I'm set to appear on the Jesse Jackson Show tomorrow morning at 8 am, along with one of my esteemed colleagues, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. I am sure I don't have to tell you the topic of the discussion, since we all know that Rev. Jackson's unfortunate slip on Barack Obama has kept the world churning as of late.
I should make these quick points on the issue, so you can understand my perspective. This point of view came from personal reflections, extensive conversations with individuals in media, politics, and leadership and even a good conversation with my mama. I love my mama. What is most interesting is that she complains about Jesse Jackson more than she compliments him (the same for my father, a high ranking police official). But she made a good point that it's easy for us to attack people for what they are not doing when the truth is that most of us aren't doing anything. Remember that Jesse was #3 on the list of world leaders most likely to be assassinated (behind the President and the Pope). He has sacrificed for our community, and although I have critiqued him myself in the past, I consider him to be an elder worthy of respect. It was his landmark run for the White House that cleared the path for Senator Obama to do what he is doing today. I will never forget that.
Here are my thoughts:
1) I am not sure if we should be so quick to believe that a Black president can replace every Black leader in America. As I've asked before, who is going to show up for the next Hurricane Katrina or Sean Bell shooting? I will give you a hint, it may not be Barack Obama (his response to the Sean Bell shooting was quite weak, to be honest). This doesn't mean that Obama shouldn't get our vote, but you can't throw out your mama just because you have a new daddy. The fight for Black people should be multi-dimensional in nature.
2) Let's not forget that there is a difference between the hatred Rev. Jackson is receiving in the blogosphere and so-called mainstream media (almost none of which is owned by Black people) vs. what is happening in the street. When I put my ear to the street, there is a concern that Senator Obama is not prepared to truly represent the interests of rank and file, working Black folks. Not the hoity-toity of us who went to college and make enough money to (uncomfortably) afford the high price of gas. But rather, those who don't worry about the price of gas because they can't afford to buy a car. This reflects a clear division between the haves and have-nots, implying that we are as diverse as any other group of people. What is most challenging for me is that while I supported many of Senator Obama's positions on the BET shoot we did last weekend, I am concerned that other interest groups may move him toward anti-Black agendas in the White House. Jesse may have wanted to cut his n*tts off, but it appears that others may have his n*tts in a vice grip already (excuse my French, but I have to tell it like it is).
3) Senator Obama (again, whom I support) is, in many ways, like most other politicians. The reason he felt comfortable stereotyping black men (whether you agree that his comments were off base or not) and no other ethnic group is because he knew there would be little negative political consequence for doing so, but tremendous benefit from those who already think Black males are immoral (note that Bill O'Reilly congratulated him on his speech). He would not, however, take the same tone with AIPAC (the pro-Israel lobby) no matter how questionable their policies (they could have a 100% fatherless rate and he wouldn't say a word). Why is that? Because they are mobilized, organized and well-funded. African Americans must become engaged and educated in the political process in order to become equally funded and equally mobilized to ensure that our interests are protected. Asking Barack Obama to help black folks is like borrowing money from a loving relative: charity will get you so far, but ultimately, you have to make it worth their while to keep supporting you. It would be selfish and silly to expect otherwise.
4) If you want to be nit-picky about Senator Obama's position on Black fathers, we cannot presume that he "can relate to the issue" because he was abandoned by an African American man. Obama's father was KENYAN. So, as a black man, it's hard enough to defend the silly stuff that happens here without being forced to account for what someone did across the sea. That is like holding white males accountable for what a man did in the Ukraine.
5) I would not presume that Rev. Jackson's challenge to Obama implies that he doesn't advocate for personal responsibility. Anyone who has heard Rev. Jackson speak knows that he is very conservative in his value systems. Actually, the only things that make him liberal are that he speaks for black people, stands up for the poor, and believes in stronger gun control. I don't defend his remarks against Obama, but my belief is that, again, we should think carefully before trading in 40 years of sacrifice for a few speeches on hope and change. I will vote for Obama, but I want to wait and see if he does the right thing for us, or allows other groups (some of whom dislike African Americans) to control his actions. What you believe is not as important as what you do.
Finally, let's love ourselves. I am not a fan of the idea of denouncing strong blackness just because the words make others uncomfortable (that doesn't include Rev. Jackson's comments this week, but rather, the words of Jeremiah Wright and others who speak out on racial inequality). Getting into the big white house on the hill is a good thing, but we must remember that the ultimate goal is to get off the plantation.
38 comments:
It is very easy for Jesse to condemn Obama when he has basically done exactly what Obama talked about in regard to black fathers. He did not step up to the plate immediately after committing adultery and making a baby outside of his marriage. I don't care how many sacrifices he has made for the race as a whole, he has also put himself out there to be the epitomy of what all white folks think black men are--a dick with a face on it. Sorry--I have NO LOVE for the brother after that comment.
