Cosby's remarks were right on the money. I can't imagine the NAACP would have invited him there if they knew what he was going to say. Although Bill O'Reilly spoke with Kweisi Mfume, the head of the NAACP, and claims he actually agreed with Cosby's comments, although Kweisi could never say that in public.

Organizations like the NAACP have done a great injustice to Black America by refusing to confront the problems that hurt them:poor family structures, poor education, blaming the white man, gangster rap music, etc.

I highly recommend the book "Scam," by Reverand Jesse Peterson. Some of his conservative rhetoric is a bit over the top, but you can cut through it to find the valuable information.

There are many black people who feel as Cosby does. At some point one has to ask the question: "Why does mainstream media continue to ignore those individuals in favor of organizations that are primarily funded by white dollars, and perpetuate the powerless, victimology?" This isn't blaming white America, but it is clearly in the best interests of those who don't necessarily want the best for black people to try to keep us feeling powerless. On the other hand, what would happen if the majority of black America said, "Screw it. Most of white America has spent 500 years creating laws and designing a society that works for them, exclusively for much of our history. This country treats its own elderly like dirt. Why should black people expect this nirvana always mentioned in Dr. King's dream? We better stop dreaming, being dependent, blaming victims and do for self. Build our own schools, support our own businesses, start producing goods with Africa and begin trade, keep a level of accountability among our own people." Think about it - those of you who can still think critically - from social service organizations, prisons, police, prosecutors, and many makers of material goods, they would take a tremendous financial hit. Not that blacks are responsible for all this crime the media insinuates and whites are more than willing to believe. Are you so naive that you don't believe there are those who want many blacks to have the superficial, materialistic, violent, exploitive, comedic, shallow practices exhibited on white-owned BET (Black Entertainment Television). Spike Lee isn't very popular among many whites, but he was in Seattle recently, sounding very much like Cosby. Muhammad Ali was hated by many whites before he got old and sick because he stood up and took responsibility as a black man. Malcolm X was feared and hated by many whites. He believed that it was foolish to expect the same people who lynched you to take care of you, and until black people learned to love and respect ourselves, everything else was pointless. As black people, we have a great deal of work to do. But whites need to actually try to do what you are telling us to do - look in the mirror and take responsibility for your own actions, including the kind of images of blacks you reject, and accept. When black men in the media are buffoonish clowns, they are accepted by mainstream America. When they are thoughtful and serious, they make many whites uncomfortable. When Chris Tucker was a weed smoking, bug-eyed, clown in many of his movies, he was always working. Then he went to Africa with Bono and came back with a thoughtful, serious mentality that he spoke about while accepting an award for Rush Hour. The brother hasn't worked since. Maybe this is something white America needs to look at. A comfort level with black men who are either grinning and clownish, or angry and dangerous to confirm your fears (white kids by 70% of all rap music). But a subconscious discomfort with serious, focused, psychologically strong black men who won't continually play victim and perpetually give power and responsibility to whites. Afterall, America spent hundreds of years training black men to be docile and subservant, banned us from being educated, and now all of a sudden you insist we stand up, and take responsibility? We should, but whites should also. Like I said, we have a great deal of work to do and many of us know it. Sadly, most whites don't think that they do. The saddest thing about the all-powerful America is how dumb our people are. We can be formally educated, but non-thinkers. Whether one is a devout democrat or republican, most of us seem to be non-critical thinking, cliche and soundbite paraphrasing, non-thinking drones. No where is this more evident than when we discuss race and power on both sides. Think about it with a critical eye before you automatically react with denial and anger. Blacks are the only people in recorded history with virtually NO knowledge of where we originally come from. Do you realize the sense of grounding, inherent values, traditions, and strengths that come with that knowledge? At least be open to enlightenment as opposed to only allowing those thoughts and beliefs to filter through that confirm a limited way of thinking.

About 165 years ago, William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass were united in the conviction--not shared by many other Americans at the time--that once the shackles of slavery were struck off, blacks and whites alike would display the same level of moral and intellectual development. Only a system of oppression that degrades one class of people by distorting the privileges of another could prevent us from sharing a common culture.

Well, it has not worked out quite so simply--save, perhaps, in that we may be in a race to corrupt each other. This, at least, would be consistent with Larry Evans'comment below that 70% of rap CDs are purchased by white teens.

Even though it may not be strictly true that we are the masters of our own fate, as Garrison and Douglass once argued, I still think it is better to be told this than to be patronized.

So I say, God Bless Bill Cosby.

Larry:

Your essay was one of the most eloquent, balanced and constructive statements on the issues of race, culture and tradition in the United States I have ever seen. I hope you can expand those thoughts and get them published in book or pamphlet form, if you have not already done so.

