Bill Cosby's Comments about Black Community

rahma · Jul 2, 2004

Now, the question is, what can be done? Can we expect parents to change, or are we going to increase our support of teachers who teach in african american and other minority schools?

Blessed75 · Jul 2, 2004

I cannot believe I'm saying this but I SO agree with Bill Cosby on this. He has changed alot over the years. Back in the 80's and early 90's, I always thought he was racist towards people other than his own color but he speaks the truth and as far as I'm concerned - that goes for ALL races IMO.

InnerPhyre · Jul 2, 2004

My best friend in middle school was was black. He lived across the street from me growing up and he went to an expensive private school. He was smart as hell and spoke eloquently. He graduated from middle school and came to my public highschool, which was in a poorer neighborhood and was about 2/3 black in population. The black kids there tormented him horribly. Called him a wannabe cracker, etc and ripped him to pieces all because he didn't speak like an uncultured idiot. He came out of highschool speaking just like them and full of angst. I think one of the biggest problems within black culture (or this particular black subculture at least) is that so many of them associate eloquence with "being white." What could possibly be more detrimental? Think about it: Alan Keyes, Colin Powell, Condaleeza Rice are all called sell-outs to the White Man because they're educated and don't sound like 50 Cent.

Ashleigh · Jul 2, 2004

Very sad indeed, innerphyre.

renegade pariah · Jul 2, 2004

mindless conformity to peer pressure is a mistake, unfortunarely peer pressure is an important factor in manipulating the individual. This is the downside of the appeal of the group and the trend setters.

praying · Jul 2, 2004

InnerPhyre said:
My best friend in middle school was was black. He lived across the street from me growing up and he went to an expensive private school. He was smart as hell and spoke eloquently. He graduated from middle school and came to my public highschool, which was in a poorer neighborhood and was about 2/3 black in population. The black kids there tormented him horribly. Called him a wannabe cracker, etc and ripped him to pieces all because he didn't speak like an uncultured idiot. He came out of highschool speaking just like them and full of angst. I think one of the biggest problems within black culture (or this particular black subculture at least) is that so many of them associate eloquence with "being white." What could possibly be more detrimental? Think about it: Alan Keyes, Colin Powell, Condaleeza Rice are all called sell-outs to the White Man because they're educated and don't sound like 50 Cent.

A. Let's not refer to people as them. Do relalize how condescending and bigotted that sounds. There would be no mistaking who you were refering to in that sentence if it was merley structured:

is that so many associate eloquence with "being white."

I abolutley detest that.

Note I have no idea if you menat it that way but it did sound that way.

B. The names you referenced are seen as sellouts not becuase of how they speak but becuase of their politics. There are numerous well spoken African Americans that are not viewed as "sellouts". Jesse Jackson, Maya Angelou; Oprah Winfrey, Kweisi Mfume, Alice Walker; Toni Morrison etc.

C. You are somehwhat correct that African American youths unfortunatley to their own detriment perceive achieving as being white but more than that they see it as not cool.

I am very concerned for my peoples youth. Many are being raised by youth themselves with no parenting skills, they are spiritually lacking much of our (American ) culture instills negative things.

mathias1979 · Jul 2, 2004

Honestly, kids all over the country of all races are losing sight of the importance of a good education and practicing some sense of morality and maturity. So I think much of what Cosby is saying could really be applied to any race this day and age...but I suppose the problem is just most prevelent (or at least most visible) in the black community. I don't know why that is the case. Is it simply a culture-gap? Or is it more of a racism fueled issue?

-Matt

angelnstix · Jul 2, 2004

I LOVE Bill Cosby!!!

hyperborean · Jul 2, 2004

InnerPhyre said:
I think one of the biggest problems within black culture (or this particular black subculture at least) is that so many of them associate eloquence with "being white." What could possibly be more detrimental? Think about it: Alan Keyes, Colin Powell, Condaleeza Rice are all called sell-outs to the White Man because they're educated and don't sound like 50 Cent.

I believe that they don't even think about the topic at all. I see whites and hispanics doing the same thing.

Blessed75 · Jul 2, 2004

Exactly! That was my point as well. Thank you!

hyperborean said:
I believe that they don't even think about the topic at all. I see whites and hispanics doing the same thing.

Michael0701 · Jul 2, 2004

Blessed75 said:
I cannot believe I'm saying this but I SO agree with Bill Cosby on this. He has changed alot over the years. Back in the 80's and early 90's, I always thought he was racist towards people other than his own color but he speaks the truth and as far as I'm concerned - that goes for ALL races IMO.

Back in the 80's there was a story going around that he (Mr. Cosby) and Dr. J (the famous basketball player) bought a local (Philadelphia) Coca Cola franchise. Mr Cosby immediately began to replace white emplyees (executives) with black employees. That story soured me to him. I grew up listening to his albums, and trying to emulate his style of comedy and his sense of humor and when I heard what he did it really ticked me off.

