conductor James DePreist, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Rita Moreno, Danny Glover, Jerry Seinfeld, and Chris Rock.

Talk about a line-up of the who's who in entertainment.

Of course Dr. Cosby (it is often forgotten that he did drop out of school, but returned and earned a doctotrate) is not without his own controversies. Most notable is his outspoken stance on "problems prevalent in underprivileged urban communities such as taking part in illegal drugs, teenage pregnancy, Black Entertainment Television, high school dropouts, anti-intellectualism, gangsta rap, vulgarity, thievery, offensive clothing, vanity, parental alienation, single parenting and failing to live up to the ideals of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the African American ancestors that preceded Generation X".

I personally find most of his views dead-on.

So I suggest that everyone keep an eye on PBS in November. The award will be televized Nov 4th 2009, though the ceremony will happen on October 26th.

The Forbes Top 20 Richest African Americans List: Reflecting on the list

$8,255,000,000. That’s a huge number. It’s a sum of money that normally only gets mentioned in relation to the actions of the Government, or the largest of corporation. But that also happens to be the total of the net worth of the "http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/06/richest-black-americans-busienss-billionaires-richest-black-americans.html" target="_blank">Top 20 richest African Americans as stated by Forbes.

There is no question that everyone on this list is impressive. There is no question that each person on this list created the wealth they have today (which is reduced just like the wealth of every American these days). They are all examples to follow.

But I was looking through the list, and a few things came to my mind. Observations that probably few notice.

The youngest person on the list is 30, the oldest 79

65% of all the people on the list attained the bulk of their wealth via entertainment

Every person on this list attended, if not graduated, from college (I may be wrong about Jay-Z and Don King)

Only 1 person on the list ran a Fortune 500 company

Only 2 were involved in investments as the means of their wealth

Only 3 are women

6 attained the bulk of their wealth directly from sports

I take several things from this list. Some good some bad.

It’s wonderful to know that Oprah is still a multi-billionaire and tops the list. I am also glad to see that women have done well, having struggled as much as any man on this list. And I note that all the women achieved their success without the aid of sports.

The entire list includes some of the very best in the world at what they do, or have done. That includes: Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Bill Cosby PhD, Berry Gordy Jr, and you might even include Jay-Z.

Several people on the list are visibly and actively giving back to the community. I say visibly because everyone on the list has made considerable and frequent donations to multiple charities and causes. But some are very outspoken. That includes: Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby PhD, Magic Johnson, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Alphonse Fletcher Jr.

The thing that annoys me though is that there are so few that have had major success in business, or non-entertainment fields. Worse yet, the general public would be hard pressed to recognize the non-entertainers names. They are: Sheila Johnson, Quintin Primo III, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Herman J. Russell, Ulysses Bridgeman Jr., Tracy Maitland, Alphonse Fletcher Jr., and Kenneth I. Chestnut.

The implication is that African Americans main avenue to success is limited to entertainment. That in some way other ventures are unworthy of attempts to grow. That the focus of the youth needs to be isolated to entertainment alone.

This is reinforced with the media. The media lavishes over singers, rappers, actors/actresses, and athletes. The media pushes images of these entertainers almost exclusively, with shows on television and cable just because of their fame (ie. Snoop Dogg, 50 cent, Flava Flav, Russell Simmons, Xzibit, and several others have shows – not one non-entertainer of color has a show of any type, ever).

In fact, while everyone on this list has at least gone to college, the media and the entertainment industries highlight the lack of education among those with fame. Rappers are constantly identified for their lack of education, and criminal behavior. The media never discusses the educational background of professional athletes, or most any successful person of color. I mean can you name what degree, in what field of learning and from what college, Tiger Woods has? How about Bill Cosby? Oprah? Quentin Primo?

My point is that there is too much focus on the narrow field of entertainment. Like it’s a golden path. Everyone in lower income areas thinks it’s their ticket out. Whether it’s basketball, or football, or rapping, or whatever. But the fact that an intelligent mind is the only true ticket to lasting success should be the focus.

Jay-Z would just be another guy that made records, if he were not intelligent enough to see and groom other business ventures. Michael Jordan would just be another record holder if he were not able to have created business deals that continue to reap more money than he ever made as a player. Magic Johnson grew his wealth and helped communities across the nation because of his mind, not his records or lifestyle.

I can go on and on. But the fact is that success is more than just playing with a ball, or keeping a beat. It’s more than clothes or street credit. It’s not drugs, or criminal status, or bling. In fact, the people on this list are all almost exact opposites of what is shown off as success for people of color by the media. And that includes Jay-Z.

Success and wealth in America can be attained by anyone. This list proves that in droves. If there is anything to be taken from this list, it’s the fact that anyone can join them as well. It just takes an education, thought, and determined work.

An Obama effect in Hollywood is insulting

There is something that’s been nagging at me for months. The Obama effect on media and television. The very statement is an insult. Let me explain why.

An effect is a reaction to a stimulus. As long as the stimulus is around the effect continues. Once it is gone the effect fades. An Obama effect is a temporary shift in a long held belief system. And I don’t want to accept that as good enough.

Since before, and massively since, the election President Obama has been used as a reason for media to remember that African Americans have been a vital part of this nation since inception, are a rather large part of the population, and an enormous factor to the prosperity of the economy.

Television and movies have long ignored all of that. With the exception of the Cosby Show and a few programs that were on broadcast television at that same time, the small screen in everyone’s living room is devoid of people of color. In fact, once the Cosby Show went off-air (ending the Cosby effect), the executives in Hollywood seemingly scrambled to eliminate what they had created. Proof that Americans will watch a good program no matter the color of the stars.

At this point, the 9th year in a row, the line-up of television features 2 programs with Black actors as lead. They are on the smallest and least seen public television broadcast network, and hold the worst time-slot possible. Beyond this, there are 2 prominent Black actors in drama ensembles. And then there are 2 programs on cable television that feature Black casts. That’s it, out of over 120 programs just looking at broadcast television alone.

But President Obama will cause all that to change. Kiss my ass.

I do not need, nor should it take, the leader of our nation to be Black to make me aware of the abilities of tens of millions of Americans. There have long prior been examples of success in front of and behind cameras. There has long prior been proof of our viability. And to claim that only now people can see or accept this is insulting to generations of African Americans and the American public at large. To say nothing of the even less acknowledge or seen Latino/Hispanic and Asian communities.

Back in November of 2008

“It may say something about the state of American television that there is one more black president-elect of the United States than there are black actors with individual lead roles in a network television drama.”

Recently Bill Cosby had this to say about the supposed Obama effect and television

“No, because these people are stupid," he says, referring to network bosses. "Look at how NBC is struggling. You would think they would make some changes and be talking about trying to get another 'Cosby' kind of show. But they would probably die before putting another show on about a black family and black pride."

And Bishop T.D. Jakes stated

“I think sometimes the only images we see of people of color are the images that Hollywood projects: the hip-hop, the gangs, the street life. Now, it would be wonderful for them to recognize what has always existed in the African-American community and what Obama's presidency suggests: middle-class African-Americans who are articulate, intelligent and thoughtful."

And that is the issue. Hollywood wants African Americans to be limited to gangsta rappers or such ilk. President or not, African Americans are supposed to be bad guys, poor, uneducated and in need of a hand-out. Adding more African Americans because of President Obama is just that. And once he is out of office, just like with the Cosby effect, they can go back on message.

