BET wrongly accussed of creating gangs in Monroe

There is no end to the things that I don't like about Black Entertainment Television. The music videos, the quality of most of the films shown on the cable network, the lack of news, the ghettofication (yes I just made that word up) of entertainment. The list goes on and on.

But there are some things that I'm not sure you can blame on BET. Just because Viacom is commoditizing Black culture does not mean that every wrong in the Black community is tied to them. That's something that needs to be proven because just making the statement is like throwing around the word racist (which is a popular thing to do these days).

The Monroe Free Press really needs to think about this. Today they published an article that blames BET for the increase in violence and gangs in their area. The article is More Shootouts as teens fight for "Respect" and Headlines. Obviously this article delves into the question of what is motivating teens to join gangs and kill each other.

It's not stated who wrote the piece, but I think they were seriously reaching when they decided to pick on BET. In fact I bet they were just looking to get more coverage, which they did succeed in doing.

The article states immediately

"They are young and out of control, but the arrests keep coming as neighborhood gangs bent on being famous like BET’s American Gangster, fight each other for what one has called “My Respect.”

“American Gangster” is a weekly television program on Black Entertainment Television which profiles gangs in the black community since the 1950’s with photos and storylines that lift the criminals to legendary status."

Now I have no argument that shows like American Gangster and Gangland glorify the criminal and mindless activities the dregs of society have chosen. I agree that such programs are counter-productive in a society that thinks everyone should have a Jackass or American Idol moment. The various Youtube videos of various people breaking the law (like giving babies drugs, or setting up fights to be taped) shows how stupid some can be, and how desperate some are for attention they don't deserve.

But to directly state that the gangs in Monroe are growing simply because of the actions of just this one show on BET is anything but a given. Which is proven by the fact that the article goes on to stop mentioning BET while discussing the problem with teen gang shootings. There is no proof that the BET show encouraged the gangs. There is nothing that connects the recent shootings in Monroe, or the gang growth, to BET.

Problems cannot be fixed by just scapegoating an individual or institution. The very argument that modern television and aspects of the internet promote the worst behavior in teens and some adults is weakened by such a baseless claim. Not once was there even so much as a quote by an accused shooter or gang member about BET. There wasn't even a made up stat or poll or reasonable connection.

Do I think the programming on BET is worthwhile, positive, or beneficial to the Black Community? No. I've stated that many times. I think that Sumner Redstone and the execs at Viacom are too busy cashing in on the commoditization of Black culture to care what they put on or what potential effect it may have. Until all of their kids act out and reference BET, or the other equally horrid programming featuring African Americans on other Viacom channels, they won't even notice.

Still my opinion, and my direct references to shows on BET and their link to stereotypes and negative connotations of African Americans, are not the same as trying to vaguely connect BET to crimes being actively committed. A publication that purports itself as a member of the press needs to have higher standards. Being a publication catering to African Americans does not mean standards are removed or lowered.

Can BET be improved? Only in as much as I am sure the sun will rise tomorrow. But is BET contributing to the rise in gang violence in Monroe? There is no way to be sure, especially considering the "reporting" by the Monroe Free Press. And the readers of Monroe, and the internet, deserve better. Even BET for all its faults deserves better than that.

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.

Review of Jeff Johnson speech at Ithaca College - 2.28.2008.2

When I first noticed a piece of news about Jeff Johnson speaking at Ithaca College I honestly didn’t think much of it. I had never heard of the man. But after reflecting on the college, which was a mere hour or so away from me, I decided to really read the announcement. From that I learned that Mr. Johnson was more than just some entertainer but was a recognized influence on hip hop and youth activism.

I also found out that he had worked with Black Entertainment Television, on the program Rap City as Cousin Jeff, and then later in the Jeff Johnson Chronicles. In all honesty that lowered my still unclear opinion of the man, and drove me to go to the event in hopes of discussing the actions of BET with Hot Ghetto Mess (now called We Got To Do Better) and the less than positive representations of Blacks by the cable network (owned by Viacom) with him.

Prior to going to the event, I read through the biography of Jeff Johnson via the website of his management team. Again, in all honesty as an opponent of gangsta rap, I was not encouraged by the endorsement of Source Magazine or the BET collaboration. At the same time I was interested by the fact he had been the only American reporter to interview Africa’s first female head of state, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Liberia. Add to that the fact that he was a former National Youth Director for the NAACP and appointed by Russell Simmons as the Vice-President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network.

There was more to the man than what the association with rap and BET may make some 40 year olds conclude. And I’m happy to say that I miserably under-estimated the ability, sincerity, intelligence, and communication skills of this man. I was impressed not just because I had foolishly almost closed my mind to what he could be and was awoken to the fact that I nearly allowed my own prejudices to miss this event, but because of what he was imbuing the students at Ithaca with. He gave them more than hope or polispeak; he gave them a motivation to seek out their own purpose and the drive to make a difference.

I have already spoken about the students at this event. Let me tell you about Jeff Johnson’s speech.

First of all, Mr. Johnson is an excellent orator. He has a command of the stage that few I have heard have. And he isn’t shy. Not in the subjects he discusses, the message he wants to convey, the examples and images he draws upon, nor in the desire to get feedback from his audience as he talks to them. I want to be clear; he doesn’t talk at the audience but speaks to them.

