Bill Cosby’s Rant
They’re standing on the corner and they can’t speak English. I can’t even talk the way these people talk: Why you ain’t, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be… And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk.
Everybody knows it’s important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can’t be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.
People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an education, and now we’ve got these knuckleheads walking around. The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what? And they won’t spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics.
I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn’t know that he had a pistol? And where is the father? Or who is his father?
People putting their clothes on backward: Isn’t that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn’t that a sign of something? Or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up? Isn’t it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body?
What part of Africa did this come from? We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don’t know a thing about Africa. With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap, and all of them are in jail.
Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person’s problem. We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different ‘husbands’ — or men or whatever you call them now. We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can’t write two paragraphs. We as black folks have to do a better job. Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard.
We cannot blame the white people any longer.
The full transcript of Mr. Bill Cosby’s Pound Cake speech at the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the Brown vs Topeka Board of Education Supreme Court Decision
Dark-Star said,
October 24, 2007 @ 9:49 am
Thank you, Mr. Cosby, for the years of laughter you gave blacks and whites alike. Thank you for being a lone voice in the wilderness, with the courage to speak against the gansterization that your own race is putting upon itself. Thank you for speaking the truth even when you’ll certainly be labeled a traitor and called ‘Oreo’ behind your back.
Thank you…for ~everything~.
quez said,
October 24, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Well, some of the things he said are certainly right. One cannot always blame other people for their problems. But with the way things are, not everyone is gonna be like what he’s proposing. I mean, people growing up in some very difficult communities have totally different and probably opposing views. And trust me, they don’t think they’re Africans as he seems to think.
My opinion is that things will not work themselves out, and we need a plan to deal with the situation. A ban on a particular word will not work either, because thats just forcing the issue on people. This has to start with the recognition of the severity of this situation. The actual people in the situation (the man in the mirror) needs to recognize that they are on the wrong road. To achieve this, we first need more rappers like Master P. who’s promoting a better lifestyle of education and clean thoughts. These under-privilege people listen to hip-hop so thats why I think we must start there. Then they need to discover the fact that education can be as much fun as whatever else they’re doing. Start with just learning to read, and read self-improvement books. Next read books on how to start businesses. You don’t need much education to start a business, so rather than going all the way to PhD, start a business and your kids will be able to do the “school thing”. I’m not saying college is a no-no. Its actually imperative that they go, but focus on improving the financial situation first. (by the way, nice smiley @ the bottom)
Tico said,
October 24, 2007 @ 10:45 am
God bless Bill Freakin’ Cosby. He may be getting to be a cranky old guy, but at least he is thoughtful and honest in his crankiness. I am sure many people of whatever race have had these same thoughts, and it’s not just black folks who make these absolutely stupid choices with their life and behavior. I’ve seen my share of dumb & dangerous whites and hispanics, too, with all the bad parenting and ignorance that goes along with this dubious social set. We as a society need to really put pressure on this segment of guaranteed societal failures to wise up, stop acting like an idiot, and get on with being part of the larger world, instead of trying to be “cool” in their poorly imagined ghetto style. It ain’t cool. It’s lame, and a waste of all of our time.
venezian said,
October 26, 2007 @ 8:37 am
This isn’t a “rant” from Cosby.. they’re RATIONAL THOUGHTS.
Charmaine Tincher said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:00 am
Bill,
You are so correct. This world has gone crazy. It is out of control. Although I love the internet, I believe it has been a tool for coruption. Where have all the morals gone? Education is the key. I was raised in a divorced family. I was never given any direction or push to go to college. I had a daughter at the age of 17 and decided myself, I needed to continue my education. I graduated but never went onto college as I needed to work to live. I regret not making an opportunity to continue my education. I may be street smart, but if your looking for that 6 figure job, you might as well hang it up as they want the degree. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, without that degree you cannot work in those high position jobs. Taking care of my father and his finances for nine months until he passed was a real eye opener on how much I still needed to learn. Although most would have looked at it as a burden, I took it as a Blessing. Knowledge is truly power in our society and as our children become men and women, we need to really pay attention to how we bring them up and the resources we make available to them. They are our future leaders. Everyone has a choice. Lets stop the blaming and go look in the mirror! Doesn’t matter what color you are, we all have the same choices to make, its the ones we choose that will dictate the life we live. Thanks for the message and God Bless!
Jay said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:28 am
AMEN!
ryan said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:31 am
truth hurts…
Ruben B. Botello said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Amazing that Bill Cosby would blame his own people for the effect of racism on their lives; just amazing. “Higher education” sure whitewashed him.
Eric S. said,
October 26, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Maybe, just maybe, when Richard Pryor (God rest his soul) was making fun of Cosby all those years ago, people should have shunned Richard/Eddie Murphy and the lot for decrying Cosby’s calls for proper role model behavior and language. There ARE role black models for boys and girls though, its just a matter of values, in the idea that parents need to have just as good role models (and behavior and language) to foster an environment where their children can look to them. Cosby is a good guy, a freakin ridiculously good guy, but his message is lost because he is TOO good a guy that others feel bad about their own behavior. Its easier to make fun of Cosby’s values being thrown in your face, than to accept that Cosby is telling you precisely what you need to hear to fix your life.
Alan Riaso said,
October 26, 2007 @ 11:41 am
He’s absolutely right. Most of them act like animals and then blame anyone else they can, usually white people. (I am not white). Its time they “kept it real” and started taking some responsibility.
GutZ said,
October 26, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Holy Crap Bill Cosby,
That is a great logical statement.
This goes to show that TV and peers have a large effect on what our children think like, and do. But I think this should go a step farther and say that we as “Humans” need to stop blaming every one and every thing, and get agreeing on something as common as “this is not right for us to be uneducated” or “we should have better standard”.
This maybe my own rant, but its not all “black” folk doing what you describe, its everywhere, and its become a culture that really never needed to be.
The blame for everything can be summed up as a simple thing.
[Ignorance]
The Slave era was done by not just assholes, but by ignorant people.
This just shows what ignorance is capable of even in the year 200x.
People need to take responsibility.
Omar said,
October 26, 2007 @ 11:43 am
1. Where do you buy $500 sneakers?
2. Who would really buy them?
3. Where are the laws that say you must where your clothes, that you have bought with your money, a certain way?
4. From reading your rant, it seems to me, that you are really out of touch with the young black folks of today.
Please stay quiet and enjoy your elder years.
Eric S. said,
October 26, 2007 @ 11:56 am
Please stay quiet and enjoy your elder years.
Whatever happened to “Respect your elders”? Or “Youth learns from aging”?
John said,
October 26, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
to omar…
so yeah…$500 sneakers is an example of buying something expensive that you don’t need…
People do….
There are no laws…it’s called “common sense” It’s like a guidelines thing…use George Carlin if you must: “It isn’t wrong, just don’t do it”….besides…everything you buy has “rule” about what you can and can’t do with it…(think electronics and movies/music for one) why should clothes be any different…
and if he did keep quiet, he wouldn’t be excercising his right to free speech…and that would be un-american…
Roland said,
October 26, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
to Omar
3. Where are the laws that say you must where your clothes
people actually WEAR clothes Omar… you are the epitome of what Bill Cosby is talking about.
