I fully understand the frustration over Bill Cosby receiving jail time for sexual assault. I really do.
It seems unfair and blatantly transparent something nefarious is taking place. The Cos, an ill 81 year old black man, is going to the clink while a plethora of white men accused of sexual assault seemingly are skating free. Sure, they have, perhaps, lost their livelihoods and reputation but they still have their freedom. Matt Lauer, Charlie Sheen, Charlie Ross and Kevin Spacey to name a few. Noticeably, I left out Harvey Weinstein because Harv has been charged with sexual assault. Indictment is inevitable and I think conviction even in this fucked up judicial system is all but certain.
Of course, it would be journalistic malpractice of me not to mention the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, whom 19 women have credibly accused of sexual assault. It would certainly appear Trump will face no legally punitive repercussions for his alleged crimes. Although Summer Zervos seems destined to ensure he faces civil and financial consequences for his misdeeds.
So, I get it. I comprehend why many black and brown folks along with some white brothas and sistas are saying, "Wayment! Wait! A! Damb! Minute! Why is Bill Cosby going to be anticipating "mystery meat Tuesdays" while the likes of Bill O'Reilly is free making shitty YouTube videos?"
It is a beyond legitimate question. However...
Bill Cosby is guilty! Forget he was found guilty in a court of law. Anyone who listened to evidence and to Cosby let alone watched his demeanor knows he's guilty as sin.
Cosby has never acted like an innocent man. He has never sincerely advocated his innocence. Instead he attacked his accuser's credibility. He attacked the prosecutors for having the audacity to put him on trial but never staunchly proclaimed he is innocent.
This is partly why I am stunned to see the voracity which many are defending him. I am shocked to see the degree many are going to cite the perceived unfairness he is supposedly being subjected.
People are floating Alex Jones level conspiracy theories to propagate their defense. Some people are claiming this is an elaborate scheme to bring Cosby down. I ask why not do this 25 years ago when he was relevant. But, this like most conspiracy theories lack any intellectual thought or facts or commonsense.
I realize I might be in the minority here but I am not just getting this "black unity for Cosby no matter what".
William Cosby is not a martyr nor is he deserving of martyrdom.
Yes, Cosby broke glass ceilings for African-Americans in comedy and television. Without question Cosby has been a prominent figure in African-American history. Certainly, the Cos has been a role model (of sorts).
But, Cosby's relationship with the black community is complicated and strained to say the least.
Many of the people defending him today were rolling their eyes about him before the sexual assault allegations came to the surface.
Cosby was a beloved figure whom most of us didn't want at the summer picnic. He was that uncle we loved because he did do some wonderful things from time to time but we didn't want around because he was an asshole. All he did was put you down, rip on your clothes, talk shit about your music, nitpicked every word you said and had a "holier than thou" aurora. Then, if you displayed being fed up with his shit, he would remind you what he's done for you and how much better he is than you.
Cosby was a terrific philanthropist but that philanthropy always came with strings attached and at a certain level was cursory and pretentious.
Cosby gave what seemed tirelessly to historically black colleges and universities. He used the Cosby Show to honor black art and jazz. But, Cosby always stiff armed important aspects of black culture.
He was notorious for constantly putting down black youth. He offered (what I would say were fair) critiques of the way many black people talked and presented themselves; but those critiques were hollow because they never had any substance behind them encouraging blacks to be better. So, the criticisms came across as elitist and demeaning.
Cosby never embraced the black youth and the evolving culture. He criticized music and fashion. He constantly bemoaned "pants being worn showing crack" but never actually contributed meaningful actions that helped the black community.
We all know teenage pregnancy was and is a prevalent issue within the black community. He never offered solutions. He just continuously called young black girls "whores" and "immoral tramps". Never did he actually use his influence and power to address the issues and seek solution.
Bill Cosby was the prototypical "I got out of the hood so it should be easy for you to do" guy. He acted and talked as if he didn't endure struggle, racial pushback and racial resentment.
What blows my mind is so much of Cosby's attitude toward the black community is strikingly similar to what people like Candace Owens, David Clarke, Ray Lewis and Jason Whitlock propagate. And, the majority of Cosby's ardent defenders refer to those people as "coons".
Now, I am not disagreeing but I am perplexed. Why go to the mat for someone who over the years evidence has indicated wouldn't do the same for you?
Honestly, some of the shit Cosby has said is straight out of the White Nationalist talking point playbook. Don't get me wrong. I don't think Cosby is Paris Denard before Paris Denard, but he certainly gave cretins like that fodder.
I just don't see where Cos is worthy of this persecution status black folks seem to be way too eager to give him.
This actually may sum up my feelings about Cosby. The Cosby Show was a great, if somewhat unrelatable, show. It certainly put African-Americans in a positive light.
But, I always felt his greatest gift to black television was "A Different World". While the gift was certainly accidental it was nonetheless awesome.
"A Different World" was originally designed to be a way of giving Lisa Bonet her own vehicle while actually keeping her in line. But, Bonet was a wild free spirit and effed up her chance by "going behind Mr. Cosby's back" making that disturbing movie with Mickey Rourke.