The first clue to that came when Mr. Johnson bypassed the podium and stood before his audience and asked if we could all hear his voice. While the room was of decent size (easily holding over 200 people at a guess) there was no question that his voice filled the room. A good sign and more comforting than watching someone shielded by a podium.

Mr. Johnson started off with the Black community’s struggle with Black History Month. The fact that there are too few programs on people of color (the preference of Mr. Johnson when referring to Black Americans, being inclusive to all the heritages that make up what is the Black community but also used to include all non-whites) and noting that Black History Month currently exists on a superficial level, ignoring it’s inception as Negro History Week, why it was created and what it has evolved into.

As Mr. Johnson stated

“Blacks have been patriots longer than citizens.”

And that the Civil Rights Movement was ‘gangsta’ because never had so much changed without violence and revolution, and Civil Rights purpose was the change of Laws and Policy in this nation. Only a true gangster could effect so much change without rising up arms to do so. And they raised a generation of children that couldn’t fight.

Yet one of the problems in 2008 was that the children of the Civil Rights Movement have an identity crisis that is separate of civil rights or BET. It was because of 2 things, the ending messages of Civil Rights. I will try to paraphrase it

“First, I don’t want you to fight like I did – go to school, get an education (and lose your minds).

Second – [in a whisper] If you don’t tell people you are Black they might not know.

Both of these things can be found in the personifying an image of Blackness connected to hip hop rooted to Africa that doesn’t reflect Africa and has nothing to do with being Black.”

Read that again. It’s very powerful, and I fully admit I do not give justice to the way and full scope of what Mr. Johnson said on this. I’m giving you a paltry couple of seconds’ summary of at least 10 minutes of conversation that was far more intense. But the point is there I believe.

From this point the speech went on to discuss the split that occurred in hip hop and the emergence of rap. Like many recognize, prior to 1992 the rap industry was about social commentary. That not only included groups like Public Enemy but also much of the tracks from N.W.A. Right up until the album, The Chronic.

At that point a new model for rap was created, funded by White people while Black people (or people of color) danced to it, and had record companies saying ‘Pimp stuff sells thus we sell it’. And that was the first time, after the last track of the Chronic album was out, that people started to say ‘I don’t listen to what they say, I listen to the beat.’

Jumping forward a bit Mr. Johnson then went on to discuss how the grandchildren of Civil Rights Movement have less power than the parents of the Civil Rights Movements (meaning slaves) and how we buy into the lie that Dr. Marin Luther King would have had the same dream from 1965 to 2008.

Another point that I agreed with and struck the audience was the thought that there is $100 million dollars being spent on a statue of Dr. King that ½ of Black America can’t afford to go see. Or that less could be spent, or a matching funds campaign could be made, to fund schools across America.

At a later point Mr. Johnson stated

“Black History is a time where our obligation is to share with the world our history. And if we don’t know it, it’s just a party celebrating our ignorance.”

As I mentioned Mr. Johnson is hardly reserved in the points he makes. And that is a good thing as the comments are needed. The impact and repercussions of what he is discussing are real events and inaction that is in the Black community today.

By confronting the youth of today, especially those that are people of color, with these realities, and reminding them of the ability and power they have to change the world around them he helps to improve America for us all. We can play chess as if it were checker and wonder at our repeated losses, or we can plan and act and win. And often those that are just entering the adult world can have the biggest and longest lasting impact. Because they shape the future and present, and live with the consequences.

I will not claim to do justice for the speech of Jeff Johnson. There are many elements that I have not covered, and others I have paraphrased, perhaps poorly. But I will say that my understanding of his message, and the ability that he has to positively impact the youth of the nation is more than just a pleasant surprise.

I may not agree with every aspect of what he said, that is not important. But I will say that many would find benefit in hearing or reading a speech by him. Even better to be there as he give his words the power of his voice.

I look forward to speaking with Jeff Johnson in the future, if possible, and passing that conversation on to you. But until that time I suggest that you look into him via his website at jeffsnation.com

Criminals Gone Wild, the DVD - 12.12.2007.3

There was something I heard this morning that took me aback. I was shocked by a display of vulgar, unrepentant, ignorant, money-grubbing via the glorification of the most base and illegal activities in the Black Community. I am being serious.

What got me so upset? Criminals Gone Wild. The name itself conveys images of stupid and petty actions performed for the monetary benefit of the videographer. But unlike the exploitation of drunken minors and misguided young women that is Girls Gone Wild; this DVD is a compilation of violent petty uneducated thugs in the pursuit of a dollar. There is no superficial and misguided level of cheer or fun. There is no veneer of happiness or joy.

Criminals Gone Wild is simply a Black guy videotaping felons, and soon-to-be felons, in the act of committing crimes so he can make money. It’s exploitative, a crime, and base on every level. I am looking forward to the owner/creator of this DVD being arrested and serving a long sentence.

I expect this guy to be arrested because he has captured the murder and attempted murder of African Americans. He has captured on film the robbery at gunpoint of African Americans. He recorded the planning and commission of carjackings and assaults of every nature. And he did not report a single event. Rather he scurried off to a corner and made a DVD. It makes me sick.