Personal responsibility must be foremost on the African-American agenda. More African-Americans could read and write in the early 1900's than today-who's fault is that?
Yes the systen is designed to work against us so what is new. Obama and Crosby's message should not be ignored.
Yes we should continue to work to level the playing field but we can not place the blame for our failure to achieve today what our fore fathers accomplished yesterday on anyones shoulders but our own!
I agree with thought #1 and "getting off the plantation," lol.
I didn't understand thought #4 and as black people, we really should not be "going there" at all, IMHO. See, I'm 1st generation American, hence "black," and I feel as though blacks are the only ones to "go there." We dig so deep as to rip a person a part, instead of focusing at the true issues at hand, i.e. John McSame. Do we know what HIS stance is on the issues at hand? Does HE care about women? Does HE know what the terms "minority" or "diversity" are? There are only two options at this point--you either vote for Obama or vote for McSame. Instead of picking a part what is IMO a silly but still unfair recording of personal opinions behind the scenes(Rev. Jessie Jackson), we should be focusing on fighting the smear campaigns against Senator Obama. We should be going out to the rallys to prove to people like Lou Dobbs that there ARE intelligent people in the world who happen to have a darker hue. We should be registering on barackobama.com and attending a local meeting or hosting our own. We should be educating our brothers and sisters on the voting process and how to react to voter fraud or disenfranchisement.
We should be focusing on so much more than this. I hope that you and Rev. Jessie Jackson are able to touch on topics that will help "move us further." Being on a radio show gives you a lot of power. There will be a lot of Lou Dobbs out there listening to your show. Will we continue to pick eachother apart to expose what needs not be exposed in the first place? Or will we dress ourselves up and show the O'Rileys of the world only the best of ourselves, leaving them with no comedy material to share with their clans or talk radio shows? It's always in our hands. In all honestly, no one's a saint in this world. The only dislike I will ever hold for someone if someone thinks they are better than another... despite problematic situations that person has been caught in. We have no right to judge one another. Anyway, another topic for another day...
Sorry to digress, but thanks for sharing this with us ;-)
If you are going to make comments about the African American male, you should not speak about what men from Africa are doing. They were not raised and cultured in our society, so you can't hold our society and culture responsible for their misbehavior. So, I agree with the point about Obama's dad being Kenyan. Now, if Barack abandons his kids, that's a black american male doing that. But his father was a Kenyan male.
First let me say that I love Jesse Jackson, always have and always will. I love him for what he has done for black people decade after decade after decade. In my opinion there is no single person alive today who has sacrificed more for black people than Jesse Jackson. And if not for him Barack Obama would not be where he is today. With that said, it has been difficult for me for many years to reconcile the Jesse Jackson with serious character flaws, i.e., his adultery and creating a child out of wedlock, with my hero who got me to love politics while in high school. His comments about Obama did not shock me because I do think in some ways he took the comments personally given his past character issues. As much as we sometimes hate to admit it, what Obama said is the truth to some degree. Where Obama went wrong was using the issue for political gain (which is what politicians due, so why should he be any different just because he is black?) by ONLY zeroing in on black men. The real truth is as that a whole lot of MEN, of all races, don’t take care of their children anymore. The real truth is a whole lot of WOMEN of, all races; don’t take care of their children anymore. The real truth is this country neglects the hell out of our youth on many levels too numerous to point out here. The real truth is that parenting is hard as hell and many parents have decided they don’t want to invest the time anymore. The real truth is that many parents need to be forced to go out, get a switch, and let big mama tear that ass up one more time.
So what Jesse Jackson wants to cut off Obama’s nuts, if I were him I might have been angry too. But since Obama was not talking about me; I just nodded my head with approval, while still realizing he was trying to become president. And so what Obama used a sensitive issue in our community for political gain, he won’t be the last to do that. How is what either of them said going to improve the lives of our youth? My mamma always taught me that actions speak louder than words so what we all need to do is go spend some quality time with our children. Get as many jobs as we can/need to support them, and if you know you don’t want the responsibly of parenting, keep your pee pee in your pants, keep your legs shut, or get to the doctor for some snip snip.
BTW, does anyone but me find it curious that the mic was “left open” on Fox News? Mistake, right?
Many political leaders cheat, including the great bill clinton. That does not mean they can't be great leaders. Jesse made a mistake as a young man, that should not destroy his legacy. Even Dr. King had affairs. Get off his back.
Response to Dr. Corey: Well, it's FOX NEWS where anything goes. Unfortunately, Rev. Jackson made it WAY too easy for them. All they had to do was sit another brotha next to him, and there he goes chattin' away...