I would like to use them in my foundation's work.

I agree 100% with Bill Cosby's statements. As a teacher in predominately black middle school, I see first hand what Mr. Cosby is talking about. The black students refuse to work and say things to me such as "I don't care about school, I'm gonna get a "crazy" check every month." There was even one 8th grade black girl who was pregnant who told one of her teachers that her mother was happy she was pregnant and told her it was ok because now they would get another check! Black students are given the same opportunites for education as whites, they CHOOSE to be lazy and waste their opportunity for a free education. Then they sit around and act like everyone else owes them something. They are rude and disrespectful to authority but blame us when they are reprimanded for it. As their teacher, I try to teach them to speak in correct english. When they ask me "what time it be" or "what time it is" I ask them to repeat their question using correct grammar. Some of them don't even know what correct grammar is!!
It is ashame and pitiful. No wonder 80% of the crime commited in this cummunity is committed by black males 19-24 years old. They admire gangster rappers and criminals and the thought of serving time in the prison system is cool. When I ask them why they don't admire men like Martin Luther King, Jr. or the black teachers and administrators in our school they laugh. They talk about how they are going to sell drugs and make money. No wonder black people in the South have the reputation they do. It is ashame because there are some very well educated and successful blacks here. They don't get the credit they deserve. There are also white students who act that way but they are the minority in the white population. If they want equal rights they need to step up to the plate and take equal responsibility!!! As a person of Irish decent, I can say that my ancestors were treated unfairly when they came to this country but I haven't milked that for 200 years!! I put myself through school and got an education.

Larry, where did you get that 70% number? A LexisNexis search of "white AND rap AND purchasing AND 70%" off all English news, full text, came up with nothing. Just wondering.

I've been watching T.D. Jakes lately (who is a black preacher, for those who don't know.) I saw a clip of an all male event. The stadium was full of nicely dressed, successful looking predominantly black men. I had two thoughts: why don't we ever see these images on tv? And why are liberals trying their damndest to make sure that a message of responsibility and success is being denied to black people, because it comes with Christ attached?

Hi Drink Ninja, I can't speak for Larry, and his claim that 70 percent of hip-hop is consumed by whites - about which you're wondering, what's the source? But I have one hunch. Henry Louis Gates, chair of the African and African-American Studies Dept. at Harvard, says 70 percent of hip-hop "culture" (which I take to include full brand-line extensions beyond CDs, i.e. fashion, publishing, scents and soon P.Diddy's pin-stripe suits) is consumed by whites.

Below is a cut and paste link to an earlier blog item of mine, where Gates is quoted to that effect by Courtland Milloy in the WaPo. Gates has a new book out on race issues, and despite having played the "institutional racism" card for way too long, has actually been singing more from the same hymn book as Cosby recently.

here's the link: http://www.rosenblog.com/2004/03/23/hl_gates_whats_authentically_black_is_a_matter_of_life_and_death.html

Carole Rider, it is unfortunate that you teach in a school with predominantly black students. Your "us and them" mentality is sad, to say the least. As for your Irish heritage, were you aware that Jackie Robinson wasn't actually the first African American baseball player? There were blacks playing professional baseball back in the mid-1800s. During the depression of the early 1900s, one of the "American traditions" many of your Irish ancestors caught onto was once they simply became "white" they benefited from the elements of white privilege that have been traditional in America. Irish and German immigrants were one of the primary reasons blacks were banned from professional baseball in the early 1900s. Having recently arrived, they still felt it was beneath them to have to actually compete on a level playing field with black baseball players, so cashing in on their white privilege, they became part of professional baseball while blacks were banned until the 1950s when Mr. Robinson re-broke the color barrier. The fact that you are a teacher, appear so self-rightous regarding your heritage, yet don't know accurate history isn't surprising. Young people are less brainwashed than adults. Your animosity towards those students is obvious. If our educational system was half of what it is alleged to be, you wouldn't be a part of it. In your ignorance, you inadvertantly answered a large part of the problem. You refer to your Irish heritage, yet fail to understand that such a historic sense of who you are brings inherent strength, grounding, stability, and foundation. American blacks are the only people in recorded history who don't have such a sense of history, yet still many of us thrive - in spite of millions of people like yourself. As for singing your praises as a person of Irish descent at the expense of African Americans, we all have our issues. I suggest you begin by studying Irish history, then maybe one day graduating to a level of understanding true American history. Understanding how rich Irish history is along with the histories of every other group in our society, I wouldn't think of focusing on negative elements of anyone's history or heritage. You, on the other hand, are doing just that. An old professor of mine once said that SOME in the field of education can be the most ignorant of our society. They are taught what to think rather than how to think, and as a result they pass this on to their students. You are a shining - or rather dull - example of that. You are obviously wed to your beliefs and there doesn't appear to be much room for cerebral growth. Your comments don't anger me, I feel sorry for you. What does anger me is that so many black students, admittedly confused, must spend the majority of their day being "educated" by someone who should probably find another field of work. Despite you, some of "those ignorant kids" will still thrive.

