He's Back: The Return of Bill Cosby

By Keith Boykin, in pop culture·race
Thursday, October 18 2007, 3:30PM

Bill Cosby is back, and this time he's got backup.

Cosby, who caused a firestorm of criticism a few years ago for his comments about blacks, is back with a new book, a new attitude, and a new partner. Cosby appeared on Meet The Press on Sunday with noted Harvard professor, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, to pitch their new book, Come On, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors.

His message: It's time for African Americans to get our act together. But is Cosby attacking black people or uplifting them? The answer may depend on who you ask.

I watched Cosby and Poussaint on "Meet The Press" and I agreed with much of what they had to say. From my perspective, we do need to do a better job at lifting up our community. That's not an attack on black America; it's a call to action. But clearly there are black leaders and thinkers who disagree with that interpretation of Cosby's message.

One of them is Earl Ofari Hutchinson, a writer and thinker I admire and respect and with whom I usually agree. But Hutchinson complains that Cosby "juggles and massages facts to bolster his self-designated black morals crusade." Even with Pouissant as Cosby's co-writer, Hutchinson says Cosby's book is based on "the same stock claim that blacks can't read, write or speak coherent English, and are social and educational cripples and failures."

To prove his point, Hutchinson observes that things are getting better. He argues that "homicides and physical assaults have plunged among black teens to the lowest levels in the past two decades." In addition, "the teen pregnancy rate among black girls has sharply dropped during the past decade," he writes. And most notably, "in the decades since 1975, more blacks had enrolled in school, had improved their SAT scores by nearly 200 points and had lowered their dropout rate significantly."

That's great news and it should be more widely reported and celebrated. I wrote about some of those same issues in my last book, and I talked about the progress that black men, in particular, have made over the course of my own lifetime. But the good news only tells half of the story. The other half of the story is that on almost every major indicator, blacks are still behind whites in socioeconomic conditions.

Hutchinson also notes that the rate of drug use among young blacks is no higher than among young whites but blacks are more likely to be arrested, convicted and imprisoned than young whites who if arrested at all are more likely to get drug rehab, counseling, and treatment referrals, probation or community service. That's true, but Cosby already acknowledges that, as he did last Sunday on "Meet The Press" when he talked about the persistence of racism and the racial disparity in enforcement and sentencing for drug crimes.

Cosby told NBC host Tim Russert that systemic racism "exists in this country" and "is absolutely for real." In Cosby's own words, "the power structure can stop a person from getting a better education. It can stop them from living in better conditions. It can stop improvements from being made." And he said "this kind of thing is very, very hurtful."

But Cosby also said that shouldn't be the end of the discussion. "People just say it," Cosby explained. "They say, 'Well, there’s systemic and institutional racism'" as though that justified the failure to try to do better. That's true too. Some, but not all, people have used the persistence of racism as an excuse not to try to do better. I think most of us know somebody like that. It could be a friend, a family member or a co-worker, but many of us know at least one person like that.

I don't think Cosby's purpose in raising these concerns is simply to provide what Hutchinson calls a "blanket indictment of poor blacks." In fact, Cosby never even mentioned the word "poor" in the entire one-hour interview on "Meet The Press." Instead, his purpose is to remind all of us as African Americans that we can do better. He's encouraging us to get a good education, take care of our kids, stay out of trouble and be responsible members of the community. That's a laudable message that I think we would want to embrace.

Even when Cosby discusses the poor in his book, he does so in a way that is sometimes inspiring, according to the text that was read during the television interview.

Cosby writes: “The most important thing that is within the reach of just about everyone is to make sure that every black child has two active parents in his or her lives. If something happens to the boy’s natural father, it’s time for the stepfather or the grandfather or the uncle or the godfather to fill the void. Likewise with the mother. A two-parent home is less likely to be poor, and the children it produces are much” [less] “likely to end up in prison. If, a generation from now, every black child grew up in a functional two-parent home, the problems of crime and poverty in black communities would greatly diminish."

I agree with Cosby. A two-parent home is not a guarantee of a child's success, but it does give a child a greater opportunity of success. I also believe that both the male and female have something to teach young people in the family unit, so even gay and lesbian couples who raise children should not be afraid to introduce their kids to other responsible adults and family members who represent a different gender than the couple itself. There's no need for politically correct parenting. What's most important is good parenting.

Finally, Cosby turns his attention to black men and calls for us to be more responsible as well. "The young men need to learn that it is highly unlikely they will grow up to star in the NBA or see their hip-hop CD go platinum," he writes. He also acknowledges the challenges just in graduating from college or starting a successful business. "But most youth can overcome the obstacles to their finishing high school and getting a legitimate job. And there is no reason in the world they cannot become good partners and fathers," he writes.

Says Cosby, "Children who are loved will have the confidence to succeed in school, to succeed on the job, to succeed in life." And that's a message you can take from the babysitter to the bank.

Comments (117) reveal

Comments conceal

Equalnox
October 18 2007, 3:54PM

Ruby Dee once said of the criticism launched against Spike Lee, [paraphrase] "You need a good agitator in your washing machine to get your clothes clean."

Karmatic
October 18 2007, 4:01PM

I admire what Dr. Cosby is doing for our community....He can easily
take his millions and just forget about the ignorance that plagues
our youth (and even our elders), but instead he's pushing aside the haters
in order to bring his word to those that so desperately need to hear the painful truth...

Big ups to you Dr. Cosby!! There will be no shortage of those that will vilify you , but your honesty about what has to happen in order for Blacks to trully thrive makes them look like cowardly fools...
The truth hurts!

maliik
October 18 2007, 4:30PM

Bill Cosby ain't shit...he generalizes all that is bad as belonging exclusively to the African American race. I didn't hear or read about him saying anything about the Jena 6...he seems like far too many African American with a little money and fame, they are busy telling their white friends as well as America how they dispise black people and how they are not like those black people. I don't hear him talk about Bush and his racist policies...he needs to point out and be specific about which African Americans to whom he is referencing...Most of the African Americans I know are very wealthy and well educated. I notice that far too many blacks who are somewhat famous and wealthy are with white partners that are using them for their money and don't really love them and these blacks are self loathing trash. It's like being Black in America is an abberration. All these guys tell me how they want interracial kids. They don't want kids that look like Donna Brazile or Flava Flame or Adi Amin.

Luna
October 18 2007, 4:31PM

I agree with Bill and I'm definitely buying the book. The truth HURTS!!!

Manchild1
October 18 2007, 5:03PM

Bill is a trip...yeah his words can serve as a
wake up call....but where has he been in the thick of
the struggle...Jena6,California Riots and some other
issues where other black prominent people took a public
stand...no ,Bill was absent...but he comes forth now to
add fuel to the black male critics...why?I mean can't
we all remember when Bill was a villain,....most notably the
sex offense charge he drew ,or his out of wedlock child
what is his point.....I don't know,but he needs to
really just chill.I mean who's side is he on anyway.
manchild

Ron
October 18 2007, 6:30PM

Bill Cosby isn't saying anything but THE TRUTH!!! He was on Oprah this week as well and he definitely clarified that this is not all African Americans. However, the statistics don't lie. Homicide is the #1 leading cause of death for black males ages 15 to 24; we are 12% of the population but 50% of jail population. Yes, instituational racism has its part in there but its moreso the breakdown of the black family. Backing up that point, 70% of black children are born to single mothers. I mean thats just a formula for disaster.

I applaud him for his remarks and I will be buying the book. Anyone who thinks that he is airing dirty laundry is a fool. This laundry has long been aired. We are always upset whenever an atrocity from a white person is done upon a black person, but we need to take care of our own house a bit, don't ya think?

Spencer
October 18 2007, 6:38PM

@Manchild...He is like an Uncle Tom...he is full of crap ...on the Fat Albert show back in the 70's there was a character who spoke very poor english and he would place a "ba" sound on the end of everything...Bill Cosby played around on his wife and had a child out of wedlock....Bill Cosby is not all there ...I listen to very few people in public life, because many times they are from dysfunctional homes and yes, Maliik you are right, when you say black trash slept white because they are self-loathing black people...they have no love for black people especially Donna Brazile....why did I read on the Internet today that Condo Rice brought a house and shared a line of credit with a white women named Randy Beam...why did the guy writing the book has physical evidences....self-loathing black gay people....go figure!!!

Value Meal
October 18 2007, 6:48PM

Karmatic I feel the same way as you do...After I read that article, I knew there would be those that would attack this man for simply speaking the truth...I will definately buy the book and do my part to make a difference...

the TRUTH HURTS!

Kenneth Winfrey
October 18 2007, 7:05PM

I find it compelling that many Cosby simply because he didn't make a public statement about Jena 6 or other instaces of Black victimization. However, I think that those who only show up during those times are part of the problem in our community. Showing up when there's a problem just to be seen is easy. Consistently carrying a message calling people to action is the real work.

I also find it compelling that people will dismiss the truth that a person speaks today simply because of the color of someone they had sex with yesterday. That's the same kind of judgement that people who call homosexuals immoral use.