I’m not sure what is worse; the fact that this individual was able to make this DVD or that so many criminals thought this was their chance at 15 minutes of fame. Actually perhaps the fact that criminals feel like they are superstars is the greatest crime and source of disgust I have.

The Black culture has become a commodity, and criminals have become the oil that is most valued to trade upon. Call them thugs, pimps, ghettofabulous, rappers or uneducated, small-minded, petty, cowardly, slow-witted, buffoons who derive their delusion of self-importance from the misery and suffering they impose on their own people. They are parasites and I have no pity, remorse or forgiveness for them.

And as for the creator of this enterprise, he is best described as a parasite that feeds on parasites. A low creature feeding of the scum of the earth for no reason other than the selfish gain of money. His only excuse for his actions was in fact,

“What do you want me to do? Mop floors for $5 and hour? This is what I do.” – As shown on Fox News at 9:56am

To answer the question asked, yes I expect you to mop floors. Why not. When I started working, back when I was 13 and still in school, I swept floors. I also had a job cleaning the floors in my apartment building and bringing out the garbage cans on collection day. I made a grand total of maybe $40-50 a week for my labor at the start. Today I make far more an hour. That’s not a boast about me, but an example of what a Black man with self-respect, discipline, and a work ethic can attain.

I was once told by my father something that I think many in the Black community don’t hear often anymore, especially this refuse of pond-scum that created these DVD.

“You can hold you head high to anyone every day that you do a good day’s work and get a good day’s pay. It doesn’t matter what the job is, you can be proud of it and tell anyone that asks.”

I have lived by those words; I think many others need to as well.

There is but one positive in this whole thing I can mention, and that is because of the boundless idiocy of most of the criminals, and their desire to justify their delusions of grandeur. The police have a good deal of information to go on to arrest and incarcerate these putrid beings. I look forward to hearing of the multiple arrests and long sentences each of these blights on the Black community will one day receive. Starting with the leech responsible for this DVD.

[While there is video of this out on the net, in good taste and good conscience I could not include it, or link to the web addresses that promote this pestilence.]

Preparing for the TV One Heartland Presidential

This is an excerpt about the TV One Heartland Presidential Forum webcast that will occur latter today.

As the TV One webcast of the Heartland Presidential Forum at 2:30 today approaches, I want to review some of the main issues that I think it will and will not cover. Overall I think that the candidates, of both parties, will seek to avoid a large number of issues most people really care about. Expect a good deal of deflection and moves to tangent issues rather than answering the actual questions posed. I doubt that it will be as obvious as the dramatic and highly covered yes, no, and maybe answer Senator Clinton offered on driver’s licenses for illegal aliens in New York State but I believe they will happen none the less.

First off there are the issues that the candidates will avoid speaking about. The issues are widespread and party specific. For the Democrats there is the fact that for 9 months of this year virtually every candidate vehemently stated that the surge in Iraq could not and would not work. They coupled the disbelief in the surge with they demands for immediate withdrawal of troops.

In the past couple of months, the most liberal pundits, reporters, and politicians have verified that the surge has in fact worked. Iraq is safer and more stable now than since Saddam Hussein was removed. Thus we have seen the debates and the public speeches of the candidates have moved from immediate withdrawal and failure, to a need to withdraw most troops (leaving an unspecified amount of troops for an unspecified amount of time) and failure, to not speaking about the subject at all as much as possible. Kind of funny how that went.

In addition Democratic candidates have moved into the subject of national healthcare as their primary talking point. Though all the plans are not fully explained, and the cost (upwards of 100 billion dollars at the least) has no explanation where it will receive funding from (extra taxes from the rich is the general answer. What is rich is a floating income number ranging from 200,000 at the top and 90,000 near the bottom).

For Republicans the key early issue was again Iraq and supporting the surge (and thus highlighting the Democrats willingness to retreat) and being against terrorism al la 9/11. After several months of each candidate mentioning how strong they are against terrorists they all have shied away from using the single greatest attack on American soil in past 60 years for their political gain (mostly).

The new line of discussion, now that the surge has been shown to be working and President Bush has mandated that surge troops will be slowly phased out of Iraq, has become illegal aliens. Each candidate has claimed they will resolve this issue, though there is no plan stated that will deal with the 12 million plus illegals that are in this nation right now, nor any that will be coming in the future. There are half thoughts of paths to citizenship, documentation, healthcare and deportation but no real plans. And lots of one-upmanship over who is tougher on the subject and who has the best past performance. Oh and there are arguments over who is more devoutly religious, and who can do more to prevent higher taxes. Again no real plans though.

So that is what they were all talking about, and what they want to discuss now. It’s a very short list. And yes I do realize they spoke about other things. But that was/is the focus.

Continued at Preparing for the TV One Heartland Presidential Forum Part 2 - 12.1.2007.1

Dog Chapman apologies on Hannity and Colmes Part 3 - 11.7.2007.2

Concluded from Dog Chapman apologies on Hannity and Colmes Part 2...

