Another ‘set your TiVo’ alert. Bill Cosby will be on Tavis Smiley’s show tonight (it also airs tomorrow afternoon here in Atlanta) discussing his recent comments that got everybody up in arms:
The legendary Bill Cosby addresses the controversy over his recent comments that were intended to be a call to action to “turn the mirror around on ourselves.”
Update: There’s a transcript and audio of the Cosby interview on Tavis’ site now.
I apologize for any and all spelling errors in the previous statements:
It is always easy to point the figure, but what about solutions. Mr. Bill Cosby was so sure of himself that the only way to deal with the crisis within our black communities was to do it as an outsider. He considers himself not part of what made him. He says that the people who have daughters and sons in trouble are not parenting, but not once has he mentioned the fact that this is a problem within the white communities as well, i.e. Columbine. He was quick to name all the things we as a community do wrong, but not once has he made the effort to say that there are some who have tried and still are trying.
Thus, just because a person has money it doesn’t make them right. Indeed, I believe the rich (black people are not wealthy, not even Bill) need to do their part and stop living within rich white communities and try to help and I mean really help out their people. I am not talking about scholarships, but drug rehabilitation centers, day car centers or even help with our community watch programs. To say that black people need to get it together is right, but how you say and where you say it from needs to be address.
People need to stop waiting for the rich to bring money to thier communities and get up and make a living and put out their own money. If you are waiting for help, you should realize that is the root of the problem that Cosby was trying to make. Things don’t just happen, you make them happen and waiting for rich black people to move into poor neighborhoods to improve them will never happen. Everyone of all races wish to be a little better off than what they are. Bill Cosby was not born rich, and I feel he does have a right to speak about class. He has been both.
He has a right to critisize, as he has already done so much positive and you have to take the good with the bad. Just like your family, when they give you money, you get a lecture about getting it together yourself, and that is essentially what he did. There are things that need to be addressed, and damn he sure did. You can’t blame slavery forever, it’s time to excel and rise above.
Rock on Cosby!
There’s constructive criticism and sparks for dialogue, and then there’s spouting angry, racist stereotypes. Bill, I believe, followed the path of the latter. I truly do feel bad for him because of his son, but he had the moral superiority thing way before the tragedy. Anybody who gives fuel to the Pat Buchanans of the world ain’t going to be invited to my birthday party.
I wanted to let you Mr. Tavis Smiley and Mr. Bill Cosby to know that I support every comment Mr. Cosby made about our race and the current events of today’s society. I forbidded the N______ word in my house an the BAD language. I do not call is swearing. It is unacceptable a language in my eyes. You get a thumbs up from me for your observation. I am working to change some things and I hope and pray that I will be one of the names in the future that makes a CHILD OF GOD difference. Keep up the good work Mr. Smiley. I listen to you on the Tom Joyner show and I have been reading all the articles that are written on Mr. Bill Cosby. I see what you are speaking about and so do the rest of us. When it sinks in maybe we will become a real people.
Thank You,
Ann
I completely agree with Bill Cosby’s comments. I am happy that a well recognized African American has made the decision to stand up and address the issues that have befallen our community. I am tired of both blacks and whites (who are not that familiar with blacks) thinking that what they see on television is how a black person is. I have been told by blacks that because I am articulate that I sound white. When I am around whites, I am asked where I grew up. I brought this up as an example of stereotypes.
It is my opinion that many blacks have the wrong idea of what being black is about. The opportunities that we have today were not given to us at first. People died for us to be able to do things like attend college, yet some take this for granted. I attend a historically black university and it is repulsing to see the disregard many black students have for their education and the lack of respect they have for teachers and their classmates.
I realize the importance of voting, my people died for this. I cherish every God given right that I have. I will always remember that once a point in time, African Americans were not regarded as a full person and we were thought to be animals.
It scars me deep each time I watch a rap video degrading women (especially Ying-Yang Twins) or I hear someone saying crap like “Say dog, hey pimp” or “What’s up nigga”. It is time we take full responsibility for what we have created and stop falling victim to stereotypes. Although other races may have music that is disrespectful in some aspect, no other race has a music that is as main stream as we do. I have no idea how what is being done in black entertainment determines how we are seen in eyes of others, but it does. There are only a few positive representations of blacks. I pray in the future that there will be more.
I think Bill Cosby’s criticisms were as important to the black community today as Martin Luther King’s vision was 40 years ago. There may be strong structures in place that make financial success difficult for blacks and other minorities, but no social structure can cause us not to care about each other. I think that the message of Cosby’s criticism is that too many black parents don’t really care about their kids, that too many black people don’t care about each other. A lot of us need to start caring about the people around us much as we care about ourselves, not just financially, but emotionally. Kids need to be taught the moral lessons that will help them have fulfilling lives, regardless of their monetary achievements. That is what is missing in too many black families – a sense of humanity.
