In response to the recent tragedy in NYC where a young man was killed by undercover police officers (see article), the usual cast of spokespeople emerged.
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were the first on the scene. (And I'm sure Michael "Kramer" Richards can't thank God enough for this incident taking the spotlight away from his debacle).
Whenever there is a news report, press conference, or sound byte about the incident, you are guaranteed to hear something about, or from, either Jesse or Al.
People seem to have mixed feelings about those two "leaders". Often, I hear folks question the motives of these two individuals. People feel that they only show up for "spotlight" opportunities. They appear to be more concerned about themselves than the victims they claim to be helping.
On the other hand, I wonder if the general public would even be aware of cases like this if Al and Jesse did NOT show up. Are these incidents that would swept under the rug if they weren't on the scene, making a lot of noise?
Let me know what you think...
Does Al and Jesse play a valuable role in social justice, or are they just spotlight chasers?
7 comments:
I think that in times of racial animosity or issue, there's an impression that ALL african american people feel the same and will react the same....so, whoever did the wrong and know they need apologize can't find anyone...I keep trying to figure out how Al Sharpton got in there at all, and no one really pays much attention to Jesse Jackson anymore.
They might as well gather Jay-Z and Sean Combs (what he is calling himself these days?)...they'd probably express the feelings of todays African American better.
And just so you know, the murder of that brother in NYC isn't really making much news in the south...I had to search it out, its already come as a story between Kramer and the weather...keep me updated on the turn out on that...
I used to think Al Sharpton was a spotlight chaser UNTIL I read his autobiography, "Go and Tell Pharoah". I have a new found respect for the man and what he does. I used to think of him as the media portrayed him... spotlight chaser, buffoonish, loud mouthed man saying not too much of anything, etc... Really, what does he have to gain at this point?
I see someone mentioned "they might as well gather Jay-Z and Sean Combs... [to] express the feelings of African Americans better." I totally disagree. I don't think these men (and many other members of the 'hip hop community') can effectively articulate the expressions of black folk... let me rephrase that... maybe they can speak for the people who don't really know the true meaning of and reasons for a grassroots movement. And I haven't seen any of the men of the hip hop generation step up to the plate and speak out against the NYPD and their horrendous actions.
Fareeda
Somebody appointed these two as leaders of the free black world along time ago and I am not sure if it was more Sharpton or Jackson's own doing or not. I think that they have a great deal of insight to certain issues that affect the black community but I am not clear that they should get the first phone call or first interview when something like this tragedy makes headline news. I wonder how many other crimes or incidents that have taken place, have the two of them had to "turn down" becuase they didn't have time to lead a march or a protest? Why do certain ones get there time and attention and others do not? The media has a big part in choosing who they think are our leaders when tragedies like this take place...we need to call on Jesus to represent us, to comfort us and lead us in the right direction. Cause he will be there with us long after the media has packed up their equipment and gone back to the 'burbs where they came from.
Yep, have to play devil's advocate ont his one, cause my degree is in Journalism and boy oh boy I have learned that is it a very manipulative tool if we aren't careful!
These brother chase the spotlight, microphone, reporter, etc. They need to stay relevant that's why they are out there.
That being said, they have put there work in and done some great things.
However, I'm tired of seeing these two brothers on the white vs. black thing when we need more focus on the black vs. black thing.
No comment on hip hop having influence on the community... we need Public Enemy back not Jigga.
Peace.
I really feel these two dudes do just what they're supposed to do, and that's bring attention to issues that would otherwise go unheard.I will admit, I'm kinda tired of seeing them only attacking the black vs white issue.Like Dre Black, said that's not were we need help at the most right now; we do more harm to ourselves as a race than any other race in this day and time.However,we need to appreicate people like that, because they do and say somethings that the everyday person is scared to........As for the hip hop comment,I think people should stopping bashing artist!Alot of these cats been at the bottom and now the rose to the top, and they could have alot of insite on the issues of today.People may want to start inbraceing them; reason being,if you like it or not they're the ones that have the most influence on the youth today.Just look at the past album sales of artist such as Jay-Z, Ludacris and Kanye West.I bet more than half of the sales came for teens and preteens........One more thing; before you begin to write the guys off as just thugs and gangstas, take time out and listen to there albums and songs.Not just hear it, I mean really listen.I bet you would great a greater respect for them. (Just as you did from reading that Al Sharpton book.)
They may appear to be spotlight chasers only because there's no one else actively doing something about the callous assaults being assailed against black men. This type of mentality being displayed by the police force in America is ongoing and has to stop.
Unfortunately, the cultural movement known as Hip-Hop, unlike the Civil Rights Movement, which Jesse Jackson and Sharpton are from, haven't done too much to address these issues facing black people today. This current black cultural movement is more into buying rims, bling-bling and are devoid of being socially conscious. That's the difference between black cultural movements of yesterday and today. Phat Farm, Applebottom (Nelly's label) and all these other name brands that are making millions and millions of dollars from black people have to do better in the realm of heightening the awareness of what's happening in black communites around the country.
This issue, Black people being killed at random by the police who are then exonerated speaks volumes of the value of Black life in America. Again, we see history repeating itself, it's simply disguised by modernity, and our sense of pride and worth is going straight to the gutter for the sake of somebody being able to shake their rumpshaker on somebody's video so they can buy more bling bling. It's sad to see this is where we have arrived as a race of people. I could go on forever about this, but I'll save that for a book.
For the record, I have NOT written off members of the hip hop community as 'just thugs and gangstas,' nor was I suggesting such a label. All I was merely saying was, I haven't seen any of them step up to the plate and speak about social issues pertaining to black folk. A
s for listening to their albums, I have listened,and have gotten bored to tears, mainly because of the lack of anything substantial being on a majority of records (and that goes for R&B albums too). I know the rags to riches stories and honestly can't relate to a lot of stuff they're speaking of (when it comes to slinging and blinging).
You mentioned that "they're the ones that have the most influence on the youth today." I agree. But my question is: WHAT ARE THEY SAYING? WHAT ARE THEY STANDING FOR? WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES ARE BEING MADE? WHAT ISSUES ARE BEING BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT?
Fareeda
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