And lastly the interview ends with his written public apology, and his claim he would rather die than inflict pain on the Black community. Some how I doubt that. Had that been true he would not use, nor allow use around him, of the n-word. He would not have spit out the bile and malicious wording that is now the testament of his thoughts. Again I say his apology sounds hollow and as false as a poorly tuned piano.

But that is not the end of his annoying attempt to get back his lucrative television show and audience. The last thing he mentions is his efforts to get in touch with God and to go to a gravesite of African Slaves and to place a gravestone for each of them buried there.

I’m sorry but my anger cannot be bought so cheaply. My anger that has grown immensely as I hear him continue to speak. Now he thinks that telling me he is going to get in touch with God, and that this should excuses his intent and actions? That his taking the out that all entertainers and celebrities are using now, treatment for deplorable actions, is going to gain sympathy? Not with me.

And to even mention the graves of those Africans that were taken from their homes to become less than furniture enrages me. How dare him. Placing grave markers will not buy my anger off. Providing due respect for the lives of human beings is something everyone should do. America didn’t for over a century, and the paltry hollow actions of one White man who has compounded that insensitivity will not make up for it.

I mentioned that I expected Dog to seek some kind of ‘aid’ for his words. He has done so. I expected that he would apologize in public. And now he has. I did not expect him to lose his cable television show for the private phone call, but having heard his apology I am glad at A&E’s decision.

As I said to a friend about this whole incident,

“He may not be a racist, but he does a damn good job of acting like one.”

Democrat and Chronicle editorial response Part 2 - 9.24.2007.4

Continued from Democrat and Chronicle editorial response Part 1...

Another part of the dropout rate could be seen in the inability of many rappers to speak English, some making up words and virtually a whole language rather than learning how to use their native language. The lack of educated gangsta rappers (who are seen as role models by some) also adds to the motivation of dropping out. Add to that the implication of violent crimes being more ‘manly’, lucrative, and preferable to honest work and you have another factor.

I would note that the prison population has increased, and the proportion of younger African Americans in jails, since 1992. Equally of note is the number of drug related crimes that they are in jail for.

In America, famous individuals are role models for those that wish to follow someone. Regardless of the denial by celebrities and entertainers, they are role models. Given that, we have seen a move from figures like Michael Jordan to 50 cent since 1992. Where Mr. Jordan represents a successful businessman, with a college degree, no criminal record, and worldwide fame, we see 50 cent as a convicted drug dealer that used violence as part of his daily actions, and was a victim of that same violence. 50 cent has made use of his violent past to glorify and promote his lifestyle. Which is a better image?

Language is the verbalization of thought. The ability to communicate those internal thoughts is reflected by that verbalization. As abovementioned gangsta rap ignores actual language on a regular basis, and uses the most simplistic grammatical format even when inappropriate. This is a limitation of communication, which affects verbalization and thus the mind.

The acceptance of gangsta rap, since 1992, and its strong connection to illegal drug use implies a public acceptance of drugs. Much as the use of alcohol and cigarettes was found to be a massive influence on the public, and thus not allowed on television or in magazines for decades, the same correlation can be found in gangsta rap music.

Because of the language used in rap music, people internationally are lead to the belief that such terminology applied to African Americans is common and acceptable, as they have no context or comparative information to counter that belief. As I have often heard, ‘Why is that a bad word? They say it in the videos all the time. Isn’t it right?’

Perhaps these reasons and others are too subjective for JWilliams and others. Perhaps there is no smoking gun, and they cannot connect the actions in one place and the results in the other. But I believe there are. More importantly I believe that even if there is a potential for these items to be related, it has too much of a potential harm.

Much as there has not been definitive connections of lung cancer to smoking (there is not) or heart attacks to fast food, a reasonable person can fill in the gap. To think this is merely a politically correct issue is to accept that children taking drugs, having multiple children to multiple fathers out of wedlock, violence in various forms, and lack of education as rhetorical issues. I for one cannot.

Some might say the acceptance of rap is no different than the acceptance of smoking, or calling African Americans the N-word, or lynching for looking at the wrong person. Each was considered acceptable at one point in this nation’s history. Thankfully they are not today, though I do not agree with such an extreme view of gangsta rap. To minimize the importance and impact of this genre of music is to ignore the impact it has.

I submit this as the last piece of proof. If gansta rap was of little importance, with no impact on America or the Black community, why do so many companies spend millions to promote it and reap billions from it? That’s not politically correct, that’s economics. And if economics prove anything, it’s that someone is paying a lot of attention.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Why hasn't Al Sharpton gone to West Virginia

Post written by guest blogger CMiller

I am going to have to say that it is a shame upon the Black community when the Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jessie Jackson have not even shown up to champion the Black woman who was brutalized by 6 white people that consisted of 2 white females and 4 white males. My gosh even the Federal government has abandoned this poor woman by not calling this a hate crime. If it was not a crime that consisted of major amounts of hate then what would you call it. Why in the world would 2 women be involved in such a crime being committed against another woman? Could it be because she is a black woman? I believe the possibility is more than present in this case.

But again I must ask, where is the Black community’s voice on this matter. Its as if everyone thinks its ok for such a heinous crime to be committed against a Black woman and that the reaction should be next to invisible to the American public. Why in the world would the major news media not be interested in such a story. One would think that the way they latch on to bad news within the Black community that for once they could come to the aid of one of us.

