Yeah, I know I'm a couple of months late, but I really hadn't thought much about this issue. You may recall that I made a pact to stay away from political issues. Especially those that seem to strike a nerve in our community. Cosby has been a public icon for many years. Even his bizarre Fat Albert characters made a resurgence in the Hip-Hop culture, as they were found on more than a few t-shirts in the hood. Perhaps he his best known for his work on the 'Cosby Show' and 'Different World'.
Probably least known is the fact the he is an activist and philanthropist to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In fact, he came to my alma mater, FAMU, and dropped $600K. Having done all of this 'good' for the community, I must say that I'm puzzled about his recent comments.
Judging by the conversation on various lists to which I subscribe, many people have an opinion of sorts. So I figured, I'd contribute my $0.02 cents.
I happen to believe that many affluent people tend to forget how difficult it is to change the socio-economic condition. It is quite rare for a middle-class person to become a multi-millionaire in a generation. As such, it is typical for their offspring to mimic the socio-economic condition of their ancestors. Likewise is true for impoverished people. To paraphrase Cos's words "Lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids – $500 sneakers for what? And won't spend $200 for 'Hooked on Phonics.' ". Well Bill, it's quite simple, the value systems are quite different in the hood than in Beverly Hills. Yes, I would agree that these 'ideas' must change if the cycle of poverty is to be broken, but you don't resolve the problem by addressing the symptoms.
Bottom Line: The view from above is quite different. Methinks, Cos is a victim of this rarified air. Wealth and prestige can do that to you.
The essay below is a well-argued rebuttal to Cosby's diatribe.
Afro-Netizenâ„¢. Substance.â„¢: Bill Cosby's confused notions of 'responsibility'
I think it interesting that many people think that the "view from above" is quite different so to quote you now that Cosby is wealthy. I happen to disagree. I think Cosby has seen the air from below as well as above and has the right and probably the experience to speak from both levels. Simply because you are rich doesn't mean you can talk about an issue. As you noted yourself, he has consistently given money to black causes and done lots of philanthrophy regarding black causes. I think this shows he is well aware of the issues facing black people or else he could take the stand: I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and no one helped me through college so why should I help anyone. I become concerned when we in the black community start to stigmatize anyone who expresses a different view point than the prevailing black view point. Look, our community has issues.
I would, however, go one step farther than Cosby and say we all aren't holding our end of the bargain up not just poor people. The rich and middle class aren't helping as much as they should and the poor well at times they seemed to have lost help, whether justified or not. But I'm not here to talk justification or reasons for why things are the way they are. The reasons are stipulated to and so noted. Just as you say it's not enough to address the symptoms it is also not enough to state the problems over and over again. What we need our solutions. Cosby is at least pointing out what some people think and feel. I also think your statement that you have stayed away from political issues that strikes a nerve in our community proves the point that black people aren't willing to speak up for fear of being ostracized, being called a sell out, a Republican or acting white. All these things are plain stupid to me. I believe if you have something to say whether you agree or disagree you should say it. Our community should be open to everyone's thoughts and I have never known any problem to get better from pure silence. So I applaud Bill Cosby's courage to provide a different perspective no matter how few people agree.
I remember the days when many Americans especially African American, had a lot less materially, but spent more time with their kids on their school work and were willing to spend their last cent for their kids' or their neighbor's kids' education. We were taught it was honorable to be poor but honest. We worked hard to give every child a chance.
Unfortunately now, I get each year more and more parents that aren't doing the right thing and complaining to me, the teacher, that I give their kids too much homework or expect too much from them. I was with another teacher today, and she commented that children have become fashion accessories for their parents. The money these kids and families are spending to look good while ignoring schoolwork and homework is scary. As the system is making college harder to obtain, these families are saving less money for their kids' future and their kids are doing less to prepare. And try to get extended family or others to help. Families and friends actually go to my kids trying to make it in college and ask them to help pay off their debts.
There is a crisis. And silence is death. God Bless Cosby for being willing to stand up and ask some hard questions!