Do we even know what he was on FOX NEWS to speak about?
I'm really sick and tired of the Black leaders attacking Senator Obama. This man deserves a chance as many of you were given. Hell who really knows who will do what- even with a track record...? I think at this point the old generation needs a transformation. To me it appears to be a lot of jealousy towards Senator Obama, and it's really despicable.
It looks as though the black men are front runners in back stabbing contest for front stage. All this back biting simply to prove who speaks for Black America, but let me be clear on this one… none of you Black-so called- leaders- speak for Black America. After Dr. King, can the next true leader stand...Sorry the mold of integrity, love, unity and understanding has now been buried among the haters of the Old Civil Right Leaders... They are haters of the Joshua Generation and it shows!
Who in the world let the haters out! Dr Watkins I disagree with some of your view point on Rev Jessie Jackson. Rev Jackson is a minister and he should know better than most on what should and should not be said among reporters. Rev Jackson is savvy on the microphone usage considering the years of public speaking and interviews. They always told me wisdom comes with age; I disagree to a point with this saying. We have far too many old fools lurking the universe than we are willing to admit. My grandmother always told me this: If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all. I think this would have worked for Rev Jackson. He opened his mouth on purpose, a purpose to degrade Senator Obama and to get the media’s attention. Well he got just what he was fishing for. As a minister how could you call for a man’s testicles to be cut off? He sounded a lot like Marina Bobbitt the testicle cutter…Come on Dr Watkins who is spurring evil here, the so called man of God, which is held to a higher standard since I last checked… Excuses, Excuses, Excuses, but where is the accountability here? The camera chaser deliberately stages his appearances and not for one time I feel he is sorry for his statement, so come again on that sinking boat…
Rev Jessie Jackson should go somewhere and SAUT-DOWN! His time for Presidency is gone. Let Senator Obama prove himself to America and if he falls short of the glory, hell it won’t be something new, every President in history has made some mistakes. So what’s the real problem here? Will he be summons to walk on egg shells around Black America? This wall of Jericho must come down and when it does, I wonder who will be standing behind it with their hands in the cookie jar?
Dr. Corey,
The only issue that people have is that Obama the race neutral candidate made this issue race specific on a national stage to perpetuate the already held negative perceptions about black men. While some can say that he was talkign to some and that there was no sweat off my back because he was not talking to me, he made it look and seem ver general as if blacks are morally bankrupt, irresponsible and lazy.
To point out jackson's character flaws when my grandfather of 8 children, 22 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and father figure to many did not like it either is ridiculous. jackson was a father to 5 children and made a mistake that he i;m sure regrets along with his statements about the Senator.
We really do have a complex history and reaction to that history in America, as African America. Our diversity in values are as that in our current bio make up today. Having said that one constant still remain, white separatist attitudes has and will continue to look at us as one dimensional people. Therefor they will concentrate on creating divisions to disrupt any unity while placing distrust in its stead. What Jesse Jackson said, although not nice, is not and should be allow to become a force to divide or derail Obama's efforts. Face it, we in supporting Obama should know shall he win, and I hope he does is not the end of our journey as people of color but the start of a new chapter in our quest for realizing a country we can participate in as fully vested citizen and have a deep sense of pride in doing so. Yes, we can and should become more accountable for our actions. If we wish to demand respect from the media and anyone else, we should start first by respecting ourselves and each others. How can we really expect them to respect us when we are referring to our beautiful sisters as bitches and brothers as niggers and so on. Bottom line, please my brothers and sisters let's raise above the petty crap and refocus our lives upon what we should. Education, honest efforts, personal accountability, solid values, and be unite and proud for starters. The marching isn't over, we are just on a different street. Let's come together and advance. IMHO
Jesse Jackson has been talking down to our black people for years so much that even the white people make fun of hin. Using all those large words in every speech he's ever made. He is like a crab instead helping with the cause he pulling the brother down. Why do we always do that. White people don't have to destroy us we destroy ourselves. they just sit back and wait. This is why they say we enslave ourselves by our actions.
Rhonda is right. It's crazy that people are talking about black men like a dog when most white men do the SAME DAMN THING! I go to school with a bunch of white kids from broken homes, so white people need to clean their own house before they start talking about ours.
Also, a lot of men want to be fathers, but it's hard when the child support system forces them to make so much money and the mother of their kids might poison the kids agains their daddy. I saw my sister do it to somebody. It's not as simple as you think.
