Nas insults every Black American with one word Part 2 - 10.16.2007.3

Continued from Nas insults every Black American with one word Part 1...

Recent Congressional hearings have gone virtually unreported, with entertainers, media corporations, and radio stations all denying any culpability for the content that is made or any negative effects it my encourage/create. With no one to blame, and pressure from the media seeking to blame someone, individuals like Nas are perfect targets. I can’t say I’m sorry when he chooses to adorn album covers with language depicting the worst insult known in the English language.

Nor can I feel pity for a genre of individuals that appear virtually incapable of avoiding legal difficulties. Take the most recent act of idiocy, the arrest of TI (Clifford Harris Jr) for illegal gun possession. Now that may not be a big deal, virtually every rapper has been arrested on a similar charge, Mr. Harris took it to the next level with an attempt to buy machine guns and ownership of multiple assault rifles and handguns. Can anyone explain why he would need this? And how many other rappers have been arrested this year alone? 2 dozen or so? And how many repeatedly, perhaps a dozen? Or am I low-balling the numbers?

The lack of discipline and personal responsibility displayed by the gangsta rap genre is bewildering. The use of the N-word, multiple arrests for crimes ranging from assault to drugs and more are just too much. Some may disagree on whether my argument of their being sell-outs is accurate, but I cannot see how any might dispute that in the current form and the exclusion of any other format, rap is hurting the Black community.

Mr. Creekmur is correct that 1 bad act does not invalidate 1 or 2 good acts. But when we look at the balance, I see dozens of bad acts and barely a handful of good.

We need change. Not by Congress, or from some corporation. We need to take action ourselves; because that is the only way we will see things improve in a meaningful way. If not, I fear that in 15 or 20 years we will wish for the respective charm of what we have today.

So when Nas releases his new album with a title that blatantly insults every living and dead African American, I would suggest not buying it or getting the bootleg or download. Or is that too much to ask?

Nas insults every Black American with one word - 10.16.2007.2

Oh the joy I feel in knowing that Nas will be shortly debuting a new album. I have no idea what his album will contain, but if the title is any indication of the content I have no doubt that this will be an insult to every African American. How can I say that unheard? Because the title is reported to be the N-word.

[If you play the following video, be aware it states the N-word multiple times, but I feel it makes my point.]



But going beyond this. I felt bad when Mr. Chuck Creekmur, was brought onto Fox News for the Big Story and was asked to defend Nas and this blatant use of the N-word. One point that I think needs to be paraphrased

“Many of our elected officials have done bad things, that does not invalidate the good that they have done.” – in reference to the positive songs by Nas as opposed to the more media targeted negative songs

[When you read this Mr. Creekmur, you can contact me for any correction if needed.]

But the problem I see is not just Nas and the low quality songs that he performs. As I’ve noted before

“I’ve long said that executives are laughing as they go to the bank to deposit the money accumulated from the work of Ja Rule and other rappers. They are making boatloads of money (literally) for words they would never use in public (as Don Imus learned) by having rappers say it for them. And all it costs them are pennies paid out to the performers. That by definition sounds like a sell-out to me.”

I understand and respect the fact that the First Amendment allows the artists to say words like this. At the same time I realize that the courts noted that certain words are inciteful and incendiary. I realize that there are consequences of words and they are not always what one might expect.

Gangsta rap and rappers are not the cause of all the ills of the Black community. But they are part of those ills. They condone and actually promote the worst problems our children face everyday. Unprotected sex, drug use, illegal activities, and a general aversion to education. Not one of these things is good for the Black community, yet they continue.

Continued in part 2...

Black Enterprise vs Eddie Griffin - 9.6.2007.2

Some just can't see the forest for all the trees.

Many pundits and the major news media often like to comment that the black community does little to curb the use of some derogatory terms such as the N-word. If you were to only gather your knowledge from these sources then you would probably believe they are correct. Of course, this is as far from the truth as Pluto is near the sun.

For almost 2 decades there has been a steady and committed voice presented in the black community against the use of the N-word and other terms or forms of entertainment that diminish black culture. Miss C. Dolores Tucker was one of the first to take charge in this matter.

“Ms. C. Dolores Tucker started a movement that rings as true today as when she started it in the 1990’s. Gansta rap “is a crime that we are promoting these kind of messages. The whole gangster rap industry is drug-driven, race-driven, and greed-driven.”

She was hardly the only person making commentary. Others such as Mr. Chuck Creekmur have discussed this often on his website long before the events of Mr. Michael Richards and Don Imus. The major news media just didn't pay attention.