That movie got her kicked off A Different World but put Cosby and NBC in a situation. A Different World because of The Cosby Show lead-in had become a top 10 show in its inaugural season but now was without it's star. Debbie Allen convinced Cosby to let her run the show and build the storyline around Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Harrison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy).
Cosby remained executive producer but gave full creative control to Allen and stayed out of the way. The result was what is arguably the most influential and successful shows that was designed to directly appeal to black youth and young adults. But, it not only attracted black viewers but white viewers as well.
A Different Word took head on social and racial issues. It was one of the first shows that addressed nuanced issues within the black community that solely affect and center around black people. The show engaged discussion about taboo issues like skin color within the black community and the role of mammie and other slavery and Jim Crow imagery and characters.
The show dug deep into HBCU cultures along with addressing white integration into HBCUs
A Different World actually depicted the diversity within black communities in a way that was relatable to all black folks and white folks. Everybody knows a Whitley, a Dwayne, a Ron Johnson, a Kimberly Reese, a Freddie Brooks, a Lena James, a Shazza, ect.
But, suddenly NBC executives began getting nervous with the social and political issues A Different World addressed without fear. NBC began exerting creative control. Cosby, who was always uncomfortable with the show's storylines did little to misdirect NBC. When Allen and A Different World cast members asked Cosby to interject and allow the show to continue what made it successful and a pop icon he refused and essentially allowed NBC to kill the show.
To me that sums much of Bill Cosby up.
Look, I really do get the angst, frustration and anger over what is arguably more bullshit systematic racism. I understand that there is (at times) what seems to be an nefarious intentional assault on black men in this country especially any that are doing positive things for communities of color. Look no further than LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick.
But, hoping aboard the persecution train for the likes of Bill Cosby, R. Kelly and Chris Brown seems misguided. They're not worth the energy.
Bill Cosby's contributions to society and the black community in particular are undeniable. Cosby is most definitely a trailblazer.
However, what he has detracted seems to be outweighing what he contributed.
I have read tweets and posts of people saying the allegations against Cosby have been proven false. That simply is not true. Cosby hasn't even ardently denied the claims nor proclaimed his innocence. That should tell you something.
We have plenty of black role models to look up to without having to settle for defending sexual predators. The well is not that dry.
I appreciate what Bill Cosby has done and given us.
I think it is bullshit that Cosby is serving three to ten as an 80 something year old man while a predator like Trump is president.
But, Bill Cosby is not deserving of martyrdom. It is simply not a hill worth dying for.
It seems unfair and blatantly transparent something nefarious is taking place. The Cos, an ill 81 year old black man, is going to the clink while a plethora of white men accused of sexual assault seemingly are skating free. Sure, they have, perhaps, lost their livelihoods and reputation but they still have their freedom. Matt Lauer, Charlie Sheen, Charlie Ross and Kevin Spacey to name a few. Noticeably, I left out Harvey Weinstein because Harv has been charged with sexual assault. Indictment is inevitable and I think conviction even in this fucked up judicial system is all but certain.
Of course, it would be journalistic malpractice of me not to mention the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, whom 19 women have credibly accused of sexual assault. It would certainly appear Trump will face no legally punitive repercussions for his alleged crimes. Although Summer Zervos seems destined to ensure he faces civil and financial consequences for his misdeeds.
So, I get it. I comprehend why many black and brown folks along with some white brothas and sistas are saying, "Wayment! Wait! A! Damb! Minute! Why is Bill Cosby going to be anticipating "mystery meat Tuesdays" while the likes of Bill O'Reilly is free making shitty YouTube videos?"
It is a beyond legitimate question. However...
Bill Cosby is guilty! Forget he was found guilty in a court of law. Anyone who listened to evidence and to Cosby let alone watched his demeanor knows he's guilty as sin.
Cosby has never acted like an innocent man. He has never sincerely advocated his innocence. Instead he attacked his accuser's credibility. He attacked the prosecutors for having the audacity to put him on trial but never staunchly proclaimed he is innocent.
This is partly why I am stunned to see the voracity which many are defending him. I am shocked to see the degree many are going to cite the perceived unfairness he is supposedly being subjected.
People are floating Alex Jones level conspiracy theories to propagate their defense. Some people are claiming this is an elaborate scheme to bring Cosby down. I ask why not do this 25 years ago when he was relevant. But, this like most conspiracy theories lack any intellectual thought or facts or commonsense.
I realize I might be in the minority here but I am not just getting this "black unity for Cosby no matter what".
William Cosby is not a martyr nor is he deserving of martyrdom.
Yes, Cosby broke glass ceilings for African-Americans in comedy and television. Without question Cosby has been a prominent figure in African-American history. Certainly, the Cos has been a role model (of sorts).
But, Cosby's relationship with the black community is complicated and strained to say the least.
Many of the people defending him today were rolling their eyes about him before the sexual assault allegations came to the surface.