Larry,

That has to be the most well-articulated arguement that whites "need to look in the mirror" that I have ever seen. While telling the black race that they need to be (as if it were every black that has a problem) "a contributing member of society," whites need to understand that anyone, regardless of color, that takes an "entitlement" needlessly, is a drain on the system.

Whites need to stop taking aim at rap as if it were from Satan, and look at why there own children attempt to emulate violent behavior rather than just enjoy an art form. You can tell me until you're blue in the face that I don't understand the black man, or the angst in his music. All you need do is listen to at least relate. From blues to rap, songs reflect the problems that individual faced, and relate to many others with the same experiences.

The same is true for other music genres; country, gospel, etc. Newsflash, I had it worse than Eminem ever thought it could be, but I won't be on Oprah, or a record label, whining about it. He got his, but that doesn't make him a hero. Nor is it possible for all youngsters to get where he is. It saddens me when I see people abandon education for a dream of a "paycheck," that odds are, they will never see. It saddens me when I see youngsters listen and repeat... instead of listen, think, and speak. Do I know what it's like to be black? Nope, I never can. But I will listen if you want to tell me what it's like to be you. I do hope that my daughter (now 15) will see the day when we don't feel the need to say "white and black" anymore.

Do you not believe that some whites, afraid of what a free-thinking Chris Tucker type represents, will try to devalue the man by keeping him out of the public eye... instead focusing on a violent rapper sentenced to prison? Of course! On my level, (middle income) whites only complain about the "bad" blacks, and never praise the "good" ones. Why? They were trained to think that all blacks are inferior, hence, only follow the actions of a few, to perpetuate the myth, or to substantiate their own opinions. That is why they are not open to the premise that the "new" Chris Tucker is a good thing. By the same token, my black associates are saying today that Bill Cosby has always been white, and just proved it. How ridiculous, from both sides.

We need to look closely at the image of a black man that we accept, as you stated, Larry. Then understand that for us to reach to level of society we preach... when an intelligent, free-thinking, competent black man finally stands up for himself... we should give him his due and get the hell out of his way. (of course that comment includes women, or any sex, color, or creed for that matter) Instead, we try to tear them down as some kind of "instigator," or keep him from public view.

Do I have all the answers? Of course not. Do I think that if I respect anyone, black or white, that tries to make something of themselves I'm on the right track? Definitely.

I agree that many people wish to continue stereotyping because they profit from it. From social services to clothing manufacturers. How many of those people who profit are black? Hmmm...

You are never going to be respected, until you respect yourself. It doesn't matter what color you are. My point is, people need to quit preaching equality, and start living it. Providing a system by which capable people can sit idle and survive, is weakening this nation... not helping the unfortunate. Using that same system to help someone make ends meet while they continue education, or care for those who cannot do for themselves, is a neccesity. We also ought not to listen to these "self-proclaimed" white champions of the black race, (i.e. movie stars) who really are only looking for exposure to accumulate wealth. You have your best interest at heart... Not Jesse Jackson, not Rush Limbaugh, (choose one for your ethnicity) YOU! If you don't think you can do it, find a new hero... instead of a sports star, how about Bill Cosby? Heard of him? Educate the youth, don't enrage them. Fill their heads with ways to think for themselves, not mantras of your own beliefs. No matter what color you are. Sure, share your beliefs with them... but don't stifle their struggle to become themselves.

Both sides of this issue tend to spawn mindless sheep, content to follow the loudest voice. Think for yourselves America, and then act on it.
Did I say "them and us" like Carol? Sure I did Larry... so did you. That, unfortunately, is the way it is. Let's change it!

If you want to take a shot at me, not unlike the one you took at Carol's Irish heritage... here's all the ammunition you need... my ancestors were German. Feel free to let it fly. I am not responsible for my ancestor's behavior, nor my father's, only my own. It is a pity what was done to the slaves(blacks), indentured servants (irish and chinese), to the jews by my ancestors, or heaven forbid, the indigenous tribes that we wiped out to call this our own land! Let's stop living in the past and build a better future. By all means we should learn from the past, and never forget it. You're ideas are right on target. I didn't lynch anybody, and I don't want to "save" anybody... but I damn sure won't get in the way of someone saving themselves, or hesitate to help if I can.