Thanks for showing us that he is 100% right in this “rant” of his.
Nick said,
October 26, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
I agree with him. But what a lot of white people have to remember is that it is not all black people that are like this. So please don’t let his article breed hate. Yeah the ones that talk like that are very annoying and have as many kids as possible so they can get more welfare or are just to dumb to use condoms. We are better off with out them but please don’t label them as “black”.
Levit said,
October 26, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
I think that it needs to be clarified that being black has absolutely nothing to do with asinine behavior and juvenile deliquency. The issue at hand is inner city and poverty-stricken cultural problems, areas of which happen to be populated mainly by minorities.
Thus, it is not a problem of race, but a problem of social engineering, since it does not matter what tone your skin is when you grow up in the worst possible situation.
Karen said,
October 26, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Amen to everything Bill Cosby said. The butchering of the English language heard everywhere everyday makes me cringe. Even TV newscasters, who have good jobs and are educated, drive me crazy by telling everything in the present tense as if every event they mention is happening right now, even if it took place yesterday, a week ago, or even an hour ago. Another disturbing and disgusting behavior, exemplified right now on national TV in the World Series, is the vast number of people spitting all over the place. How uneducated is that?! It’s certainly not just black people who talk, dress, and act like ignoramuses, though; it’s in every race and culture. In my opinion, it just makes them all look, act, and sound stupid. It’s no wonder the United States is losing credibility in the whole world, and it’s no surprise to me that so many of our high-tech and other jobs requiring highly intelligent and well-educated minds are going to persons born and raised in other countries, where an education is still highly desired and sought. We are going to lose the very freedoms our forefathers fought for because we no longer appreciate and value them. Unless this trend reverses by people waking up as to what is happening, this beautiful, glorious, FREE country that we are taking for granted will soon go the way of the Roman Empire and we will no longer be free to enjoy life as we have known it. Listen to Bill Cosby and others like him. He is so right on!
Joe said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Omar, are you a high school graduate?
Do you have a legit job with a paycheck?
Can you name any of our past presidents or even present ones?
Chances are you will answer NO to all of those questions I have asked above…
If I were to ask you about the newest rap album that was released or what the 5th track on Lil’ John’s latest album was,I am sure you would have those answers….If I asked you how to vote or where to even start with voting you would have no clue I am sure…It is probably in your best interest and those of your “friends” if you stay quiet and have people think of you as uneducated rather than speak and have us remove all doubt and see you indeed are.
Chris said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
wow… he hit the nail on the head here. Its not a problem of race, its a problem of culture.
Lori said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
Thank you very much Mr. Cosby for saying what those of us that are “of a lighter skin color” would NEVER DARE to say — even though we may be thinking EXACTLY what you said!!!!
Oh, and to Omar who asked: “Where are the laws that say you must where your clothes, that you have bought with your money, a certain way?” Let me ask you if you would like to see your grandmother’s @ss, or your daughter’s @ss when she is wearing a thong and bends over to pick up something??????????? Just food for thought — not a “law”, but something worth thinking about!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA — if you can read this, thank a teacher! If you can read English, thank a SOLDIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you can’t read this or disagree with the way you are treated in AMERICA, go to ANOTHER country — pick one with different laws, thoughts, etc. Just make sure that you will be able to “speak freely without being shot to death for doing so”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jared said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Karen said,
October 26, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Amen to everything Bill Cosby said. The butchering of the English language heard everywhere everyday makes me cringe. Even TV newscasters, who have good jobs and are educated, drive me crazy by telling everything in the present tense as if every event they mention is happening right now, even if it took place yesterday, a week ago, or even an hour ago
i agree as well that what cosby has said is not just the rantings of an older gentleman, but of a man that sees a future of dispair and poverty for children, regardless of race, who grow up and act like this, defying the social norms that they will ultimately spell their success.
but newscasters talk in the present tense constantly because that is a key element of journalism, making the story relevant and fresh, thus making it more important to the consumer, reader, or television watcher. it is their job, so there’s no reason to resent it. its like resenting a doctor for prescribing you drugs with really long, scientific names. sure, you may not understand it, but it’ll make you better, and newscasters are trying to give relevancy to their stories, bullshit or not.
Bruce said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
I’m all for equality when there equal effort. Many black people today are hard working and decent, law abiding people (like “many” whites). But those who aren’t or at least trying to do what’s right and at least trying to live decent law abiding lives are really dig a big hole for the rest us to climb out of. The Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons of the world are depending on blacks to stay poor and down trodden - that’s the way they make their living! I can’t believe that blacks haven’t seem through all of this. Alll the dress and “b;ack” talk that Cosby talks about is a mimick of prison life and conditions. What a wonderful thing to aspire to. I hope more like Bill Cosby stand up for what’s right —- but you know what, I’ll bet that doesn’t happen. They’re chichen - too risky. AAAAH!
adam said,
October 26, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
OMAR: as far as 500$ sneakers go, they do exist and people buy them every day. google it before you ask a dumb question like that that’s supposed to discredit someone when that’s not even their point.
examples:
http://www.forbes.com/2005/12/12/cx_sb_1213featslide.html
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2005/12/13/most-expensive-sneakers-cx_sb_1213feat_ls.html
http://www.bnyconline.com/item/category/10?section=2
http://www.sneakersnstuff.com/default.asp (they’ve carried 600$ USD sneakers)
carmella said,
October 26, 2007 @ 5:21 pm
AMEN AND AMEN! Well said.
I hope those ppl mentioned get to read this and change their ways.
Pants are not worn way too down that you can’t walk properly. That you have to walk with legs apart so your pants won’t fall. Yea, something’s wrong with that. Why can’t they pull it up? What are they thinking? They don’t know its disgusting bec they can’t even speak right.
Will said,
October 26, 2007 @ 6:08 pm
Just because there is such a thing as a “hood” does not mean your whole community lives in the “hood”. Hell I live in Seattle Washington and we have the same problems. They have the same options I have and some even have more, has anyone seen how easy it is for a black male to get grants and student loans? Or how about the welfare line? Every day I pass by Seattle’s office to see a line of 95% or more blacks waiting for their handouts, now by looking at these people passing by I’m pretty much judging them by their appearance ( in which drinking and pissing on the outside of the building is not helping anything) but I have had black friends and none of them ever acted in the way Bill is speaking about due to a proper upbringing.
Regardless my point is that not all of them are living in L.A. or the Bronx, we have the same problem in successful communities. Bill is right that it starts with the parents, what is the child going to know if all he sees is his mother with random men wearing hoochie clothes living off government cheese and buying him clothes that would fit him properly in two years?
Another point I want to make is that I grew up in a poor family, no I was not in the hood persay but we did have to chain up my bike due to my scooter being stolen from my very grip then my basketball was stolen out of my hand and we had to chain our plants down outside… I know what it’s like to wear the same thing every day to school, I know what it’s like to be a failure in school but I also know that I can change that and did, I got my G.E.D. and never really used it but I got it because I could. I could have ended up like my parents but they did instill some smarts in me to not end up in prison.