That is insulting. I don’t want laws to tell me that I am equal. I don’t want executives in Hollywood to portray African Americans in a movie or program because they want to enlighten me to success. These things should be obvious to anyone that looks around or reads more than a high school book on history.

America does not need an effect. We need respect. For those that work everyday, that contribute to the prosperity of the economy, of those that aren’t living the commoditization of Black culture. We need to acknowledge that without African Americans, America would have failed before it could have started. And that right this second, there are tens of thousands that are qualified and capable but overlooked because they have a permanent tan.

Jaime Foxx, Denzel Washington, Laurence Fishburne, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Sidney Poitier, Angela Bassett, Terrance Howard, Gabrielle Union, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Bill Duke, and so many others are not an Obama effect. They are not an effect at all. They are representatives of a far larger, more diverse community that has been right here for as long as America has been around – they have just been mostly ignored.

Trying to placate this vital segment of America with insincere transitional leftovers is not the answer. Though it does answer a sincere question that often is asked and I think best stated in the movie The Tuskegee Airmen.

“Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. – Andre Braugher -
…I ask myself the most difficult question everyday. How do I feel about my country… and how does my country feel about me.”

Success in Hollywood - Cosby style

Child stars are notorious for their pitfalls as they grow older. Alcoholism, drugs, early deaths and a lot of jail time seem consistent in all their lives. But there are exceptions like Ron Howard, Drew Barrymore (once she passed the low road mentioned previously), Jessica Alba, Tatyana Ali, Christina Applegate, Sean Austin, and others make up for the far more prevalent Danny Bonaduce’s of the Hollywood machine.

But one thing that I have noticed is that there is only one program from television where all the child actors have gone on and become professionals of high standing. Only one show I can think of where ever child actor has not succumbed to drugs and violence and self-destruction. And that is the actors from The Cosby Show [ok, Lisa Bonet was a bit touch and go for a while but then she calmed down – like Barrymore].

Each of the original, and then subsequent, child actors has gone on to do further work in Hollywood. Several have had multiple hits, like Malcolm-Jamal Warner who has been in Jerimiah and Malcolm & Eddie. This says nothing of his directing and musical abilities.

Tempestt Bledsoe has been in constant work, after she got a degree in finance from NYU. Her most recent appearance was on TNT’s Raising the Bar.

Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman is still huge, though on the Disney channel and this time starring in her own show.

Sabrina Le Beauf (far older during the show but still a child actor/young adult) owns an interior design company, and is a graduate of UCLA and Yale School of Drama.

So you may be wondering who is left.

Keisha-Knight Pulliam. If you don’t recall then name check the video (I like this version better)



Yep I mean Rudy. What has she been up to?

Well she is going to be starring in the next Tyler Perry film Madea Goes to Jail. Considering that Perry is at no loss for talent when it comes to his highly successful films, that says something about Pulliam. Add to that the fact that she has not been in a single headline for any negative and you have a full house with a queen to spare. I call that impressive.

By the way, Pulliam is not just starring in the film. She is departing from the Rudy character and really showing some depth as her role is the least likely to be expected. I’ll keep the suspense going but here is a trailer of the film



and here is what the play was like



So this could be a breakout role.

All in all it’s pretty impressive to see that so many have done so well off of one show. It seems that Dr. Cosby knows what he’s talking about.

The History you weren't taught

In light of the unyeilding fervor over the various comments and meanings of soundbites and statements made by Rev. Wright, the less covered anger and bile by men like Rev. Manning, the repetition of legal imbalances in the Wesley Snipes, Sean Bell, and Megan Williams cases, and other items I wanted to ask a few questions.

This is not a test. This is simply questions to see what you know. It doesn’t matter what race you are, what country you come from, or what religion you believe.

Some questions I will answer, some I will leave for you to find out for sure. But I guarantee that one item on this post will be a blatant lie, though it is a lie that my readers have read in my posts before. That I will leave for the end to tell you.

Africans have been in America since at least 1619. In the 389 years since then can you name a war that Blacks have not fought in?

Today virtually all people of color with brown to black skin are called African Americans. 10 years ago we were known simply as Black. What were we called going all the way back in time to 1619?

How many songs made famous by Elvis Presly were not originally songs created and performed by Black singers/entertainers?

What group of people were the ones to find the means to cure the Bubonic Plague and to realize its source?

Where is the cradle of civilization found?

Who was Thurgood Marshall, and what did he do?

What year did the military stop segregation?

Who has done more for African Americans, Republicans or Democrats?

Have Blacks always voted Democrat?

Name 2 groups of Americans that the Constitution did not cover initially?

What is the original meaning of Cowboy?

What does Jim Crow represent?

How many Black colleges exist today? How many were started? When was the first?

Did Africans ever control Europe?

How many communicable diseases did the original American Indian tribes have?

How many treaties did the American Government break with the American Indians?

How many nuclear bombs have ever been used against people?

Name 3 Empires of the world that did not involve Europe?

Who created the 0 and thus all modern math?

Who are the Tuskegee Airmen?

What is my name?

Who founded Chicago?

Where was the city of Rosewood and how many were in it?

How many years was the South Carolina House run by a Black majority?

How much was the largest donation ever made by a Black American?


Now the point of all these questions is not to embarrass anyone. Nor is it to condemn any nation or people.

The purpose is to highlight the lack of knowledge that exists in America. I have no doubt that while most of these items are known historical facts, most are not taught in American classrooms, and I would bet not in European ones either. So how can so many believe they can have a realistic conversation about race in America when I doubt most can answer half these questions without going to Google?

In case you were wondering, here are some answers you may or may not have known (and I don’t profess that these are the only facts available or worthy of knowing – in fact they are the tip of an iceberg of information). Not every question is answered though. Some things need to be sought out to be learned best.


There has never been a war in America (even when it was a colony) that Blacks did not participate in. While history classes, movies, and popular books may overlook the fact African Americans have always fought for America, even when we were not recognized by the nation as people.

Prior names for African Americans go back to Black, Colored, and Negro (beyond the repulsive and ignorant N-word). That covers just the last 50 years. Only 339 more to go.

Elvis stole all his early songs (to my knowledge), and his manager advertised in newspapers to only buy the Elvis version. Or did you really think he wore blue suede shoes and knew about hound dogs back in the 1950’s?

The Moors, an African Empire, were the first to discover that cutting the blisters helped to increase the survival rate of plague victims, and that the cause was infected rats living in the squalid conditions of European cities.

The Euphrates River is known as the cradle of civilization.

Thurgood Marshall was a lawyer and Supreme Court Justice from 1963 to 1991. He was the first Black Supreme Court Justice (there has only ever been 2).

1948. That’s after WWII where African Americans did serve with honor.

For about 100 year Blacks voted with the party of Lincoln, Republican.

The Constitution did not cover women, Native American Indians, or anyone with more than 3/5ths African blood. Proving 3/5ths was harder to prove than you might imagine.

A cowboy was originally meant as a derogatory term to describe African Americans that worked with cattle in the field. As the number of Americans moving west increased and the need for cowhands rose the term grew to encompass Whites, and was later romanticized to exclude the Black it originally meant to describe.

After 1861, 20 Black colleges and equivalent institutions were created.

The Moors conquered and controlled Spain, Italy, Sicily and several other parts of Southern Europe and Northern Africa. This says nothing of the control and influence of Ancient Egypt over the Mediterranian countries.