Rev. Jackson should remember who he represents before he opens his mouth to spread ignorance. I'm offended as a christian to hear him making such a disrespectful comment. Dr. Watkins is playing both sides of the fence in his argument. The only person in the position to excuse Rev. JJ's comment is barack obama. His comment was over the line and I'm praying that god humbles Jesse Jackson needs to publicly apologize to obama. This issue goes beyond simple politics as Rev Jackson-by his own will- represents the Christian faith. God is our judge and Rev. Jackson operated outside of the spirit of love. He has continued to fall short of being a true representation of Christians and it's hard to stand up for him as a religious leader. There are only two sides in life---right and wrong! There's no gray area when you represent the kingdom of heaven. So, Dr. Watkins you cant excuse Jesse Jackson because he is judged by a higher court. Love is love, my brothers and sisters.
For a while, I've felt like I'm in some sort of Twilight Zone. Here we have the opportunity to elect someone who, at least, will be different than what we've had for the past eight years and we try to do everything in our power not to! People have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs, we're being bankrupted by a war that we have no business fighting, we're no closer to winning the "War on Terror" than we were seven years ago, people are losing their homes hand over fist, oil and gas prices are ridiculous, and mortgage lenders and banks are folding like tissue paper. What is wrong with us?
I understand that Sen. Obama called out the African American man to be responsible. Reverend Jackson has called on the African American man to be responsible. So what? The only difference that I can see is that Sen. Obama has not been hypocritical about it! All of this means nothing to me when I have to wonder if my job or my bank is closing on Monday, leaving me stranded.
As a nation, all we have ever voted for president has been some old
White man. We've gotten so comfortable with that mess until we won't even give thought to any other option. I love my people, but we are so much our worst enemies. The remnants of slavery are so much in play here until we can't see past our jealousy of our own to even do something different. For those commenting that they can't trust Sen. Obama to do what's right for the Black community: do you honestly think that John McCain will speak to your issues? Give me a break! We should do all that we can to elect Sen. Obama as president and (as Dr. Cornell West said) hold him accountable for his policies then. God help us, we can't do much worse than this sorry mess that has been created. Strike that - we can if we elect McCain as president. If our "old heads" won't get out and vote for him, I urge all our young people to get out, get registered, get a friend registered, and vote Obama for president.
Dr. Watkins, although I truly respect your opinions, I have to disagree with your view on the speech Obama gave on being a father. First, he did not mention an ethnic race or that one in particular should be a father, but if he did I see nothing wrong with him stating a fact of what's going on in our black communities. As a black male who grew up without his father, I understand and take to heart the points he made, and feel that it is refreshing to hear someone running for the highest public office speak on an issue with concern, about a topic that is a problem in our communities. After all we have to look after our own before we can help others!
Obama did mention a specific race during his father's day speech. He said 'no more is this more true than in the black community." If he had left that part out, the speech would have been OK.
Hi Dr Watkins and thanks for sharing your views and allowing this forum. My view is:
Determine with careful evaluation if the truth was spoken, assess the character of the person(s) speaking,consider the motive(s) and see if there is a benefit in it for a anyone.
Many do not know what being black is as we either try to dilute our unchosen African heritage and magnify our white heritage or we try to run back to Africa as if that is all we are and because we look more African? Are we really accpeted? Should we hold our breaths? Does being accepted change the fact that we are here and better the end of a thing than the beggining.
Decide what is best:
Jessie Jackson has done some good. His character took a dive when as being a man of the "cloth" he gave in to temptation.
Obama has a goal to become the president and that takes some kind of (those things Jessie wanted to cut off).
If you ever watched the apprentice, then you can grasp what I am saying.
Too many people are out there telling us who we are, what we should be, how we should act,whether we are accepted or not and my point is that we are who we are and it is what it is and that is my identity.
People have always had a prolem with cultural, spiritual, social and economic diversity. No one wants to be the "low man on the totem pole". Even in a psychotic state, i listned to a woman from one of the islands (who by all means visually waould be identified as black) make it clear she was not black indicating part of the group considered the low one on the totem pole. Before the world tells them they are low on the totem pole, we have to teach them they are not while they are young.
I believe being in a predominately black school in my early years helped me be ok with being black as I did not have anyone constantly saying I was not ok because of my dark skin, or non straight hair, or full lips. Even though the media inthe 60s and seventies inundated us with the idea that white is alright and the next best thing would be others or light.
Look at ourselves, accept ourselves, love ourselves and teach our children this way and not that way.
Read between the lines-utilize critical thinking.
Perhaps many things are said with confidentiality expected. This is just proof that every secret thing shall be revealed. Mr Jacksons character is what it is. I am going to keep going and hopefully somebody will be touched in some way.
