Actually, we aren't all in the same gang
Today's column from Steve Penn refers to some silliness about the use of the N-word and how some unheard of academic is not only gonna save cRap music from itself but also reverse 400+ years of history by bringing the use of the N-word to an end. Good luck with that one, I'll meet you at the bar.
Anyway, this reminded me of local activist Alonzo Washington's most recent fight is against BET's American Gangster.
Mind you, on the surface the concept is brilliant. It's kind of like one of those History Channel Documentaries only instead of Nazi's they profile "some of the most violent Black criminals in history" according to their promotional material.
On the other hand, I can see where Alonzo is getting bent out of shape with this one. Think about all of the violence in the Black community, the disproportionate number of Black men in jail and then think that Ving Rhames is doing the narration and not one cent is going toward Jack Lemmon's estate!!! It's a travesty!
And seriously, in your heart of hearts you know that there is no way that a documentary "Suburban/Child Molesting Uncles across America" would make it to prime time even though the footage would be equally interesting and disgusting all at the same time. It's a question of perception and public consumption. Sadly, from watching the media closely for most of my life I hate to admit that the public has an appetite to see Black people in situations pertaining to crime and very few other places (oversexed or angry Black guys on MTV's Real World don't count) . . . Unless you count sports, which is a far more organized form of violence.
posted by Tony Permalink
Thats because "Suburban/Child Molesting Uncles across America" would not generate an audience and would not be allowed. It would be welcomed somewhat like an OJ book deal was. Contrarily, Tookie Williams is an icon in the gangster community and looked up to amongst his peers. Kind of like "Cribs" on MTV where they see a bright up and coming rap star who purchases his first home on money generated from singing about "cappin' a niggas ass", "price tag on yer head price tag on yer head", or a number of other socially undesirable ways rappers find to superimpose their culture on America and parents are buying it. The biggest reason they air Tookie Williams as an American Gangster is the fact that people watch it. Mostly people who watch BET and thats why they air it on BET and notKCTV5, Fox, Court TV, etc. "Suburban/Child Molesting Uncles across America" are on 24/7, only they call them Sex Offender Registries, check them out. What is their reward for child molestation? Molesters are ran from communities, blackballed for employment, cant live near schools, etc, etc, etc. It's a cultural thing Tone. Popular black culture in America always finds a way to idolize someone who has found the easiest way around the development of character. In the instance of BET enough people will never step forward in the black community to make a difference which was actually my point in the very beginning. All the "real" black men are dying off and the younger thuggish crowd has taken over in the black community and it doesn't look good for the future of black people. If I were black I would step forward but I understand why black leaders don't step forward; because they are called "Uncle Toms" and worse when they attempt to incite young blacks to right thoughts and actions (in other words,to become civilized).
All the "real" black men are dying off and the younger thuggish crowd has taken over in the black community and it doesn't look good for the future of black people.
Do you actually know or talk to any blacks on a daily basis? It might surprise you, but a lot drive minivans and pick up their kids after school just like the white people in the suburbs do.
They don't walk around carrying 40oz's and rappin about "capping a nigga ass." They go to PTA meetings, cook hot dogs at the school bbq, help their kids sell stupid fundraising stuff for play ground equipment, just like white folks in the suburbs.
I am no expert, but it doesn't seem to be that blacks are some monolithic group being led by a bunch of young MTV rapper/gangster, just like whites are not all whiny downtown condo dwellers that spend their off time at the Central Perk.
I mean would it make sense to say all the "real" white men are dying off and a younger more evangelical crowd has been taken over who purchases his first home on money generated from singing about "god hates fags", "god hates america for fags", or a number of other socially undesirable ways rappers find to superimpose their culture on America and parents are buying it.
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