I don't care if Bill Cosby slept through every Jena 6 rally, or had sex with ever white woman he met. His message is clear: Blacks have work to do and can get it done if/when we decide to get busy doing what is best for ourselves.

Consider this: even with our history of slavery in America, we are still better off than many people in the world because we have so many opportunity.

G-man
October 18 2007, 7:47PM

I agree with Mr Cosby as well. We all know that systemic racism is still prevalent in todays society. What we need to do as a people is draw strength from those who came before us. We come from a people who, when they were told they were nothing, and every single experience they faced told them they were nobody somewhere inside themselves said, "I believe I am better than this." We come from a people who had nothing and from nothing made a bridge so that their children and their children's children could one day cross.
We should start teaching our kids early in age of both the struggles and triumphs of our people so they could have a better appreciation for our ancestors and respect for themselves. I realize for some that looking back can be unpleasant and painful, but I say let it empower you to lead the best life you possibly can for yourself.

Tim'm
October 18 2007, 8:12PM

I think it's tragic that people feel the need to altogether dismiss everything he says or (worse?) make statements like "I agree with Bill Cosby". About what? Everything? Wow! A more thoroughgoing analysis of his "truth" would find more than your fair share of "holes". I think he's right to put a mirror in front of a Black America that needs to do far more than criticize in order to create the kind of change that is sorely needed. I just hope that he remembers, as he hold up the mirror to Black America, that he's in clear view too. The "good black" vs. "bad black" dichotomy is many people's way of scapegoating the "more" they could be doing. This isn't to say he isn't doing anything, just that scholarships to the better and brightest at HBCUs isn't exactly addressing the problem to which he refers, it's simply shining the talented "dime" till it blings.

my twenty-five sense,

nia
October 18 2007, 8:21PM

IT SEEMS LIKE THE BLACK RACE IS CURSED...WE HATE AND KILL ONE ANOTHER AND YES, COLORISM WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY PLAYS A LARGE PART...ANYTIME YOUR ALLEDGELY WEALTHIEST BLACK PEOPLE ARE SEEKING OUT WHITE MATES AND WHITE TRASH AT THAT, SOMETHING IS WRONG!!! IT'S LIKE BLACKS HATE THEMSELVES AND IT'S LIKE THE OLD MAN SAYS NO ONE WANTS ANYONE DARK AND BLACK WITH NAPPY HAIR...AND KENNETH, THE POINT OF THE MATTER IS "MANY FAMOUS BLACKS ARE AFRAID OF WHITES BUT THEY ARE EXTREMELY CONTEMPTOUS OF OTHER BLACKS. I SEE HOW BLACKS RESPOND TO OTHER BLACKS EVERYDAY IN CORPORATE AMERICA...IT'S LIKE BLACKS HAVE NO VALUE. THE BLACK RACE IS FUCKED UP!!!

J
October 18 2007, 8:42PM

Baby mamas, Fat Albert, and alleged sexual harrassment aside, Pop pop Cosby is telling the truth. Look at his history. Here we have a man who has consistently tried to portray AA life with class. He has nearly always promoted progression. We will defend thugs and clowns, but Cosby is the enemy? I guess the Cosby show set us back right?

Dyson is a boob. Anyone that still listens to that man is confused or has an album coming out. He's a hustler.

Ostend Street
October 18 2007, 8:50PM

Racism is insidious, pervasive, and permeates our entire societal structure. Mr. Cosby please quit the myopic bull crap. Believe me, if education and getting a job was so easy the surveys that many like to quote would be quite different. I am not hating on you, just seeing things a little bit differently then you.

Anonymous
October 18 2007, 9:02PM

The name calling and personal attacks, either by Bill Cosby or by commenters in this thread, is part of the problem. Both Cosby and Cosby's detractors are right:

1) Bill Cosby was not always so level-headed and careful in his criticisms. He has attacked poor blacks openly and in the most elitist and pejorative ways possible, thereby adding to many whites knee-jerk stereotypes and hatred of blacks (especially the poorest of blacks). His recent book is a refinement of his crash earlier approach.

2) Yet, what he says is true. However, I'm not sure that writing a book and going on television stations that are mostly watched and promoted by whites is going to solve the problems that he takes on. Does he get his hands dirty and go into the cities where these troubles are rampant and offer his help? Many black cultural workers do that every day and they don't try to draw media attention to themselves either.

Cicero said that discretion is the better part of valor and Cosby is hurtfully indiscreet.

Tan
October 18 2007, 9:02PM

IT'S LIKE THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASS UNEDUCATED BLACK PEOPLE NEED TO DO BETTER WITH THEIR KIDS...

I SEE WEALTHY WELL EDUCATED BLACK PEOPLE'S KIDS EXCELING IN SCHOOL!!!

I'LL TELL YOU ONE THING ...THESE KIDS FROM WELL TO DO FAMILY WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH OTHER BLACKS WHEN IT COMES TO DATING, MARRYING AND HAVING BABIES...IN 100 YEARS THERE PROBABLY WON'T EVEN BE ANY BLACK AMERICANS...I SEE A TREND WHEREAS OUR BLACK PEOPLE WANT BI-RACIAL KIDS AND MALIIK IS RIGHT, MOST BLACKS DON'T WANT NO BLACK NAPPY-HEADED COON BABY THAT LOOK LIKE DONNA BRAZILE AND FLAVA FLAME. LET'S KEEP IT REAL NOW!!!

bubba
October 18 2007, 9:36PM

Well, once everyone is done regurgitating the distractions about Uncle Toms marrying white people, maybe Cosby's message can crack their rock solid skulls. I just came from an interaction with a group of Black teenage girls who declared that "I Love New York" is one of their favorite tv shows. How much do you want to bet that I could learn this about thousands of others in the same demographic with my eyes closed? Black parents are out to lunch. Yes, we disproportionately populate prisons. But shouldn't the word be out by now, about the target our criminal justice system has put on our backs? Now we get to the old adage about truth in stereotypes. People KNOW good and well that there's a likelihood of incarceration with criminal activity, and still engage in it. Whole communities would rather maintain the degradation and institute a policy of "no snitching" to shield these fools from their fate, instead of objecting to the behavior outright. The mainstream is COUNTING on you to fuck up, so you oblige???

rissa
October 18 2007, 9:40PM

How about all of those that are attacking Bill on the prsonal front, which by the way is irrelevant, at least get it right. There are no baby mamas as the only children that he has is with his wife Camille. The one child that was alleged to be his is the young woman that he financially supported through adulthood. It was only when her choice to not pursue higher education and moreover do nothing with a bunch of knuckleheads did he stop gicving her money and THAT is when she attempted to blackmail him and she was CLOWNED when he went to the authorities and a DNA test proved he was NOT her father. You see, Bill Cosby admitted to having had an adulterous offer first to his wife. When the child was born, they together helped to support her based on the POSSIBILITY that the child was his. That is what a REAL MAN does..inspite of mistakes or poor choice they face the consequences and Meet their responsibilities head on. I believe that that is one of his points in all of this :)

Antwan
October 18 2007, 9:40PM

Cosby opens the door to the "attacks" he gets, he is quite adept at attacking the underclass himself. I have not one shred of respect for this man. And, is he blind now or has glaucoma? Sorry, I saw him on Larry King tonight in those black shades, and, sorry, can't trust no one who hides his eyes.

And, since he claims to "care" about the plight of the underclass, just how is he doing it? I somehow doubt those 18-29 year old men he knocks know or care who is or what he's saying, just like the teen mothers and all the rest of black society that he abhors.

If, someone came in from Pluto, and listed to what he says, they would thin there isn't one decent black person in this country but him.

There are plenty of problems, but, sorry Cos, you don't have one single answer to any of them, these attacks are as bad as a GOP pep rally in Mississippi to get out the vote, only without the code words. The only thing he is doing other than trying to peddle a book is feed into the hands of the right wing.

bubba
October 18 2007, 10:45PM

Antwan, you say Cosby is feeding into right wing dogma, but if you truly paid attention during the Larry King interview, you would have heard him denounce Clarence Thomas for his conservative political views. How did he not provide solutions? When decrying criminal culture? Or when he took on bad parenting? He never said these issues affected all of us, either. And none of that is a reason for him NOT to speak out when he knows his people are in trouble. Give up your voice because you made a few mistakes and I might change my mind.

Sandy
October 18 2007, 10:55PM

I don't have a problem with what Mr. Cosby been saying for the last few years. What I have a problem with is the fact that it is a national issue.
There is an under class in every group. The problem I have is that the African-American under class is always spot lighted. We are, in reality, a small percentage of the population of America(and getting smaller everday). I believe the Latino population have over taken us. They have an under class of folks that have serious problems with socialization and family stablity.
Here in New York, I know there is an Italian under class they have the same negative social problems. But, we can over look that to see the family men, the lawyers, doctors, etc. I am tired of people expecting me to hang my head down because of the actions of a few.