It would seem that no one is interested in helping this poor woman not even spiritually it would seem, do to the lack of even the ambulance chasers being at her side.

I say this would be such a blight on the Black community if this one slips between the cracks. Are we not sick to death of what happens to Blacks, for the love of pete its 2007 and we are still being made victims by the major news media. I expected BET to have something to say about this but I was wrong. I hope for the sake of this woman that the Black bloggers out there in the world come together and help this woman so that she will not be forgotten. That for once justice will be done and served to the fullest extent of the law.

Should this woman be forgotten, everyone of us should stop and think how they would feel if that woman was their mother, sister, daughter, aunt or cousin. Would it be so easy to forget then or would a cry of outrage erupt from your soul for what horror she had to endure at the hands of 6 hateful white people.

Regardless of the color of this woman’s skin, no person should go through what she had to endure. All women are sisters and should stand together and support one of our own. I am saddened that in America people can turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the plight of one of its own.

Our community needs to pull together and support this poor woman in her time of need. Respect her privacy but don’t’ forget her. She after all is one of us.

Does rap / Hip Hop sellout the Black Community? - 9.14.2007.1

Yes men. Uncle Toms. Sellouts. What do all these have in common? In the case of Hip-hop and rap music, the argument can be made that they all refer to the artists and entertainers that perform in this genre. Perhaps not all of them, nor all that they perform/produce but enough to be somewhat generalized.

Why might this be said? Well there are a couple of reasons. First there is the weakest reason, sometimes said as ‘I think you protest too much’. Basically the more defensive an individual is, especially when faced with a simple question, the guiltier they seem. How this might apply to gangsta rap (the near exclusive format of modern rap and hip-hop) would be in the responses various performers have made to the question of the lyrics used in their songs. A recent case in point is Ja Rule,

"And if it is, then we need to go step to Paramount, and f--king MGM, and all of these other motherf--kers that's making all of these movies and we need to go step to MTV and Viacom, and lets talk about all these f--king shows that they have on MTV that is promoting homosexuality, that my kids can't watch this sh-t," he continued. "Dating shows that's showing two guys or two girls in mid-afternoon. Let's talk about s--t like that! If that's not f--king up America, I don't know what is."

The defense seems to be, ‘It’s not my fault, blame someone else. They are worse.’ The protest ignores the question of what Ja Rule has done, and thus his responsibility, and tries to blame others. Now I agree that the media does have culpability. 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.

But that is not the only reasoning given by rappers and hip hop artists these days. There are also those, such as the ever quotable and ‘high’-ly educated Snoop Dogg and Fatman Scoop, who seek to redefine the terms they are using. Creating a lexicon much like the one used by Don King, they claim that they have redefined the meaning of words that have existed for decades and centuries before they were ever born.

In essence the argument made by Scoop was that the meaning of the words used by rappers and the youth of the nation today [I believe he means specifically African American youth but that is a guess] is separate of the meaning that has endured for centuries of use and is still maintained today.

If we were to follow this logic, the world-wide meaning of words are all incorrect, and their barely educated ‘I think it means this, and you are stupid if you disagree’ mindset is the only answer. Take Snoop Dogg’s definition of ho –

"It's a completely different scenario," said Snoop, barking over the phone from a hotel room in L.A. "[Rappers] are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports. We're talking about ho's that's in the 'hood that ain't doing sh--, that's trying to get a n---a for his money. These are two separate things. First of all, we ain't no old-ass white men that sit up on MSNBC [which announced Wednesday it would drop its simulcast of Imus' radio show] going hard on black girls. We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them mutha----as say we in the same league as him."

If his comment makes little sense I interpeted it as

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.

Defending the livelihood of his superiors, the executives that run the record companies and pay him a portion of the money that his sales gererates, and following the path their corporate ad designers have laid out in the face of community disagreement likens itself to a Yes man to me.

In the cases I have pointed out, and many others, we see a systematic response. The medium that once held massive diversity (there were songs by Run-DMC out at the same time as Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Da La Soul) is focused on a highly destructive and profitable genre. A new crop of entertainers are ‘found’ and promoted heavily (read solely) in this format. When the genre is accused of inciting harm to the community it is targeted to, those same entertainers are used to defend it. What does that sound like to you?

I will not say that gangsta rap cannot be made. The First Amendment guarantees that. But I will say that the exclusion of any other stylesis wrong. I will say that those defending this music genre, denying any responsibility for what they have put out on the airwaves and how it will affect the children and community, are at the least short-sighted. They are making money off the backs of the community and that is wrong. Much like a drug dealer I see it as inflicting harm just to make some money for themselves and 10x as much for the big bosses. I feel its just not worth it.

Before Ja started talking out the left side of his mouth, he might have taken some time to come up with a better argument. Perhaps focusing on the film studios for the limited roles available to Black women, as in, why do Black female actors always end up playing roles of prostitutes, drug addicts, welfare mothers, etc?