The story ends when the parent company told him that he couldn't do it (can anyone say reverse discrimination) so he pulled his interests and put his money elsewhere (the good Dr kept the franchise).

Having said that, I admire him very much. I understand exactly what he is trying to say and do for his black brothers and sisters. I agree with his way of doing it and look forward to hearing more of him in the near future. This country needs him and men like him.

To say that he lives in some "ivory tower" or to insinuate that he has lost touch with his community, well that is absurd. What in heavens name do you think he is doing right now? Wouldn't it be a lot easier if he just retired to the Philly suburbs and did the occasional shtick?

renegade pariah · Jul 2, 2004

Michael0701 said:
Back in the 80's there was a story going around that he (Mr. Cosby) and Dr. J (the famous basketball player) bought a local (Philadelphia) Coca Cola franchise. Mr Cosby immediately began to replace white emplyees (executives) with black employees. That story soured me to him. I grew up listening to his albums, and trying to emulate his style of comedy and his sense of humor and when I heard what he did it really ticked me off.

The story ends when the parent company told him that he couldn't do it (can anyone say reverse discrimination) so he pulled his interests and put his money elsewhere (the good Dr kept the franchise).

Having said that, I admire him very much. I understand exactly what he is trying to say and do for his black brothers and sisters. I agree with his way of doing it and look forward to hearing more of him in the near future. This country needs him and men like him.

To say that he lives in some "ivory tower" or to insinuate that he has lost touch with his community, well that is absurd. What in heavens name do you think he is doing right now? Wouldn't it be a lot easier if he just retired to the Philly suburbs and did the occasional shtick?

......I would say anyone living in his income bracket is out of touch with the realities that face the less well heeled. This is true for most American politicians and celebrities alike. Lack of social acceptance and prestige in a society as image conscious and materialistic as America is bound to cause levels of stress that millionaires simply do not face. Pleading for reform and admonishing black males to forsake violence is fine, but when you live in a dog eat dog level of society such niceties do not mean much.And Strength and domination are very much the themes that male Americans are raised on, if they don't get that precious education. But then given that a poor young black boy who gets caught smoking marijuana, is forbidden getting access to a federal educational grant, in order to get an education...why should he even care? Society has shown him the basic injustice applied...and so he says to hell with it.Given that athletics and Rap music provide two areas where ordinary people are allowed to suceed, vulgarity and brutality... is simply a way to make money. The fact that many young artists reflect the rebellion of youth, the negative view of society is an extention of the greater scene in white America that represents those alienated with mainstream society.

Blessed75 · Jul 2, 2004

Okay, I think that his speech should have been directed toward ALL races. I don't like racism period. I'm white but can't stand the "N" word. We're all created equal - PERIOD. Okay, that being said, Madonna is very much disliked by a lot of people HOWEVER I LIKE her b/c she speaks her mind - no matter what others may think. I DO admire Cosby for speaking what he thinks KNOWING that he was going to stir controversery. I don't like Michael Moore and others that I do not agree with BUT I DO admire someone who will go against the grain and say what they feel is right. Does that make sense?

Michael0701 said:
Back in the 80's there was a story going around that he (Mr. Cosby) and Dr. J (the famous basketball player) bought a local (Philadelphia) Coca Cola franchise. Mr Cosby immediately began to replace white emplyees (executives) with black employees. That story soured me to him. I grew up listening to his albums, and trying to emulate his style of comedy and his sense of humor and when I heard what he did it really ticked me off.

The story ends when the parent company told him that he couldn't do it (can anyone say reverse discrimination) so he pulled his interests and put his money elsewhere (the good Dr kept the franchise).

Having said that, I admire him very much. I understand exactly what he is trying to say and do for his black brothers and sisters. I agree with his way of doing it and look forward to hearing more of him in the near future. This country needs him and men like him.

To say that he lives in some "ivory tower" or to insinuate that he has lost touch with his community, well that is absurd. What in heavens name do you think he is doing right now? Wouldn't it be a lot easier if he just retired to the Philly suburbs and did the occasional shtick?

InnerPhyre · Jul 2, 2004

mhatten said:
A. Let's not refer to people as them. Do relalize how condescending and bigotted that sounds.

The kid who I was talking about in the story IS black. I think it's pretty clear that by "them" I was referring to the kids who tormented him. I said it was within that particular black subculture. I think you're a bit too sensitive.

2001MustangGT · Jul 2, 2004

Blessed75 said:
Okay, I think that his speech should have been directed toward ALL races. I don't like racism period. I'm white but can't stand the "N" word. We're all created equal - PERIOD. Okay, that being said, Madonna is very much disliked by a lot of people HOWEVER I LIKE her b/c she speaks her mind - no matter what others may think. I DO admire Cosby for speaking what he thinks KNOWING that he was going to stir controversery. I don't like Michael Moore and others that I do not agree with BUT I DO admire someone who will go against the grain and say what they feel is right. Does that make sense?