And for Carol, you don't live with those children... you teach them. Lead by example and you'll help some. You want them to know correct grammer, is it not your responsibility as an educator to teach it? Don't be amazed that they don't know it, teach it! It's a failure of the system that sends a child up level when they didn't have a passing grade, for fear of a lawsuit! Because you see those children everyday at school, doesn't mean you know any more about them than the average white, like me. It doesn't mean that you have the market cornered on how they act, or why. I see the same behavior in white children from the trailer park. It isn't a black problem, this "thinking that I'm owed something." It's a society problem. We, as a nation, want something for nothing and instant gratification. Why do you think the lottery is so popular? It is "a shame," (two words)not "ashame."

Somebody help me. I can not find the transcript of what Cosby said. I can only find bit and pieces about what he said. Where can I get the entire speech?

Hats off to Bill Cosby! This is not a Black or white issue, people! It's about being personally responsible for self. There's no logical explanation for the low status of Black America in terms of political, economic, and social status in this day. We can blame society all we want for our failures. I'm Black, too, and I've never blamed white America for any setback I encountered to the point where I didn't achieve my goal(s). I was raised by my parents, who were uneducated, not to let anyone or any circumstance keep me from accomplishing the things I wanted in life. I'm a retired educator and I instilled in my students many of the same values my parents passed on to me and my five siblings. I also told them that being Black was no excuse not to be successful. THey could accomplish what they will.

Yes, the odds have never really been in our favor. That's no reason for the high illegitimacy rate among our young women, the incarceration of so many of our young men, poor academic performance of our kids in the public schools, or any of the other social ills that plague our people. We don't need anymore laws! There're more than enough to correct almost every social problem Black America faces. Besides, laws don't change people's hearts or attitudes.It's all about making the right CHOICES. It's time to stop holding our hands out!

"A man who stays on his knees never walks."

I am please at what I've read about the speech
that Mr Cosby gave in regards to Black America's
youth. I have 3 sons and a daughter. I've raised
them by myself sense my husband passed (he was shot 19 1/2 years ago). I made up my mind way before my husbands death that we would not raise up a bunch of no good children.

I believe if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. The bible says "in the heart of a child is bound up foolishness, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
I know that child abuse is a problem, but some parents are afraid to touch the child for fear
of going to jail. Well, I raised my children in
this era and I whipped them when needed. I also
made them know why I did this, " If I don't correct you the police will by putting you in jail. Our jails are full of children that got away with everything under the sun until they grew uo. Little did they know they were being primed for prison.

I am please at what I've read about the speech
that Mr Cosby gave in regards to Black America's
youth. I have 3 sons and a daughter. I've raised
them by myself sense my husband passed (he was shot 19 1/2 years ago). I made up my mind way before my husbands death that we would not raise up a bunch of no good children.

I believe if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. The bible says "in the heart of a child is bound up foolishness, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
I know that child abuse is a problem, but some parents are afraid to touch the child for fear
of going to jail. Well, I raised my children in
this era and I whipped them when needed. I also
made them know why I did this, " If I don't correct you the police will by putting you in jail. Our jails are full of children that got away with everything under the sun until they grew uo. Little did they know they were being primed for prison.

Mr. Cosby’s comments weighed heavily on my heart. This is quite typical of successful blacks who turn their nose up at those less fortunate. They so callously attack other blacks they know are powerless to retaliate; yet they cowardly turn away from criticizing white people.

I am disappointed that Mr. Cosby made those comments. Although he is entitled to his beliefs, these comments are best suited for private in-home gatherings and not at a public forum. I understand and applaud the fact that he and his wife have accomplished a lot, but some of those people he criticized have made he and his family quite comfortable financially. I praise them for their large donations to various educational entities, but criticize the universities themselves for not recruiting and reaching out more to the black community. I do blame the parents 100% and the cycle of poverty, lack of education and self-worth must end and it starts there. But people like Mr. Cosby make it hard for those of us who don’t have million dollar bank accounts and make us seem like we are not doing enough. Not everybody can get a lucky break like he did many years ago.

It's funny at this ceremony he does not criticize the lack of input our black politicians, entertainers and clergy have in the black community (probably friends of his). I think the one person that has not gotten enough praise from the black community is Mr. Kareem Abdul Jabar. I thank him for what he has done for me in search of my true self-esteem and worth in my race by chronicling the positive influence our race has had in helping to shape this world.