To my knowledge there were no communicable diseases in the Americas until after European explorers arrived. Once they were here these diseases spread like wildfire.

The American Government broke every treaty ever made with a Tribe during the Wild West expansion and well after.

Only 2 nuclear bombs have ever been used against people. Both were in Japan. Hiroshima is the most famous, but Nagasaki was also bombed. At the time it was believed that use of nuclear bombs would be the only alternative to fighting WWII right up to the steps of Japan’s Emperor. 2 bombs were used to prove that the first was not just a luck invention and that we could reproduce the results at will.

While not the only Empires, better know ones are the Ottoman, the Mongol (of either Khan), and the aforementioned Moors.

The number zero can be traced to the Babylonians. But use in mathematics in Europe is traced from the Middle East and the Islamic religion.

As stated often in various posts, Vass is not my birthname. This is the one outright lie on this page or any post I have ever made. Vass is my legal alias though. Did you catch this?

Chicago was founded by Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.

6 years.

$20,000,000 by Bill Cosby to Spellman College.

The things you can get paid for

In the land of weird and dumb news I have found something that really blew past the mainstream. How odd is this? Well let’s just say that the secret to Warren Buffett’s may not be just his business ethic. It’s his name. The same reasoning may be why Britney Spears is the apparent mess that she is. Their names. Or more specifically their initials.

Oh yes. Someone convinced someone else to pay them to study the names and grades of 15,000 students over 15 years, and 93 years of professional baseball players. What they were looking for is what affect a person’s initials have on their grades and life choices. Seriously, someone did this. Just check the link if you don’t believe me.

I truly have picked the wrong career. Imagine that people get paid to figure out things like that. It’s insane. Can you imagine the amount of money they made off this study? As if anyone ever wondered this was important.

But what they found is that if your name starts with say a C or D you will be more likely to have lower grades than average, or someone with initials that have an A or B. If you are in baseball your chances of hitting that classic 9th inning winning homerun drop severely if you have a K initial. Basically it’s all because the initials represent good or bad things.

Now how this applies to real people is anyone’s guess. As I mentioned at the start there is the example of Mr. Warren Buffett. There is no question of his success. He is simply the best investor in the history of the stock market.

Other examples of success might be Bill Gates, Humphrey Bogart, Bill Blase, Brad Pitt, Bill Cosby, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bob Hope, Aristotle, Albert Einstein, and Archibald Anderson. Even the rise to success of Britney Spears could be claimed by this study.

Now on the converse side there are those who have done badly with bad initials. First on the list is Britney Spears. (The S could stand for stupid, sloppy, sluggish, slovenly, or slow) Then there is former President Gerald Ford (it’s debatable on how successful he his). Also Julius Caesar, John F Kennedy, the Confederacy, Diogenes of Sinope, OJ Simpson and Caracalla.

Seems like their findings make sense, until you just casually consider President Franklin D. Roosevelt (with 2 bad initials), Donnie Osmond, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Denzel Washington, Walt Disney, President William Clinton, Curtis Jackson (depending on your point of view), and George Clooney.

Like most loopy ideas this one has holes all over the place. Again I have to wonder, how much did they get paid to do this and who funded it? I just hope it’s not a federal grant. Can you imagine your tax dollars going to fund this “research”?

**This can also be found at All American Blog, where I am A contributing author.**

The things in the news - 10.12.2007.1

Well I’m tired. Not just tired from running my company and trying to set up bigger and better give away contests. Not just because trying to track down various celebrities, entertainers and notable people is difficult if you’re not a huge media conglomerate. No, I’m tired of seeing stupid things in the news.

I’ll give you an example. Snoop Dogg, an ex-convict, drug promoter and generally not a person I’d want to socialize with, was just given community service. This time the charges stem from his carrying a baton onto a plane going from L.A. to New York City. Now I won’t say this was too light a punishment, the crime was not that serious. But the fact that I have discussed several crimes committed by this one man in roughly a year is ridiculous.

The man seems to be a magnet for violence and criminal activity. Of course based on his background, as stated above, I am not shocked. But some judge had better get on the ball and put this guy back in jail for an extended period of time. Snoop Dogg, or Calvin Broadus as his given name, knows better than most entertainers and celebrities that there is no way he would be tolerated committing all these crimes were it not for his fame. His continued disrespect of the law, and his work in promoting drugs and disrespect for women, add up to probably one of the worst examples of what a Black man can be. Sadly he gets far too much media exposure highlighting these actions, as opposed to say Mr. Samuel Jackson or Mr. Denzel Washington or Mr. Bill Cosby who provide positive images and messages.

And there are the amounts of money being spent on silly items. Recently the watch worn by Mr. Peter Fonda in the movie Easy Rider was sold for $33,460. Now if the money was given to charity I’d be happy, but no such thing has been reported. Similarly a Batman comic book from 1939 was recently found in an attic and bought for reportedly $250,000. Again no details about the sale were provided but that just too much.

I don’t mind that someone made a profit and another got something they wanted. I myself wish that my mother had kept the comic books she and my father collected back in the late 60’s and 70’s before they could afford a television set. [For those that are too young to know, the price of a television was expensive back in those days, kind of like a PS3 or a decent computer now.] But the prices are just too much. I can only hope that some of that money was given to charity or used to help the homeless or AIDS prevention or something. Odds are though that they didn’t.

It’s not the money per say, but the fact that so much is being spent on such frivolous things, and there are so many things that could be done instead. Of course I’m trying to gain wealth as well as anyone. I have the T-shirts, mugs, and items I sell as well as ads on all my sites. At the same time I’ve given away motivational books, currently giving away dinners or making a charitable donation, and I’m working on setting up a chance to pay a year of tuition for a college student. It’s not a lot, but then again I couldn’t pay a quarter of a million dollars for a comic book if I wanted to.

Well enough of my gripes, more soon.

Reflections on Bill Cosby's words 3 years ago - 9.24.2007.2

3 years later and finally Dr. Bill Cosby is getting some respect for his statements about the Black culture and community in America. It’s about time.

At that time, and since there has been a huge outcry that Dr. Cosby should not have said what he did and has since. I’ve never understood why. He was speaking the truth and it was as obvious then as it is now. In fact it’s been true for a lot longer than just when he made his statements.

But the fact was that more than a few were either embarrassed, in denial, or oblivious to these facts. How I am unsure. A casual observation at high schools around the nation, or prisons, say everything right there. The Black community had become complacent about the advances made in the 60’s and was doing nothing about the wholesale commoditization of the culture since the mid-90’s.

Perhaps the impact that Dr. Cosby was speaking about can be summed up in these words

“If we can get outraged enough to trek by the busload to Jena, La., then the dysfunction destroying our communities from within should compel the same outrage -- and the energy to do something about this black implosion.”

Strong words. And appropriate. I would add that if we can feel a national outrage by the words of Don Imus, revulsion by the idiotic definitions of Snoop Dogg, endangered by the torture in West Virginia, and angered by the lack of compassion provided by Michael Vick, then we must look to the roots of those problems and what we can do to correct them. Sitting by passively allowing these things to exist cannot provide answers, or more accurately answers that will engender a positive response.