Just my 2 cents.
Brian said,
October 26, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
American blacks have no choice but to help themselves because no one else will. This is the only sense in which Cosby is on target. Excuse me “Dr.” (honorary) Cosby… what do you know about anything? You’re an entertainer. You were lucky enough to have had a decent upbringing and talented (and lucky) enough to get famous. Do you really think most of your black brothers have just chosen to be “knuckleheads?”
First off, most American blacks don’t fit the stereotypes described by Cosby. Blacks have the same social problems of other Americans, and at higher rates. But most are like anyone else, simply trying to get by in a nation without good opportunities for many.
To the extent that people of this ethnic group screw up… why is this the case. Did they all just “decide” to be knuckleheads, or are there greater forces at work to be addressed.
This country has shifted far to the right, and Cosby’s ignorant rantings legitimate that. If you want to see lower rates of social problems in this country, empower poor people, give their kids more opportunities, pass policies that HELP people with basic things like health and child care, better wages, etc. Don’t blame the victims of a sick system that runs on greed and corruption.
And why you’re at it, “Dr.” Cosby, go fuck yourself.
Brian said,
October 26, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
Also, he’s not funny. I thought he was funny… when I was 12. All he does is make fun of people using stupid stereotypes like “aren’t teenagers stupid?” Ha ha. Hilarious. That’s all the Cosby show was. Fat Albert was much better. Since the Cosby show all this asshole does is preach about how much he knows about parenting and how stupid children are. He’s a simpleton.
Garry Foster said,
October 26, 2007 @ 6:42 pm
Yes Bill, you hit it. Maybe we have both entered into the generation gap, but I think you were right asking where the parents were, and are, hiding. Maybe it’s our fault. We need to raise collective consciousness quickly. The holes they make in their bodies will look very odd when they have lost their hair, matured, and do whatever it is they will do when they wake up. It’s not too late. I am standing up!
Miss you! They should be listening to “Why is there air”, “Old Weird Harold”, and enjoying “Go-Karts” among other recordings that make us laugh at ourselves.
JGD,Garry
Will said,
October 26, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Brian,
“American blacks have no choice but to help themselves because no one else will”, thats bullshit and you know it. Ever know a black man to get turned down by a student loan? No you don’t, plus you ever hear of the UNCF???
Joe said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
Brian you have single-handedly show me exactly how ignorant you and the other people the good Dr. Cosby is ranting about can be. Indeed I feel you and those other “black brothers” have chosen to be “knuckleheads” by not waking up and looking for a job everyday, speaking your broken Ebonics filled version of our English language, and blaming everyone other than the person you see in the mirror for your socio-economic woes. There is not a great conspiracy in America to keep the black man down and if there is, it is at the hands of black America. Listen to any rap album and you will understand exactly what I am saying. Turn on MTV or BET and watch a few videos and you may have a better understanding of it then.
Since when did it become my responsibility as an American to help those who perceive themselves as “wronged” as they stand on the corner all day drinking a 40oz and talking about “Diggy” and how he was robbed selling crack? What would be the harm in you actually waking up one day and getting a decent education and maybe even applying for a job? Putting the 40oz down and picking up a book? Preach education instead of ignorance and self loathing?
Your ignorant “ranting” is a complete insult to those people that ARE hardworking, self sufficient, and trying to make a better place to live in. When they are accused of being “too white” for making good grades in school, or even attending school on a regular basis who is the one to blame then? I can assure you it is not me making those remarks however I can bet you will find those in a rap album somewhere along with the other negativity surrounding our young black America.
And finally, your ending comment on your initial post spoke volumes about just how educated and involved you are in making your communities and lives better: “And why you’re at it, “Dr.” Cosby, go fuck yourself.” This is just plain ignorance and it shows exactly how much you do not understand about life, age, and wisdom. I hope you do not have the ability to procreate as it will do nothing but continue to take you and your “black brothers” in the wrong direction.
Josh Spaulding said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
AMEN!!! The problem is that if I (a white man) would have said it, I would be called racist!!
Thank you very much Mr. Cosby, you’re a great man!!!!!!
Will said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:15 pm
Joe,
Well said…
Josh Spaulding said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
“You were lucky enough to have had a decent upbringing”
You say that as if it’s a bad thing! That’s exactly what he’s saying. If all people raised their children right there would still be racists, but VERY few!!
I don’t judge ANYONE by the color of their skin, but I’ll admit, many blacks have attitudes that are much to be desired! However, some are great people (Bill Cosby etc.)
Maevele said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
Pet Peeve: African-American Vernacular English is not just “Bad Standard American English” it is it’s own dialect with it’s own rules. Just because SAE is the dominant dialect in our culture doesn’t mean it is the only “right” dialect.
Brian Norton said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
Joe Oct 26th, you really hit the nail on the head, Bill Cosby is more than correct. He summed up my frustrations. I have long since commented on this to my black friends who go to college with me. They tell me that in general the black community has been more that lackadaisical, and lack the self-help mentality, they will continue from generation from generation, and from century to century, working, breeding, and dying, not only without impulse to rebel, but without the power of grasping that the world could be other than it is…(Orwell, 1984)
Jennifer said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
God forbid a kid doesn’t want to become a doctor…
Get real, Coz. BTW, how’s that druggie daughter of yours?
TruG said,
October 26, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
I am black and even when I am kicking it with other blacks about what Bill Cosby, some of them don’t get it. (this is not a fake post by a white) I actually say, “Yo dawg, Bill Coz got a point”. Some of them get mad at me. Then I tell ‘em. Fuck u.
Joe said,
October 26, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Jennifer you are better off not posting your negativity as it only helps to fuel the ignorance fire we are attempting to put out. Indeed Dr. Cosby’s daughter has had and may still have drug addiction issues but I can assure you she learned them somewhere other than home. Just by reading your post I can say you are most likely an un-educated single mother, working minimum wage, hating everyone and blaming everyone other than yourself for the “problems” we have so mercilessly put upon you in society. The reason I say that is if you had a decent education, stable family, and a decent job (all of these results of applying yourself and taking ownership of your life) you would have a different opinion and view about Dr. Cosby’s speech.
Many families in America today regardless of race suffer from that very same issue however they accept blame and always start off by saying “where did I go wrong raising my child?” I have only heard of one perfect person in my time on this earth and he was in the Bible. We all have our faults and short comings but we learn to accept defeat and turn things around and triumph past it with victory. Only those weak-minded, ignorant, lazy individuals such as yourself do not and continue down the path of self destruction and failure blaming all those around you.
Dr. Cosby does not preach perfection, it is more like perception. No one has said you have to become a doctor, just simply apply yourself in a positive manner and do something with your life other than waste it. Accepting defeat without ever stepping onto the field is cowardice and shameful and needs to stop today. Wake up people and take charge of your lives; it is your responsibility to do so.