Lastly, I am offended that Mr. Cosby would deliberately put my children or me in such a hateful category. I remember when he too was too busy working and paid someone to culturally educate his children. I remember him personally speaking about his daughter's drug addiction, which showed a lack of parenting on he and his wife’s part.

So shame on you Mr. Cosby for the public display of racial loathing that you seem to have. I hope you found comfort in addressing your issues and I know you are not alone in your quest to publicly humiliate yourself and the black community.

Bill Cosby was absolutely, 100% correct. We have to stop blaming Whites for the deeply dysfunctional behavior of the Black underclass. We have huge problems facing that part of the Black community - drugs, crime, Black-on-Black violence, the huge numbers of Black men in the criminal justice system, AIDS and "down low" bisexuality, gangs, Black disdain for education as "acting White", fatherless families, rampant teen pregnancy and a 73% illegitimacy rate, lack of respect for the larger society, and a subculture that glorifies "thug life". But the biggest problem is that we still are unwilling to face these problems head-on and at least admit that virtually all of them are self-inflicted. "We" have to fix "us". Thanks, Bill Cosby, and Amen! I appreciate you speaking truth to ignorance. We need to stop blaming Whites for our own self-inflicted problems, we need to get over this "cult of victimhood" mentality (nod to Professor John McWhorter), and we have to admit that the Black underclass bears almost all the responsibility for its current sorry condition. It's just that simple. One final point - I think we should nominate Bill Cosby to be the next president of the NAACP. I'm serious. Cosby just did more to help Black America in one 30 minute speech than Kwesei Mfume has done in the last five years.

comment to RRoss re: hoping his daughter lives to see the day that we don't say white and black (or soemthing to that effect). I don't see what's wrong with describing people by their characteristics when there's nothing in the world wrong with the descriptions. Black, White, Asian, Arab, Hispanic, blond, brunette, redhead, short, tall, thin, heavy (more tactful than fat), male, female, pale, dark, olive-skinned, etc., etc. There are billions of people in the world; it's only natural to describe people to narrow down who you're talking about. Let's please not look for ways to take offense.

So Julie, I guess I should qualify that by saying "white or black with a negative connotation?" Description is not what I was talking about. I'm not looking for a way to take offense. (try reading my discourse with Deborah in another string) Thanks for the constructive criticism for the semi-articulate me! :)

The truth as I see it is that we may never be accepted here in America by mainstream whites but that does not give us the right not to create a better world for ourselves. If the schools are not giving your children what they need to succeed, go to the library and check out a book for them. Read to your children. Give them homework yourself, even if their teachers do not. Before they turn on the television or go out to play, talk with them about their day at school and quiz them. Hooked on Phonics is an excellent program for children. If you don't have the funds for this program right now, save for it. It is worth your child's future. As a parent of adult children, I know that parenting is a very hard job. No one can do the job of parenting your child but you. A sad but true reality is that even with great parenting, children must still make their own decisions when they come of age but without great parenting, children are not equipped to make good decisions. We as African Americans are already aware of the social ills of White America. It has been the same for the past 400 years. Why are we still looking for them to change? Bill Cosby has forced us to take a hard look at ourselves and decide for ourselves how we want the next 400 years to be for our people. We should each ask ourselves: "Am I doing all I can to reflect the deep history of my ancestors and to provide a stepping stone for my descendents?".

I am an Indian whose Grandfather was killed by the British. My father once paid for his education by Rs 5 ($ 0.10), he found on the street.

I got the rod many a times.

Today, my earnings are in the top 10% of my country.

I think parents mould you, irrespective of the country you are in. Parents are responsible for their kids and that is what Cosby said.

Rahul,

I do agree. These posting are pretty old. Why dont you come over to the other Cosby section on this site. There is a very heavy flow of traffic and interesting post's from several people.

Amilton

I am flat out excited for those that have dialoged on this forum. The reason I have come accross this site is that I am looking to make contact with Bill Cosby by phone to give him great news. At this time all I have is the Phillip Morris Agency ( they represent Bill )

I am familar with several organizations that I have been privey to that will be an answer to the problem that has been discussed and discussed. A Historian, a former KKK family member, and a black pastor( formerly Dem, now Rep ) are as I speak building momentum.

If any of those who post here would contact me ASAP, I can pass on the Bill a solution that will change the thinking of millions. My email is tdkennedy@bellsouth.net

Please do not regard the informalness of a posted email to causee one to think " this could not be that important ". Well it is and I will be calling his agency Monday in hopes of receivng an audience will Bill. Remember I only came here as I was tracking down as source of contact.

God Bless a Divine Appointment,
Terry - Dir. Take Right Ground Ministry

You guys are almost there. Keep Thinking!!!!!

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