The major news media has no interest in discussing the positives in the Black community, apparently. Universal condemnations of OJ Simpson and Michael Vick, excusing acts of denigration (Don Imus) or completely ignoring them (How long was Michael Richards in the news?), and promotion of the worst aspects of rap music and videos seem all that they are interested in. When that is the message being presented by the news on a daily basis, coupled by the virtual non-existence promoted by television programming, we need to step up in our communities to provide the positive impetus that is desperately needed.

I mentioned

Of the centuries that our ancestors struggled to gain the right to read and be treated as equals, is the only benefit our chance to compete in games for the selfish monetary return it provides? I cannot agree that the only benefit of the past efforts is our increased ability to entertain the masses. Dr. Martin Luther King did not dream of an equal chance to ‘shake dat ass’ on an iPod. Mr. Malcolm X did not want to defend his life and family “by any means” so that his children could sell drugs, or have ‘baby-mama drama.’ Mr. Jackie Robinson did not endure the stresses of proving his abilities to hostile crowds so that drop-outs would have the inability to read about his challenges; and Mr. Richard Pryor didn’t make us laugh and think about what was inadequate so that the youth could use a term that is the single most offensive term in the English language as a greeting because they haven’t learned enough to know the words meaning and history.

I feel no different today. I would hazzard to believe that Dr. Cosby would agree. The fact that others are also joining in this mindset is a positive. Perhaps that is the best news, after 3 years. That there are positive moves being made, and that the community has gotten over the minor reasons to avoid Dr. Cosby’s words and are now embracing them. If that is the case I look forward to the next 3 years.

This is what I think, What do you think?

Further thoughts on the Black Entertainment Television PSA Part 2 - 8.13.2007.3

Continued from Further thoughts on the Black Entertainment Television PSA Part 1...

I’m surprised it’s a PSA; it looked like a viral video people look up on the internet when they are bored. I’m not surprised it’s on BET, but it wouldn’t get on regular television. No network would clear it.

41 year old White male-

I’m outraged. It’s an insult to the Black culture. At first it starts and looks like it’s for kids and then BOOM! Holy cow.

You know if I said that… someone would shoot me.

They are taking the wrong direction. Saying all that vulgarity for kids is setting a bad example. This should be protested and BET should be banned.

It looks like it’s targeted to 11-14 year old mentality, but I’d never let my kids see it. There needs to be a broader reach, a wider span. I mean it can be done with more class.

I think those responses say a lot about this PSA that BET has place on its cable network channel. Many see no upside. No one I know thinks there is a positive to this. But there are those that do think this is great.

CDBaby states –

An instant crunk classic available exclusively on itunes. You’ve seen the video, make sure you request it on the radio. Taking southern hip-hop places you never thought it would go.

A commenter states –
Reviewer: Eugene Williams, Jr.

Mr. Armah has cleverly given black American youth the positive message they need without sounding corny or preachy. He is telling our young people what they need to hear. Quiet as it’s kept, Mr. Armah is simply telling us to do all the things that Bill Cosby is trying to tell us to do, only in a different more "hood-palatable" format. If our church and community leaders can get past the explicit language and take time to listen to the timely and ironically positive message, this song will do for the black community what rap was originally intended to do!!!!

I’m just too old to know, or want to know, what exactly ‘crunk’ is. I get the general impression though. So CDBaby seems to feel BET has made a classic. Yes that’s great, 50 years from now people will remember the day when the illiterate, dirty, alcoholic Black masses where shown the light to a better life when Viacom stepped in and helped them out of their miserable lives.

If you are wondering, that was exactly what was said by European explorers, and slavers, that went to Africa some 400 years ago. I’m so happy we have moved so far forward that some can quote those words today ands would like to have them said in the future.

As for Mr. Williams, I must presume that speaking to the youth of this nation – directly at only the African American youth – without using expletives is being “corny or preachy”. How time has changed, because I remember back when speaking to a person was about giving respect to get it. Maybe that is why there has been so much angst about the words of Dr. Bill Cosby, he just needs to curse out the youth and they will all get it.

Continued in Part 3...

Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 2 - 7.24.2007.2

Continued from Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 1...

While many believe the victory has been won, many more are still cautious and I count myself in that group. My misgivings were not based on the name of the program but it’s content. The description that I found troubling remains. Without the ability to review the program, just as all critics have been denied, I cannot say anything has changed. Almost.

Viacom knows one thing clearly. Black bloggers, and by extension all bloggers don’t play. There were plans for protests of every advertiser of the program, and regardless of the name, there still could be. Several blogs, including my own, featured information concerning the real decision makers at Black Entertainment Television, Viacom. Several detailed questions for the President of Viacom Mr. Philippe Dauman and majority shareholder Mr. Sumner Redstone, and addressed the means by which the rest of the shareholders of the public corporation could be called to task for the programming. The other hand of protests, addressing the shareholders and their profits, came to bear such that Viacom could not ignore the probable outcome.

They should keep that in mind. It can still happen.

I am unconvinced by the platitudes that have come from the corporate public relations machine of Viacom. This has not assuaged my fears. Changing 3 words to 5 does not change the meaning of the content, nor does it provide a new context for that content to be understood internationally. That takes real change, not a new coat of paint. I hope, as I always have, that such change has occurred. But I am leery.

The press release seeks to deflect attention from the real issues. Like the rare comment from Mr. Reginald Hudlin who sought to, in my opinion, poorly compare the stated description of this program to the efforts of Dr. Bill Cosby and others. While that sounds nice, examination of what was presented about this program failed to hold up such a comparison. For Viacom to imply that there were misconceptions on behalf of bloggers and myself is to blame a wall for being flat. You cannot fault a conclusion that is based on information you (VIACOM and BET) have provided the public, and denied all sources further details. When a snake rattles it’s tail you don’t assume it’s not poisonous because you can’t see the venom.

The further attempt by BET to show their open palm while hiding their closed fist are the statements made in the press release about the future programming BET states they will have. A carrot to the stick that Hot Ghetto Mess, or We Got To Do Better if you prefer, is does not change how it may strike you. Public relations statements are great tools of obfuscation at times, but for those skilled at reading them they are not as powerful.

Comncluded in Part 3...

Mr. Reginald Hudlin of Black Entertainment Television speaks Part 2 - 7.17.2007.2

Continued from Mr. Reginald Hudlin of Black Entertainment Television speaks Part 1...

I submit that his television shows have been a constant statement on self-improvement and the rewards of education. In 1965 he was the FIRST Black actor to star in a dramatic series. His Cosby Show television program, that started in 1984 and lasted 8 years, was massively positive, well received, and a direct statement of success for Black families. Obviously the cartoon series Fat Albert has made a huge impact on generations of Americans, and children around the world. Non-violence, morality and humor featuring an All-Black cast that has lasted decades and was in first run production for roughly 15 years.

Mr. Hudlin would compare what BET describes as,

“…like the traffic accident you can’t look away from.”

I have never heard any television show or public speaking event that Mr. Cosby has appeared at given a similar description. I do not know Mr. Charlie Murphy, but I am not aware of his collegiate degrees, positive public comments on the Black community (outside of comedy). Neither am I aware of Mr. Murphy receiving a Presidential Medal. I am not putting down Mr. Murphy, just stating that there is little similarity between him and Mr. Cosby.

For Mr. Hudlin to compare the program to the social commentary of Mr. Bill Cosby there must be similarities. They don’t appear to be in the host, a basis in education, or breaking ground in television history.