Jayson Barclay said,
October 26, 2007 @ 8:26 pm
Bill Cosby is right. Instead of discipling kids we should offer them jello pudding pops, and enjoy how they say the darndest things.
al morgan said,
October 26, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
Well the black man, or any minority, has reached the point where they “have to walk the last mile”. The last mile is where the man or woman have to do whatever it is to pull themselves out of poverty..get a new life…get a better job..go to night school…whatever it is to earn his/her’s self respect. Until you do it yourself, you’ll never respect yourself. No one can “hand it” to you. There will never be a law to give you respect for yourself. No school lesson given 10years ago is going to make your boss promote you. You have to earn the respect! Not so much to prove it to your boss, but to prove it yourself…your son/daughter…your family…your community. And when everyone can see it can be done, not just by one, but by many, every day in small and then big ways then the race will have achieved what it really needs.
I’m a white guy, and I’m in awe what courage people demostrated during the civil rights era. The guts to not “go back of the bus”, the march’s where people taunted you without fights, the loss of leaders such as Martin L. King, the threats and the courage to continue on…man where did you loose this and why? Do you think this effort is no longer needed? No! This is the time to do it again! You have only the last mile to walk. Start this now and people will cheer as it becomes a reality. Do this and not only will you make the race great, you”l make the nation great.
Don’t you see, this is not a call to help yourselves, but a call to help the nation. What better reason can there be? What better legacy can anyone hope for.
anyway my 2 cents.
cheapdaddy said,
October 26, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
This whole issue isn’t racial, it’s cultural. I have known and worked with folks from all over the world. A command of English and the normative American culture are requisite to participate and even succeed on a professional level. By my personal observation, it’s those who were born elsewhere and have come with their families or by themselves voluntarily, who have most easily grasped and applied this truth. As it has been for generations.
Brian said,
October 26, 2007 @ 9:42 pm
Most of the posters are racists and very ignorant about the cause of social problems. If it was easy as just “deciding” to look for a job then people would do it. Unless you think blacks really are genetically inferior…
Hey morons… WHY do so many black people just “happen” to make bad choices. You can’t just leave it on parents, because you still don’t get back to an original cause.
The posts here are typically of right-wing racist attitudes the predominate in this country. More to the point, they are typical of a population completely ignorant of the cause of social problems. Do you really think all it takes to solve these problems is a moron like Cosby telling his people to stop being knuckleheads? Yeah, that’ll work.
People improve their position when they have opportunities, and that takes smart social policy… which we don’t have.
Louise said,
October 26, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
People like Joe will use this rant to justify their prejudices.
Joe said,
October 26, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Brian, your insults only help me to understand your ignorance about this entire issue. the resolution starts with accepting fault and not blaming all those around you. It is just as simple as “deciding” to look for a job instead of looking for an excuse and a handout. It is much easier to accept defea
Joe said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
Brian, your posts only help me understand you blatant ignorance of the issue we are talking about here. For you to insult us and call us racist is typical of an un-educated person not sure of the actual problem. The sad part of it all is it IS just as simple as “deciding” to look for a job but since that requires motivation and dedication it is ignored and mocked.
You can spend all day and night calling us “right-winged racists” but it will not change the facts at hand. It is much easier to stand on the corner and collect government assistance than spend the day making an honest living at a REAL job.
As far as your remark “WHY do so many black people just “happen” to make bad choices” it is just that, a CHOICE. Choose to get off your ass and do something productive in your community, CHOOSE to get an education and better your life, CHOOSE to speak properly and not have people think you are stupid every time you open your mouth, CHOOSE to raise your children with morals and values so they can help foster a better tomorrow, CHOOSE to make a difference in your own lives by denouncing the culture that helps keep you on the wrong side of these debates. So in answer to your original post “WHY do so many black people just “happen” to make bad choices”, it is called ignorance and laziness.
It takes more than “a moron like Cosby telling his people to stop being knuckleheads”, it takes people like you to wake up and take charge of your lives and communities and take them back and make them productive. It takes hard work and perseverance to make any change for the positive.
I am not saying it will be easy, you are proof positive of that with your negativity and blame on “right-wing racists” and failing social policy. There are more opportunities in America for the black community than anyone else. Just take at look and you may learn something. Channel your energy into something useful other than excuses and make a difference for the better. It is real simple Brian, you either stop making excuses and start producing results or move to another country that is better than this one. (Good luck finding one “bro”)
Juan said,
October 27, 2007 @ 12:32 am
Brian and Omar show us exactly the attitudes that Mr Cosby is talking about. “It isn’t (or ain’t) my fault, the racist white man is holding me down!”
What a joke you are, Brian. The Black community in America began its long descent into the morass Mr Cosby decries, right after the passage of the 1964 “Civil Rights” Act. Mr Cosby is right when he says Martin Luther King would be ashamed of what’s become of Black America since then.
Until Black American males (in general) begin to take responsibility for the actions that keep them in the “hoods,” the only way for Black America is down. Once Black Americans start acting responsibly, hopes for Black America will begin to improve.
And Brian…YOU aren’t worthy of tying Mr Cosby’s shoes.
Aaron said,
October 27, 2007 @ 1:52 am
Many of those that disagree with Cosby mention “opportunity”, or the supposed lack thereof.
“Opportunity” isn’t a job handed to you when you’re 20. “Opportunity” is starting school when you’re 6, and finishing. Opportunity is a part-time job when you’re 15. “Opportunity” is a loan or grant so you can go to college (and for many — including anyone of any color that bothers to finish high school — they are certainly available), once you’re ready.
There are many people that are missing these opportunities because the world still seems to be telling them, “You shouldn’t waste your time because there are no opportunities”. If you choose to believe this, it is as good as true; you, yourself, create a world of limited opportunities by not bothering with the things that are freely available to you in the USA, the same things that usually lead to opportunity.
If your parents buy into this, or are too apathetic to tell you otherwise, you don’t have much chance of bettering yourself. I think Cosby just wants people to get off their “Why waste my time” asses, in a world where blacks fought and struggled to earn the opportunity to go school.
Or, maybe it is too late, and some of these people can no longer see the possibility in the world. In which case, I guess white people should carry the blacks until the end of time. To admit defeat, that there is no opportunity in the world for a black, is akin to saying, “You (white people) destroyed our (the blacks) ability to hope or dream for anything better. You have made us a subrace, and should carry us forever”. Fine. I guess we will.
I’ve used the word opportunity too much.
James said,
October 27, 2007 @ 5:01 am
Joe,
You are assuming that the dominant culture that has been established in the U.S. is the one that has to be adopted by all individuals living in this country. Almost every system in this country has been estbalished by ‘white men’ throughout the last century (as you know, laws supressing African Americans were in effect until even the 1960’s). All institutions in this country have been established on that same foundation. This creates innate racism in the system… racism that cannot just be overcome by simply “choosing” to excell… racism that can only be changed with the help of everyone.