Gordon
October 18 2007, 11:02PM

@bubba, I agree with you 1000000%.....The only problems that we as black people confront everyday in our neighborhoods, are the one's that we create for ourselves. We, We, We, are our own worst enemies, our people have thrived and made lives for themselves in the face of Jim Crow and not having certain rights. And now that we have some of those rights, not all of them, we do nothing with it. Case and point, none of you self righteous people on this thread said ANYTHING about young black girls saying "I love New York" was their favorite show...And as far as incarceration is concerned, we know as children that if we do something wrong, we go our black ass to jail. And in the face of a racist system, why do we continue to do tihngs that will make us victims. Its like knowing the pot is hot, and continuing to touch it.

If someone comes up to you and knocks you down, THEY are responsible, but you are responsible if you don't get up.

bubba
October 18 2007, 11:18PM

Sandy, let the Latinos and Italians handle their business. What does your comparison have to do with the reality of HALF the prison population being African American? We suffer disproportionate amounts of racism and self-sabotage that no other group in the country has to deal with. I don't care about the problems of Eskimos or valley girls in the face of that empirical data. As Bill Cosby says, there's always somebody who hears an undeniable nugget of truth and STILL manages to say "yeah, but..." BUT WHAT?! Stop worrying about other people or who Cosby fathered outside of his marriage. That shit won't get the drug dealers off my corner, but thanks for playing. On your way out, please enjoy our lovely parting gifts - incarceration, miseducation, unemployment and gentrification.

M
October 18 2007, 11:42PM

It is the truth that we all can do more. We can continue to improve. Just in the last day or two I have accepted the fact that I am not doing what I already have the ability to do. This is nobody's fault but mine. May the blessings now flow.

Luther
October 18 2007, 11:48PM

Right message, somewhat, wrong messenger. The people that he feels are in need of his "wisdom" aren't going to buy his book, and, not watch the shows he is on hawking them. They don't watch "Meet the Press," "Larry King," or even "Oprah" for that matter. He isn't helping anyone but his bank account.

Young people need someone they can relate to, not someone calling them lowlife and losers like he is doing. If, they want that, they know where to get it.

And, I agree with the poster, what's up with the black shades? Can't get anymore "hood" than that.

And, Sandy, I you do have a point, its not just the black underclass that is dire need, its the WHOLE underclass in this country that has long been abandoned, blacks, poor whites, Latinos and even Asians and, Cosby's fix just isn't going to cut it in today's world of low taxes and government help. Especially when you have a government that has a disdain for education, and the poor, but, its going to take more than a village and lip service to sell a book

Dean
October 19 2007, 12:25AM

Not again. No, I don't mean "not another book that puts down Black people". I mean not again putting our heads in the sand. The "truth" is that when it comes to socio-economic standards (life expectancy, HIV infection rates, prison population percentages, rates of high school graduation, etc.) when a high rate is good, African American rates are almost always low. And when a high rate is bad, African American rates are almost always high. That truth should not be excused. I want what is bad to be eliminated and not excused and with African Americans there's enough blame to go around. Some of those sharing the blame:

The Black underclass, which often chooses to wallow in misery and not try to do well in school.
The Black middle class, which often moves as far away from the Black underclass as follows and which says often by deed "I got mine so you get yours".
The Black ministers who often preach about the "by and by" and not concern themselves with the here and now.

indastix
October 19 2007, 12:49AM

Frankly, there will never be a perfect messenger for this type of message. No matter who says it, people will be jumping up acting silly. If a wealthy person says it, people will say "you're rich and you're just picking on the poor." If a poor person says it, people will say "you can't talk. you're still poor." If Oprah says it, people will say "she is out of touch with the people." Obama says it, "he's not 100% African-American." It will just go on.

It really gets old that people never want to talk about the truth and come up with ways to avoid the real issue. We project, we deflect, but never address the clear facts. Every country has an underclass, not just America. Human greed will always ensure that one has more than another (lest we forget the fall of communism). Where the differences come is how the underclass deals with it; do they play victim, or do they try to empower themselves. I'm glad Cosby made the comments he did so that now there may be dialogue.

Gregg
October 19 2007, 4:39AM

I watched Mr. Cosby on Meet the Press and Oprah and I totally agree. However, I partially agree with one of comments made by Luther. The population he's targeting is not going read this book.

Allison
October 19 2007, 5:08AM

All of you'll who are in total agreement with Bill Cosby...he is talking about YOU!!!

@BUBBA WHO POSTED parting gifts - incarceration, miseducation, unemployment and gentrification...YOU ARE A DUMB BLACK BASTARD...I CAN TELL THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE AROUND DAY IN AND DAY OUT...YOU ARE WHO BILLCOSBY IS REFERENCING.

gs
October 19 2007, 8:37AM

I 100% agree with Mr. Cosby. I applaud him for standing up despite the attacks and exposing our shit. We've allowed ghettoism, prison mentality and a government dependence lifestyle destroy the works of Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, Sourjourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and other black soldiers that dedicated their lives too our social and civil freedom. Once we jumped on that "blindly vote democratic" bandwagon 45 years ago....things have rapidly been going downhill. Regarding Cosby's "womanizing", last time I checked MLK was stepping out on Coretta big time and yet, he did alot of good in opening black american lives. Black folks just don't want to hear the truth and want to put the blame on Massa for all our problems.

TITI
October 19 2007, 8:46AM

RIGHT OR WRONG WE ARE IN A STATE OF SUCCIDE!!
WHO IS GOING TO SAVE US FROM OURSELF??
AT LEAST WE HAVE MORE CONTROLE OVER SELF HATRED THAN WHITE FOLK HATRED OF US!!!
NOW WHAT ARER WE GONNA DO ABOUT IT???
DENIAL??????????????

MidwestGuy
October 19 2007, 9:47AM

Mixed feelings about Cosby and this crusade. I saw him on both MTP and Oprah. After watching it, I was left unfulfilled. I asked myself "haven't we heard this before?"

I think that most of us agree that Cosby is spot-on, but now what?

Do we want to have another person speak publicly about "our" crisis just so we can agree?

Is agreeing w/Cosby going to compel us to act?

Does that mean that we "good" ones are going to do things not pertaining to our own self-advancement?

Are we going to become mentors?

Are we going to tutor?

Are we going to become involved with local boys club?

I remember that Keith was criticized for hiring a young guy who wore "sagging pants." Many of you felt that he should not have. But, he's the type of person that Cosby thinks we need to reach out to.

Are we going to reach?

Probably not.

He needs someone younger, preferably a hip-hop head, to help spread his message. Otherwise, he's preaching to the choir.

Derrick from Philly
October 19 2007, 9:51AM

Allison:

Must be kinda depressing when a "DUMB BLACK BASTARD" knows the English language, probably speaks the English language, and obviously writes the English language better than you. I wish I could communicate as well as that "DUMB BLACK BASTARD".

Nickie
October 19 2007, 10:05AM

Right on it!

Allison
October 19 2007, 10:56AM

@Derrick from Philly...

You need to examine your own english skills. Your english, as well as most posters on this board, is extremey poor.

it is not depressing at all...everyone should strive to speak and write the king's english; however, if a mistake is made it is not the end of the world. I am very successful in life and I know the English Langauge better than you, Bubba and your mamma...You Dumb Black AIDS Carrying Bastard and GO STRAIGHT TO HELL...HOW'S THAT'S FOR KNOWING THE ENGLISH LANGAUGE, YOU STUPID PUNK!!!

Rhanw4560
October 19 2007, 11:22AM

I can't say that I agree with everything that anyone says, however, I must say that Bill Cosby states some compelling facts about the African-American community WE must address. We can't get sidetracked by looking at the person conveying the message. It is more important to understand that the message is valid. There is no way all of us will agree with everything he says. However, if we search and look without an objective slant we will see that the African-American community does need to wake up. Gone are the days where we respected adults in our community whether we knew them or not. There would be no way that a teenager or young adult would disrespect an adult in our community. We have lost some of the intrinsic values that were the strong fiber of our community. We need to regain that and build each other up instead of tearing each other down.

Jeff
October 19 2007, 11:22AM

Go on now Allison, you had to stoop to the lowest level with name calling, so, the PhD from Harvard in English really didn't help you to actually stay on topic and get your point across, just a shame, but typical of the racist, white, low class trash who flock here with nonsense, and don't realize the word is "English" not "english."

But, thanks for playing and keeping it real.

J
October 19 2007, 12:03PM

That whole "stop snitching" nonsense has been viciously skewed by the media.

The fact is that SOME people in horrible areas don't snitch because unlike the cops they have to live there. They aren't following some street code. They are protecting themselves and their family from retaliation. It also isn't smart to run your mouth about a thug if you're selling stolen merch, running an illegal business out of your house, or playing the system in some way. The woman in Dunbar Village is an example of what can happen to naive people. There's also the other side of this, and the reality is that many people DO snitch. Snitching is a part-time job for many people. The Feds pay well and so do locals. Many in law enforcement rely on snitches. Their careers are in rundown black hoods.

Derrick from Philly
October 19 2007, 12:06PM

"king's English"

What king, bitch? Do you know something about Elizabeth II that we don't? If so, she/he ought to use her/his popularity in America to speak out for trans inclusion for ENDA.