Cosby was a beloved figure whom most of us didn't want at the summer picnic. He was that uncle we loved because he did do some wonderful things from time to time but we didn't want around because he was an asshole. All he did was put you down, rip on your clothes, talk shit about your music, nitpicked every word you said and had a "holier than thou" aurora. Then, if you displayed being fed up with his shit, he would remind you what he's done for you and how much better he is than you.
Cosby was a terrific philanthropist but that philanthropy always came with strings attached and at a certain level was cursory and pretentious.
Cosby gave what seemed tirelessly to historically black colleges and universities. He used the Cosby Show to honor black art and jazz. But, Cosby always stiff armed important aspects of black culture.
He was notorious for constantly putting down black youth. He offered (what I would say were fair) critiques of the way many black people talked and presented themselves; but those critiques were hollow because they never had any substance behind them encouraging blacks to be better. So, the criticisms came across as elitist and demeaning.
Cosby never embraced the black youth and the evolving culture. He criticized music and fashion. He constantly bemoaned "pants being worn showing crack" but never actually contributed meaningful actions that helped the black community.
We all know teenage pregnancy was and is a prevalent issue within the black community. He never offered solutions. He just continuously called young black girls "whores" and "immoral tramps". Never did he actually use his influence and power to address the issues and seek solution.
Bill Cosby was the prototypical "I got out of the hood so it should be easy for you to do" guy. He acted and talked as if he didn't endure struggle, racial pushback and racial resentment.
What blows my mind is so much of Cosby's attitude toward the black community is strikingly similar to what people like Candace Owens, David Clarke, Ray Lewis and Jason Whitlock propagate. And, the majority of Cosby's ardent defenders refer to those people as "coons".
Now, I am not disagreeing but I am perplexed. Why go to the mat for someone who over the years evidence has indicated wouldn't do the same for you?
Honestly, some of the shit Cosby has said is straight out of the White Nationalist talking point playbook. Don't get me wrong. I don't think Cosby is Paris Denard before Paris Denard, but he certainly gave cretins like that fodder.
I just don't see where Cos is worthy of this persecution status black folks seem to be way too eager to give him.
This actually may sum up my feelings about Cosby. The Cosby Show was a great, if somewhat unrelatable, show. It certainly put African-Americans in a positive light.
But, I always felt his greatest gift to black television was "A Different World". While the gift was certainly accidental it was nonetheless awesome.
"A Different World" was originally designed to be a way of giving Lisa Bonet her own vehicle while actually keeping her in line. But, Bonet was a wild free spirit and effed up her chance by "going behind Mr. Cosby's back" making that disturbing movie with Mickey Rourke.
That movie got her kicked off A Different World but put Cosby and NBC in a situation. A Different World because of The Cosby Show lead-in had become a top 10 show in its inaugural season but now was without it's star. Debbie Allen convinced Cosby to let her run the show and build the storyline around Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Harrison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy).
Cosby remained executive producer but gave full creative control to Allen and stayed out of the way. The result was what is arguably the most influential and successful shows that was designed to directly appeal to black youth and young adults. But, it not only attracted black viewers but white viewers as well.
A Different Word took head on social and racial issues. It was one of the first shows that addressed nuanced issues within the black community that solely affect and center around black people. The show engaged discussion about taboo issues like skin color within the black community and the role of mammie and other slavery and Jim Crow imagery and characters.
The show dug deep into HBCU cultures along with addressing white integration into HBCUs
A Different World actually depicted the diversity within black communities in a way that was relatable to all black folks and white folks. Everybody knows a Whitley, a Dwayne, a Ron Johnson, a Kimberly Reese, a Freddie Brooks, a Lena James, a Shazza, ect.
But, suddenly NBC executives began getting nervous with the social and political issues A Different World addressed without fear. NBC began exerting creative control. Cosby, who was always uncomfortable with the show's storylines did little to misdirect NBC. When Allen and A Different World cast members asked Cosby to interject and allow the show to continue what made it successful and a pop icon he refused and essentially allowed NBC to kill the show.
To me that sums much of Bill Cosby up.
Look, I really do get the angst, frustration and anger over what is arguably more bullshit systematic racism. I understand that there is (at times) what seems to be an nefarious intentional assault on black men in this country especially any that are doing positive things for communities of color. Look no further than LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick.
But, hoping aboard the persecution train for the likes of Bill Cosby, R. Kelly and Chris Brown seems misguided. They're not worth the energy.
Bill Cosby's contributions to society and the black community in particular are undeniable. Cosby is most definitely a trailblazer.
However, what he has detracted seems to be outweighing what he contributed.
I have read tweets and posts of people saying the allegations against Cosby have been proven false. That simply is not true. Cosby hasn't even ardently denied the claims nor proclaimed his innocence. That should tell you something.
We have plenty of black role models to look up to without having to settle for defending sexual predators. The well is not that dry.
I appreciate what Bill Cosby has done and given us.
I think it is bullshit that Cosby is serving three to ten as an 80 something year old man while a predator like Trump is president.
But, Bill Cosby is not deserving of martyrdom. It is simply not a hill worth dying for.