The comparison of Mr. Cosby’s social commentary – stating don’t shake your booty for a camera, or be a pimped-out high schooler – seems diametrically opposed to videoclips of exactly that. Mr. Cosby’s comments to seek out education seem to not be conveyed, as I am befuddled how a car accident is educational. So I ask Mr. Reginald Hudlin, where is the connection?

Mr. Hudlin appears to be a good corporate leader. His comments are rare, brief and sound great as a soundbite. Sadly they have no substance. These are the kinds of comments that as a stockbroker listening to earnings reports for a decade, caused me to drop a stock – and caused financial institutions to lower ratings. The comments don’t hold up to review.

I pose the same questions I asked Mr. Sumner Redstone and Mr. Phillippe Dauman to Mr. Hudlin. Perhaps, if BET is as independent as is claimed, he can answer the questions that his bosses will not. I again invite Mr. Hudlin to explain why my conclusions based on his comments, and those on the BET website are “an erroneous presumption” or how they can be considered based on “absolutely zero information.”

I have not seen the show, but I can only hope that it will not be what has been promoted. But if it is, there will be a reaction and I guarantee I will hold Mr. Hudlin, Mr. Dauman, and Mr. Redstone accountable.

To these men, and you my readers, I state – even if the major news media refuses to comment or acknowledge this subject, the blogosphere is. We are more powerful than traditional media believe. We are a voice of the people, and our influence (via you our readers) is immense. To ignore us is to dabble with peril.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Mr. Reginald Hudlin of Black Entertainment Television speaks - 7.17.2007.1

As the largest event that no major national news media will bother to cover continues to mount steam as the proposed launch of Black Entertainment Television’s Hot Ghetto Mess approaches, Mr. Reginald Hudlin has finally commented.
Mr. Hudlin didn’t comment to me, though I have described the efforts I have made to contact BET’s legal and public relations departments. [For that matter it seems that Mr. Sumner Redstone and Mr. Phillippe Dauman are without comment on the matter as well.] Rather he was besieged at the Television Critics Association Press Tour on Sunday.

I think most in the blogosphere are familiar at this point with the ongoing commentary on the proposed program Hot Ghetto Mess. To sum up for those less familiar, BET has a new show that features

“…shaking booties, thug life, baby-mama drama and pimped-out high schoolers…”

They also use a logo which features a blackface character. The public, and the blogosphere has reacted with outrage, and already State Farms and Home Depot have backed away from advertising on this program. Yet, the response to date from those at BET and Viacom (the company that owns BET) has either been no comment or surprise. Mr. Hudlin states,

“It's unfortunate that people are making an erroneous presumption based on absolutely zero information.”

Nice corporate response, except it’s not exactly true. While there is a presumption being made (as BET has not aired the show yet, nor have they allowed anyone outside the company – and many within the company – to review the program yet) it is based on information they have provided. The question not asked, or not answered to my knowledge, is how a video clip showing a Black woman shaking her bootie – hopefully at a club – would help anyone improve their lives? How would doing a segment featuring a “pimped-out high schooler[s]’ will do anything to prevent more of that, in an age of YouTube arranged fighting (not by YouTube, but the youth having fights just to present them on YouTube to gain attention).

Mr. Hudlin furthers his seemingly fallacious logic with this comment,

“The intent of the show is no different than what Bill Cosby is doing as he's going across the country and lecturing as he talks about the problems of the (black) community that we need to address.”

I must take this to task. Mr. Cosby hold a Masters in Education, at least 5 Honorary Doctorates, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, served in the Navy and has been constant over decades in his efforts to promote the best for African American children and the community. Mr. Cosby has not suddenly started to highlight his belief that the Black culture needs to be improved, he has just recently changed the manner and attention he receives on it.

Continued in Part 2...

Comments on Stanley Crouch's Opinion Part 2 - 7.2.2007.2

Continued from Comments on Stanley Crouch's Opinion Part 1...

And we must recognize that this is not just something that is limited to rap. Far beyond the music entertainment industry, there is video and television and movies. They have all promoted and molded the culture to be a commodity that is sold daily. I recall Mr. Chris Rock saying in one of his stand-up shows, ‘Not one of you white people out there want to tade places with me. You could be a one-legger dishwasher, and you won’t change places with me. And I’m rich!’ I believe it went just like that. But that same person that wouldn’t change places with Mr. Rock, and definitely not with somone of more moderate means like yourself or I, is happy to purchase a piece of our lifestyle by owning some FUBU or Rockawear, listening to Snoop Dogg and watching a music video on BET. That’s not an example of a person selling out, it’s a culture as a commodity.

And I want to focus on BET for a second. A television network that is known for it’s singular targeting of African Americans. What does the Viacom corporation think we are interested in? Well loking at today’s line-up, music videos, the Wayan’s brothers show, In Livin Color and gospel. Oh I forgot the 3rd rate blaxploitation film, Leprauchan: Back 2 Tha Hood. Of all the movies, television programs and media that could be provided by Viacom, that’s the best we get.

BET has promoted the rapper image, and music video exploitation of women, more than any other cable channel. Under the guise of giving the community what it wants. Of course several of the shows by Mr. Bill Cosby (beyond the last 2 most are familiar with), Mr Will Smith and those with notable African American leads didn’t make the cut. Not even the original Mission Impossiblwe series, which was one of the first to have a permanent Black supporting character that had a purpose and intelligence. Thanks BET.

I have no comment on the Real World rip-off College Hill. I find the concept unfathomable. S.O.B. is a Candid Camera rip-off that seeks to add in a touch of Punk’d, just enough racial tension to get a laugh I suppose. And Hot Ghetto Mess I will have to dedicate an entire post to seperately.

BET may have sponsored the town hall meeting, but it has promoted and been a part of the problem as much as rappers themselves.

Mr. Crouch has a great point. The town hall meeting is a good step. The growing awareness is fantastic. But we cannot forget what has contributed to the state of the community today and the hurdles that need to be surmounted tomorrow.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Why protest D L Hughley - 6.19.2007.1

Free Speech. African Americans. Comedy. Each of these are parts of the United States and the world at large. Take any one of these elements away from America and you may not have a nation today, even if you did it would not be nearly as grand, powerful or free. I feel this is a fact, and there is no questioning it.

Yet, when all 3 are combined the outcome can either be extraordinary or devastating. On the positive side is Mr. Bill Cosby, Mr. Richard Pryor, Mr. Dave Chappelle, Mr. Redd Foxx, Mr. Jaime Foxx, Mr. Eddie Murphy and many others throughout the decades. There is no question that each of these men, and women as well let’s remember, have helped advance Civil Rights, helped pave the path that every Black person in America walks today, and an integral part of forging the path the youth and unborn will be walking tomorrow. Such is the power of these combined forces.


On the other end can be seen other figures. Some have been influential others just known by the populace. The were centuries where Black Americans were considered the butt of jokes, performers like Al Jolsen using the right of free speech to demean and hold back millions. While much of that kind of action lives only in the past it still has not left the nation yet. In the 21st century, nearly 500 years after the first Africans were forcibly taken to America, after Civil Rights and riots, after having African American Secretaries of State and while we have a viable candidate that may become President of the United States, we have men like Mr. Don Imus that used the right of free speech that Blacks like the Tuskegee Airmen died to protect to attack innocent, unsuspecting, private African American college students under the guise of comedy.