And how the hell did you get Internet service in your trailer?

Andy
October 19 2007, 12:10PM

Perhaps "Dr." Cosby should team up with "Dr." James Watson, they both seem to feel the same about blacks, and are both pushing their respective "books."

"A profile of Watson in the Sunday Times Magazine of London quoted him as saying that he's "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours — whereas all the testing says not really."

While he hopes everyone is equal, "people who have to deal with black employees find this is not true," Watson is quoted as saying. He also said people should not be discriminated against on the basis of color, because "there are many people of color who are very talented."

Sounds like the Cosby school of thought...

Allison
October 19 2007, 12:31PM

@Derrick from Philly....FOF...LOL...LOL...LOL...LOL

J
October 19 2007, 12:36PM

Some of you must work for Dyson or be sleeping with him because DAMN. I mean really, Cosby is a Clarence because he isn't sitting around saying "white folk won't let us?"

All he's saying is the same thing Chris Rock says and the same thing many of us say with much more padding. We've done a 180. There's been a huge shift in our values, the way we view ourselves, and what is acceptable. We went from spanking someone else's child because they weren't at home doing their homework or showing up at school to tear up our own for playing during class to hell. At one time income had little to do with the way you conducted yourself and those who were blessed were still sane and about their people.

cward
October 19 2007, 12:49PM

Cosby is simply balancing out the "hip hop" culture that is the seemingly dominant voice in the media today. There are very few voices of moderation and education from the Black community that are getting national attention.

While, reading all these hate filled comments directed toward an invisible person such as "Cosby"; I am disappointed as I am sure these comments never get directed (loudly) to the following in our neighborhoods: drug dealers, the man who got your friend/sister pregnant and walked away, the wannabe gang members, the misbehaving student taking an education from your child, etc.

Making these comments about Cosby is equal to yelling in a cave that has collapsed; no one can here you and pretty soon the sound will echo to nothingness; all the while you are still trapped inside.

Do check out my blog by clicking on my name, thanks!

VERB
October 19 2007, 1:14PM

@ Tim’m… Right on point, My friend. We should never agree with absolutely everything a person has to say. Independent thinking is key.

@ J… I agree w/ your statement about Dyson being a hustla, but just because he is doesn’t mean that everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie either. He’s so busy listening to himself speak & trying to bedazzle the audience w/ his extensive vocabulary that he often doesn’t get his point across very well. (ex: Bill Maher’s show, “Alexander Hamilton was a pimp.” I knew what he was saying, but Maher didn’t. With a clearer explanation, Maher would have, too.)

@ Ostend Street… According to your post, I’m led to believe that because getting an education and/or job requires work, then folks shouldn’t bother? That sounds a lot like the same rhetoric that Dr. Dyson tried to hand Juan Williams when interviewing him. Just an observation.

bubba
October 19 2007, 1:20PM

I know Keith Boykin considers himself a peer of Andy Towle, so is that why visitors are suddenly leaving comments indicative of a raging Tourette's Syndrome? I knew you could foam at the mouth, but not at the keyboard.

VERB
October 19 2007, 2:11PM

@ Anonymous & Luther… I’m curious to know which talk shows should Cos be appearing on? Maury? Jerry Springer? Let’s write them & request that they invite Bill. Yeah, right. And Luther, I believe Bill has some vision issues.

@ bubba… ahhhh…I can breathe again. Thanks for the clear air.

@ Jeff… thanks for handling Allison so eloquently.

@ M… What a mature post. I am thinking about what I can do as well. I don’t have any kids of My own, but I know that does not excuse My participation. I hope others will see your viewpoint as well.

@ Midwest Guy…
Good questions. Here are My answers.

I think that most of us agree that Cosby is spot-on, but now what?
Do something.

Do we want to have another person speak publicly about "our" crisis just so we can agree?
I don’t care about anyone speaking out as the 1st Amendment gives them that right. What I want is for us to be proactive. What about you?

Is agreeing w/ Cosby going to compel us to act?
I hope so. Does that compel or repulse you?

(more below...)

VERB
October 19 2007, 3:07PM

Does that mean that we "good" ones are going to do things not pertaining to our own self-advancement?
We all can do something positive for our own ppl, esp the kids. How about you?

Are we going to become mentors? Are we going to tutor?
I am. How about you?

Are we going to become involved with local boys club?
I won’t be participating with a boys club, but I know an org that needs assistance. How about you?

Are we going to reach?
I will reach out to anyone willing to receive. Whether we agree or not may be a different issue, but at least we’ll understand and respect one another. I love being able to agree to disagree without drama.

He needs someone younger, preferably a hip-hop head, to help spread his message. Otherwise, he's preaching to the choir.
We all need to learn to listen, even when the opposing viewpoint seems questionable. As a hip hop head, I firmly believe that the best way to form a balanced, intelligent opinion is to listen to opposing viewpoints & draw conclusions from both sides.

MidwestGuy
October 19 2007, 3:45PM

Verb, my post was more a "come on people call to action" than it was simply criticizing what others aren't doing.

Since you asked,
I am a volunteer at my son's school and the boys club here.

I've been an active member of the 100 Black Men and Big Brother program for about 4 years.

I've taken in sagging pants wearing, hip-hop listening, foul-mouthed, disrespectful, teenagers at my son's school and have not just provided positive reinforcement by engaging them at school but also host them in my home.

I could go on but I'm not sure if talking about what I'm doing is really important.

The key for all of us who have arrived is to realize that we have to become engaged.

So, it's fine for Cosby and others to point out our failings. But, if we are satisfied with the finger always being pointed in the other direction, then we are contributors to the problem.

Promoting self-advancement is not enough.

tony
October 19 2007, 3:52PM

Hello!

I totally agree with the statements Mr. Cosby and Dr. Poussaint made in their tv appearances on Oprah and Meet the Press....when are we as black people going to take responsibliity for our actions. I often times wonder why we sit back and let some of the most negative people in our race determine what is black enough to be acceptable. It's like you have to be loud, speak broken English and love fried chicken to be considered black. When are we going to wake up! I am so happy that our elders like Bill Cosby and Louis Farrakhan are challenging us to do better.

ALLISON
October 19 2007, 3:54PM

these punks in this room won't approach the drug dealers, the man who got your friend/sister pregnant and walked away, the wannabe gang members, the misbehaving student taking an education from your child,because you'll know you will get an ASS WHIPPING OR EVEN KILLED BY THIS ELEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY
@JEFF...WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT I AM A WHITE PERSON...JUST BECAUSE MY NAME ISN'T TASHAY DOES NOT MEAN THAT I'M NOT OF PERSON OF COLOR!

Luther
October 19 2007, 4:05PM

Verb, I'm very active in my community, always have and always will, I'm older than most here, and from the old school that we all have to be activist to fight social and racial injustice since I've seen its in your face n-word from many when I grew up in the "Old South."

Cosby isn't the only black person in America who is fed up, but, with all due respect to you, he is about one person Bill Cosby selling a book. As for Jerry Springer and Maury, he would fit right in there and maybe reach those he feels need his wisdom and advice IMO.

There are hundreds of thousands of decent, hardworking black men and women fighting the fight in the "hood" not spewing stereotypes that the public as a whole already thinks. Too bad he can't get off his high horse and talk about he good black young men and women, of which outnumber the ones this society has written off.

I have no problem with his message, just the way he presents it, negative, hostile and so condscending, and he has no hope for those left behind IMO.

cward
October 19 2007, 4:25PM

I agree with you Midwest Guy, Thank you, Alison; You must give back to the community. We as Blacks have so much negativity of our own possibilities and the positive lasting impact that we can have.

I am not limited by what I was growing up in the project of Chicago.

I am not stationary now (at 39) as a teacher. I am currently teaching a social skills/anger management class during my prep period to assist 13 Black males, be successful at school and not suspended. It is a proud choice that I have made.

I will not be limited in the future by the state of the “Black community”; you have to make a move, get dirty, get held up, put down, but you must remain true to yourself and decide what you truly want to do with the life you have been given.

"Indecision is like a stepchild: if he does not wash his hands, he is called dirty, if he does, he is wasting water." - African proverb

VERB
October 19 2007, 4:39PM

@ Midwest Guy... I'm glad that you are doing your part. I didn't doubt it, but I was curious as so many folks here talk but refuse to act. (Nah'mean?) No one should be "satisfied w/ finger-pointing" & while I agree that promoting self-advancement can be used as a good example, it is indeed not enough. I hope others that have posted here are able to look @ the questions you posted & answer them honestly & make changes as necessary.

@ Luther... All about Mr. Cosby? I do disagree, simply because his book is only emphasizing previous remarks. I might agree if he was saying something new. I do agree that some of the ppl that he is referring to are not even going to know that the book exists. So, My question to you (and others as well) is: How do people get this message? If W/we as a ppl are going to survive, W/we need a plan...FAST!