What will it take to wake the black community? 20 more years of senseless murders? 20 more years of babies having babies, black women choosing to have 4,5,6 babies by 4,5,6 different men, all unmarried, uneducated and most importantly unemployed? 20 move years HIV/AIDS? 20 more years of bad public schools? 20 MORE YEARS OF RAP AND HIP/HOP MUSIC? God help us all.
We all realize that racism, hate, and discrimination is still very much alive and well in America but it’s not “the white man” that makes these young girls and boys to look, act and sound like heathens. Yeah, that’s what they are, heathens. Cussing worse than dirty ole men, having babies by men they’ve known less than a month, clothes so tight the jeans look like they hurt, skirts so short, they don’t even have to bend over to see their coochies, these are the women who are raising or should I say not raising these heathens.
Do I sound cruel, mean, judgmental, racist? HELL NO! My main concern is for our children, whatever happened to children’s rights? A young woman, 27, 4 kids, 4 different fathers, 4 abortions, 2 of the kids in foster care and she’s pregnant again? THIS WOMAN SHOULD BE IN JAIL! God help our children, I got so much to say but I’m outta here. As always, I leave you in peace.
On, 88.9 Wednesday July 7, 2004, Bill Cosby spoke about the african american students and parents in regards to education. It was very interesting to hear all the callers and guest speakers give their insights. I have worked with highschool students for the last 18 years and discovered that the african american and latino students struggle the hardest with education. I have opened my own private high school in Sacramento, California that teaches african american and latino students the importance of education. My school is one of the top private schools in California, the success rate is 100%+. Bill Cosby message is real and carries true validity regarding education with multi-cultural students and their parents. I am very interested in reaching Mr. Cosby to discuss the african american students in our society. Please forward my email to Mr. Cosby. Thank you.
I honestly do not know why the black community is making such a big deal out of Bill Cosby’s statements. If anything, he was speaking the truth. I am a graduate student at a HBCU and I continually see our students who are supposed to represent the best and smartest succombing to bouts of stupidity. Instead of imitating positive figures, they choose to wear their paints big and use improper grammar and curse and use the N word. Personally I do not understand them, and I am from thier generation. It is very disheartening becasue these are the people thatare supposed to represent the hope of our race. It is time for us as black people to stop making excuses for those who fail to live up to their responsibilities. Many of these people need to be called out. Kudos to you Mr. Cosby.
The Talks mentoring program has been addressing these issues for over ten years. The curriculum addresses the issues of language and dress and many other important issues. Dr. Cosby is right on. He is speaking from a heart of love, a hurting heart because he is wise enough to see the consequences of our current behavior.
Harold Davis
talksmentoring@yahoo.com
I agree with bill Cosby 100%. It goes without saying that there are people who try to raise their children correctly, who do well in school and who do not beat their wives. His message was not for them. The overall stereotype of African Americans is not for naught. In fact common percepetion of blacks in general are so strong that if you do not fit the stereotype other blacks will accuse of turning you back on your culture and will begin saying that “you think that you are better than them.” I’m sorry but if you want to stay at the bottom of the economic ladder and dis every one who moves up that’s your choice, and its wrong. If you are a good student in school but think it is cool to walk around like pimp/gangster(are our youth aware these are NOT good people) Or where clothes so tight, there really is no point in weraing them at all. That is even worse. Oh and on one more note nigger used to be a Bad word. Black men and women went to prison, were beaten and killed so that word not be used. But now we look in disregard at there sacrifice for freedon. We need to straighten up. We have a lot going for us and we bolw it. I guess you can lead a horse to water but you just can’t make him drink.
I’m with Cosby 200%. For these who are say he’s wrong live in those communities where “trap boys” run the blocks or some black youth might kill you for a couple of dollars or because they feel you disrespected them. For twenty years we have concealed, pacified, and catered to this new ignorant personna and it must stop.
I am a foreign-born American-educated African academic, and for years have been completely dumbfounded by the utter rejection of intellectual pursuits among many African Americans. In my experience, it boils down to the abominable values that deify illiteracy and self-demotion with a dizzying, cult-like zeal. Indeed, being ignorant and inarticulate is equated with being anti-establishment, and therefore somehow with being a martyr or rebel. How very bizarre! But also very sad: in my experience in dealing with African American university students, the rejection for learning, and the accompanying expectation of mediocrity, is frighteningly, deeply ingrained.
