[PB2K]

It's hard to miss : http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/07/01/cos....ap/index.html

This guy is right. The way it goes now, with all the romantisation about hoods, thug's and gangsta's, there will never ever be a first black president of the USA.

[CD Hanks]

Go Cosby!

[macvillage.net]

Cosby is getting the heat, but he isn't the only one saying this.

He's got a good point. Some individuals are blowing an opportunity, while others are working their asses off. And the slackers are giving an entire group a bad name and reputation.

[typoon]

FINALLY!!! Somone in the Black community is saying this type of stuff. It's nice to see the Cos saying it. He is someone people can respect.

[paully dub]

Cosby has always said these kinds of things, and has always chastised other black commedians for using foul language. I remember when Eddie Murphy joked about him, saying "Have a Coke and a smile and shut the f*ck up", and it was funny. That was in the 80's, pre gangsta rap and all.

But things have gotten worse, nigga is so common white people are using it, and I can't even understand what some of these dirty south cats are saying - Cosby's crankiness is finally sounding appropriate.

[PB2K]

it's good because it helps to prevent poor blacks pointing their fingers to society. I understand their troubles are really bad, but if they don't stand up for themselves they spoil the chances of future generations too. Poor blacks have very low selfesteem and don't trust eachother, that way outsiders dont think much of the either, thereby strenghtening their victimisation. That has to change.
Wealthy blacks are blacks too. The whole 'bounty' idea (white inside, black outside) is ridiculous and prevents smart black kids to be ambitious.

[typoon]

Originally posted by PB2K:
it's good because it helps to prevent poor blacks pointing their fingers to society. I understand their troubles are really bad, but if they don't stand up for themselves they spoil the chances of future generations too. Poor blacks have very low selfesteem and don't trust eachother, that way outsiders dont think much of the either, thereby strenghtening their victimisation. That has to change.
Wealthy blacks are blacks too. The whole 'bounty' idea (white inside, black outside) is ridiculous and prevents smart black kids to be ambitious.

Exactly. That is what the So Called Black leaders should be preaching instead of talking about what "the white man" Owes them. That is why other races when they come to this country do so much better. The understand that it's not who owes you something but how hard you work and what you do that makes you and your society better.

[slow moe]

Hey, has anybody seen Soul Plane. Yo, that Snoop Dog is dope.

[Millennium]

I've always admired Cosby for a wide variety of reasons. This is, to me, another feather in the man'd proverbial cap. It's good to see that he's joining the fight in a wider scope now than before; we need more people like him.

[Zimphire]

Yeah Cosby has always had big ones. Big brass ones.

He probably could have done well in politics.

[typoon]

Originally posted by Millennium:
I've always admired Cosby for a wide variety of reasons. This is, to me, another feather in the man'd proverbial cap. It's good to see that he's joining the fight in a wider scope now than before; we need more people like him.

Agreed. I've always had a lot of respect for Cosby. He's able to do a comedy act that is clean but VERY funny. He's always been a family values type of guy. Hopefully we will see this message coming more from the black community.

[Millennium]

Originally posted by Zimphire:
Yeah Cosby has always had big ones. Big brass ones.

He probably could have done well in politics.

Bill Cosby in politics, huh? Would he go on the late-night talk shows to tell jokes about himself?

[Zimphire]

Originally posted by Millennium:
Bill Cosby in politics, huh? Would he go on the late-night talk shows to tell jokes about himself?

Probably.

[PacHead]

There is way too much gangsta crap and idolizing of rap stars and ex-crack dealers, criminals etc.

When one of these thugs or thug wannabes opens their mouths, they don't exactly sound too intelligent, and I'll even venture as far as to say that many of todays youth are downright stupid. And that includes whites, blacks and hispanics, basically anybody who is trying to emulate the ghetto culture, with the violence, bitches, niggas, hos etc.