Luther
October 19 2007, 5:09PM

Well, VERB, I think that its going to take young people with a message that young people can relate to. People over 50 aren't going top have the same impact with these young kids nowadays as they did when I was a kid, and anyone over 30 was a yes sir no ma'am adult you would listen to. That's my main gripe with Cosby, he's preaching to television audiences that could basically care less about what he has to say about the plight of poor blacks in the inner city. I see it as an attempt to assuage he so called progressives guilt on race, and reinforce what the right wing already believes.

Its going to take a charismatic young man or woman to drive the point home that the reckless path that some have chosen is the wrong path, and, it has to be in terms they understand, as just putting them down isn't going to cut it. Many are trying, but, I just don't think the right one has come along.

Manchild1
October 19 2007, 5:31PM

Wow,the last thing our community needs is those who
look like us behaving like crabs...no other race does
this.....

Derrick from Philly
October 19 2007, 5:36PM

"it will take a charismatic young man or woman..."

Amen, Luther.
I'm no activist so I've been timid about giving any opinion on this topic. Older black folks cannot install our views of "correct" social behavior on young black folks, and expect them to accept what we say is the right way to live. The message will be listened to when it comes from those of their own generation.

Don't get me wrong, I was no angel growing up (actually, I was kinda' on the foolish side), but it never occured to me to disrepect "grown" folks, or hurt other black folks. As homos, we always worried about "embarrassing the family", but embarrassing the family aint no where near as bad as destroying the family--in our minds.

Again, I'm on the fence, Cosby makes some good points (I believe from his heart), but those who disagree with him have some valid criticisms.
I know...I know, people who sit on the fence aint good for nothin' but target practice.

J
October 19 2007, 6:44PM

We are beyond the time of charismatic leaders and personalities stepping up and inspiring us all to take action. We're too screwed up for that, and people don't want to make themselves targets either. Change will be the result of individual acts and small groups. Real change may also be something many of us won't see in our lifetime.

Andy
October 19 2007, 7:34PM

Of course its an individual thing that makes or breaks you, but, in the real world, real people need help, contrary to all the GOP hype and, I don't see why its so bad to have a young person show these kids the way to success and the American dream, that in the real world still is off limits to many of them. I'm not talking about anyone getting a handout, but, a hand up, and, screeching at them that they are wrong for everything in their lives isn't the way to go about it. Not every kid has good home training, just like they didn't all have it 50, 75, or 100 years ago.

I love how Cosby refers to speaking "proper" English, I guess he's never called into some of these companies and heard how they butcher words, and, they aren't named Shenaynay and whatever the names some of these young kids have these days.

I refuse to give up on black America, after 450 years, we will still survive and beat the odds, from the outside and the inside.

Gordon
October 19 2007, 10:47PM

We will continue to have this conversation back and forward, until we no longer exist. When we get through talking about the young and old, the older are living longer, while the younger are dying fast.Its something that they know that we know alike as young black people, but refuse to do.

This message board and some of the comments made proved Mr. Cosby's point, and the fact that black people, gay or straight cannot stick together for nothing, even when self help is the basis for discussions.

Tim'm
October 20 2007, 12:01AM

@ Midwest Guy. Thank you. I finally saw the Oprah segment and wished the show had started where it ended. With an examination of there being hope for change and what people can begin to do about it. Many of us are out there working with "these" youth. I felt Oprah's comment to the teacher was naive and dismissive. Is she aware of how much public school teachers make? so tracking town parents and making personal visits (to every parent) might be something (superpower endowed) teachers would be willing to do in an educational system that better valued teachers. I should know... retired from it @ 35 probably never to return. I suppose that, especially those who work with this population, ALREADY know what the issues are, so the constant iteration of the problems, without clear & reasonable solutions, seems to miss point. The whole ban the cussing music dismisses the many parents who listen to the same ish & suggests that Cosby nostalgically romanticizes a parenthood of Brown vs. It's 2007: what will work NOW?

titi
October 20 2007, 10:41AM

WHY DO WE HATE SO MUCH A POSITIVE SELF EXAMINATION AND CRITICISM??????

DAVID
October 20 2007, 11:58AM

I ADVISE EVERYONE TO SEE TYLER PERRY'S NEW MOVIE CALLED "WHY DID I GET MARRIED"....IT'S GREAT MOVIES AND WE ARE PROTRAYED AS PROFESSIONAL LOVING PEOPLE NOT PIMPS, WHORES, DRUG ADDICTS, ETC.

Justin
October 20 2007, 1:24PM

Keith:

When you say that " a child from two parent family has a greater chance of success," Weren't you raise in a single household? And you turn out pretty well for your self.
Cosby is just being Cosby. All talk and nothing else.

Brenten
October 20 2007, 3:58PM

Malik, I am a conscious black man that love black people but I do not want children that look like Donna Brazile, Adi Amin or definitely not Flavor FlaV. Although Donna is not bad looking. Cosby, 100 percent correct putting poor ghetto blacks in check.

LJ
October 20 2007, 8:06PM

Black people always get defensive in the face of the truth. When there's no one to point the finger at and call racist and to blame for the black community's stagnation blacks still refuse to look within themselves much of the time.
It can't be hip/hop's fault because big booty ho's and gold-grinning pimps plastered on the TV screens of black Americans has no real effect. It can't be the thug mentality that 95% of young black men seem to share in this country these days that's causing problems. It can't be that we as a people seem to have a strong penchant for broken english and/or made up words and calling one another "nigga" that degrades our culture and community. No, it must be those white people holding us back in the ghettos and creating a climate of irresponsibility amongst our young black males. I believe we perpetuate our own negative stereotypes and some of us like them too much to let go.

Darnell
October 20 2007, 10:42PM

But who is Bill Cosby to tell the "truth?" Its not as if his life has been lived like a saint.

The truth needs to be told no doubt about it, but, give me someone who can speak it better and without the anger and rage he shows for those in the hood. And, they aren't listening to him and could care less about what he says, so, what's his point? He's not keeping one kid in school, or one out of jail, its going to take us taking back those areas, not someone who is rich and avoids them.

And, want to leave out sterotypes?? Get rid of these lame cable networks that idolize the hood rat lifestyle, Vh1, BET, they have some of the worst shows ever, young black women looking up to New York as a role model? Flava Flav? The "man" is in on this since they make the final cut on this trash, and these buffons who particpate not a clue as to the damage they are doing for a few bucks.

maybe Cosby needs to take this on as well.

Jeff DC
October 20 2007, 11:46PM

I really believe some of you would persecute Jesus Christ if he were to arrive today and deliver the truth. Please "DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER, LISTEN AND HEED THE MESSAGE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE".

elg
October 21 2007, 8:46AM

@Brenten, and probably the majority of black people in America: Smart, dark skinned black people who look like Donna Brazile, Idi Amin or Flava Flav will often end up with white "significant others" (or else they end up alone, this is especially true for women and gay men) because they know that most black people do not want to be with them.

To all the Brentens (I don't mean to pick on you because most blacks think like you) of America: The next time you see a black man who "looks like Idi Amin or Flava Flav" with a white man (or white woman) or a black woman who looks like Donna Brazile with a white woman (or white man) keep your mouth shut. KEEP IT SHUT. Because you didn't want that "darkie" anyway. In fact, you should smile for them because they found someone to love and be loved by. Something they would not have found if they had looked for a partner within the black race in America. You know it's true.

Jonothan
October 21 2007, 11:38AM

This has gotten to be a really twisted thread, and that's what the negative message of Cosby does, make things look worse than they are and bring out all the dirty laundry that his "book" and his loud mouth can't do anything to rectify.

Donna Brazille, or the dead Idi Amin have to do with Cosby's rants? And, I find it hilarious that "dark" skinned blacks end up with "whites" nonsense, especially gay ones since black and gay white men in relationships is as about as common as Cosby at a juke joint enjoying some homemade brew and chitlins and cornbread.

Light skin, dark skin, in this society, we are all black, and all viewed with the same disdain that Cosby feels for the poor, he is just as black as the ones in the hoods to many "whites" and his lame message is just that "lame." The only message he is spewing is buy my book and add to my bank account.

Self repect and turning your back on things you know are wrong is what will change things, not a book, or the harping of a hypocrite.

Manchild1
October 21 2007, 11:45AM

Nah DC Jeff,who would knowingly shoot jesus....get real.
We who dont feel Dr. Crosby are just saying he is
very hypocritical since he has walked in many of our
shoes,talked our talk and then stands in America today
and behaves like a proverty pimp with his words,when he
has done most of what he accuses regular folk of doing.
He is no better then the Clarence Thomas or the real
OJ who come back to us after the "man" reminds them that
they still black.

Phillip
October 21 2007, 1:14PM

Jonothan....I disagree with you ...what is sad is that far too many blacks who are with whites hate themselves...they end up broke after their time in the spolight has passed ask Herschel Walker or Wilbur Marshall (ex-NFL players) or John Drew (ex-NBA player)...these men are begging their black friends for help ...their white women took everything and they really need these women to help them...I know many well- to-do blacks who can't leave their white mates because the white mates will ruin them on a moments notice. Many of these blacks like Donna Brazile, Robin Roberts, Clarence Thomas, OJ Simpson, Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Quincy Jones (and I could go on and on)simply don't want to wake up to anything that looks like themselves. Look at Michael Jackson's kids...they are whites and not mixed. Look at Michael's face and skin...I just don't see wealthy whites marrying poor blacks...the "man" always reminds these blacks like OJ that they still black. OJ is going down!!!