“The Buyer and the Seller-My History”
You come to my country with skin just like mine
But my family roots kept you out of the “Colored Folks” line
It is no wonder why we do not have more hell in us
Our ancestry line includes white folks buying while Africans selling us
So you come to this country and think we are not looked at the same
You think you are that different –perhaps only our last names
While mine might be Jones, Smith, Johnson, and yours Kange, Shakka, or Zula
Do not let the promotions you receive instead of me or the smile in your face fool ya
I hear you speak about my American Black sisters and brothers being lazy
If you can not decipher our history from your history then you got to be crazy
My people were sold as slaves from your ancestry line that is still intact
They do not see you as different: just like me they see you as being black
You come to my country with skin just like mine
But my family roots kept you out of the “Colored Folks” line
It is no wonder why we dot not have more hell in us
Our ancestry line includes white folks buying while Africans selling us
Next time you want to put your self up higher than my sister or brother
Think of a people who began in the middle and there is no other
People who are hated because of the color of their skin
Set up to race in this place and not expected to win
But my fellow American Blacks have come a long-long way
So you need to watch your thoughts and guard what you say
You think you are accepted because you are not originally from here
It is not your country of origin that is repulsive, but your skin that is feared
You come to my country with skin just like mine
But my family roots kept you out of the “Colored Folks” line
It is no wonder why we do not have more hell in us
Our ancestry line includes white folks buying while Africans selling us
You put color in your eyes, light to your skin, and hair to your head
Afraid of being recognized from your prideful origin, afraid to wear dreads
I have accepted my different skin tones, eye color and textures of hair
I can look any way I want-what others think of my beauty, I really do not care
So sister girl who you really trying to be like- me or like them?
You changed your name from Ejiwa and now call yourself Kim?
My American Black mother told me something that I will always know
She said “little girl- where you come from is not as important as where you go”
You come to my country with skin just like mine
But my family roots kept you out of the “Colored Folks” line
It is no wonder why we do not have more hell in us
Our ancestry line includes white folks buying while Africans selling us
Copyright©2006, by Arene
“I Am OK Being Black: Prelude to the Buyer and the Seller: My History”
Made from Africans selling and White man’s buying and neither claiming
Today, let us accept who we are as we are and stop with all this blaming
15 children, dark, light, straight, curly, kinky hair, short and tall
Reared and disciplined by our parents, love given equally to all
Inside our doors, we laughed and shared moments whether good or bad
We did not have privileges like most, but were happy for what we had
We often found it strange when someone who looked like us would say
‘Girl, you got good hair-slap on grease and water and leave it that way”
Made from Africans selling and White man’s buying and neither claiming
Today, let us accept who we are as we are and stop with all this blaming
My brothers hazel eyes and lighter skin back then gave the girls a thrill
When he married the dark brown girl, they thought he must have been ill
If you have a problem with who you are and think not to like your skin
Do not think I feel the same as you because I like myself from within
To the lady who thought it a need to tell me once pressed, her hair is long
Think I am into the good hair foolishness- then you got me figured wrong
Made from Africans selling and White man’s buying and neither claiming
Today, let us accept who we are as we are and stop with all this blaming
To those who want to claim Indian heritage to dilute out their blackness
Check out what Tina Turner found from her DNA, I hope you do get this
African American Lives II revealed something I have always thought
Blacks are a people created in the middle: no shame, it is not our fault
Stop trying to dilute who we are by saying we’re mixed with the other
If we are rotten in the inside, to hell with the exterior or our color
Made from Africans selling and White man’s buying and neither claiming
Today, let us accept who we are as we are and stop with all this blaming
Let the children know to love themselves and it is ok to be black
If they cannot hear it from you now, the world will set them back
Self hate words from a black man who supposedly had me in his heart
Like me, a young girl will hear someone put her down for being dark
This is why it is important to teach them to love themselves while young
Prejudice has such a longevity here it sometimes seems it has just begun
Made from Africans selling and White man’s buying and neither claiming
Today, let us accept who we are as we are and stop with all this blaming
I am ok with being “Black”-you teach them this while they are young
Copyright© 2008 by Arene
Dog, he said he was going to cut off his NUTS! That, my brotha, is the issue - point, blank, perdiod. Jesse Jackson was dead wrong and any lack of respect that folks have developed for his is a result of lack of respect for himself.
All this other "analysis" of Jesse & Obama is great, but has nothing to do with the issue. If we want to "break it down" to try to explain Jesse's legacy and Obama's lack of - whatever - why not save those things for debate about specific issues.
There is NO, I repeat, NO justification for what he said - period.
NEXT...
Jessie is not just a black man who is speaking on black issues. He is not just a black political figure speaking on black issues. Because he is a clergy, a political figure and a black man what he said was more wrong but more so because a man gave his opinion the answer to someone exercising free speach rights was to cut off his scrotums.
Do I like having to be twice as good to be considerd almost as good as my white counter part? heck no, but is that the case? Heck yes. If "black" is not the issue here,this page nor this discussion would not even be an issue.