In another example of the willful ignorance of major news media, in particular cable news networks, is the fact of what happened to Mr. Eddie Griffin. On Friday, Mr. Griffin was performing at a Black Enterprise magazine event, where, in his routine he was using the N-word consistently. Due to that repeated use Mr. Griffin was pulled from the stage in the middle of his routine. This is not a new thing or something astounding but rather something that has been going on for some time. The black community has paid attention to the issue of disparaging terms used commonly and has acted on this issue on a regular basis.

But if anything is to be heard about this action, it will probably be in the form of the words used by Reverend Al Sharpton. That's really a shame. The reason is, Reverend Sharpton, never saw the performance. He wasn't there. Yet, he came out and made a statement about the performance, which has already been quoted and probably will be repeated if this story catches any attention. Reverend Sharpton is noted as commenting on the reaction the crowd had to the interruption of Mr. Griffin's performance, which is impossible for him to know since he didn't see the performance. Rev. Sharpton goes on to say

[He] "expressed gratitude that the nation's pre-eminent magazine for African-Americans stands behind the efforts of National Action Network in getting rid of the N-word."

How humble of him to presume his organization was responsible for the actions of Black Enterprise magazine on an issue that is sensitive and has been addressed long before his name has ever been attached to it.

That is the problem that seems to be enveloping coverage of this issue. The major news media seemed uninterested in providing coverage of organizations that routinely take a stance counter to the one promoted by music corporations and their associated music videos. It's this blind eye to the significant truth that exists that creates the opportunity for pundits to ignorantly state that nothing is being done, and to defend individuals such as Michael Richards and Don Imus. For that, I say shame on the major news media.

On a separate thought, I have to say that I like Mr. Eddie Griffin. I think he is an incredible performer. His standup comedy routine is quite good, though it does rely heavily on the use of the N-word and other negative terms. This is not a new development; his comedy routine has always contained this terminology. It's not a surprise.

I believe in the freedom of speech. I believe in the right and the opportunity for an individual to entertain the masses in a medium and the manner that they are qualified at. When Black Entertainment magazine hired Mr. Griffin for this event they knew what they were getting. Their reaction to his comedy routine is a bit surprising. If they had an issue with the words he was going to use they should've gotten someone else. It's really that simple.

It's a bit two-faced to hire someone based on what they are qualified and consistently do and then to fire them for doing exactly that. Either you're against what they do or you’re for them. Unless of course there was a prior agreement stipulating that Mr. Griffin would not use those words in his routine. Since I am not privy to the terms and conditions that Mr. Griffin was hired on I can only assume this is not the case.

I will note that I contacted Black Enterprise and I have been told that there is a press release forthcoming on this issue. I'll comment further once I have received a copy of this press release and have had a chance to receive further comment from Black Enterprise.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Reply to comment about D L Hughley Part 3 - 6.21.2007.1

This is in response to a comment made by Eddie G. Griffin who commented on my post Why protest D L Hughley Part 3 - 6.19.2007.3.

I’m glad to see you share the passion that your associate g-e-m has. It’s commendable. But I must mention that I feel neither of you have read through the various posts found on this blog, and my other (www.mvass.com).

I say this because your first statement fails to recognize what I said previously, my post was about free speech. I was not commenting on the quality or morality of what Mr. Hughley stated. My clarification on that point can be seen in my comment and the post itself, I don’t believe I need to clarify that point further.

I am glad that you felt compelled to protest Mr. Hughley. You stood for your convictions and that is something most do not do. I will not take away from that.

As for what people in California, New York, Chicago or any other portion of America and the world think or do I cannot comment. I only speak for myself. It is my understanding that the norms of behavior and speech do not change in different areas of the nation to any great degree. I say that as I have lived in several states across the nation and visited perhaps a dozen more. This is my opinion; you may have had other experiences.

Given that, I point you to a couple of things I have said that it seems you have failed to read about. The secret anti-ganst rap movement - 4.30.2007.3, Another Blackplanet poll - 3.22.2007.1, Nick Cannon's Boost Mobile ads, NBA code, Harper Hill - success vs. dmx - airport arrest, Sean Bell - 11.29.2006.1, Mrs. Elizabeth Vargas, formerly of World News Tonight, Chuck Creekmur and Rap on Fox News - 3.7.2007.2. I think you get the point.

I provided these links because this may help you understand what you seemingly have not read. My views are all available for anyone to read. I have a couple hundred posts that speak clearly to my views on women, rap music, the current state of Black culture, education, justice, drugs, media, health, and dozens of other subjects. I would suggest you read some of them, you may find that my opinions are not based on who I am speaking about but what I want to speak about.