I live in New York City, and some of those "ghetto" neighborhoods aren't that bad looking. The thing that makes a neighborhood "ghetto" is not the neighborhood, but the people who live there and the way they act.

Cosby is on the money.

[Stradlater]

Unfortunately, much of what he says is true, but existing prejudice affects all of it. It's not poor grammar, but, rather, a consistent dialect that is every bit as efficient as "standard" English--Cosby may not completely be in touch with "his people." That dialect isn't going to get you far, professionally, though. It's easy to be prejudiced against certain dialects, accents, even languages...much easier than it is to be prejudiced against race and sex...

Regardless, Cosby has a point, and many black people have the opportunity these days to turn things around, although it's a difficult thing for many of them to do (given environments in growing up).

[typoon]

Originally posted by Stradlater:

Regardless, Cosby has a point, and many black people have the opportunity these days to turn things around, although it's a difficult thing for many of them to do (given environments in growing up).

While I agree it is difficult it is not impossible. You get people coming to this country that don't speak a lick of English yet are winning Spelling Bee's and Succeeding. Hard work and perserverance and at times a little luck help. Look at several of the successful black people and how they grew up. Colin Powell and Condi rice come to mind.

[Stradlater]

Originally posted by typoon:
Colin Powell and Condi rice come to mind.

I'm not familiar with either's life story, but did they grow up in the projects?

[Dr.HermanG.]

Screw John Kerry, let's get Bill Cosby on the ticket.

[Randman]

I applaud Cosby for his comments and his willingness to take the heat for them. I hope his message gets picked up by others.

But don't forget his history of affairs and the sordid details that came out about his affairs and mistress shortly after his son was murdered. Not that faithfulness seems to be a prerequisite for political office these days.

Just wanted to remind all of the people idolizing him that part of his history doesn't stand up to scrutiny when judging with a moral compass.

[macvillage.net]

Originally posted by Zimphire:
Yeah Cosby has always had big ones. Big brass ones.

He probably could have done well in politics.

Don't think he has the patience.

He'd be frustrated.

Cosby's the type of guy who genuinely wants to make a difference, and improve life.

Problem with him is that he's not the political type. In politics (as some of the media is showing)... this would be the end of his career.

Guys like him are in the right place: Where he has the freedom to make a difference in the style of his choosing. He's got the spotlight, and he's got persuasive power (lots of people respect him).

What's really needed is for some other successful African Americans to come out and back him. Sadly, they seem to busy with themselves, and their career to look back.

[BRussell]

Before any of our lilly-white forum members here get too high and mighty about what the black community should do, most of what Cosby says could apply equally to whites. Get educated, stay off drugs, be good parents, etc.

[angaq0k]

Originally posted by Randman:
Just wanted to remind all of the people idolizing him that part of his history doesn't stand up to scrutiny when judging with a moral compass.

Isn't that the lot of most people anyway?

Who is perfect?

[angaq0k]

Originally posted by BRussell:
Before any of our lilly-white forum members here get too high and mighty about what the black community should do, most of what Cosby says could apply equally to whites. Get educated, stay off drugs, be good parents, etc.

I would respectfully add also something like: "stop lecturing others on what they should do and preach by example instead...", although it seemed to be underneath that post somehow...

[MallyMal]

First, as a Black male, I agree with what Cosby said on both occasions and am not offended at all about either of his statements.

Second, I find it humorous that *some* people are taking this as a "He sure told them" kind of thing. Let me tell you a secret, what Cosby has said isn't a new thought for intelligent Black people. My friends and I and many other Black people(including rappers) have been saying these same things for a very long time.

Third, don't let the media blow smoke up your hind quarters by making you think that what Cosby has said has somehow outraged the majority of the Black community. The only reason a lot of people are taking issue is because they don't like the way Cosby put it out there.

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

Originally posted by MallyMal:
Let me tell you a secret, what Cosby has said isn't a new thought for intelligent Black people. My friends and I and many other Black people(including rappers) have been saying these same things for a very long time.