Perhaps it will take another March-on-Washington, a March Againt Rap Hip-Hop and Anti-Values, to raise awarenes and help us undo the downward spiral that has so completely destroyed what the civil-rights marches achieved.
This comment has nothing to do with the article. I believe that one of the people that posted a comment is my cousin who I have been searching for. Patricia Ann Darnes-Hood. Would it be possible to have this forwarded to her along with my contact information? I would truly appreciate it. Thank you.
So many comments and opinions on this. I laughed at the people who dissagree w/ Mr Cosby’s comments. Cosby is 200% right. Accept it.
Things will not change!
This all goes to show how traumatized the United States of America is. As a born African American, that’s why I relocated to Europe. I DON’T WHAT MY KIDS TO GROW UP WITH THIS AMERICAN CULTURE. When my kids are born I will raise them to Hate America like I do.
Don’t get me wrong Europe has it problems too, but ………….
B
Dear Dr. Cosby, I agree that education is in part the responsibility of the family, individual and the school system, all working together. As a substitute teacher of French, math, Spanish and social studies, I receive much criticism and abuse for demanding respect and discipline in the classroom. However, I am strong, disciplined and convinced that many classroom problems labeled as “learning disabilities” are more disciplinary attitudes and peer pressure than challenged abilities. Many of my students show total lack of respect for me as a teacher and a person. Therefore, I know that if they treat me in this disdainful manner, they treat their parents even worse. It is truly lamentable and needs to be addressed and corrected as soon as possible. Will you agree to see me after the first show at Ohio Wesleyan in Delaware, Ohio, on October 23, 2004? I shall be in the 5p.m. show, wearing something orange and black. Sincerely, Gloria D. Ash, Teacher, Medical technologist,and concerned individual. Tel: 1-740-548-6286. email: gdeash@earthlink.net. Merci beaucoup. please forward to Dr. Cosby.
Mr.Cosby is saying what should be said by every adult around the country, we need to seriously address the problems in the black community, it is affecting our image all around the world, our relaxed attitudes towards education,self control our love of gangster culture and hoodlum behavior and parenting is making people all over the world look at us as a bunch of out of control savages who do everything outside of the normal like we are in offense to society and if you dont think it affects you think again, in the workplace, in purchasing a home in any area of life where you are trying to advance people somehow doubt your intelligence or your credibility because of some black people’s behavior. I am speaking from experience I am the first person in my family to go to college and land a career job that pays well but instead of recieving encouragement I recieve resentment and hatred. I have alot relatives who are the total opposite of me they had babies too young they dont want and couldnt care for by different men who are no longer involved on welfare and living in drug infested violent depressed high crime areas I helped out financially, let some live with me with there kids taking my time and never appreciated by anyone instead hated because I didnt make the decisions they made so I can be in the same boat there in. I realize then that all those excuses we use for failure the white man, racism and etc. our just that excuses, you cannot make bad decisions then blame everyone else when the punishment comes.We have to understand that unless you were fortunate enough to come from money you have to work , not get in trouble with the law and have kids when you are both emotionally ready and financially stable so that there not running the race of life with 20 pounds weights in there shoes.So that we can be looked at by people outside our community as people not really that much different from them most people all have common interest want financial security,living some place safe, kids to be in good schools want to live well. That is universal.
Last night I had a conversation with my father about the Black Entertainers. To donate so much from their concert ticket sales into developing a trade school. Where students that don’t get into a 4 year universities or choose not to enroll can learn a trade from learning the entertainment industry to your basic trade
(ex. piping, electricty,etc.). While developing this school the entertainers will have the aproval to place items of themself into the school in showing recognition of the building and also having the ability to get a tax right off for the structure. This will also give the entertainers the ability to show and express their involvement into the African American community. The problem my father is having with this idea is that he doesn’t know how to voice this idea out to the African American Entertainers of the United States of America. He would also like the help from you Tavis Smiley and Bill Cosby in order to get this idea heard. So if you can help me with this idea please do so .
Sincerly,
Bianca
I AM SO SADDENED THAT COSBY HAS RECENTLY EXEMPLIFIED AND HAS GONE PUBLIC WITH THE TYPICAL SELF HATRED, FINALLY GOT MONEY NEGRO STATUS. HIS COMMENTS FURTHER AND UNWARRANTLY DEMEAN AND EXPLOIT PEOPLE THAT LOOK LIKE HIM. THIS EXEMPLIFIES THE RAMIFICATIONS OF IGNORANCE, AND MOREOVER DEMONSTRATES THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WILLIE LYNCH TEACHINGS.