Lazyness and lack of motivation can be attributed to various factors, including the effect that living in society that has been build on someone else’s ideology has on you. Therefore we must analyze why people become unmotivated and attempt to fix it. You cannot simply ignore all other factors and assume that they actively chose to by-pass all opportunities in life. Furthermore, you can’t simply say that lazyness=black. There are plenty of white people who don’t take advantage of their opportunities (and frankly it would be even easier for them to take advantage of them).
dennis said,
October 27, 2007 @ 9:03 am
As Bill Cosby stated: If you want to clean out a neighborhood of crime, call the Black Muslims, bean pies and all.
Why can’t black Christians clean up a neighborhood?
crys said,
October 27, 2007 @ 9:38 am
aaron, very well said.
Jay said,
October 27, 2007 @ 11:25 am
Dear Brian,
>American blacks have no choice but to help themselves because no one else will.
Nobody helped me. My parents and I worked hard for me to enjoy the life I do. Why do black people believe they’re entitled? Because of slavery? I never had slaves. Going back as many generations as I can find we never had slaves. My family never benefited from the slave industry either. Because of racism? I’m not causing or supporting racism. Why am I paying for something I had no responsibility for? Grow up and stop blaming everyone else for your troubles.
>Do you really think most of your black brothers have just chosen to be “knuckleheads?”
Yes, they have. You always have a choice about how you act. They act the way they do because they choose to. They want to emulate ‘gansta rappas’ because it’s ‘cool’. Their parents are so uninvolved or stupid that they allow it.
>First off, most American blacks don’t fit the stereotypes described by Cosby. Blacks have the same social problems of other Americans, and at higher rates. But most are like anyone else, simply trying to get by in a nation without good opportunities for many.
I agree. So do something to make it better instead of blaming others.
>This country has shifted far to the right, and Cosby’s ignorant rantings legitimate that.
It’s always someone else’s fault. Stop complaining. Start making your life better.
>And why you’re at it, “Dr.” Cosby, go fuck yourself.
Fuck you too.
david still said,
October 27, 2007 @ 11:35 am
While I can udnerstand what Cosby is trying to do, merely telling people to stop doing this and that is not very helpful. In fact, I have seen almost no white writers or black writers who address core issues: the breakup or non-existence of black families stemming from slavery. This is not to say “I am a victim,” but rather to note causes. Additionally, there is a tradition of Stop Acting White Middle Class that has historically developed and also the simple fact that so many black males are in jail that those not in jail have many black ladies available and this in turn makes staying marred very uncertain.
In sum: the extended black family, conventions derived from slavery days, current stats etc are all needed to confron the prolem Cosby addresses.
Chris Ferrell said,
October 27, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
God bless you Mr. Cosby
Chris Ferrell said,
October 27, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
God bless you Mr. Cosby,
We are working in the inner city in Milwaukee, trying to teach good fatherhood. You are not alone, let us pray together that God gives us the power to change this destructive culture.
May God keep speaking through you Mr. Cosby!
reneto said,
October 27, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
GOD BLESS AMERICA — if you can read this, thank a teacher! If you can read English, thank a SOLDIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you can’t read this or disagree with the way you are treated in AMERICA, go to ANOTHER country — pick one with different laws, thoughts, etc. !
Lori your such an idiot.
reneto said,
October 27, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Maevele,
I think the point is that if you have aspirations to be a doctor you got to be able to read, write and speak English.
Jeff said,
October 27, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
I’m taking a sociology class called “Diversity and Ethnicity in the US.” The professor tries very hard to convince us that the problem is with the upper-class WPM, or White-Protestant-Males. The supposed dictators of our society. The very interesting thing is that the statistics and anecdotes she shows, never addresses the process of how poor Asians managed to become a model minority. Asian poverty rates were near 0% in the US, due to a cultural emphasis on education. This is the key here! It is not so much that blacks are genetically inferior. In fact, first-generation Africans (from Africa) whom I’ve met on campus were generally much more amiable and motivated to succeed than the African-Americans with an overly indulged sense of entitlement.
Chinese immigrants were brought here AFTER the African slaves to build railroads, and were treated like crap. Yet, through all of the continued discrimination, and unequal opportunities, Asians have managed to rise to the top, without the need for social welfare programs. They don’t complain about the misdeeds committed onto their ancestors, and they don’t look for hand-outs.
My family immigrated from Taiwan with next to nothing. My dad worked two jobs in order to support us and eventually earn his PhD. My parents have always instilled a sense of opportunity within us. Education was paramount. My brother attended an inner-city school in St. Louis, where the graduation rate was less than 64%. He managed to graduate at the top of his class, and attend UC Berkeley’s School of Engineering on a full scholarship. My father managed to get a teaching position. Today, our annual household income is over $160K, we have a nice house, multiple cars, and live in relative luxury. Do you consider this to be an easy process? African-Americans have much to learn.
Again, it’s not a matter of genetics, or an oppressive upper-class. It’s a matter of modern African-American CULTURE. The culture propagates disdain towards law enforcement, and has made the jobs of the Oakland Police Department very difficult. Many African-Americans shun at providing the police with key information that could have helped catch murderers and solve crimes. Educated African-Americans are seen as “white-washed,” and traitors. With cultural ideologies like that, how do you expect to succeed? It’s a vicious downward cycle of self-pity and failure.
Are there greater social forces at work? You bet, it’s called modern hip-hop (old-school hip hop was fine), rap culture, and garbage like Snoop Dogg. Unequality? Give me a break.
Joe said,
October 27, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
James I appreciate your views and post on this subject however it seems to me that it is also filled with excuses and reasons why the black community cannot succeed. In your post you blame society and “someone else’s ideology” as reasons you are held back and oppressed. Once again it is a simple choice of “Do I make a better life for myself and family by accepting responsibility for my actions without blaming others and applying myself or do I finish this 40oz and stand on the corner all day blaming the white man?” How is this a product of someone else’s ideology when it is YOUR own ignorance fueling YOUR choices?
James, you are correct in you post where you stated “There are plenty of white people who don’t take advantage of their opportunities” however the major difference that sets us apart is the fact we do not blame society or the black man for our failure. We own up or “man up” and accept responsibility like any self respecting man would. You may ask why it is easy for the white man to do this and it is simple: This is the way we were brought up by our fathers who were indeed man enough to admit mistakes and never give up. They also never blamed someone else for their mistakes either.
“Lazyness and lack of motivation can be attributed to various factors, including the effect that living in society that has been build on someone else’s ideology has on you. Therefore we must analyze why people become unmotivated and attempt to fix it. You cannot simply ignore all other factors and assume that they actively chose to by-pass all opportunities in life.”
Joseph said,
October 28, 2007 @ 12:50 am
I grew up in a poor single parent home with 8 siblings, I’m the first to go to college in my family. No one in my immediate family or community had expectations for me to go to college. The only people that influenced me were two of my teachers.
Even though I’m somewhat intelligent, I had no hope of going to college until my teachers showed faith in me. There was simply no expectation for me to succeed.
I am white and I had trouble getting motivated and believing that I could become someone and be successful because I was poor and looked down upon for that. I can’t imagine how much more difficult it would have been for me if I had to also deal with racism.