While these are the extremes, the expanse betwixt is vast and mired in shadows and grayscale. And this is where Mr. D.L. Hughley falls. I mention him because of the recent protest that is being made over his remarks made on the Jay Leno Show about the Rutger’s Women’s Basketball team. Part of the comments made by Pastor Kyev Tatum of Servant House Baptist Church includes

“Imus’s comment was insulting and so was DL Hughley’s. He said it’s time to stop all black performers from such vile attacks - starting with DL. ‘It’s not only that comment,’ Pastor stop all black performers from such vile attacks - starting with DL. ‘It’s not only that comment,’ Pastor Tatum said. ‘He has a history of demeaning our community in such a way that it’s not funny anymore.’ Tatum said. ‘He has a history of demeaning our community in such a way that it’s not funny anymore.’”

Let me mention that I have heard some of the comedy of Mr. Hughley, and I’m not a great fan. He is funny at points, but it’s not really my cup of tea. His television show didn’t hold appeal for me, though friends of mine loved it. His late night show had some moments but overall did not grab me. Essentially I find him a middle of the road comedian, he hits and misses about evenly for me.

Continued in Part 2...

The secret anti-gansta rap movement Part 3 - 4.30.2007.5

Continued from The secret anti-gansta rap movement Part 2 - 4.30.2007.4 Part 2...

On March 7th Mr. John Gibson of Fox News discussed the issue of rap and it’s images and words with Mr. Chuck Creekmur. I point out Fox News directly as I watch this cable news network often and they have had multiple members of the staff do pieces on the lack of attention on the words and images used in rap since Mr. Imus was fired. “Entertainers are responsible for their actions, both on stage and in the world. They are made to be role models, and how they present themselves is their own fault. But to blame the thoughtless actions of random people to these entertainers, on the sole basis that they are African American and there are drugs involved in this situation is wrong and insulting – to me. As Mr. Creekmur mentioned, where is the outcry about the virtual elimination of any form of rap or hip-hop that conveys a positive message? Where are the investigations why record studio executives consistently stereotype the Black community, or why there is active censorship of the formats availablke to the public?”

These are just a few recent items on the point. There has long been controversy and discussion of gansta rap. The commentary started long before this one-time sub-genre became the prevelant form in the industry. Many entertainers, celebrities, educators and commentators have spoken about this for years. The news media just turned a blind eye to it. Obviously their lack of attention led to the lack of knowledge among many Americans. Even the voice of Mr. Bill Cosby had no affect on news organizations in drawing attention to this subject.

“Recently Mr. Cosby has gone to Los Angeles and took to task the educators and parents of young African American students. As well he should, because it is the responsibility of both these groups to do more than just provide the minimum to children. It is not enough to expect rote memorization to provide the knowledge needed to do well in life. It is not enough to promote a dream of athletic prowess, without any thought of a back-up plan. It is far too little to believe that stardom in a mostly talentless industry will be the cure to all ills. Worse yet, acceptance of underperforming and allowance of a lifestyle that involves drug-use and misogyny and lack of self-responsibility are a plague in my view.”

So when the news media ask why nothing has been done I have to ask, “why didn’t you open your eyes?”

This is what I think, what do you think?

You are a helluva B***h - 4.10.2007.1

So how many women feel complimented by that headline? How many people feel that this comment was humorous? This isn’t targeted to any one race. It could be your mother I’m speaking about. Or your daughter, sister or girlfriend. Or just you. Yes, how much joy do you have now that you know this was directed personally?

The fact is that it isn’t personal. I don’t intend to insult anyone. But what is the difference between my headline comment that can be insulting to any woman on the planet and the words of Mr. Don Imus and Mr. Bernard McGuirk? Obviously I’m not as famous, though the fact that this blog is read by people in over 50 countries in the world and coast to coast in the United States makes me more than unknown. Beyond that what is the difference?

I’ll tell you what I think it is. I run the risk, with that headline, of alienating readers forever. I could be losing my base for life and thus crushing my business to make a point. Mr. Imus though got a 2 week vacation. Yes, he was suspended. But he is keeping his job and not, as far as I’ve seen, losing any pay. That is a vacation in my opinion. Just enough time for the media to find a new subject to pump up. Probably the Anna Nicole Smith case, with who is the daddy. You know really substantial news that affects the lives of millions.

Think about that for a moment though. I am risking everything to make a point; Mr. Imus lost nothing (beyond temporary embarrassment that he has gone through before) for saying far worse comments. Does that make any sense?

I’m sure Mr. Imus, and Mr. McGuirk, understand that they are paid to be confrontational. I’m sure that the comments felt completely natural, and/or funny, when they were said. Obviously neither thought this would get as much attention as it has. But I think they, and NBC or General Electric, never were worried about how it may affect them and the current “punishment” reflects that they still don’t think this is an issue.

I know, some will say “But Rev Jesse Jackson held a protest,” or, “Rev Al Sharpton took him to task on the radio.” Well with all due respect that just makes it somewhat farcical. The inclusion of both these men in this matter just makes this less serious, not more. If President Bush made comment, or both Senators for New York, or any number of other legislators were critical of this punishment and the comments that would be serious. I say that because neither man is representative of Black culture or the majority of the Black community. Both do grab the headlines though.

I’ll detract a moment more. Mr. Malcolm X was a leader. Dr. Martin Luther King was a leader. Mr. Bill Cosby has assumed a position of influence. Senator Barak Obama, Representative Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Condolezza Rice and her predecessor Mr. Colin Powell are persons of influence and leadership. But there is no leader of the Black Community today. There is no one person that speaks for all African Americans. There is no one person or group that is recognized. Both the reverends are far from the levels the abovementioned are at. They just get a lot of media attention. So does Anna Nicole Smith, but that doesn’t mean it’s justified or worthwhile.

Continued in Part 2...

Did you know it's Black History Month? - 2.1.2007.1

Today is the first day of Black History Month. If you didn’t know I’m not surprised as there is little media that I observed mentioning it. Unlike 30 years ago, this month draws less real attention than even minor news items. Sure there is a movie starring a Black American entertainer here and there, but what does that really mean? Does that really convey Black History when you’re watching Passenger 57, or New Jack City, or Training Day? Do you feel empowered when you see an occasional 30 second public announcement commercial giving you a soundbite on Black History? Somehow I think there could be more, actually there needs to be.

I mean there needs to be due to a couple of examples. I won’t get into the comments of Senator Biden here. I’ll discuss that at my Vass site shortly. I will mention Mr. Bill Cosby. Did you see the news from the 30th? Have you heard any mention of it? I did, and I’ve waited to see the major media, especially televised news, to give it any attention. I barely found out about it online.

What happened is that Mr. Cosby is continuing to draw attention to the unbalanced and terribly poor conditions young African American are dealing with in schools, and in general. On the 30th Mr. Cosby brought attention to the sub-standard conditions that students in New Orleans are currently enduring. This is the second time Mr. Cosby has gone to the still post-Hurricane Katrina ravaged area. Yet there is nothing mentioned in the media. Not on the 30th, nor on the first day of Black History Month.

By the way, Black History Month was started in 1926, by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson. At the time it was only Negro History Week, and the reason it’s in February (something I always wondered about since it is the shortest month) is due to the birthdays of President Lincoln and Mr. Frederick Douglass.