MLee
October 21 2007, 5:33PM

Elg, I am brown skin. I got over this black skin color bullshit by Junior High School. Whenever this subject comes up, I always remember the phase “The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice.” Personality is what makes or breaks a person.

FRE
October 21 2007, 6:59PM

It's certainly true that we should not agree with everything that a person has to say. However, it's equally unreasonable to DISagree blindly with everything a person has to say.

It seems that many people are unable to recognize both the good and bad characteristics of a person. They seem to think that a person is either all good or all bad.

As for racial discrimination, please don't paint all of us white people with the same brush. There are many of us whites who want very much for blacks to be treated fairly and not lag behind in any way.

VERB
October 21 2007, 7:45PM

You're right on point, FRE. There are too many scarecrows walking among U/us. Unfortunately, I've come to accept the harsh realization that most ppl (not all) are just plain stupid. They walk with blinders on, unable to see both sides of an issue, esp opposing viewpoints. They can't differentiate; therefore, lumping things all into one pile. I can't even begin to count the number of ppl I've encountered that hate Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, but act just like them. I don't mean elitists or racists, either. I mean those that see either black or white, with no shades of grey. It's extreme thinking thinking that got Li'l Bush re-elected.

Jeff DC
October 21 2007, 8:12PM

Again I say, please "DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER, LISTEN AND HEED THE MESSAGE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE". The more time spent evaluating and analyzing the messenger the less time and resources we will have available to deal with the real issues that face our communities. And no I am not saying that black folk are the only folk with social ills. The real deal is as a black male I am more compassionate and concerned about my people looking, doing and being better citizens of the world. We are killing each other daily.

Manchild1 - The Romans and Jews feared the word of the man called Jesus the Christ and crucified him on the cross. So I do believe that if he were walking amongst us today and spoke the same words as Mr. Cosby (Not "Crosby") many of you would literally and figuratively shoot him with your mean and hateful words and whatever other modern day weaponry you possess.

Bill Cosby's character is not the issue. This conversation is getting further and further from the issue.

John
October 21 2007, 8:20PM

I have to be honest ...I am a conscious black man that love black people but I do not want children that look like Donna Brazile, Adi Amin or definitely not Flavor FlaV. I certainly don't want white kids like Michael Jackson. I think everyone wants nice looking kids...

@elg...I hope that blacks like Donna Brazile, Clarence Thomas, OJ Simpson, Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant realize that the "man" is always waiting for them to step out of line so they can remind them that they are still black.
MIchael Jackson, Kobe, OJ and Clarence has been there and got a T-Shirt!!! These white women love them for their money as long as the money is flowing.

mia
October 21 2007, 9:00PM

It's a free country, but why are you'll harping on Donna Brazile and Flavor FlaV???????

They are both very goodlooking people and they have their own TV shows...You'll know that Donna Brazile looks better that Halle Barry and Vanessa Williams any day of the week!!! Flavor Flav is just as handsome as Shemar Moore as well as Noah and Wade of Noah's Arc.

As far as Bill Cosby is concern I understand what he is saying but he is soo harsh that it makes people attack him. Cosby is trying to sell books also.

RITA
October 21 2007, 9:41PM

I'M NOT TRYING TO SOUND NEGATIVE OR ANYTHING BUT A LOT OF BLACK LESBIANS ARE VERY MEAN, NASTY AND HAVE A LOUD FOUL MOUTH...FAR TOO MANY HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES...THEY TEND TO TRY TO DATE THE PRETTIEST BLACK WOMAN WHO ARE USUALLY STRAIGHT AND USE THEM FOR THEIR MONEY AND EVERYTHING ELSE WHILE PLAYING AROUND WITH THE SORRIEST OF BLACK MALE TRASH WHO IS ON THE DOWN LOW AND JUST GOT RELEASE FROM BEING INCARCERATED....I ALSO FEEL SORRY FOR SOME STRAIGHT BLACK WOMEN AND MOST GAY BLACK WOMEN WHO ONLY DATE WHITE WOMEN BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST BORING RACIST WHITE TRASH WHO ARE USING BLACK GAY WOMEN FOR THEIR MONEY...MANY BLACK WOMEN WHO ONLY DATE WHITE WOMEN HAVE TO LICK THE WHITE WOMAN'S ASS TO GIVE THEMSELVES SOME VALUE AND THE WHITE WOMAN TAKES OUT LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES ON THEM ESPECIALLY WOMEN LIKE DONNA BRAZILE...IT IS JUST A SAD SITUATION!!!

ChicagoChild
October 21 2007, 10:27PM

I cannot say that I believe in Bill Cosby 100% because most of the time he is incoherent! He seems to be on or maybe even off of his meds.

He reminds me of a lot of oldtimers that get crotchity with time and lambast everything and everyone they see.

They miss the old days. They miss their parents. They miss the times when they were reared.

They look around and recognize nothing. It must be pretty hard. I hope I fare better if I reach old age.

DLP
October 21 2007, 11:07PM

Can you'll tell why Donna's sister was living @ the YWCA sheler and her other sister lives in a trailor,,,it doesn't make sense that someone with her money would not help her sisters...she is busy taking care of the white woman....

David in Oakland
October 22 2007, 3:59PM

Bill Cosby lost his son because of an act of senseless violence.
I can't even begin to imagine how he feels to see senseless violence acted out on a daily basis in our own community.

ray
October 22 2007, 9:12PM

aside from his WORDS, what does "Mr Cosby" have to offer? And who is his audience? The "ghetto blacks" he has such a low opinion of arent going to listen to him - so his main audience will be middle class blacks who ALSO despise ghetto blacks, and white racist conservatives, who like nothing better than hearing blacks trash each other!
He wants to talk about "parenting?" Didnt one of his daughters become a drug addict? What happened? His "parenting skills" turned out to be inadequate?
They werent poor or in the "ghetto" - so what was the problem?
And it's interesting how his wife Camille Cosby, a person who (unlike him) really IS educated and intellectual, is NOT lending her support to his little crusade!
Black people always like to have ORATORY and RHETORIC, but in the real world, that changes NOTHING! Like black nationalists in the sixties, when the talking stops, it's all over!

Myra
October 22 2007, 9:19PM

All this stuff about Donna Brazile, I've never heard about, and don't really care about her personal life, and, to me, she's an attractive woman. Flava Flav, maybe Cosby should sit down with him and his 8 baby mama's since, some seem to think his looks are awful, but, he has coins, and, that gets these foolish women to have out of wedlock kids with him.

As for the loss of his son, it was a European immigrant that did it, not those black kids in those silly saggy pants that he despises, so, kind of far fetched to use that as a point for his anger.

And, interracial dating in the gay community? What's that, 1% black and white? Has nothing to do with anything in the big picture.

But, it should all be out in the open and discussed, even when we don't agree.

Peace.

hassanali1974
October 23 2007, 12:36AM

My take on this is that,after watching the Oprah Winfrey show,in which he referred to "the low income and lower income Black people"(read:poor),i came away thinking that Cosby was an angry,frustrated old man who is recieving alot more attention for his remarks than he should. I hear Blacks agree with him and cheer such to the point where i thought he must have just come from Mount Sinai with Commandments from God or something!

All of his talk is just that....TALK. Angry talk,yes. Loud talk,yes. But still just TALK. The young bruhs in the"hood" wont listen to him.They dont watch "Meet the Press" or "Oprah". The "idiots"as he referred to them,the ones in jail or selling drugs or teenage mothers or high school dropouts, wont be reached by Bill Cosbys efforts....

saint james
October 23 2007, 2:07AM

It is not possible to make things look like they are worse than they are by making comments or observations. Things in our community are wore than they ever have been.

I agree with Kenneth Winfrey's comment. When we only rally when white folk do wrong we minimize our moral standing as agents of change and justice. As far as Bill Cosby's failures are concerned, Dr. MLK was a serial adulterer. Would you have discounted his position and influence had that been known then? The truth is right even if the Devil is telling it. That is not to say that Dr. King or Cosby are the Devil. We don't want to face the statistics or the real issues in our communities so we find fault with the messenger. Cosby is tellin' the truth.

hassanali1974
October 23 2007, 7:38AM

The problem with your thinking,St James, is that no matter how "truthful" the words,they are still just that...Any Black with an ounce of sense knows whats going on,and doesnt need Cosby to tell us. Telling the truth,even angrily,isnt CHANGING IT. After the rhetoric and preaching,THEN what? Bill Cosby seems wholly disconnected from the people he is speaking about,and its SO clear. Im out here working to make a change,not just TALK about it. THATS the reality that YOU St James,and so many that agree with Cosby fail to realize. Words wont get to these young people. Reaching OUT to them and teaching them personally will.All those that say Cosby is telling the truth aint doing a DAMN thing to change it.

elg
October 23 2007, 10:50AM

I was at a social gathering of friends some time ago and a black African woman immigrant (she has a black American husband of 20+ years and four adult children pursuing post graduate educations) to the U.S. said, during a discussion about what ails black America, that the "crack people, thugs, mamas who don't know who their baby daddy is, etc." will die out (kill themselves, each other, whatever) leaving decent, law abiding, hard working black people to live in peace. She had no sympathy for the "dregs" of black society, believing that they cannot be saved (unless they "man up" or "woman up" and save themselves). She makes sense. I agree with her.

omicron
October 23 2007, 2:45PM

the only comment that i have comes from an interview cornel west did for cspan a few years ago. when asked about poverty and two-parent headed households, he mentioned the fact that, in 1929 at the height of the stock market crash, over 70 percent of african american households were headed by both mother and father--and 77 percent of those families were well below the poverty line. so we need to rethink the issue of poverty and it's relationship to how our households are headed.

mia
October 23 2007, 2:56PM

@elg...I disagree...what you sited was an example of self-loathing black people who hate lower class people because it makes them feel good about themselves when that put someone else down who coes from a poor background...I feel really sorry for you.