Gays aren't the reason that many Black families live below the poverty line. Lesbians aren't the reason that our prisons are overflowing with young Black men and women. Can't blame gays for the senseless gang violence in the our neighborhoods that is and continues to take the lives of many Black men. And it's unfair to blame gays for the number of Blacks that are unemployed in America. Oh, and gays weren't the reason that in 2003, he punched a man in Toronto for shouting at him in a crowd because of the 50 Cent feud. Nor were they the reason that in 2004, police investigated whether a feud involving The Inc. led to fatal shooting outside a nightclub party hosted by Ja Rule. Now were they?

And I can’t lay all the blame on the entertainers. The harm being inflicted is partially their responsibility, but also that of the parents that allow their kids to be immersed in this cultural addiction. This auditory crack reaches children in part because, as Jasmyne Cannick correctly states:

Now if you ask me, that's what's contributing to bringing down Black America. Our kids are being taught from a young age, by the lyrics of rappers like Ja Rule and by parents who care more about bumpin' their song, than the effects that hearing those lyrics day after day have on their children.

Sellouts, Yes men, and Uncle Toms. Perhaps they are not the well spoken, well dressed, hard working people that are often persecuted by some in the Black community. Perhaps their individual voices are not the ones we should be concerned about but the ones that are promoted, televised in music videos, and propped up like minstrels before us.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Starbury sneakers from Stephon Marbury - 5.1.2007.1

I must say I am impressed. There are few basketball players I am aware of that are really worth talking about these days. I admit I am not a fan of basketball; I liken it to tennis with 12 players a side. That does not mean I don’t think they have more skill than average at the professional level. Given my lack of knowledge, I am aware of certain players. One that has recently caught my attention, Mr. Stephon Marbury, as I mentioned impressed me.

What I am impressed about has nothing to do with his ability to bounce a ball (or the more controversial aspects of his sports career), but what he is doing about his responsibility to present a positive image to children. I cannot speak about his everyday actions, but his new line of sneakers demands conversation.

I saw Mr. Marbury being interviewed by Mr. Neil Cavuto yesterday on Fox News. The reason was the conversation on his new line of sneakers, Starbury. They cost $15. I did not forget the 0 in the number. Imagine that, a line of sneakers promoted by a star athlete,
that costs what they are worth. I thought the day would never come.

Finally someone is waking up and realizing that children, often from inner cities where money can be tight, cannot and should not need to afford ridiculously overpriced goods. Every sneaker on the market costs maybe $5 to make at the most, I’d guess, and parents have long been gouged to provide their kids the latest brand at retail costs in the $100+ range. When you consider that most products that can make a 20% profit are considered goldmines by corporations across the world you start to see the rip-off.

Mr. Marbury is giving back to the Black Community, and moreso to kids in NYC high schools that play varsity basketball. That is an act of kindness and responsibility. It’s a reminder that “bling” [truly a term of absolute ignorance] is just a way to stay poor and make someone else rich for no reason. It’s a lesson in fiscal responsibility, which I hope could lead to personal responsibility. It’s an entertainer doing something for the fans and not for their bank account. And it’s about time.

I don’t fault anyone for making or endorsing a product and getting paid for it. Even better if they actually support and/or believe in the product. But ripping-off kids is wrong no matter what the reason. And it’s insulting when a multi-millionaire exploits fans, especially those in the least economically capable communities, to make another buck. Even the worst stockbrokers I worked with or knew of in the market would NEVER take money from kids and orphans. To make it blunt, profits in excess of 200% for a piece of sporting equipment that can’t survive the wear and tear of daily use beyond 6 months or so, and targeted to children and young adults, is exploitive.

I also laud Mr. Marbury for being one of the NBA leading donations for Hurricane Katrina victims and the several barbers he has at Coney Island to provide free haircuts to the youth. Are all these actions the biggest things that can be done to help the community? No. Do they make a statement? I feel they do. What might that statement be?

I feel that unlike most athletes Mr. Marbury is stating that money is not the be all of life. That his personal prosperity is not more important than those that provide him the prosperity. He seems to realize that the fans are the reason for his success, ultimately. And he presents an image that is severely lacking among entertainers and celebrities today, especially if those entertainers are African American. That image is class, pride, perhaps humility. That is what I have been able to gather.

I don’t know a lot about Mr. Marbury, and even less about his profession of choice. Yet what I have been able to divine seems worthwhile, even though there are missteps which is part of being human. That is worth talking about, more to the point it’s worth having our children emulate to an extent.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Alec Baldwin voicemail - 4.25.2007.1

Well I mentioned that I would discuss this so hear it is. Most should have heard about Mr. Alec Baldwin’s taped message to his daughter. I have heard a great deal about the reactions various talking heads have had about the tape, but of the ones I’ve heard talking about this I noticed not one was African American and I presume that more than a few believe in the ‘time-out’ and nanny philosophies in raising children. I will admit I have no direct evidence for my beliefs but it is based on my observations of their comments in various items dealing with children, and I may well be wrong.

There is a reason I directly mention the apparent lack of commentators that are African American (on the news programs I have seen). Of the black families I am aware of, spoken to, and was raised in this is not such a big deal. Yes Mr. Baldwin went overboard. He went too far, and significantly less reported was the fact that he recognized this and apologized to his daughter. That apology was before this voice mail was released by ‘someone’ to the public.