A quick note on Dr. Woodson. He was the son of slaves, wasn’t able to go to high school until he was 20. His early education was mostly self-taught as he worked to help his family rather than go to school. He attended the University of Chicago and Harvard. In 1916 he founded the Journal of Negro History, one of the oldest journals in America. An important though his father passed on to him was “learning to accept insult, to compromise on principle, to mislead your fellow man, or to betray your people, is to lose your soul."

If you wonder why this is a big deal I’ll quote Dr. Woodson again, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

Well I suppose the news of when the next, and final, Harry Potter book will be release is more vital and helpful. [July 21st if you need to know.]

This is what I think, what do you think?

Where is Bill Cosby's good news coverage? - 11.8.2006.1

I find it interesting that there was noticeable coverage on Mr. Bill Cosby today. By now I’m sure most have heard that Mr. Cosby settled the lawsuit from a woman alleging sexual assault. I won’t get into the terms of the case; it’s not relevant to what I am interested in. What could I be interested in? The coverage itself.

Take a moment and think of when you hear about today’s news. The coverage may have been short, 35 seconds to a minute or so, depending on your station but the coverage was national. To my knowledge every station mentioned this, and while I don’t watch the gossip television shows I imagine they had a small spot on it as well.


Now think back and tell me when you first heard about Mr. Cosby in Los Angeles? For those that need more help remembering the announcement, he was there on October 29, 2006 and I wrote about it Bill Cosby fights the good fight - 10.31.2006.1 on the 31st. Now how much coverage did that get? I don’t recall hearing a single thing about it. That pisses me off. How about you?

The media is far too ready to mention the downfalls of any entertainer or celebrity. In my opinion when that individual is of color, any color, they are even more persistent in their actions. But let there be a positive action and there is nothing said. I may get on the case of various entertainers and celebrities, but I try to mention the positives as well, even if I don’t agree with it. Whether that is Madonna’s charity to children, Ms. Oprah Winfrey’s various comments and contributions overseas and in the nation, Mr. Michael J. Fox’s support of stem cell research, or the innovative programs by Ice Cube. I’m only one man, they are multinational media conglomerates.

What is wrong with the media that positive news, about change and improvement of the lives of children as well as adults, is not worth spending time on. When things go wrong there is no end to the coverage, especially if there if a famous name attached. But they can barely be bothered to mention good news for 30 seconds more than once in a day. When that news involves African Americans, Latinos, or any other minority group (perhaps with the exception of women – which I don’t see as a minority anyway) it’s even more rare, even if they are celebrities or entertainers. At least in my memory.

[If anyone has hard numbers or facts that disputes, or confirms, my thoughts above please post them or at least send me an email.]

I just find it frustrating. What about you?

This is what I think, what do you think?

Musings based on Mr. Bill Cosby's words

While many people are paying attention to the questionable mothering activities of Mrs. Britney Spears, or the alleged media driven divorce of Sir Paul McCartney, Many in the Back community may have missed something important. While not directly focused on entertainment comments from Mr. Bill Cosby have been overlooked I believe. Perhaps it’s the fact that what is being said is not particularly favorable to hip hop and rap, the current cultural emphasis on ‘thug life’, or the simple fact that it places attention on the accepted shortcomings of the Black African American youth of today. I for one not only agree, but am happy to have noticed the news.


I am specifically referring to the speech by Mr. Bill Cosby to Spellman College graduates recently. This is part of several comments made in recent years that address various aspects of Black culture and its failings. There is no reason to be tactful, in my opinion, as such attempts serve only to coddle the feelings of those that most need the harsh light of direct honest. Mr. Cosby correctly states that it is becoming more important for Black African American women to take the lead in fixing the current situation. While I feel that leading the family requires a strong father figure (yes I am somewhat old-fashioned), there is no debate that growing numbers of Black males are incarcerated, uneducated, unemployed, on drugs or killed in their youth. It’s estimated that 75% of the 500,00 incarcerated in 2000 were black (on non-violent drug offenses), and the number of this group being Black men is high. Why is this? I think the better question is why do we allow this.

I can cite many of my posts where an entertainer has been arrested on violent charges, or drugs. Many times the offender has gotten off quite lightly, and it is also apparent that disproportionately the news media emphasizes the Black African American offenders. The reaction of these offenses has been played by the media and various entertainment industries as an endorsement or marketing campaign for the offender. Too often this is focused on rap hip hop artists, or sports athletes. Within my last several posts [Harper Hill - success vs. dmx - airport arrest, Breaking the law entertainer-style] there are several incidents I have spoken about. How can we not penalize these repeat offenders, and why are these individuals rewarded for their actions with increases of record sales and sporting event tickets?

As Mr. Cosby mentions, how can we allow these men to

“... know how to send their sperm cells out and then walk away from the responsibility of something called fatherhood.”

When did that become acceptable? I mean specifically when did it become a bragging point for a Black man to say that he has 5 children, each from a different mother, and that he supports none of them? At what point did women (Black African American in particular) find pride in bearing children with random men, without the expectation of support or the intent of a relationship, and knowing that they lack the means to provide those children with basic needs. How could grandparents stand by or permit their children to pass on their obligation to raise their children, either to the grandparents or to the state, or worse yet to no one.

Too often we have seen many entertainers brought into courts on charges of failing to live up to child support, or abandoning their children completely (how many rappers and basketball players fall into this group that you can name as an example?). Yet we continue to ensure their continued activities, and disrespect, with censure to those that mention how badly these entertainers have behaved.

Mr. Cosby also poses another series of questions,

“Why are we the only race of people who use that stupid word, a word you learned from your mother? Why do our girls dress up like prostitutes? Why do our young men wear clothes designed like the clothes people in prison wear?”

I can’t understand how we can permit forms of entertainment that promote disrespect and ignorance. Look at a music video, not for the entertainment but what is being sent as a message. What do you see? How many women are performing in a manner that would get them arrested were they in public. And in comparison even the women in rock videos, long known for skimpy attire, behave and receive more respect than in the average rap video. Listen to a rap song, and/or many of the entertainers in various industries. Do you notice the on-air time spent on those that cannot speak English as well as 3rd grade children. Name a performer in country music, an actor for movies or television, rock music, or sports that isn’t in rap hip hop or the ‘thug life’ that speaks badly. Not badly, virtually incomprehensibly. Other than the noted mis-spoken usage of Mr. Don King, there are virtually no others. At least Kid Rock has the excuse he is illiterate, as I recall. I’d suggest you recall how many speak well and are in the ‘thug life’ but I think that would take too long and may not exist.

Continued in part 2 ...

Harlem's musical loss is ours as well

If I ask you to name a choir, what names come to mind? Vienna Boys Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle and the Boys Choir of Harlem come to my mind. Of course, Im from the city and so I may be a bit jaded. Still here is no question of the fame of the Boys choir of Harlem. A Google search of the word choir has them come up in position 4. That says a lot, and that is before the Vienna Choir which is older [started in 1498]. Some may not be aware how often they hear the Choir’s work, but it has been in the soundtracks of Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, and Glory to name a few.

So why am I thinking of choir music today? It’s not because I’ve been listening to chamber music lately (which is quite nice in a live performance), but because of NYC officials. The City seems determined to kick the choir out of its current space, effectively causing harm to this institution that has existed since 1968. They are accused of possibly not paying music staff, do not have reliable tour dates and are in debt 5 million dollars. Oh, I should mention that they are on property that can generate $550,000 a year. So the city is willing to just shut the Boys Choir of Harlem out of it rehearsal space.

