NAACP ASKED GANGSTA RAPPERS TO PARTAKE IN AWARDS
It’s time to deep-six the NAACP, Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and anyone else profiting from contemporary racism.
Why?
Allow me to expound.
After captivating the nation by abolishing the “n” word a few years ago, the aforementioned organization inexplicably tossed out a ghetto lineup of hip-hop performers to partake in the 42nd Annual NAACP Awards this past Friday (March 4). You heard me right. “N” word spewing artists Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, B.O.B., Diddy and Dirty Money were asked to either perform, present, or appear as honorable nominees during the once prestigious event.
Can’t say I’m surprised.
After all, hypocrisy and black incompetence (not the white man) are most instrumental in the socioeconomic decline of Urban America. Hell, no wonder black unemployment rests at 15%, while the rest of the nation sits at 9%.
As blacks, we’re sleeping with the enemy.
“It is a complete outrage that the NAACP and some of this country’s largest corporations would endorse artists that degrade women, use the “N” word, and promote values that are antithetical to the goals and aspirations of most Americans,” said Rev. Delman Coates of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland. “Lyrical content, not commercial success should be the standard by which such nominations and sponsorships are given. At a time when we have witnessed social and political progress in America, it is disheartening to see established civil rights organizations and leading American corporations promote some of the most stereotypical and offensive images and messages in the popular culture.”
Rev. Coates is 100% correct.
Why should blacks trust an organization that publicly curses the “n” word, yet promote the filthy artists that profit from its use?
Gimminee Christmas!
With organizations like the NAACP, who needs the Ku Klux Klan?
“On one side these are young black men that are great business men, but on the other end it is like the tobacco business,” said Rev. Lucious Smith, pastor of Pasadena Friendship Baptist Church.“In the end you get cancer.” There you go. Rev. Smith, perhaps appropriately, has drawn parallels between gangsta rap and cancer.
I can’t think of a more perfect analogy.
See, the "n" word is kinda tricky. It's not uncommon for comedians and artists to incorporate its use for entertainment purposes because it's usually accepted by the general, cash-paying public. For example, comedian Tony Rock performed live at the Kansas City Improv this past weekend. The boy spewed the "n" word like Richard Pryor "Live on the Sunset Strip." Yet, nobody in the audience took offense because Rock made it clear from the get-go the "n" word would become an integral part of his act.
The problem with the NAACP is the organization publicly condemned its use, then turned around and seduced the perpetrators; looking like hypocrites in the process.
As a society, we must decide to either abolish the "n" word or approve its use. And, if approved, should people of all colors be allowed to say it? The issue probably deserves a national address from President Barack Obama himself. I'm serious. Lots of people have gotten hurt, if not killed, over the "n" word. “A few years ago, Don Imus lost his job for using language that pales in comparison to the messages conveyed by some of these artists,”said Rev. Coates. “The messages of the Image Award nominees are not any more acceptable because they are said by Black artists and celebrated by the NAACP.
‘These are not images that any respectable civil rights organization or responsible American corporation should endorse. (The) program will have long term implications for the reputation of the NAACP and the corporate brands of the program’s sponsors.”
Rev. Coates is basically labeling the executives of the NAACP a group of ’sell-outs.’
And he’s right.
But what else is new in Black America?
Our plight is historical.
Think about it.
Word on the street claims greedy African merchants were primarily responsible for the slave trade. Yet, the history books teach us a posse of evil white men kidnapped us, placed us in shackles, then threw us on the plantation. Hell, from where I’m standing, the terms ‘African-American’ and ’sell-out’ are practically synonymous. Look, we can blame the mythical white man for the ineptitude and futility that continues to plague Black America. He’s both an easy and futile target. However, as African-Americans, to bring about positive change, it’s imperative we understand the real culprit exists solely inside the mirror.
After all, hypocrisy and black incompetence (not the white man) are most instrumental in the socioeconomic decline of Urban America. Hell, no wonder black unemployment rests at 15%, while the rest of the nation sits at 9%.
As blacks, we’re sleeping with the enemy.
“It is a complete outrage that the NAACP and some of this country’s largest corporations would endorse artists that degrade women, use the “N” word, and promote values that are antithetical to the goals and aspirations of most Americans,” said Rev. Delman Coates of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland. “Lyrical content, not commercial success should be the standard by which such nominations and sponsorships are given. At a time when we have witnessed social and political progress in America, it is disheartening to see established civil rights organizations and leading American corporations promote some of the most stereotypical and offensive images and messages in the popular culture.”
Rev. Coates is 100% correct.
Why should blacks trust an organization that publicly curses the “n” word, yet promote the filthy artists that profit from its use?
Gimminee Christmas!