I am on the frontlines, at a predominantly middle class Caribbean American and African American New York City public high school. I get fewer parents coming in parent night and many more telling me they cannot control their kids. And then they are shocked (shocked!) that Harvard or even a 4 year CUNY doesn't want their darling kids or when the spoiled brats fail out of community college. The truth is it takes time and money to raise kids. If your money is limited (and whose isn't today), then tough choices have to be made. Payless shoes and tutoring. No new car, but being home. I know its hard, but if you aren't willing to invest in these kids, how can we expect them to invest in themselves?
K: I really don't have an issue w/ Cos's opinion. He certainly is entitled to it. My issue is that he really didn't offer very many 'solutions' outside of Hooked on Phonics. I do agree that there is alot of blame to go around. 'We' have a responsibility to reach down and help those that are not as fortunate. I suppose we have to ask ourselves, 'What are we doing ?'
A: I certainly understand your pain. The school system is subpar at best. I'm a product of the NYC public school system. It clearly plays a pivotal role in educating the children of the inner-city. Yes, I would say Cos spoke words that play upon the psyche of the 'concerned', I simply do not believe he presented any solutions. Perhaps this was not his intent. I do realize that there is enough blame to go around. I applaud those that are on the 'frontline' you've got a helluva job in front of you.
OK, I am going to ruffle a few feathers, from a different view, I always pondered why (for the most part) black folks who are in economic strife, do not pull together as some other cultures minorities and poor folks do. Instead we feed upon each other, and then tend to blame others. True to a point US (society) is a hinderance on growth for minorities in general, but only to a certain point. Other cultures make it through those stormy days, huddle together, providing for each other, sacrificing what they have for self, family, and neighbors. In the Black communities, I do not see this general care for each other?, and I was always wondering why. Sure their are "Programs" ect... This is not what I am talking about. I am talking about unity umongst family AND neighbors, why by all pull together and help each other out. For me, living in Japan I see this quite frequently, and what solidifies the saying "it takes a villige to raise a child". Why do we feed off of each other? Why do we step on each other, why do we chastise, and degrade each other? Just a observation, one I think not only needs addressing, but a look at our innerself, and question, why we don't help each other out. Once again, this is not a "Give back to the community", inference, but an overall observation of family traits, and neighborhood organizations to assist each other.
P:
Your point is well taken. It is a question, that I've often asked too. There are many immigrants of other nationalities who work together via necessity. I suppose 'we' don't believe that time is of essence. Maybe we do not understand the urgency. Perhaps we're not accustomed to having anything so when we finally get 'something' we simply do not wish to share it with anyone. One of the principles of Kwanzaa is 'Ujima'- 'Collective work and Responsibility'. Practicing this principle would vastly improve our condition.
My 2 cents:
Our values are taught by parents. If we chose not to listen to them, we may be one of many that think there's an easy way to fame, fortune, and a careless life. I've seen many people who put far more value in soap operas and music videos than anything else going on in their life. It's about living for the next party (and getting there in style).
It's a two-edged sword. Big business profits from a huge group that has this mentality. For instance, DaimlerChrysler has pulled itself back up on it's feet from the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300C, which is getting huge reviews largely from the influence of hip hop stars that bought the cars. The rich get richer off the backs of those who spend $500 for those pair of shoes. And who are we to tell the mother who paid $500 to save her money for something better?
Our harder fight is with multimillion dollar businesses that have profited from those who think about right now instead of tomorrow. They could also care less about who they break with their prices. It's about making money and turning your back.
Solutions: I'd start with our own families. I have a son to raise that I hope doesn't make some of the same mistakes I did when I was going through college and got encouraged to think about right now instead of later. Then we join organizations like BDPA, NSBE, etc... and expand our message to those who are on the fence - they realize that they have a future and should save for it, but are pressured into living for the right here/ right now. It's a thankless battle in which we are outnumbered. We can't do the battle all by ourselves, but through organizations we can affect a few pockets here and there. At this point, it's almost important that there is some voice out there speaking against materialism that's out of control, and giving a positive, sensible message out there.