Just my view and this lady has no balls to cut off.
I have heard people say things like that as a saying not to be taken literally. While I found it to be crude and inappropriate, I agree with Dr. Boyce Watkins in regard to the fact that there is legit frustration behind Jackson's remarks while poorly expressed.
I hear some of you but you are a tad off base.
I hear all of you and it is good to be able to express (in this forum) what we feel and how we feel with out the threat of being abused because of differing opinions thoughts, or ideas.
Many will speak of injustices or thier disagreements behind closed doors, but when it comes to action or verbalizing those beliefs or opions in the public or doing something about it, that is where the differences are.
Jesse must really feel that way about Obama and that is sad, but I wonder what the person listening to him said(?)did he just lean in and think about it, did he say I disagree with you or did he have public outcry as what is goingon now? I wonder if it had been said behind closed doors would the person(s) listening had opposed, agreed or said shame on you Jesse!
I do not appreciate Jesse saying what he said either way ;on the contrary, we do know this is how he feels.
I remember a man went to a rally to discuss black issues as he drove over 70 miles to get there, but when it comes to going into the "hood" to try to make a difference in a young mans life-that will never happen because some other black person raised that child wrong.
Are there some (blacks) who oppose Obama? Perhaps Jesse is one who does or one who just does not like his views. What ever the case-it was inappropriate coming especially from a ministers mouth.
That said, I just hope that the few people who do have issues with being who they are read the other parts of my original comments and are able to get something out of the part that was meant for them.
Baracks idea is to have a united America and we as a people need to identify the underlying issues and unite to understand and become a people who are ok bieng who they are and not a people who are a them for those who have not and an us for those who have. The scholar on television did not make a difference in my life while I was a product of the ghetto, my aprents and the scholar who was standing there at the chalk board setting the example everyday made the difference in my life.
I am off base in regards to the topic of shame on Jesse for revealing his feelings and being a poor sport and emabarrasingly not showing support, but hopefully not for that person who needs to hear the non issue verbage.
Arene,
Yea shame on Jess for not agrreing with everything Obama has said. shame on those who chose to rightfully criticize obama.
RhondaCoca and others,
I respect your opinion but I must say the character is always an issue to me especially when you profess yourself to be a national leader and man of God. Jesse Jackson means a lot to a lot of people, like me, and when he spoke of personal responsibility when I was young I listened, held him up as a role model (in part because my father was no where to be found), and was greatly disappointed (even as an well educated adult) when his adultery and “baby mamma drama” became a national point of ridicule…it was embarrassing. Let me repeat I LOVE Jesse Jackson, just as I love my own absent father. However, he knows better and birthing a child outside of your marriage is not just a mistake…he had a relationship with this women that lasted for sometime so it goes beyond “a mistake.” And the fact that so many in our society are so willing to brush aside that kind of behavior as “a mistake” may be one reason why our kids are so lost and confused about right and wrong. However with that said, many great leaders including perhaps the greatest ever MLK had the same character flaw but where would we be without them? Not of this blog talking shit right?
Obama is not a black leader, never was and in my mind never will be. He is a politician who wants to become president and that means he is going to throw whoever he has to under the bus to win, including dead beat black fathers. We as black people only support him this strongly because of what he represents, one victory in our collective struggle for equality. I personally don’t expect anymore from him. As for his dead beat black fathers diatribe, I agree he was wrong to focus in on only on black people when the truth is we now live in a society of dead beat sorry ass parents period! It was for political gain and it worked, more white people will think its okay to vote for him now because he does not look like a Jesse Jackson black man. I for one hope he wins if only so that McCain wont be able to screw up the Supreme Courts for the next 30 years.
Dr Corey,
Thank you for your comment and I completely agree. Obama is a politician, Jesse is a dead beat dad who was wrong. People have their agendas and that is that.
I was born in the early 60's the youngest of 16 children, I am from E.St Louis, Il. My dad was not a dead beat dad and I benefited from that as well as having the teachers who came back and made a difference. Back then, teachers were examples of good moral characters.
Thanks for sharing your view, it was appreciated.
it appears sen obama is being slammed from both sides of the block. In fact, the comments he made about black fathers was 100% true, I don't think he meant all black fathers, but a majority, and if the finger was pointed at the guilty, then do something positive about it. Stop criticizing sen obama for everything, lets lift him up in a more positive manner.
I have been able to grow from constructive critism. It would be nice to have all fathers be wonderful as well as all mothers, but that is not the case.
The fact that Obama is where he is speaks for itself.
The fact that Jesse Jackson said what he said speaks for itself.
We have a right to speak to all issues that affect us.