Most people know that. What people react to when someone like Cosby comes out and says this kind of thing, is that it's pretty obvious it's not P.C. for others to publicly say the same things more often. It seems like ONLY am icon with the status of Cosby can get away with it. Politically Correct nonsense makes it harder, if not impossible for others to so publicly express the same things.

That’s compounded by the fact that the media and politicians tend to recognize, promote and acknowledge the existence ONLY of a narrow spectrum of ‘P.C. approved’ clowns and buffoons (Jackson, Sharpton, and a very narrow band of entertainers in P.C. ‘approved’ fields like music and sports.) over the legions of intelligent people of whom you speak.

Were Bill Cosby not Bill Cosby and just some Joe Schmo saying the very same thing- folks like Jackson not only wouldn’t give him the time of day, (let alone reluctantly share a stage with him) they’d have both barrels loaded and ready to blast away, vilify, tar and feather and verbally lynch.

And of course his advice is a good message for ALL races. So what? He doesn't seem to be addressing all races.

[MallyMal]

Originally posted by CRASH HARDDRIVE:
Most people know that.

Honestly, I really don't think that they do. Cosby or not, why do so many people have such low regard of the Black community that they have no idea that Cosby didn't really do anything new. What Cosby said is something that the Black Community has been speaking out against and fighting against for the longest.

I understand your point that it's partly because of Cosby's status. But once again, why should his status matter when the legions of intelligent Black people(the ground troopers) have been doing this all along but barely no one outside of the Black community notices it? Could it be a lot of the people who are screaming "Go Cosby!" have no idea what going on in the Black community other than what they see on TV?

[angaq0k]

Originally posted by MallyMal:
Honestly, I really don't think that they do. Cosby or not, why do so many people think of the Black community so lowly that they have no idea that Cosby didn't really do anything new. What Cosby said is something that the Black Community has been speaking out against and fighting against for the longest.

I understand your point that it's partly because of Cosby's status. But once again, why should his status matter when the legions of intelligent Black people(the ground troopers) have been doing this all along but barely no one outside of the Black community notices it? Could it be a lot of the people who are screaming "Go Cosby!" have no idea what going on in the Black community other than what they see on TV?

It's amazing the number of people lecturing "others" about what "others" are supposed to do yet have not a clue about what's going on. Especially when one's standards should be THE model to follow by those "others"...

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

But once again, why should his status matter when the legions of intelligent Black people(the ground troopers) have been doing this all along but barely no one outside of the Black community notices it? Could it be a lot of the people who are screaming "Go Cosby!" have no idea what going on in the Black community other than what they see on TV?

Absolutely. But could it also be that a large reason for this, is the fact that as I said, outside of a very narrow spectrum of ‘PC-approved’ forums, (sports, entertainment, buffoon politics) the black community and anything that goes on in it is IGNORED by virtually everyone? That includes the black community itself.

You won’t find many people who don’t know every minute detail about the ‘stars’ of the narrow range, their ‘scores’ hit singles, latest sitcom, rape charges filed against them, whatever. But how many know and regularly follow the words and deeds of the vast majority of those ‘troopers’ that you mention? Virtually anyone you meet can tell you in intimate detail the latest foibles of Kobe. But how many people you meet on the street could tell you the achievements of (but one example) Vivien Thomas?

A point about Cosby being heard; even he fits within the narrow spectrum. He’s an entertainer.

[MallyMal]

Originally posted by CRASH HARDDRIVE:
Absolutely. But could it also be that a large reason for this, is the fact that as I said, outside of a very narrow spectrum of ‘PC-approved’ forums, (sports, entertainment, buffoon politics) the black community and anything that goes on in it is IGNORED by virtually everyone? That includes the black community itself.