No one here has any right to say ANYTHING about the situation of black people in the ghetto EXCEPT people who have risen out of those circumstances.
Comments by white posters are just as ignorant, if not more, than those by black posters who are actually in the situation.
It is no surprise to me that few black people are able to break out of such a hostile system.
Try actually listening to people to find out what their situation is before you judge them.
Taz™ said,
October 28, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
It’s interesting how so many people want to act with disgust towards a culture of people that is more of an American creation than any other in the nation. Instead, they wish for them to assimilate into White America when a majority of them are economically and culturally as far from that as possible. Ranting on the condition of your people won’t do anything after years of the government going through lengths to preserve White superiority in the country. The truth is there will always be a gap between groups of people in this country, the upper and middle class have to be preserved, but nobody cares about the lower class as long as they stay in their place. What’s happening with Blacks can be seen with all other kinds of people living in poverty, who are definitely not living the safe, friendly, comfortable and educated Cosby Show way of life.
It has become very disturbing how society has obviously not changed much since the end of the Jim Crow era, and one of our most well respected, famous and media approved “leaders” in Bill Cosby is arriving at the forefront of echoing White sentiments on the Black race. One thing he says is true though, the culture of the people needs to be changed if anything is going to change in Black society. But again, that will never happen, and Cosby is proving to be nothing more but a blow horn for the use of White audiences much like Al Sharpton has.
Jeff said,
October 28, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Nobody seems to have addressed my previous post about Asian (including Indians and Middle-Easterners) immigrants going through similar discrimination. They were virtual slaves, being paid little to nothing building railroads for the American companies. They were seen as second rate human beings, and treated as such.
Black youths as a whole today, did not create their current culture of glorifying crime and resisting affluence. It started out as a few of the uneducated rappers hip hop artists, who deviated from the respectable old-school rappers (Grandmaster, anybody?), and instead focused on songs about having sex with anybody with boobs and a vagina. Unfortunately, they have now been accepted as the de facto black youth culture. As such, blacks have embraced a culture of complaining against the machine, but doing nothing to show that they can become a productive part of our society.
Again, the whites of this country have shown similar disdain towards Asians. They didn’t even differentiate between the different Asian countries (try calling an Irish man “British,” and see what he does to you; and that’s an example where the two sides speak the SAME language). From those oppressive environment the Chinese managed to claw their way near to the top. What reasonable excuses do blacks today have?
Lindsey said,
October 28, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
I agree with Bill Cosby.
Take an example of Japan. They never complain about the nuclear bombs dropped in their country some 50 odd years ago. They don’t rant and point fingers at the West for their problems because of the bombs. They have picked themselves up and moved on. Poland is a good example of a nation tormented during World War 2. Again, I have met loads of hardworking Poles who do not point fingers at others for mistreating them. What is wrong then, with the African people? The atrocities committed to the Poles and the Japanese DO equal if not surpass the pain suffered during colonial occupation in Africa and the slave trade in the US. Yet who amongst all these says they were mistreated the most. The African lot. Africans have failed to pick themselves up and find solace (sic) in pointing fingers at the West. That will not get them opportunities or rid African governments of corruption. A change of attitude is the only thing that will move them forward.
Wake up African folk and take charge of your lives - nobody else will do this for you!!!
David said,
October 29, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Indeed, I agree with Bill Cosby. There are too many black people who refuse to get proper educations and go around enforcing negative stereotypes.
1 said,
October 29, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
This whole thing has been a great example of why Blacks feel alienated in this country. It’s very sad really but it’s the reality of society.
Richard said,
October 29, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
I have no choice but to agree with Bill Cosby’s well constructed thoughts. We live in a world where successful well spoken black people get treated as scum by their own race simply for becoming successful. I have seen it happen one too many times. They can blame their upbringing or whatever, but everyone, white, black, or any race, has a choice to rise above it and become something better than that.
Look at people who immigrate from India. I have spoke to many Indians who basically lived in dirt in India. In America, they take that opportunity and become doctors, scientists, or even own small businesses.
On the flipside, I still live in the real world and I have seen prejudice, racism, and hatred all too well. It sickens me to watch. Breaking through the “glass ceiling” can be a bit rough to do, especially in many regions in America. I hope that one day there will be no racism or biggotry. We’ve made a lot of progress in the past 2 centuries. However, we still have a ways to go.
jeff d said,
October 30, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
Just to clarify in case anyone else was wondering.
While DR. Cosby may have many upon many upon many upon many honorary degrees…
He does indeed have a masters and ultimately a doctorate in EDUCATION.
Just in case anyone was curious….
Chandira said,
October 30, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
What hasn’t been mentioned here is that the Rights movement, etc, was targeted by the CIA, and stopped in it’s tracks. How did they do that? By diverting people’s attention, with drugs mainly, $500 sneakers, and MTV.
I think if *any* community had been targeted in such a way, they would have succumbed. It’s well known that the CIA and probably other govt organizations, has pumped probably billions of dollars into keeping black America poor and uneducated and hooked on drugs. That sounds all paranoid and conspiracy theory, but think about it!!
That’s why education is so important, we ALL need to think about things like that, then they can’t escape us and slip through the cracks, only to be seen generations down the line. If wars can’t be overtly fought with guns and ammo, there are other ways, and our govt found one.
Jeff said,
October 30, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
Chandira,
There is a difference between intellectual analysis, education… and your misguided, blog-informed rantings. Furthermore, if you’re going to make outrageous claims about a massive CIA conspiracy to suppress black America through drugs, $500, and MTV, the rest of us would appreciate some hard evidence. Why? Well, for starters, the CIA is so decentralized and divided that it couldn’t sniff out a bomb-carrying clown on an airplane for the life of them. What makes you think they were capable of carrying out an intricate, cohesive operation on that scale? To be honest, I do not even know what I’m trying to convince you otherwise. It’s been abundantly clear that you go through most of your days operating in alpha waves and procuring your education by reading the back of cereal boxes. Get a grip.
zora said,
October 31, 2007 @ 5:38 am
white people applauding a black man for being racist against blacks for them. saying things they feel so strongly, but would never say.
perhaps, these white people would be even happier if mr cosby were to put on black-face and act out all the racial stereotypes he’s ranting about?
Chris King said,
November 1, 2007 @ 3:53 am
I agree with the posts here that state that this is not just a “black issue”, but is a problem related more to socioeconomic status than to race. However, I think Bill has two justifiable reasons to single out blacks in his statements:
1: He has dedicated his life to improving the welfare of blacks… certainly there are whites, hispanics, etc. which also have this problem, but Cosby’s concern is with blacks. He singles blacks out not out of self-hatred, but out of a genuine concern for a demographic of which he is a member.
2: It appears as though this behavior has become a cultural touchstone for blacks, much more so than for any other group of people. This makes the situation even worse for blacks than other demographics… no white is criticized by his peers for using proper grammar, getting a part-time job at McDonalds, etc. There is a growing cultural bias among blacks against improving your lot in life. This is a dangerous trend, and is exactly the situation Bill is trying to combat.