FOREMOST, IF COSBY WAS IN TOUCH WITH HIS COMMUNITY HE WOULD CLEARLY SEE THAT NOW MORE THAN EVER, THIS GOVERNMENT THAT LYNCHED AND KILLED BLACKS FOR NO OTHER REASON OTHER THAN GREED, IS NOW KILLING BLACKS VIA ECONOMIC MALICIOUS, VICIOUS OPPRESSION. THERE ARE MORE EDUCATED, I MEAN POST GRADUATE DEGREES AND ABOVE, BLACK FOLKS THAT ARE LAWLESSLY UNEMPLOYED. THIS GOVERNMENT THAT LYNCHED COSBY’S ANCESTORS ARE NOW KILLING HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS VIA DENYING QUALIFIED BLACKS THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS,PATICULARLY IN THE WORK PLACE. TELL COSBY TO WAKE UP. NO ONE CHOOSES TO BE POOR, NO ONE CHOOSES TO SPEAK IMPROPER ENGLISH, FOLKS DO NOT RUN EDUCATION SYSTEMS. HAVE COSBY USE HIS MONEY AND FIND OUT WHY GRAMMAR IS NOT TAUGHT IN MINORITY BASED SCHOOLS, ESPECIALLY WHERE BLACK CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE. TELL COSBY TO USE HIS MONEY AND PUT TOGETHER A WEB SITE FOR BLACK EDUCATORS, LAWYERS AND DOCTORS WHO HAVE BEEN MALICIOUSLY DENIED EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW IN THE WORKPLACE AND VIA LAWYERS. TELL COSBY TO USE HIS MONEY TO HELP THE PEOPLE WHO GOT HIM WHERE HE IS, INCLUDING HIS ANCESTORS. HAD HARRIET TUBMAN HAD HIS ATTITUDE, HE MAY NOT BE EDUCATED TODAY. SHE COULD HAVE COME TO THE NORTH, MADE HER MONEY AND ACT LIKE AN IGNORAMUS, A WILLIE LYNCH ENTERTAINER. BUT INSTEAD, SHE FORFIETED VALUES BEYOND MONEY AND HELPED GENERATIONS. SHE NEVER REACHED SUCCESS BY FURTHER EXPLOITING PEOPLE THAT LOOK LIKE HER AND OR NEGLECTED THE FACT THAT MANY SUBHUMANS IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE U.S. HATED AND HATE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THEIR SKIN COLOR. COSBY NEEDS A QUICK AND FAST REALITY CHECK. ORGANIZE A WEB SITE AND SEE HOW MANY QUALIFIED, POST GRADUATE, INTELLIGENT, DIGNIFIED, RESPECTABLE PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE UNEMPLOYED BY FORCE AND DESIGN. THE EASIEST THING TO DO IN AMERICA IS TAKE AWAY A BLACK PERSON’S INCOME. THIS ONE ACT DISPROPORTIONATELY FULFILLS STEREOTYPES, IMPLEMENTS MODERNIZED SLAVERY UNDER DISGUISE, AND DESTROYS A RACE OF PEOPLE.
WHEN THE WHITE FOLKS WANT TO REMIND COSBY THAT HE STILL LOOKS LIKE THE PEOPLE HE DEMEANED, IT WILL BE DONE VIA DESTROYING HIS ECOMOMIC BASE. IT IS SAD THAT IT TAKES THIS TO REMIND SOME OF WHAT THEY SEE IN A MIRROR. NO OTHER RACE OF PEOPLE PROUDLY DESTROY THEIR KIND, ESPECIALLY WHILE THEY TAKE A TEMPORARY STAND AS AN EXCEPTION TO THE FINANCIAL RULE. WHAT HAS COSBY DONE TO BUILD THE ECONOMIC BASE OF THE BLACKS HE HAS TARGETTED? WHAT HAS HE DONE TO HELP THEM? FURTHER DEMEANING AND EXPLOITING THEM SERVES NO OTHER PURPOSE, OTHER THAN EXEMPLIFY HIS SUB CONSCIOUS WILLIE LYNCH TRAINING AND GRADUATION STATUS.
I SAY BLACK FOLKS PRAY FOR COSBY TO WAKE UP, BEFORE WHITE AMERICA LETS HIM KNOW HE IS STILL BLACK. IN FACT THE PROCESS IS ON, THAT IS WHY HE HAS ALL HIS LEGAL BATTLES. HIS MONEY WILL GO TO THE CORPORATION VIA LEGAL FEES, BUT NOT TO TEACHING GRAMMAR TO THE TARGETS HE HAS CHOSEN TO EXPLOIT. IT IS SAD TO STILL BE A SLAVE AND NOT KNOW IT. PLEASE FORWARD TO COSBY. THANK YOU.