I don’t need to say I stand up for women, African Americans, Hispanics, politicians, this nation, children, education, health, or anything else. My posts do that for me. My backbone has been visible to the entire internet since 2005, and easily found in searches on most any search engine. Put Black Entertainment into a search engine and I’m confident you’ll find me on the first page out of millions of results.

Because of my convictions I try not to make personal attacks, implied or otherwise, against anyone. That doesn’t always happen, I’m human. But when I attack gansta rap I do, when I confront an individual rapper I do that. If I speak about free speech I mean that. And I provide information, when possible and I feel needed, to back up what I say. I don’t make it personal (beyond the fact that it is my opinion) as it weakens the argument I am making.

As for the community, I’m glad you are doing things you believe will help. I do as well, this being one of those items. If you disagree, fine. If you think I am incorrect, then provide me an example of what I said and correct me with proof that ANYONE can link to. I try to do my homework, if you want to say I’m wrong in front of the internet, I expect the same as a courtesy. I’m not above saying I’m wrong, but not just because someone says so.

I will say (since you mentioned it) that if you think that Mr. Hughley, a D-list entertainer as you called him on your blog, has enough influence on your kids to cause them to idolize and emulate him then either he is more successful than you think or you don’t understand the influences on your kids in my opinion. I will further state that if you think the influence of Mr. Hughley supersedes that of rappers such as Snoop Dogg and 50 cent, or the peers of your children then I again state you may be missing something.

Lastly, you made a personal attack on me. In defense of that I will respond, and only once. You don’t know me, or my character. You haven’t bothered to read what I have written. You seem incapable of understanding what you have read. I have come to understand from your writing that you are blinded by your passion and cannot see another view. Without the ability to see other views, or to learn from what is being said to you, you become stupid.

Let me define that, ignorance is the lack of knowledge on a thing – such as your comment on my character, but stupidity is the ability to learn a thing and the failure to do so – which would be reading my blog and understanding what I write about and why which it appears abundantly obvious you have not.

I do not care where in the world you live or are from. Your views are your own, I respect that. I respect honest, courteous disagreement. These things, among others, make me the man I am.

But based on your comments, your disregard for my initial reply, and your personal attack – that was unwarranted and small-minded in my opinion, I would surmise that the children you mention disrespecting their elders (male and female alike I imagine) are not emulating Mr. Hughley but perhaps yourself. I don’t believe that has anything to do with Texas, or being Black, or the sex you were born with. I think that applies just to you.

This is what I think, what do you think?

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?

Imus vs. Rap justification conclusion - 4.11.2007.3

Concluding Imus vs Rap ...

But in looking at the comment made by Mr. Broadus I come to understand that he states that any Black woman that is not in or graduated from college, that is living in a predominantly African American neighborhood, that is not earning a middle class income is a ho. If these same African American (actually he does not limit this to only African Americans) women seek a successful Black man [though he does indicate their search is based solely on the economic status of the Black man] and have not achieved equal status on their own, then these women are ho’s. That is what I understand as his statements meaning in English, a language that must be translated into from the disjointed words of Mr. Broadus. It may be obvious but I do not agree. Perhaps I am too old at 39 to get it, but a ho is a prostitute as I understood it. No more, no less. Any other derivation of the meaning is just a colloquialism, or a lack of knowledge [of which I feel the latter may apply to Mr. Broadus]. It appears that according to the English translation of Mr. Broadus (Snoop Dogg) the majority of women, married or not, fall into this category to some degree. If Mr. Broadus would like to clarify his jumbled definition, I invite him to contact me or place a response on this blog.

Again, the logic does not justify why rappers (which could include White, or Asian, or any rappers) can use offensive language and other people cannot. It does not explain why any woman, regardless of her financial success, location, style of living, love interest, or education level deserves to be regarded as a prostitute unless she in fact employs herself in that work. It does not justify why rappers should be held to a standard above anyone.

I directly ask Mr. Broadus, and any other renown rap entertainer that may choose to respond, why he can insult my mother, my sister, my family [and those of you my readers] in such a degrading manner, and not be held to the same standard as Mr. Imus or any other person. I ask, what difference is there if I went to Mr. Broadus’ wife, mother, daughter and told them they were ho’s or other equally offensive language that he uses in his records and songs? If he feels that such actions are wrong, how does he justify the use of these words? What provides Mr. Broadus, or any rapper, a higher level of morality than myself [or you]?

I will say it again. I want Mr. Imus fired, and it seems that Procter & Gamble, Staples, and now MSNBC [they just cancelled the simulcast of the show] agree. So would Mr. Broadus, Mr. Creekmur, Fatman Scoop and virtually everyone I am aware of. But if Mr. Imus has made a vicious attack, a racial slur, an insulting and degrading commentary, it must be accepted that so has the current gansta rap industry. In the same reasoning why it is disgusting for one to make such comments, it is wrong for all. I will say that I want Mr. Imus gone, and I equally wish gansta rap to be removed from the airwaves.