Great post! I totally agree

Bill Cosby's message is applicable to any race, society, or group of people that finds itself in this type of position. He has good credibility when it comes to understanding families and communities and what they need to be prosperous.

He is trying to let people know that he is fed up with a few certain things that he accurately sees as holding them back. He is trying to help by telling them all to take charge of their destiny, rather than drop it altogether and blame it on someone else.

He is old and remembers the struggles and the hard won victories of the African American community, and right now he is trying to keep that positive "take charge" spirit alive. Other black leaders should adopt (a toned down version of) Bills message. :clap:

Whats the worst that could happen? They follow his advice and take their poersonal power back? Last time I checked that was a good thing.

rahma · Jul 2, 2004

Maybe I'll ask the question in a different way:

How can we influence and educate parents to make the proper choices regarding their children's upbringings?

Now, not to say that these problems are only in the african american community, but at least among the students I see, they must contend with absent fathers and/or mothers, older brothers and sisters in gangs, occasional homelessness, as well as delapidated schools.

What must be done so that these children can be given the chance to grow up and become responsible parents? It is all well and good to acknowledge the problem, but how can this problem be addressed, and how can it begin to be solved?

If anyone has time, I suggest "Educating Esme," http://www.edu-books.com/Educating_Esme_Diary_of_a_Teachers_First_Year_1565122798.html, about a first year white teacher teaching in the inner city of Chicago. Many of us on the board can probably identify with her, from a suburban middle class upbringing, facing and dealing with the problems facing less privlaged youth; homelessness, gangs, poverty, parents in jail, father shot by a rival gang member, the list goes on.

This coming year, I'll be teaching on the South Side of Chicago in a primarily African American school, so I'll be facing these problems that Cosby is talking about. It is daunting and overwhelming, but I am glad that leaders in the African American community are beginning to speak out, so that perhaps it will motivate a few parents to take more of an interest in their children.

Brentford Marine · Jul 3, 2004

BlessedMan said:
Do you agree with what he's saying or not?

Yes, unequivocally.

fugebabe8819 · Jul 3, 2004

I agree with what Mr. Cosby said. I also agree that his statements could be applied to all races, all young people. Its a frustrating thing, seeing my generation go down the drain in this way. My generation does not value education enough and values rap music far too much.
Its also sad to me that the dumber you are and act and speak, the cooler you are. Thats not something anyone should encourage.

Suzannah · Jul 4, 2004

rahma said:
Maybe I'll ask the question in a different way:

How can we influence and educate parents to make the proper choices regarding their children's upbringings?

Forgive me, but I daresay this is not possible.

Now, not to say that these problems are only in the african american community, but at least among the students I see, they must contend with absent fathers and/or mothers, older brothers and sisters in gangs, occasional homelessness, as well as delapidated schools.

Well summarised.

What must be done so that these children can be given the chance to grow up and become responsible parents? It is all well and good to acknowledge the problem, but how can this problem be addressed, and how can it begin to be solved?

It's called taking personal responsibility. Society cannot do this for them. They must, as individuals, take this responsibility. All the social programs in the world are no good to anyone until someone, somewhere, says, "Hey! They're talking about me and they're right. I need to shape up!" Then, glory be to God, one soul will have crawled out of the gutter!

If anyone has time, I suggest "Educating Esme," http://www.edu-books.com/Educating_Esme_Diary_of_a_Teachers_First_Year_1565122798.html, about a first year white teacher teaching in the inner city of Chicago. Many of us on the board can probably identify with her, from a suburban middle class upbringing, facing and dealing with the problems facing less privlaged youth; homelessness, gangs, poverty, parents in jail, father shot by a rival gang member, the list goes on.

This coming year, I'll be teaching on the South Side of Chicago in a primarily African American school, so I'll be facing these problems that Cosby is talking about. It is daunting and overwhelming, but I am glad that leaders in the African American community are beginning to speak out, so that perhaps it will motivate a few parents to take more of an interest in their children.

Thanks for the book title...I will check it out! Sounds like a good read!

Best wishes to you in your career...that's a really high calling and I applaud you for it.

Granny2young · Jul 4, 2004

I agree with the majority. Cosby was trying to send a "wake-up call" to the younger black community to get up and do something with their lives. He is pointing out that you cannot shift blame for your misfortune and you cannot expect anyone to do it for you. His advice is just as good (and relevent) for my children (who are white) as it is to the black community. Get an education, stop the non-English talking slang, pull up your pants to cover your crack and do something with yourself!

Bill Cosby's Comments about Black Community

FUNdamentalist

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Snazzy Title Goes Here

Resident Meteorologist

Believer

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Harley Ridin' Believer!!

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

FORD lover

FUNdamentalist

Well-Known Member

Active Member

A sinner

Regular Member

Similar threads