With organizations like the NAACP, who needs the Ku Klux Klan?
“On one side these are young black men that are great business men, but on the other end it is like the tobacco business,” said Rev. Lucious Smith, pastor of Pasadena Friendship Baptist Church.“In the end you get cancer.” There you go. Rev. Smith, perhaps appropriately, has drawn parallels between gangsta rap and cancer.
I can’t think of a more perfect analogy.
See, the "n" word is kinda tricky. It's not uncommon for comedians and artists to incorporate its use for entertainment purposes because it's usually accepted by the general, cash-paying public. For example, comedian Tony Rock performed live at the Kansas City Improv this past weekend. The boy spewed the "n" word like Richard Pryor "Live on the Sunset Strip." Yet, nobody in the audience took offense because Rock made it clear from the get-go the "n" word would become an integral part of his act.
The problem with the NAACP is the organization publicly condemned its use, then turned around and seduced the perpetrators; looking like hypocrites in the process.
As a society, we must decide to either abolish the "n" word or approve its use. And, if approved, should people of all colors be allowed to say it? The issue probably deserves a national address from President Barack Obama himself. I'm serious. Lots of people have gotten hurt, if not killed, over the "n" word. “A few years ago, Don Imus lost his job for using language that pales in comparison to the messages conveyed by some of these artists,”said Rev. Coates. “The messages of the Image Award nominees are not any more acceptable because they are said by Black artists and celebrated by the NAACP.
‘These are not images that any respectable civil rights organization or responsible American corporation should endorse. (The) program will have long term implications for the reputation of the NAACP and the corporate brands of the program’s sponsors.”
Rev. Coates is basically labeling the executives of the NAACP a group of ’sell-outs.’
And he’s right.
But what else is new in Black America?
Our plight is historical.
Think about it.
Word on the street claims greedy African merchants were primarily responsible for the slave trade. Yet, the history books teach us a posse of evil white men kidnapped us, placed us in shackles, then threw us on the plantation. Hell, from where I’m standing, the terms ‘African-American’ and ’sell-out’ are practically synonymous. Look, we can blame the mythical white man for the ineptitude and futility that continues to plague Black America. He’s both an easy and futile target. However, as African-Americans, to bring about positive change, it’s imperative we understand the real culprit exists solely inside the mirror.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He also serves as District Committee Delegate in Johnson County, he’s a candidate for the Shawnee Mission School Board, and he’s an adjunct professor in Kansas City. Wayne welcomes your comments 24/7 at whodges@massappealnews.com
6 comments:
Brilliant, perfect, a light shining on the ubuquitous cockroaches inhabiting the rusted out civil rights garbage scow.
Every black kid on every corner knows the lyrics of rap songs (Usually a one octave, musical embarrsment, including rhymes on a 2nd grade level, laced with profanity, mysoginism and hate.) by heart, but couldn't tell ya, during the middle of Feb, who Langston Hughs was, or what Cecil DeGrasse Tyson, or Ben Carson does, or why Jackie Robinson was a great man.
Its a DISGRACE!!!
Diversity is killing the American dream faster than the oligarchs who steal our money on Wall Street (Its important to be an equal opportunity hater.)
T.O.:
Chuck said it ALL...
Brilliant,indeed.
Wayne Hodges can sit at MY dinner table ANY day!
Excellent post!
Stay safe out there.
It is an excellent post, but a message that is very rarely heard from the current self-appointed "leaders" in the black community. Just look at the current shameful fiasco going on in the KCMO Third District election for city council.
An out-of-towner who shouts that "Caucasian judges" are racist and that's why they disqualified him from running, even though he actually doesn't live here.
A young unemployed guy who has drifted from one taxpayer-funded job to the next and is currently allowing himself to be a front man for Al Brooks.
The totally ineffective incumbent who has done nothing in the district for four years except to watch millions of public dollars disappear into the air.
That's what passes for "we want our own district"!
Mr. Hodeges is exactly right; it's nothing more than social cannabalism.
And the residents of that part of KCMO who would just like to live their lives and work at their jobs and raise their children are stuck with the same old '60s victimization/entitlement mentality, even as the little group of grifters hangs on to their spots with their snouts in the trough.
Elections should be about change, but not this time in the in-district race in the 3rd. What an ongoing tragedy!
Hypocrits come in all sizes- shapes and colours...
Money talks- (morals) walk...
Stand for something- or fall for anything...
...The Clique Festival will return after this message from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People....
;)
I just thought this was too good not to share--and chuck, thank you for your support on TKC!
SOS--True with regard to the Third District. Incredible to come up with two candidates that managed to make SSB look like the best candidate.
He is a brilliant guy with a brilliant and important view.
:)
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