But I don’t think it was that big a deal. I have no doubt that similar outbursts have occurred in virtually every family in the world since probably the dawn of time. Many may not have been as harsh, and probably an equal number were worse. Unlike the pundits and talking heads I don’t see this as a “traumatic life altering event.” That is until the entire world was given access to this private matter. Normally I don’t comment on private matters of entertainers and celebrities but this one I will.

Every Black family has had a moment like this, to my knowledge. It happens. It doesn’t ruin the child nor is it abuse. The term abuse is so overused these days as to minimize what is the real damage actual abuse can cause. Perhaps if there were fewer parents that let television raise their kids, fewer time-outs, and fewer nannies raising children there would be fewer Virginia Tech and Columbine events. Being a parent isn’t about being the best friend of your child first, or following some rulebook that was created in the last 30 years, or never looking in your kids room. In the multiple millenniums of parents raising children, it’s only been the last maybe 40 years where books were necessary. Interesting how in that same timeframe the incidence of child violence (like Columbine, and child on child violence in all its forms) has grown; becoming a recurring tragedy now as opposed to a rare atrocity previously.

That is except in poor, non-white, inner city areas. There are no fewer guns today than in the last century probably. Gangs are as prevalent as ever. Drugs are prolific. Yet the overwhelming predominance of mass murderers, serial killers and other vile fiends are not found in inner cities. Shouldn’t someone ask why?

I think it’s because African American, Latino/Hispanic, and other minority families believe in the child having fear and respect for their parents, friendship is reserved for after the child being a grown adult. Notice that fear is the first part of the combination. That does not mean I condone terrorizing, or abusing a child. It does mean that a rod should not be spared, and over the top reactions to minor actions should cease.

Continued in part 2...

Concluding Now that Imus is gone - 4.12.2007.3

Concluding Now that Imus is gone...

Any institution that serves the public has a responsibility and morale imperative to not disparage the public. Commentators are not allowed to say anything they wish in a discussion, television broadcasters (public and cable alike) cannot show movies and films of any content at any time to every viewer without discretion, news media cannot report anything they cannot justifyably confirm. There are limits to what can be done, as there should be. Even in the 1950’s and 60’s when parents were outraged by Rock ‘n Roll, with its mantra of sex and drugs there was still limits. There were boundaries that the society and the corporations abided by. In breaking those boundaries record companies, media corporations and entertainers have violated a trust the public has placed in them. Rather than rewarding this breach of unwritten laws with our money we should protest and deny them our funds.

The good and bad must be taken when appropriate. The Black community has failed its children, just as the record companies, radio stations, and gansta rappers have failed the public. This is not something that cannot be resolved, in fact it must be. We have shown the fact we have power, and we need to use it. We must use it in a positive manner. We need to change the Black culture from the commodity it has become to something greater. We are born Black, to sell that off as a cheap triffle is no different than shooting ourselves in the foot. It’s just stupid.

We must also recognize the failures and positives of some of our more recognized figureheads. I say figureheads and not leaders as at this moment there are no leaders of the Black community. There has been no leader since Mr. Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, with perhaps some argument made for Minister Louis Farakhan or Rev. Jesse Jackson for a segment of the community. While Rev. Al Sharpton was helpful, as was Rev. Jackson, in bringing this recent incident to public attention neither are leaders in my mind. They bring baggage and questionable motives to every arena they enter.

Rev. Sharpton is particularly in question. He has a long history of inflammatory actions who’s main motive seems to have been the promotion of Rev. Sharpton primarily. We need to accept that those that would claim to be leaders of the Black community are accountable for what they have said, positive and negative, and when they are in the wrong they admit to this. I say this as the credibility of serious issues that plague the entire community are lessened and placed in question when public figures of questionable motive jump into the limelight. As an example I pose the fact that several of the pundits on television questioned the seriousness of the demand for the removal of Mr. Imus on the sole basis that Rev. Al Sharpton was asking for it. Leaders are followed because they are credible, because they bring a somber tone to the subjects they deal with. To accept less is to weaken the causes, no matter how worthy, that are being pursued.

Again I say that we must change the nature of rap music as it stands today. In doing this we bring ourselves into full accountability for our community and the Black culture as a whole. We are more than just pimps, ho’s, drug dealers, ganstas and other riffraff. In reclaiming and redirecting one of the most popular and prevalent formats that the society and world views us by, we gain in all aspects of our lives and futures.

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...

More than 3 decades of reflection - 4.3.2007.1

Well another year is about to be added to the time I’ve lived on the planet and I want to share some thoughts on my experiences in my nearly 4 decades of life. One of the first things is that once you start turning grey (which started for me at 33) you can get grey hairs everywhere. You can imagine my surprise coming out the shower thinking I had a string on me and finding out it was actually a grey hair. I’m an intelligent guy, but I had no idea.

But on more serious observations, from the 70’s to today I’ve seen the world change dramatically. Black culture has had no less of a profound evolution for lack of a better term. In the 70’s there was no internet, or computers, cell phones or cd’s. These were good things not to have. I love my computer and the internet. I enjoy the anime I can see due to the creation and expansion of cable television. Yet, they are superfluous at best.