I really appreciate the feedback. On average, it is more than the feedback I recieved on the Christian site that that has my poems. Thanks
Anon, you said something stupid which is the reason why I get mad when people focus on the negative all the time,
" I don't think he meant all black fathers, but a majority, and if the finger was pointed at the guilty, then do something positive about it."
I am about to blow my head off with anger at that comment because the majority of black fathers in this f&%*ing country are taking care of their children!!! You think that it is the other way around because all you hear is negativity and you soak it in.
And don't come here with the half dead reasoning that Obama used because then I will have to question your intelligence!
Also, I do not need a moral lesson from those on this blog who want to continue to talk about jackson's personal life. Duh!! Adultery is a sin and if he did not repent then he is going to hell...is that what you want to hear?
Obviously what I am trying to do is get past the narrow reasoning of people in the media and those who would like to protect Obama!!
I am not a man, I have no children etc.. but I did not like Obama's so called speech. I had a father in the home who was the breadwinner. I knew of no one who did not take care of responsiblity grwing up. I only saw intact black families or black men who took care of their children. Therefore I have nothing to do with what Obama was saying. I had no reason to feel guilty. However once again, I did not care for the speech.
Black people need to shake themselves and wake up! Look around you and stop listening to the media! There are grassroots organizations and community organizations in various cities that work to strengthen and aid black families in lower socio-economic backgrounds where the issue is more prevalent.
Don't give me any crap about "oh there are middle class black fathers who don't do what they are supposed to do" because the point is that they are far less and may be less than what is coming out of the white family. If we had to deal with them only then it really would not have been an "issue" in the first place. Where most of the issues exist is in the black underclass and there are many, many reasons for this.
It is not about constructive criticism because Obama speech was not constructive. He did what everyone else in the world does and looked at black men and reduced them to their lowest denominator. He said all you black fathers who are holding it down (the majority of black fathers) don't exist. He did what everyone else did. There was nothing new or enlightening about any of what he had to say.
Good job Rhonda! We have to stop ignorance in its tracks. First, as a black man who has always taken care of his kids, I have to say that if they are talking about black men like they're worse than everybody else, THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT ALL OF US.
Having kids and not taking care of them is not just a problem in the black community, it happens everywhere. I have more white friends who do that than black ones. So, if Barack wants to take on the issue of fatherless households, he needs to make that shit a national issue and not a black issue. Actually, can anybody on this blog tell me one national issue that Barack has taken on where he has specifically pointed out white people? If not, then please shut the fuck up.
Big Earl,
I am not a politician and I am not professing Angelhood either.
Dr Watkins did have a comment that Malcom X made in regards to people liking every thing about you which is also simular to what is in the bible about a man (woman) who only good is spoken of.
It takes all kinds to make the world go around. Just fortunate to be in a world where it is not a crime to have a different opinion and be able to speak about it without............................
Thanks for sharing
RhondaCoca…DAMN!
Frist take a chill pill, why are you so upset about this? Calling people stupid and questioning their intellect does not make you right. I honestly don’t know if “most” black men take care of their children or not, I hope you are correct about that…and if you have the hard data please tell us how to get that data. However, maybe Anon’s experiences are different from yours which leads to a different conclusion. Hell I know that my experiences have taught me that most parents period do “take care” of their children. Because for me, Big Earl, taking care of your kids goes way beyond sending a check every month, its involves teaching them and being there for them so that they feel safe and secure. Thus I believe dead beat parents can actually be in the home and paying the bills but if you are breaking your neck to get to the club every weekend, or screwing every person you can get your hands on while neglecting their kids, or not helping your kids with HW, or not attending their activities, or not teaching their kids right and wrong and also living what they teach them, etc, you are not being a responsible parent and thus are a dead beats. Harsh you might think but that’s just my opinion. And I personally don’t give Jesse Jackson as much credit for raising his 5 kids as some do, I think most of the credit goes to a lady named Jacqueline Lavinia Brown Jackson and I bet you that Jesse will agree with me on that. Now that’s not to say he did not do his part, he seems to have great kids and I am sure they both did a good job.
As for there being more or just as many white fathers who don’t do their jobs as parents, I will just say what I mamma and grandmother used to tell me, “I am not talking about them I am taking about us (you).” So Bill Clinton has nothing to do with us, so I don’t care what he does, I have no respect for him anyway.
Also, no one wants Jesse to go to hell because he committed adultery, at least I hope not.
And thanks Arlene for your comments.
Dr Corey, your hard data is there. Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote an article and cited the fact that a study by Boston university showed that black absentee dads were more involved than other dads. But that is not even the point. The point is that we are always forced to defend the things that we are worse at than other groups. Why aren't white kids forced to explain why they all go to college and drink liquor like alcoholics? Did you know that police don't even raid college campuses for drugs or alcohol, but they are always locking black men up for drug possession? Get real brother, white people are about the most self-righteous pack of lying ass motherfuckers I've ever seen in my life.