You won’t find many people who don’t know every minute detail about the ‘stars’ of the narrow range, their ‘scores’ hit singles, latest sitcom, rape charges filed against them, whatever. But how many know and regularly follow the words and deeds of the vast majority of those ‘troopers’ that you mention? Virtually anyone you meet can tell you in intimate detail the latest foibles of Kobe. But how many people you meet on the street could tell you the achievements of (but one example) Vivien Thomas?

A point about Cosby being heard; even he fits within the narrow spectrum. He’s an entertainer.

Ahhh, I see what you are saying. Since so many people are starstruck use that star status as a vehicle to deliver the message. I can dig...

[typoon]

Originally posted by MallyMal:
Honestly, I really don't think that they do. Cosby or not, why do so many people have such low regard of the Black community that they have no idea that Cosby didn't really do anything new. What Cosby said is something that the Black Community has been speaking out against and fighting against for the longest.

I understand your point that it's partly because of Cosby's status. But once again, why should his status matter when the legions of intelligent Black people(the ground troopers) have been doing this all along but barely no one outside of the Black community notices it? Could it be a lot of the people who are screaming "Go Cosby!" have no idea what going on in the Black community other than what they see on TV?

I think the reason why people hold such low regard for the Black community is because of many of the justified or unjustified stereotypes. Also it's People like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharton and Many of the Gangsta Rappers and Drug dealers on the corner, that give the whole community a bad name or hold it down. Instead of saying you can't do something why not tell people if they work hard they can do anything they want. Why not provide assitance to them instead of telling them people "owe" them something. Their are MANY prominent and intelligent black people. Cosby is one of them, I would consider people like Walter Williams, Condi Rice, Colin Powell as people who worked hard and made it.

It's interesting that you don't see many other blacks from either the left or the right joining Cosby. I've heard it from Many blacks on the right but NONE on the left. They are always talking about how "the white man" owes them something and not how THEY can improve themselves. It would be interesting to see what the outcry would be if a "white man" had said the smae thing cosby did about the Black community. He/she would probably be branded a racist.

[typoon]

Originally posted by BRussell:
Before any of our lilly-white forum members here get too high and mighty about what the black community should do, most of what Cosby says could apply equally to whites. Get educated, stay off drugs, be good parents, etc.

Very very true. It should be said about both groups

[ironknee]

his tirate is about parenthood that are not working...and as the previous post said, any race can be guilty of it...there should be a test for parenthood...

[Millennium]

Originally posted by ironknee:
his tirate is about parenthood that are not working...and as the previous post said, any race can be guilty of it...there should be a test for parenthood...

The thought is awfully tempting at times, but reality gets in the way: is there any really fair way to write and grade such a test? In a situation like parenthood, an unfair test is worse than no test at all.

[Saad]

Originally posted by Stradlater:
I'm not familiar with either's life story, but did they grow up in the projects?

Powell was from the Bronx bor to Jamaican immigrants. Rice's parents were college professors in Alabama.

[Tater Salad]

I agree with everything he said.
But isn't it ironic that he was saying don't blame the whites?
He was standing next to a man who made a name for himself blaming whitey for everything. He is not fond of white people, and as a Jew, I hate him for being such an anti-semite.
Same goes for you Mr. Sharpton. You're worse because you're a complete liar.

And personally, I find Cosby to be funny many times. Long before all this trash sitcoms like Will & Grace, which preaches degeneracy. And it was universal. It wasn't classified as a white or black sitcom. Even Fat Albert had a decent message way back when.

Once the majority realizes that it is their own fault for their mistakes and down falls, and when their children get a good education, then they will make something of their lives.
Of course, the anti-vouchers crowd wants the kids to stay in a failing school, so that might not happen for the inner-city kids, thanks to liberalism.

[Edit]. Yes. Those stupid white boys better stop acting like the blacks who act like gangsters who act like convicts. I'm tired of seeing these teenage white kids walking around dressing like prison fairies with their pants down like a two year old going to the bathroom. And they talk just like the kids that Cosby talks about.
Wonder what Cosby thinks about affirmative racism—I mean action.