Bui said,
November 1, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
@ Jeff Oct, 28
Jeff, while I do agree with the majority of what you’re saying, I strongly disagree with one point.
“Again, the whites of this country have shown similar disdain towards Asians. They didn’t even differentiate between the different Asian countries”.
For me, I understand this too well being from a family who immigrated to U.S. with no more than $20 in their pockets.Yes, in the past they have shown similar disdain towards Asians, but on a much much smaller scale than they have shown towards the black society. Being called Chinese when you’re actually Vietnamese is in no way comparable to the decades and decades of oppression the black society has endured. Even if Asians at one point were seen as “second rate human beings”, we were never oppressed to the extent that Africans were.
Bing said,
November 3, 2007 @ 5:49 am
Jeff & Bui
Jeff
I too wonder how come few to none here had been able to address what you have said, and the answer lies in cutlure. The African American culture and way of life is significantly differently from us Asian Americans, less on new immigrants while more apparently on immigrants from generations ago.
You or I should compare ourselves to new immigrants from Africa, instead of African Americans that live in the US today as decendents of slaves. You will see that they usually fare better on things like education level, income, social status compared to what is traditionally seen as “African Americans”.
It’s rather late so I won’t go into details, but I’m sure you’d agree the experiences and culture of new immigrants are vestly different from the decendents of people that have immigrated or forced to move to the US hundreds of years ago.
Bui
Although I’d agree that blacks were perhaps a greater focus of hatred in the past and even now than Asians in the US, I’d hardly consider the discrimiation and injustice against Asians as simple and as light as “being called a different nationality”. The working conditions and wages paid to Chinese railway worker made the original Chinese immigrants no better than slaves, not to mention the head tax that was invoked at the time. It’s the hard working, driven and frugal culture of these immigrants and made them able to establish themselves as a part of the community, and became accepted later on. Obviously as slaves the blacks never had any opportunity for that, and thus I’d agree were worse off, I’d hate to have some of the people here see what our people surfered through as insignificant.
Bing
Bing said,
November 3, 2007 @ 6:12 am
Brian
Personally I don’t know how you can take this without wanting to bash your keyboard to bits… the lack of understanding and intolerance reeks in this place.
However though, you will probably be more constructive to argue for a middle ground next time around; everyone gets on their defensive when you call them morons. The key is to think it, not to say it lol.
Bascially the argument takes 2 sides, 1: “I wasn’t here when slavery was around, so how come I’m being help responsible for the consequences; besides, it’s been 40 years since the civil rights movement, time for blacks to become just like whites” 2: “It is impossible for someone living “outside” of a culture to truly understand it’s inner workings, thus it’s both ignorant and useless for a non African American to tell African Americans what should be done, and frankly Cosby has gotten too old to understand today’s situation”.
Have I summed it up about right? why don’t we just all leave it at that; instead of place faults, time and resources are better spent to fix the situation; and like jeff said, education is the key. And that goes above and beyond making it available, such as promoting the importance of quality (yes quality, but not some of the shitty ass schools that i have been in and seen) in minority communities and making them easily accessible.
Why is it so important for some of you to believe it’s someone’s fault? isn’t it more reasonable to see this as a problem that has to be dealt with, and if successful, will benefit this country?
Kathi said,
November 4, 2007 @ 12:43 am
Did anyone actually follow the link to Dr. Cosby’s speech? The full transcript is very different from what’s above. I question if this excerpt is real.
alex said,
November 9, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
the last statement about having 7 kids and working at wal*mart seems a little much… its as if he thinks that anyone can just get up one morning and rid themselves of years upon years of poverty or whatever you’d like to call it… who knows what options those people have - it’s different for everyone and degrading someone because they’re trying to support their family doesn’t make sense…
PDNJ said,
November 10, 2007 @ 4:46 am
I grew up in projects in NJ with a single mother who worked 2 even 3 jobs at some points to make sure me and my siblings had what was necessary. Being poor and uneducated is what ties minorities down not their race. Bill Cosby is not being “white washed” (that very statement is racist for whomever decides to use it) he is preaching good morals that everyone in our country should adhere to. Opportunities come in the form of hard work and focus not hand outs. I being white, in fact being the ONLY white kid in my neighborhood had to deal with a lot of racism growing up kids would treat me as if I didn’t fit in or I had better things to do. So it’s in society that this is preached into even young African-Americans to lay down their weapons and just think white people are from another world. Rap and ghetto culture is a off-shoot of this giving them something to be a part of and take pride in. Unfortunately it’s not very productive. The only way these things will change is if people start taking responsibility and work harder. Easy to say hard to do….
Jordynn said,
November 11, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
Amen to that,
No, but seriously it’s the truth. I mean for Christ sake people faught and marched and died for education. And not only black, but white peole. You should all be ashamed. I’m 16 years old and where I come from, “ain’t, hain’t, yous guys, and hoe butt”, are commonly used. Nobody uses correct english or cares about what they sound like. Well that is until they want a job but don’t get it because they can’t talk.
Jim said,
November 14, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
Up until a few days ago, I might have believed what Mr Cosby was saying, even agreed in many instances in his ideas, at least until a very frightening and quite disturbing thing happened to me. Now, contrary to Mr. Cosby’s beliefs, I now believe his philosophy is flawed. I’m living proof that as a black man, sometimes no matter what you do, you still can’t win.
I have always strived to followed Mr. Cosby pattern of behavior, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s philosophy of “content of his character” by striving to be a man of integrity and decency. I get up and go to work everyday, to pay for the things I own, and try to set a good example for my family, and those around me. I don’t use slang, never have used the n-word or other racial epithets towards anyone. I do my best to behave appropriately under all situations. When under stress I maintain my self control and keep things in perspective. I strive daily to increase my vocabluary and to surround myself with positive people. In addition, it has always been the core of my being to be respectful and compassionate to everyone I meet. My boss says I do a good job, and those I work for praised me almost daily for being a man of integrity.
Recently, several of the people that I work for have approached me and encouraged me to pursue other more challenging areas of employment. Although it took some convincing, I finally gave in decided to take their advice to advance my education. I temporarily took a leave from my job to begin my college education. A few days ago I was working on a video project for one of my classes when I was walking through a crowded mallway, I and another gentleman by chance bumped one another. As this is nothing unusual–being the most popular tourist area of the city–I thought nothing of it, and hearing no complaint for the gentleman, we both continued on our way. I had moved down a few blocks and set up my camera again and contined to video tape. After a few minutes I noticed a police car drive up, then two, three, four, and finally five! At this point I became excited, thinking I was about to get a huge police bust of tape. Then one of the police officers approached me and asked me if I had bumped into someone? I said yes, the two of us bumped into each other in the mallway. At this point I was wondering if maybe the man had been a pickpocket and if the officer wanted me to identify him. Then the office asked if I had any identification, I said yes and casually began to take it out of my camera bag. At this point the office became excited and commanded me to move very careful. Then my heart started to race–had the man been the victim of a pickpocket and the police thought it was me? The the officer commanded me to remove all of my camera equipment, and “take the position.” Needless to say, at this point I was terrified–I was sure that they were making some kind of mistake so I began pleading with them to explain what was happening. I tried to get an explaination from the officer in charge, but all he would say was, “the man you bumped was a lawyer; you bumped into the wrong person!” I was taken down to the police station booked and thrown in jail for battery. Keep in mind we were both in motion. Also previous to this I had never been in trouble with the law, not in all my years as an adult nor as a juvenile. I was a 48 year old black man that was born in the inner city yet had never been arrested for any reason–I had no criminal history whatsoever, nor had been associated with any criminals of any kind. Yet despite all my effors to do the right thing, in one instant, my whole life was changed forever. I went from being someone with a rare and unique history, to being just another black man in the criminal justice system. The DA of the Jenna Six said all he needed was the swipe of his pen to change someone’s life, in the case with this attorney, all it took was a few well worded sentences!
alexa said,
November 29, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
brain.
you’re right on.