Let me give you some insight, that may or may not apply, as I recall it. As a native NYC I recall the decades that the city allowed Harlem to be a drug-infested and dangerous place. Everyone knew what streets you could go to, day or night, to get whichever drug you wanted. Police enforcement of laws were laughable. Rats the size of small dogs or large cats ran around from abandoned brownstone to brownstone. It was so bad, that in 1977, according to an article by Ms. Julia Vitullo-Martin on August 3, 2003, “an entire house could be bought for $5,000.” In 2003 a brownstone sold for $2.5 million and 1 million dollar+ sales are common today.

It took roughly 50 years for Harlem to go from the Cotton Club to a literal rathole. Then after a major and historic black-owned bank (I apologize but I forgot the name, this being a ~20 year old event) was forced to liquidate before Mr. Bill Cosby and others could provide funds to guarantee its survival [I have searched for 8 hours in the last couple of days and have not found one reference to this roughly 1983 news occurrence, yet it was national media at the time], numerous other banks in the city began to give loans out to buy houses. This was the 90's and the city started to develop the abandoned and worthless land. Businesses and Yuppies (many brokers as I recall) who could get approved, as opposed to the locals who never had the chance nor could ever qualify in the past, started buying like sharks in a frenzy. Had I the money I would have done so too. It was obvious that the prices would soon soar.

I say all that because again it seems to me that rather than working the situation the City is looking for the money. The fame of the choir, and its good work seems not to be as valuable as the money the buildings they use can generate. This is the conclusion I get.

Though no January 2006 or later appearance dates are available for the choir (no surprise since they may not have a place to operate from after the 31st) dates prior to that for last year are easily found on their website. So to claim that the tour dates have been unreliable could be a stretch. It is stated via the Harlem choir’s website that they have 100% college acceptance. Attendance is 94%, the number of kids passing is 95%. Statewide tests for math and reading show 84% and 79% of the students (respective) are at or above grade level. All of this and only 125 students are actually in the choir. How many other schools can boast such achievements? How many inner city schools that cater to mostly Black African American, Hispanic and other minority can say anything close to that? It wasn’t my high school, where I estimate roughly 15% were accepted into non-city colleges, 25% if you include them. [That was roughly 20 years ago in a better time for students and Black African American youth, I graduated 6th in my class... I had a decent school, but there can be no comparison to the Harlem Choir.]

As Thomas Carlyle says “Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.” I agree with that, and as I previously stated on how AOL is restricting musical expression (in my opinion) the City is doing so and worse for the most petty of reasons, money. Expanding the minds of the youth, especially the Black African American, Hispanic and minority youth that need to be exposed to more than just the inner city, is essential. Any culture or governmental entity that restricts or damages that is a failure and dangerous in my mind. This is especially true when other alternatives can be found. Half a million dollars is not worth the price of a musical note, nor is it even close to the value of an educated and broadly influenced mind.

Let’s apply my rule used for commercials [from my post Burger King ad], if this was happening to the Vienna Boys Choir would the reaction be the same?

This is what I think, what do you think?

Entertainers - Fatherhood vs. Image

Tomorrow is the day in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be remembered. While that is an important thing, I noticed something else today. It has been reported that rap artist Juvenile was arrested related to child support. Of the many things entertainers do this is one that ranks at the top of the list in annoying me. There is nothing that riles me up like a father who abandon’s children and fails to live up to their obligation created by their actions.

Now let me clear a few things up. I do not want to pick on rappers, though they may be more high-profile in this matter, as I will discuss later. Entertainers and celebrities such as Damon Dash, Ice-T, Latrell Sprewell, Zab Judah, David Oakley and others fall into this category. Questions of paternity have fallen on Stephen Bing, and Mr. Bill Cosby among far to many others. While some have lived up to their obligations, others have not. Some, like Wil Smith, have children from previous relationships/marriages and are active in the lives of their children. To the fathers that are doing the right thing I think more needs to be said in acknowledgement. But I wouldn’t mind stoning those that aren’t.

I also don’t agree with some of the things that are done against some of the celebrity entertainer fathers, or fathers in general. While Puff Daddy, does and should pay for the well-being of his child, I can’t say that $35,000 a month or more is needed to raise a child. We are talking about monies that equal or exceed some of the real median household incomes of many Americans. I don’t know about others, but my friends and I grew up where the total annual family income may or may not have equaled the figure given to one child a month. Children deserve a good life, and when it can be afforded it should be given. A court should not be required to remind a father of what his obligations are. Given that, mothers should not seek to supplement their livelihoods based on the wealth of the child’s father.

But there is a bigger issue here, and this is why its on my Black Entertainment USA blog as opposed to my Vass blog. The issue is what does the existence of these high-profile cases do to our children? As we remember Dr. King, what can we say that has happened since the late 60's? Black African Americans, along with Hispanics and other minorities, have gotten a chance to live the American dream. Many have prospered and lead lives their grandparents could never have imagined. But as time has passed there has been an erosion that has occurred as well.

Two thirds of all black marriages end in divorce, and 2 of 3 black children will experience the dissolution of their parents' marriage by the time they reach age 16. In 1970, 68% of black families had both the husband and wife present. This number dropped to just 50% in 1990, a decrease of 18 percentage points over 20 years, compared with a 6-percentage-point decrease over the same time period for white families. When looking at this data, take a moment to also consider this fact. In a growing proportion as you go from 1970 to today, the amount of entertainers and entertainment that is targeted at the youth is oriented on little more than sex. That is not so say that Mr. Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, or Prince were not suggestive or risque. It is to say that O.P.P.[for those that don’t recall it stands for Other Peoples - the last one you can imagine for yourself, but that was the group’s name and lead song as I recall], 2 Live Crew, Sisko, Khia and a growing number are far more than suggestive or risque. Not only has the music that Black African American, Hispanic and other youth listen to become outrightly descriptive and declaratory on the issue of sex (particularly sex without marriage, attachments, responsibility, or respect); with the creation of music videos there has been a race to promote misogyny, and a lack of moral values.

I can’t say that all music videos are without charm, wit or attraction. I won’t deny that occasionally [I rarely watch television] I watch music videos of rappers and others and enjoy the titillation. Of course I am 38. Music videos of this nature were never available when I was in my mid-teens and few in my early 20's (though they never reached the type of actions/displays seen regularly today). Based on the proliferation of this entertainment, are we surprised that there are so many that decry the death of the Black African American family? How shocked can we be when the youth abandon children and applaud their status as a “baby mama,” or “baby daddy?”

Emulation of celebrities and entertainers is not a new thing. Whether it was the desire to be a home run hitter like Babe Ruth and Mr. Reggie Jackson, dunking baskets like Mr. Michael Jordan and Mr. Kareem adul Jabbar, or a star like Mr. Denzel Washington, Mr. Laurence Fishburne, or Mr. Sidney Poitier. It’s the American culture to desire to be the famous celebrity in the spotlight. It’s personal morality to put out a product that you can be proud of and reflects the ethics you hold. It’s an obligation to be responsible for your actions and the reasonable consequences from what you do, especially as an entertainer (Black African American, Hispanic or otherwise). If you can’t live by that, or worse yet actively chose not to, perhaps a rock to the head will help.

This is what I think, what do you think.