My Dear Mr. Cosby:
I think that one of the fundamental elements that is missing in this discussion is historical context. Everyone is “born yesterday” these days. They don’t remember, like you and I do, Selma, the TV show “Julia,” Godfrey Cambridge, Dick Gregory.
I am white – which automatically renders my opinion meaningless. But I’ve raised two children in public schools that are 97% black (Prince George’s County,Maryland) and I was a teenager during those wonderful early years when blacks started to emerge from the darkness. (you should pardon the pun.) I deliberately embraced an integrated (more than integrated) education for my children because I believe that “race” is a nonsensical notion, and that social lines will inevitably blur and merge. This is the world I expect and want my children to inhabit. But I have known first hand, that blacks hide behind “racism” to perpetuate their inferiority. Parents don’t parent, schools don’t expect excellence, so they don’t get it. In my school jurisdiction, that is run by black people, reverse racism is not only rampant, it’s obviously sanctioned. You know as well as I, that gifted, talented black children are derided for their gifts. The culture of poverty and ignorance prevails. And woe betide the white child that wants to find a comfortable place in the matrix. And the black child that bucks their peers is a “traitor.”
Popular culture makes rich those who would be icons of the status quo. Rappers and hip-hop “artists” get rich on extolling the virtues of poverty and ugliness.
You are beyond these struggles, by virtue of your venerable history, but it gratifies me to know that you are not out of touch. It’s human nature to blame others, but you and I have seen the rise of a professional black middle class that few, in 1960 would have ever admitted was possible. We know that it’s cultural issues – not color – that now hinder the black community. But we shouldn’t be surprised that those blacks who have “made it” are not more dedicated to their fellows – we live in a capitalist society, and it’s asking a great deal, apparently, to require that those who have “made it” dedicate their efforts to those who are still oppressed.
All the structures are in place, as you know, to allow minorities to succeed. They are now acting as their own worst enemies.
My current outrage is engendered by the flack Oprah has caused because Hermes, in Paris, didn’t open their doors to her after they had closed for the evening. She is screaming “Racism.” NONSENSE. You and I both know that for than 200 years, Paris and France have been a color-blind haven for American blacks. I am very distressed that this paragon of “blackness” would distort this incident – Parisians are not racist. Miss Oprah is miffed because she wasn’t afforded star treatment after hours. But she can use this to “excite the rabble” who will always be more willing to believe that they are pathetic victims than responsible citizens. I’m very disappointed in her for this.
We (and I know I’m presumptuous in this) but WE know what’s wrong. Firstly, blacks need to VOTE – 2ndly – they need to develop a culture of achievement (I won’t say excellence, just achievement) 3rdly, they need to take responsiblilty – and CHERISH their babies. I have SUCH empathy for your generation and for your parents. Slavery was not such a distanced notion. You had to be BETTER THAN = and you were – supremely. We all share the same DNA – we are cousins. Other distinctions are social nonsense. But somehow it needs to be communicated to the black underclass that they have power, and that achievement is not “white,” but “human.” You are NOT an irrevelant relic – You are “what’s happen’g NOW.
I love and admire you, Mr. Cosby. ROCK ON!
Dear Mr. Cosby,
Please forgive me for my lack of knowledge in my addressing your due title. I am not aware of any scholastic achievements you may already attain. This letter is in reference to you current tour on the black community. I’ve just listened to your interview with Michelle Branch of Nightline. I was impressed about the interview and too encourage about all that was aired.
I am a youth minister in the city of Atlanta, GA and was moved by you criticism about the Christian society. You are absolutely right when identifying that those who claim to be of the faith just look and keep going. But there is an argument within our race that if it was not for the white man keeping us from pursuing education in the early days meaning 1600’s or so we would not be so lapsed as a group. There are few of us who are challenge to read and know that what God has for us is bigger than any house, car or any prosperous tangible items that is being passed down to us. I am talking about us reading God’s word and not relying on any one person to interpret the scriptures for us.
We are stuck on being entertained and to take on what is of ease for our current situation. I am rallying for your movement and was for many years. Thank you for reaching out.
I remember in your interview that several critics challenged your past. Please read about Saul on his way to persecute believers and was hit with a remarkable transformation from God. Please believe in the Word of God our greatest weapon, as Christians is prayer along with that Reading. About everything History tells the greatest stories and that I am grateful for.
Please help us to succeed in the dream.
Sincerely,
Allan L. Bynoe