Okay Big Earl, let me take this point by point
“Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote an article and cited the fact that a study by Boston university showed that black absentee dads were more involved than other dads.”
GREAT, and since I happen to know several single black fathers who have full custody of their children, including me and my 3 brothers, I will say its about time we have been acknowledged by someone. But again I don’t care if 99% of black fathers take care of their kids and only 1% of white fathers do, I would still be a hard ass on that 1% of black fathers who don’t because that’s our kids.
“…we are always forced to defend the things that we are worse at than other groups.”
At the risk of sounding sarcastic, welcome to America. If any of us think that is going to change in any of our lifetimes, even if Minister Farrakhan became president, we are fooling ourselves. Trust me after spending the past 7 years as the only black member of my department, I feel you on this, however, that does not excuse our behavior when we do wrong.
“Why aren't white kids forced to explain why they all go to college and drink liquor like alcoholics?”
Because they are white and we live in a racist country, no dispute their brother. My point is what does that have to with us and our bad behavior? Its about “personal” responsibility regardless of what they think of us…like I tell my black students, why in the world would you make it easier for them to get you.
“Did you know that police don't even raid college campuses for drugs or alcohol, but they are always locking black men up for drug possession?”
YES, I also know that we get much harsher penalties than anyone else. I also know that crack laws are created to incarcerate us not them. But again my question is why make it easy for them?
“Get real brother, white people are about the most self-righteous pack of lying ass motherfuckers I've ever seen in my life.”
YEP, you are right for the most part, and if you are talking about government this is very true not just domestically but globally. But some of them truly know the truth and see the wrong in racism. Lets not condemn them all.
Dr. Corey's argument is simple: why can't black people just be perfect? If they were perfect, then they wouldn't have any problems.
I hope that one day we can hear a presidential candidate give a speech on why the white community needs to take responsibility for the millions of criminals and drug abusers they have. That will be the day.
I tell you what, find the word perfect anywhere in anything I wrote and I will grant you your ridiculous analysis of my argument. Dr. Corey’s point is as follows:
1. Black, white, red, green, or brown…personal responsibility.
2. White folks are always (at least in our lifetime) going to see us as worse than they are, but that does not excuse one black person from taking care of his responsibilities.
3. I care about what we do a hell of a lot more than what they do or think of us.
4. Jesse Jackson is still one of my heroes but he needs to watch what he says on FOX News…again why make it easy for them?
Again find the word perfection anywhere.
Oh and in response to this statement: “I hope that one day we can hear a presidential candidate give a speech on why the white community needs to take responsibility for the millions of criminals and drug abusers they have. That will be the day.”
You have, did you follow Al Sharton’s presidential campaign? How about Dick Gregory, Shirley Chisholm, Shirley Chisholm, and even Ralph Nader all presidential hopefuls who have called white folks out for who they are and what they have done. And what has changed about them? If Obama were to do that he would not have a chance. He is not a black leader nor is he a civil rights leader; he is a politician who wants to win. Stop expecting more from him than any other candidate who has a chance to win.
Hi Me Again and Everyone Else,
I am sorry that I have not responded or commented lately. I am in final stages of my MSN, in the process of selling my house and relocating as well as searching for a new one, preparing for an exam to further my independent business venture, following a friends advice to revamp my community poetry website and grieving over the loss of my dog.
I really appreciate everyone sharing thier thoughts on this matter and it allows me personally to recognize us a people with differing views.
One thing that has bothered me is that some have felt the necessisty to direspect others by cursing or calling someone else stupid.
It is hard for anyone to see something positive in someone they hate. Prujudice people who hate blacks will always look for the negative.
Collectively as a people, I hope we can benefit from who and what we can and be tactful enough to deal with those we cannot.
‘”Oh Yea, I Seen Her Before”
I never thought she could be any worse than she was on this day
I saw her divide, destroy and concur in the most vengeful way
I had experienced her rage and hatred toward one who was a King
She never eased of her passion as she found joy in others suffering
She reverberated hated of one with the beloved name like the cross
She still has not recognized love is freedom and could never be bought
She did does not discriminate to age as young and old suffer her wrath
No exact figure of her destruction exist: who would dare do the math?
The worst thing she has ever done is to make a people turn on themselves
Yet, she did not recognize there exist a remnant of truth that is always left
There she was, as if she never grew tired or older, just as I had seen her
She expressed her hypocritical non -relenting hatred in Hurricane Katrina
Oh yea, I seen her before-that damn, prejudice!
Copyright©2008, by Arene
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