Holly said,
December 12, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Ruben B. Botello said,
October 26, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Amazing that Bill Cosby would blame his own people for the effect of racism on their lives; just amazing. “Higher education” sure whitewashed him.
I can not speak for Bill Cosby, but I would blame comments such as “whitewashed” for “the effect of racism” on our lives rather than on Bill Cosby’s “own people”. Also, who are Bill Cosby’s “own people”? Americans? I know you meant black people, which goes to show that we, as americans of various races, are refusing to look beyond race, thus keeping racism alive. It is my hope that we will stop segregating ourselves like this.
Rosalyn said,
December 26, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
I believe that he should put his money where his mouth is. I am a produce of a single mother household, whose mother was (now deceased) a college educated middle school teacher. I am also a produce of community teen centers, 4-H clubs and after school activities. Bill could better impact so-called Poor Blacks by following the lead of people like Magic Johnson, Kevin Johnson and some of the other millionaire Black folks who have invested in neighborhoods that the government devested in. I became disenchanted with Bill in 2005 during the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Drive. The rolloing credits at the end of the UNCF showed Steven Spielberg and his wife donating %500,000 to the 2005 UNCF Drive and Bill and Camille donating $10,000. I don’t think that he is required to contribute, however, I’d rather hear what Steven Spielberg has to say over anything Bill utters. By the way, my mother would not allow us to watch Fat Albert and the Gang because she said that it promoted ignorance - didn’t Cosby make millions off of that show?
mrs kelly said,
January 10, 2008 @ 8:25 am
rudy is a really sweet kid.
Yogesh said,
February 5, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
Where are all of the homeless Mexicans?
They are generally looked down upon, face racism, often don’t have the advantage of citizenship/green cards, live in crappy parts of the city, are under educated, and make less than minimum wage. They often don’t know any more than a few words of English. Surely they are at LEAST as disadvantaged as the typical 2nd or third generation black American? Yet I notice them working HARD to improve their situations. Moreover they save enough to send money to their families in Mexico.
I’ve lived in New York, and spent a long time in California, and yet still am yet to are a single homeless/bum Mexican. I’m not saying they don’t exist - perhaps they do - but I doubt anyone reading this can say they’ve not seen a homeless black man.
Oh, and by the way, my mother is from East Africa, and both of my parents are immigrants. They had not $20 to their name just before I was born. Now my father has a PhD. Not an accident, not a handout.
WHERE ARE THE HOMELESS MEXICANS?
Matt said,
March 6, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
I wish there was a United Poor White Kid College Fund.
Terrilynne Malone said,
March 9, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Brian from October 26, 2007, and sadly your subsequent posting(s), can you spell “a?” BTW, I’m also Black. Lastly, don’t procreate–you are the root of our, i.e., society’s, social ills. And to Al Morgan, October 26, 2007, DITTO!
Ike said,
March 13, 2008 @ 4:04 am
Not to beat a dead horse, but I live in Hawaii. Currently, there are polynesians here who act a bit like what Mr.[Dr.] Cosby is saying. I truely believe that you need to have the pride to believe in yourself, that even if you are repressed. its true the black race has been repressed, but they have to have enough pride to pull themselves out. I think if you keep blaming something, someone…you will never be able to pull yourself out of whatever hole they are in.
Kyler said,
March 17, 2008 @ 2:30 am
I am a Korean adoptee raised in a white middle class family, both parents were teachers. At times money was tight and meals were lean. Regardless of the financial situation, my parents never quit parenting. BEING POOR is no excuse for POOR PARENTING. Money shouldn’t even be a factor in parenting quality.
I’m 25 and I still fear and respect my parents and they will never stop being my parents. They taught my brother and me that hard work pays off. We were the only non-white students in our K-12 years. We had our share of racial troubles but ignored them and went on to get Bachelors degrees and I have my MA.
I won’t stop learning, I won’t stop working to make my family proud, and I won’t stop advancing until I am dead. That is precisely the mentality people need in order to get themselves out of a hole. It doesn’t matter who put you in that hole, yourself or someone else, you know the way out so get moving. Complaining about the hole’s existence or who put you there won’t change the circumstances.
There are just as many opportunities for Black Americans to go to college as there are for students of other students! My undergrad university offered 60 full scholarships exclusively to Black Americans from lower income families among hundreds of other scholarships anyone could apply for additionally. I had several scholarships and paid 1/4 of full tuition at a first rate school. There are scholarships and loans available to anyone of any race, you need only seek them out and apply for them. No one will hand them to you. Heck, a lot of scholarships don’t even require an essay, what’s the excuse now?!
If you feel powerless remember small changes can yield big results. Become a mentor in a program like Big Brothers, Big Sisters. If you don’t have a chapter in your community, start one. Teach children right from wrong, don’t wait for them to learn it at school because schools don’t teach that and shouldn’t have to. Take responsibility for your own actions and teach children that actions have consequences.
Life is not a video game, there is no RESET button if you mess up. You get one life and hard work most definitely pays off. Thanks to great civil rights leaders, all people can excel in the country. I’m linking a story about an illegal Mexican immigrant who worked his way up from nothing to becoming a respected brain surgeon in this country! This one-time fieldworker never would’ve become a doctor if America had no opportunities for minorities.
http://www.rd.com/stories/inspiration/illegal-immigrant-turned-brain-surgeon/article.html
Wake up and get moving! Let us all give it a go. I bet we could turn the country around!
Barbie Lynn said,
April 24, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
This is a problem in all peoples - rich or poor, black or white or whatever - the rap crap is poisoning the minds of the children telling them it’s okay to act stupidly. So many good things have been said here, first by Bill Cosby and then by many of you respondents. Parents need to care for the children they have. Schools only have teachers who are there for the money. Parents need to realize this FACT (see the first reason the National Eduaction Association exists!) If you aren’t educated enough to teach your own kids, then either get an education or stop having kids! The government is not and has never been there to take the responsibility of the parents, even though the schools would like it that way. Now they want them from cradle to grave (preschool to lifelong college education!) Dress, TALK and act decently and do something useful with your life and what a difference this would make in the world. Stop expecting someone else to be responsible for you - step up to the plate and make your own home run! And most importantly READ.