Listen to Myra... As for the loss of his son, it was a European immigrant that did it, not those black kids in those silly saggy pants that he despises, so, kind of far fetched to use that as a point for his anger.
Right on Ray...He wants to talk about "parenting?" Didnt one of his daughters become a drug addict? What happened? His "parenting skills" turned out to be inadequate?
They weren't poor or in the "ghetto" - so what was the problem? RIGHT ON RAY!!!!

David from Oakland
October 23 2007, 5:02PM

I know that Bill Cosby's son was killed by a Russian immigrant.
The point is that in a society that is so racist, to see
people within our community engage in senseless violence toward each other must be a constant frustration and reminder to him of his loss.
It is BECAUSE the society is racist that we have to look to ourselves both individually and collectively for solutions.

Stuffed Animal
October 23 2007, 5:44PM

All you folks slinging dirt at Bill Cosby and bragging about how much you do for the community need to admit something: You're losing ground! The situation for Black people is getting worse, not better. I don't see any decline in thuggery, drug abuse, disrespect for women, etc., I see more of it! Your brand of activism evidently isn't going to be enough to turn the tide. Neither is Cosby's, for all the media exposure he gets . . . but maybe him doing what he does and y'all doing what you do combined can turn the tide in our communities? I hope so. There's bound to be different methods; that's just human nature. I don't much care how we address the problems individually, I just want to know that they're being addressed, and addressed effectively! I heard a recent Cosby interview where he called the criticisms of his detractors "fool's gold". He said he can make better use of his time than fight with them. I think a lot of us could make better use of our time.

MALIIK
October 23 2007, 6:19PM

THE BLACK RACE IS DOOMED ....WELL-KNOWN BLACKS DON'T WANT ANYTHING BLACK AND UGLY LIKE THEMSELVES...LOOK AT TIGER WOODS, DONNA BRAZILE, MICHAEL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, OJ SIMPSON,QUICNY JONES...THESE WHITE WOMEN WOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THESE SELF-LOATHING BLACKS IF THEY(BLACKS) COULDN'T BUY THEM...THEY HAVE VERY AFRICAN FEATURES AND DONNA BRAZILE LOOKS LIKE A BLACK JIGABOO...HER WHITE WOMAN, BETSY FUCKS EVERYONE WHEN SHE GOES OUT OF TOWN...I PREDICT DONNA BRAZILE WILL END UP LIKE OJ SIMPSON...DONNA BRAZILE IS JUST A LESBIAN OJ SIMPSON!!!

ChicagoChild
October 23 2007, 7:14PM

Well, besides his tendency to be incoherent, Bill needs to turn to his own people: THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE IT

They are the ones who have abandoned much of Black America, and also abandonded championing Civil Rights.

They befriend right wing Corporate America and sell all Blacks not like them down the river.

For the past 10 years, we have been seeing the rise of the Uncle Tom.

He doesn't love his people----he dispises them. And will take every chance to throw his bricks of hate at them. How dare he grow old and those peasants still have the nerve to live, love and laugh!

ME
October 23 2007, 7:35PM

RIGHT ON MALIIK AND ChicagoChild...YOU'LL ARE RIGHT ON TARGET....

Kim
October 23 2007, 8:23PM

Preach on it Chicagochild! Cosby is at best lucid in half those interviews, and why isn't he calling out the Condo-lee-za's, himself and others who have "made" it, and forgot tha they are black? His vilification of the poor blacks in this country is just wrong, just like wearing sunglasses at night.

Someone needs to help him heal his anger and find a clue, a book that no one is going to read, other than the right wing, not those he seems to loathe.

elg
October 24 2007, 4:06AM

mia: Interesting that you "feel sorry" for me for doing the things hard working, law abiding and productive people do. If you want to waste your time feeling sorry for people, feel sorry for the crack people, thugs, and other black dregs.

I don't get the interest in Donna Brazile's personal life. If she wants to spend all her money on her alleged "white woman" and none on her poor relatives, well, it's her money. I'm sure she knows something about her relatives you don't know. Her relatives may have had words with her about her "lifestyle" and she said to hell with them. If that's the case, good for her for standing up for herself. She doesn't owe her relatives anything.

saint james
October 24 2007, 6:28AM

Hasssanali1974, Don't be so naive, Words have the power to provoke and change. Words are containers of power either for the good or the bad. Again, MLK's words changed the course of American history for all people of color. How presumptious of you to assume that people who agree with Cosby ain't doing nothing to change the situations in our communities! Bill Cosby is speaking for many blacks who are frustrated with the negative pathologies that exist with our people. His rhetoric provides another perspective. Admittedly, Cosby is not as articulate as many others but it seems the more articulate of us refuse to hold the more dysfunctional of us accountable for the things we have the power to change that is all Bill Cosby wants to say.

Angelina
October 24 2007, 1:25PM

I myself live by the principle..Don't talk about it, be about it. If Cosby was to be about it, I wouldnt have any issues with him. But simply writing a book, and having a convo with Oprah just isn't going to do it for me. When was the last time Cosby went into the hood to have a discussion with these young men he's been so quick to write off?

saint james
October 24 2007, 3:17PM

Cosby and his wife Camille has given millions of dollars to HBU's. That speaks for something. That's a whole lot of being about it. He has put his money where his mouth is now. Why does he have to stand on a street corner and talk with folk like me from the hood in order to have some validity to his observations. Cosby's family members who are not on TV, extended family and in laws live in the hood. I am certain he hasn't abandoned them for Hollywood. A lot of black folk will vote for Barak and Hillary and they ain't standing on no street corners talking to young black men either. If you find them doing it recently its all for the PR, baby. Silly Negroes worshipped Bill Clinton and he dealt with public policies and he was no frequent visitor to the ghetto either. He has an office in Harlem, I understand. Anybody seen him talking to the brothers at Sylvia's?
I work every day of my life with black young folk. I ain't just talking. I know the value of words AND work. Cosby is trying to say change is possible.

Jay
October 24 2007, 4:07PM

We must all remain faithful and hopeful and continue to work hard and diligently to make the world a better place...everyone has an opinion on this Cosby matter and I understand what he is saying and many people of different races need to improve in some aspects of their lives; however, he is too harsh and it is like he is throwing bricks of hate at poor black people and appeasing whites...it is obvious to me that he has some issues with black people.

As far as well known blacks marrying poor whites...as long as they are happy that's all that matters; however, I never ever see wealthy whites marrying poor blacks be they straight, gay, male, female, etc.. I feel sorry for many of these blacks because if they ask themselves the question..."would this white woman be with me and take care of me if she were in my position and I was in her position would she give me the time of day?" The answer is HEll NO!! strong>

Mitch
October 25 2007, 3:47AM

Bill Cosby is saying to Black Folks everywhere "Stop killing each other!" Bill is speaking out the best way he knows how because 'the shit done hit the fan.' All Michael Eric Dyson wants to do is sell books and sing rap songs to a young demographic. You will never hear Eric tell Black folks to stop killing each other. We are popping each other like it's going out of style! It's now commonplace to hear about little kids and babies getting shot in the head! Bill can say whatever he wants to say to black people. People like Eric are scared to criticize gangstas, 'pimps' and rappers but will pick on Mr. Cosby.
We need to bring back the CETA (Comprehensive employment training Act) jobs to counter atrociously high black male unemployment in our communities. Also, black men should refer to each other as "brother" like we did in the Civil Rights movement. It would be difficult to harm your brother.

Chris
October 25 2007, 6:19AM

HEY ALL,

BOTTOM LINE IS THIS MR BILL COSBY DO YOUR THING! AFTERWHILE WE WILL GET TIRED OF THE STREETS RAISING OUR KIDS AND MAYBE SOME PARENTS CAN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HORRID ACTIONS OF RAISING SOME OF THESE KNUCKLEHEADS OUT THERE. READ IT APPLY IT, AND ACCEPT THE TRUTH!