With the growth of interconnectivity on an almost instantaneous level, there has been a loss of real connection between people. Worse has been the hardening of hearts, if you will, that has taken place. Today we can send out a text to hundreds of people, but the time spent with close friends in person has dwindled. We have become more superficial in our contact with each other, or so it appears to me.

As a Black Puerto Rican I have seen this play out to see the wholesale commoditization of the culture. Being African American today is more about clothing styles, speech patterns and social interaction in the most visible sense. Millions across the world adopt the same mannerisms as what appears to make African Americans Black, because it’s a trend and fad that can be taken for a while without any of the negative repercussions it confers to those of color. It’s a waste in every sense of the word.

In the seventies I recall an ad on television by the NAACP about a Black man not being able to go to college. The key phrase I recall is, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” It seems too few saw this public announcement as today we have the highest levels of high school drop-outs than ever before. Think about that for a moment. We have the ability to access information about virtually any subject, from almost anywhere in the world, almost immediately, and our children and peers know less today than a decade ago to say nothing of 2 or 3 decades. We have fewer kids going to and graduating from college than ever. Knowledge, the greatest tool and treasure, surrounds us and yet few are reaching their hand out to take it. I do not have words for my anger and sadness on this fact.

Over past decades of my life I saw drugs move from a shady and reclusive item, hidden from children and the public at large, to a normal daily fact of life. It’s so pervasive and accepted that kids today grow up with dreams of becoming dealers, as opposed to wanting to be doctors and lawyers. If that isn’t a fundamental breakdown I’m not sure what is. How did this happen? The subtle and persistent acceptance by law enforcement, and the culture, of drugs in low income areas. The acceptance of drug dealing money in our neighborhoods. Lastly because we failed to educate ourselves and our children, instead blaming other sources for the failures around us.

Continued in part 2...

Repost of Letter to Senator Obama - 1.22.2007.1

This is a repost of the letter sent to Senator Obama, found orginally at Vass. Any response from the Senator will be posted unaltered when received.

January 22, 2007
Dear Senator Obama,

I am contacting you today as part of an ongoing series of letters that I am sending to many of those that are planning to run for President of the United States. To date I have written letters to Senator Clinton, Mr. John Edwards, and Mr. Mitt Romney.

I am the author/writer of several blog sites including Black Entertainment USA (www.blackentertainmentblog.com). My letter to you, as well as any response from you will be posted on these sites without alteration.

Senator Obama I am aware that you are a junior Senator, having served 2 years at this time, representing Illinois. As I am from New York I am not familiar with the platforms you were elected for. What was the main issue that you campaigned on, and what progress have you made in attaining that? What laws have you helped to pass, or prevented from passing, that have directly benefited your constituents and African Americans in general?

As a fellow African American I’m sure you are aware that there are several issues that are of great impact to the Black community. One of the most important may be the issue of education. What have you done to improve the number of African Americans that finish high school and/or seek higher education? If you were to be elected President, what plan would you follow that will improve the education system in America?

In terms of your own education I ask a question that has recently been in the news. It has been stated that during the 4 years in Jakarta you had attended a Madrasa. I wonder if you feel this has any influence on the education you received, or more importantly do you believe that having lived and studied overseas provided you any benefit that your peers may not have had?

It has also been stated that you are a smoker. If this is true do you believe that has any effect on your views on healthcare? In addition how do you feel about the current trend to leave businesses without a choice and disallow smoking? Do you believe that the smoking ban is fair to businesses, and does it make sense to have a ban while also allowing adult citizens to purchase cigarettes?

As a lawyer that worked on civil rights issues, what do you believe you can do, or are doing currently, to improve the rights of African Americans and Latino/Hispanic Americans or any other people of color in this nation? What do you feel is the largest obstacle and what plan do you have to remove it?

In terms of national healthcare, do you agree with the push for a national healthcare system? If you do how would you have this program funded? What would you do to motivate institutions and individuals to seek out new innovations with the profit motive removed? How would you ensure that a national program would not function in the same manner most feel other government institutions do, such as the education system (which most feel is a failure)?

What role, if any, do you feel religion plays in the government? Do you believe that the fact you have never served in the Armed Forces would have any effect on your ability to perform as Commander-and-Chief?

Speaking of the Armed Forces, at this time there is a general feeling that the war in Iraq is going badly. President Bush has just announced a plan that would elevate the number of troops serving in Iraq. The democratic party is generally opposed to this plan. What exact alternative would you implement in place of this current plan, and what plan would you establish to ensure the safety of Americans if Iraq becomes more unstable (thus promoting terrorist attacks on America)?

Do you feel that the fact you have little experience in the Senate, or with dealing with international politics, is a hindrance to your ability to act as President and if not why?

Recently there has been a growing apprehension among some in the nation about the number of immigrant that are allowed into the nation for non-European nations (as per Rep. Goode). How do you feel about this? Also there is a strong debate on what to do about the large numbers of illegal immigrants. What plan do you have to deal with this issue?

I thank you for taking the time to read and to respond to this letter. As I stated earlier this will be posted on several sites, particularly Black Entertainment USA (at the address noted above).

Sincerely,

Michael Vass
President – M V Consulting, Inc.
Author – Black Entertainment USA and Vass
info@blackentertainmentblog.com