Accountability and our modern day heroes power struggle.
Recently I read about the debate between Rev. Jesse Jackson and Senator Barack Obama regarding Black Male Accountability. Senator Obama made some statements demanding and encouraging black males to be accountable for their children, wives, families; pretty much in the same manner that Bill Cosby did some time ago and he too caught a bit of criticism. Rev. Jackson made some tough comments (to say the least) against Senator Obama, basically because he did not agree with him and his subject matter. Rev. Jackson’s statements were disrespectful and should not have been said in public. During this Presidential election, one of the most historic events in recent time, especially for African Americans and the Country at Large, why do we find the time or audacity to attack Senator Obama?
Whether or not you support him as a candidate for the Oval Office, we all should support him as a Man and a Human Being, who has accomplished what no other man of color has ever been able to do. Yes, Rev. Jackson did try to run for the Presidential office 20 years ago but he never got as far as Senator Obama. There are African Americans who don’t excuse bad statements or behavior by other African Americans. Is it possible that Rev. Jackson felt this way because he himself fathered a child out of wedlock, at a time when he was married and continued to hold the title of minister?
My issue is…Why attack Senator Obama and/or Bill Cosby for speaking the truth? What was said was neither demeaning, nor belittling to people of the lower class or economically challenged. Bill, like Barack, said to be accountable. On one end, there was a problem because it was said among a multitude of people, some that were not Black. An Issue that should not have been talked about in front of “company”, like it’s a big secret what goes on in our communities. On the other end, Barack said it to “family” and I guess he over stepped his boundaries based on the fact that he is a “leader”. So the next question is how is the message supposed to be delivered without hurting anyone’s feeling? Both men spoke up about an issue publicly many try to ignore.
Rather than attack Barack, Rev. Jackson should find a way to come together with him. His knowledge and experience would go a long way to assisting Senator Obama to achieve his goal. It just makes one think that Jessie Jackson is contributing to that illness called “Hateration” that is alive and well in our communities. If Blacks, Whites, and everyone else in between would stop being in competition with one another we wouldn’t be in the situations that we find ourselves in.
Ultimately if you listen to a Senator Obama’s speech, you will hear that he acknowledges how the government and American Society have failed African Americans and other peoples of color as a people. However it does not mean that we (people of color) should not strive for the best regardless and that he does not let either of us off the hook and not be responsible. We all should strive for our fullest potential and not accept the status quo. Not accept things that we all know are unacceptable. We must not continue to be a people who believe and teach our children that the only way to success is by being an athlete or a rap star. As I have said in some many of my rhythms, the only true freedom is obtained through education and educating ourselves. Keep in mind that I just said TWO things.
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Learn to Learn, Learn to Live, Learn to Love, Learn to Respect...RAHMAN S.
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