I will further state, this is not the end of this story. This is still just symptoms of a larger issue. I restate that I feel the source, or at least one source, of this anger and animosity is truly the failure of America to apologize and make reparations for slavery.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Justifying rap music Part 2 - 4.11.2007.2

With due respect to Fatman Scoop, whom I have never heard on the radio, his logic is incredulous and inane. Words have meanings, and while meanings do change over time (which is a slow process) that change in meaning is universal. Blue does not mean ‘light my cigarette’ just because illiterate, or uneducated, or trend-followers chose to accept it as so when the majority of the WORLD does not. If the meanings of the words used by Mr. Imus, or any person, have changed in meaning then everyone should be ok with them and there should be no debate over it. This is not the case. Words and their meanings are not dependant on the artificial prejudice of the color of the skin of the person using it. If it were then how is it possible for Eminem (Mr. Marshall Mathers) to be able to use the same words as Mr. Imus without insult?? The meaning has not changed, the prejudice has. To try to justify this prejudice is to look foolish in my opinion.

As I mentioned above Mr. Creekmur tried to shore up the obvious fallacy of Fatman Scoop. Mr. Creekmur stated that it was offensive for Mr. Imus to use these words as their meaning has not changed. But he further added that the use of these words is an internal matter for the Black community to resolve. While this is a better argument it also fails. African Americans do not exist in a bubble, separate of all other Americans [even if we feel unfairly treated by the government and/or the society]. We have commoditized our culture, and placed for sale our speech, preference for clothing, and other aspects of life. In doing that we have invited the use of the words we use to be used by others, even if that usage is not the same as what is desired. That is part of the deal in making this sale, you lose the choice of how what you sold is used.

But I do agree that this is something that must be address by the Black community. I have said from virtually day one of this website that I disagree with the sub-genre of gansta rap music. I still maintain that it needs to be removed, or at the least not promoted at the exclusion of all other forms of rap. Rappers need to take responsibility for their words, no different than Mr. Imus does. Look through the posts, I’ve always said that. So have many others, this is not a new argument, but it has taken a new impetus due to this situation.

Of those that need to take responsibility there is Mr. Broadus and his comments. Mr. Broadus announced his definition of the term ‘ho’ and it exemplifies, for me, the need of education among African Americans. Beyond the fact that the statement by Mr. Broadus is ill-formed, horribly articulated and obscenity-laden, it tried to justify his career while attacking others for using the same terms his career is built upon. [I must interject that I strongly feel that use of obscenities in place of thoughts is a direct communication of the lack of intelligence of the person using the obscenities.] Mr. Broadus has placed himself as the high-arbiter of the English language and its use by the Black community. That alone makes him delusional. I will never accept an uneducated, drug addicted, low class criminal and former gang member as an authority on a language that he displays a clear lack of mastery for.

Cocluded in part 3...

Chuck Creekmur and Rap on Fox News - 3.7.2007.2

But in the real world, I want to commend Mr. Chuck Creekmur. On The Big Story at 5:15pm, Fox News, Mr. Creekmur was interviewed on the issue of the influence of hip-hop on teens, specifically the kids that gave blunts to the toddlers. Mr. Creekmur correctly mentioned that there has been nothing that connects rap or hip hop with the actions of those teens. He asserted that the real issue was what the parents of those kids failed to do, teach those kids that such actions at the least are reprehensible. He reminded the audience that the images portrayed by hip hop today is one that has been approved by corporate boardroom executives, funded and advertised to have the image that is so common today.

While the interview was trying to be driven towards blaming rap and hip-hop, which do have problems – something that Mr. Creekmur did not deny – the connection does not exist and the conclusion is unfair. [My comments on the obviously stupid teens can be seen at Where are the complaints, drugs and smoking - 3.6.2007.1] The issue is bigger than such a simple and one-sided accusation. The faults of rap and hip hop lie as much with the executives as the fan base, which is driven primarily by White patrons.

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?

I can’t agree that this is a ‘chicken before the egg’ argument. As I’ve mentioned many times before, rap and hip hop was not always the current simplistic, redundant, refuse we see today. In virtually 2 years any format that was not ‘gansta’ was removed from public access. Why has no comment come about that? Critisim of what is the music genre today must have that question in it.

But I’m glad that Mr. Creekmur, owner of www.allhiphop.com, was above the bait laid before him and made the credible arguments he did. That’s worthy of respect and comment in my eyes.

This is what I think, what do you think?