WHILE WE LIVE IN COMMUNITIES WHERE
WE ARE ROBBING, EACH OTHER
WE ARE KILLING EACH OTHER
WE ARE SELING DRUGS TO EACH OTHER
AND WE ARE NOT BEING OUR BROTHERS KEEPER

NOTHING WILL CHANGE. WE NEED TO STOP THROWING UP PEOPLES PAST OIN THEIR FACE. IF HE HAS A CHILD OUT OF WEDLOCK CAMILLE KNEW THIS LONG BEFORE IT HIT THE MEDIA AND THE "ALLEGED" SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CAMILLE KNEW ABOUT THAT ALSO.

CHRIS
October 25 2007, 6:55AM

PART 2
OH YEAH WHICH ONE OF YOUR BLACK INFLUENCES TOOK 10,000,000.00 USD YES I SAID 10,000,000.00 OUT OF THEIR PERSONAL FINANCES AND GAVE TO A BLACK COLLEGE.
THE ONE AND ONLY ONE I KNOW IS BILL COSBY
NOT AL
NOT JESSE
NOT THE NAACP
NOT THE SLCC
NONE OF THEM!!!!!! PART 2 TO FOLLOW

REMEMBER WE ALL HAVE SKELETONS IN OUR CLOSET. DON’T GO PICKING HIS BECAUSE HE IS TRYING TO CORRECT YOUR CHILD AND OUR YOUTH INSTEAD OF YOU AS WELL AS ALL OF US DOING IT.

BTW WE ALL CALL HIM BILL COSBY. BUT HIS ACTUAL NAME IS WILLIAM H COSBY JR PHD!!!!! (AS IN DR. COSBY)

saint james
October 25 2007, 9:57AM

Chris! I know 'dats right, Right On, You Go Boy!, You ain't never lied, Tell it like it is, Say Amen Somebody, Holla, Thank you.

JOE
October 25 2007, 2:07PM

@CHRIS...I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY "WE"....IT IS A GREAT DEED THAT DR. COSBY AS IN WILLIAM H COSBY JR PHD IS PREFORMING FOR THE COMMUNITY, BUT IT STILL DOES NOT GIVE HIM A LICENSE TO BE CRUEL AND THROW BRICKS OF HATE AT POOR BLACKS. HE SIMPLY DISPISES POOR BLACKS. I UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS SAYING ...FAR TOO MANY BLACK MEN REFUSE TO WORK AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR KIDS AND THEY DRINK, DO DRUGS AND BEAT THEIR WOMEN BUT IT IS NOT THE MAJORITY OF BLACK MEN EXHIBITING THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR...MOST BLACK MEN ARE HARD WORKING, RESPONSIBLE AND LOVING. POOR BLACK PEOPLE ARE DEMONIZED TO NO END!! I DON'T SEE POOR WHITES BEING DEMONIZED BY SOCIETY!!!

Me
October 25 2007, 2:42PM

I think Dr. Cosby is speaking from the heart...there is sooo much crap going in the black community. He is harsh but harshness maybe needed at this point in time.

As for blacks dating whites...Recording Artist Seale did very well by marrying Supermodel Hedi Klum ...she is a pretty white woman. Their babies are beautiful. Sometimes blacks need to marry whites and mix it up...just think how his kids would look had he married Donna Brazile or Supermodel Alek Wek. I comend Seale for looking out for "the future". He can't do any better than Super model Hedi Klum, but she can do better than him...let keep it real now!!!

NICHOLAS
October 25 2007, 4:54PM

@Me...THAT POOR KID WOULD COME OUT LOOKING LIKE YODA FROM STAR WARS.

Gordon
October 25 2007, 5:25PM

Face the facts, there will NEVER EVER be any solidarity among black people, ever! But it is very interesting to talk about it, and wish along the way of such bullshyt that will never happen....The comments on this board proves my point.

tanya
October 25 2007, 8:38PM

Sometimes blacks need to marry whites and mix it up...just think how his kids would look had he married Donna Brazile.

NO BOO...THEIR CHILD WOULD YOU LOOK LIKE FLAVOR FLAV AND THE TASMANIAN DEVIL CARTOON CHARACTER.

alicia banks
October 29 2007, 2:46PM

i adore bill c

for being man enough to tell the truth about what i see daily on the front lines as a child educator...

and he is actually being FAR TOO KIND

it is much worse than he is telling

and we have lost/are losing MORE than one generation

it is truly dejecting!!!

peace
ab

Kyree
October 30 2007, 11:21PM

I personally see what Mr. Cosby is talking about, but then again what black doesn't see it? When are we not reminded of our shortcomings as a race in general? Why does he insist on jumping on the bandwagon of fingerpointers and condescencion? I have very few problems with his message, since I've seen and read it numerous times over. It's his whole approach to the matter, which started a few years ago at a very public event filled with white middle and upper class memebers who loved nothing more than to see a Black man share the viewpoints of the majority. Its like giving them credit for generalizing our entire race! And now he's back, reaching a majority ofwhite viewers once more, doing almost the same thing but not as hostile as a few years ago. He says "...I cant even talk the way some of these young poeple talk nowadays!" Yet he bult a whole franchise off a cartoon series that utilized slang every Saturday morning. The entire series was based on personalities one might find in majority black neighborhoods

Kyree
October 31 2007, 12:40AM

It has also been documented that his own PhD was granted under questionable circumstances, not to mention his own shortcomings hich he fails to discuss in public..hmmm..wonder why? Probably it is human nature not to want your dirty laundry aired out in front of strangers who dont understand the context and history of certain situations. Mr. Cosby lacks knowledge in the arenas of social construction and sociology and its very apparent to those students of the subject like myself. I admire what he's saying, even what he's doing. But how one goes about things is just as important. Its like saying to the members of the lower class "okay guys time to get your act together" but you do nothing directly to help alleviate the problem. When Bill gets out there in the thick of things (in other words in the "Ghetto") and starts literacy programs, after school programs, and adult education programs at affordable cost, then maybe I can take him more seriously. But just sitting atop the peak of the Afristocracy doesnt help

Akhenaton
October 31 2007, 10:22PM

It was a great book until I got to page 179 where the spread of HIV/AIDS in black communities is discussed...

"...black men who have sex on the 'down low' have brought the disease into everyday the community through heterosexual relations..."

louis
October 31 2007, 11:02PM

You know Bill Cosby is a joke. This man made his wealth out of comedy, and now writes a book that offers no solutions to the issues at hand. It seems he would spend more time fighting RACISM, which took his only son's life rather than attacking poor Black folks with limited opportunities. If you take a look a people in poverty and remove race, they all exhibit the same behaviorial patterns. Poverty is HORRENDOUS.

Also, Bill needs counseling. It's apparent he has not healed from his son's death. It was not a black on black crime that destroyed his world, but white racism that allowed a foreigner to believe that his son's life was not worth a dam. Bill can sit on perched high on his JELLO and try to reverse blame on the victims, but you have to realize every person of African descent (INCLUDING BILL) is a victim of racism. Racism is truly evil because it's built to destroy.

saint james
November 3 2007, 12:57PM

Well, no. I don't think that other ethnic groups are shooting each other down in the steets with regularity like us. Bill Cosby is trying to speak to HIS people. In fact, Bill is telling people that poverty and racism is not an excuse for anti-social and violent behavior. Our ancestors did not respond to much more dire and isidious racist tmes without this self destructive behavior. Bil Cosby made his money honestly, no matter what his chosen profession is. He does lose some moral authority regarding sexual responsibility since his apparent sexual misbehavior has come to light. He cannot hold himself less accountable than those he is trying to reach. He is telling the truth with a glaring burden of his own making on his back Perhaps he should publicly account for his own errors and then try again. But Jesse Jackson also had an outside child tha he was not supporting until the mother sued him.

Dennis
November 3 2007, 10:53PM

Bill Cosby understands that racism is a problem in this country but he has let others fight that fight and I believe that he has chosen to fight the other fight of helping people of his race under how important it is to work very hard to save the children under this racsist environment and provide them the opportunity to be successful. By the way his advice applies to all parents that want their childern to be successful

Xpionage
November 7 2007, 5:59PM

Well it’s good to see that Cosby has become more sophisticated in his analysis of the conditions facing urban America. He seems a lot more erudite than in previous years when he delivered some of his more offensive commentary and sermons. But on a more positive note “Dr Cosby” has said things that really need to be at least addressed publicly.

Even though I have different take on the issues effecting urban black America, Cosby represents a father, and in my case I am not a father (self consumed bachelor) so the perspective a model paternalistic figure that heads his own household and pushes his sons to their maximum is something definitely missing in urban black America.
Many in the black community and some so called liberals have made self-criticism for so incriminating that many people are now hesitant or may feels it’s inappropriate to give some candid, but valuable feedback to the mislead, uncertain and ignorant youth.

To the contrary I agree with Earl Ofari Hutchinson’s perspective that the

He's Back: The Return of Bill Cosby

Comments (117) reveal

Comments conceal

Post a comment

Comment Preview

previous Is Our Republicans Learning?*

next So You Think You Can Govern?

featured links

Email this article