Alright, so I know that what some of these political pundits on the typical political/news (or rubbage, whatever you want to call it) is for us to actually listen and take credence to their statements. They love and crave the attention, regardless of what is at stake.
Nonetheless, I have to admit the comments made on the "Morning Joe" show regarding hip-hop and it's culture/influence on students who participated in the SAE racial chants at The University of Oklahoma is utter ridiculous. Actually, quite unbelievable.
The crew went off the absolute deep end of the argument cliff in blaming hip hop for it's influence on white America, and one pundit even claimed the student's racial chant was on equal footing as songs using the N-word.
I'll be honest, I don't feel I have to even begin to discuss why this is wrong on so many levels. At this point, if you don't see the issue with such statements made by this morning crew, then you really should stop reading this post and delve into that issue.
And no, I'm not here to defend hip-hop. Yes, I'm a born and raised Brooklynite, and I grew up with such a culture. And yes, there is plenty within the hip hop culture and community (much like any other genre of music) that is a terrible influence. But hip hop can and will defend itself from these crazy accusation without my help.
This argument being brought forward by the "Morning Joe" crew is about as productive as the discussion on blaming Marilyn Manson back in 1999 for the tragedy which happened in Colombine, Colorado.
My issue with this morning crew is ironically the same issue which continues to fuel and forward such racial chants and misguided feelings - ignorance and disconnection. How several middle-aged white men and women who cannot dissect nor understand the difference between a term used in songs as endearment and a group of white males chanting about hanging a n----er from a tree, are looking to place blame elsewhere and deflect the real issue at hand is unfathomable.
Hello?! Oklahoma. White young frat boys. Chanting about hanging a n---er from a tree and not accepting them in their fraternity. In 2015! Not 1955!
It's still hard to wrap my mind around.
When do we stop looking for reasons behind such gross racism? Why are we looking to pin such a hateful actions on Waka Flocka Flame? Seriously? I'm no fan of Waka, not even a little bit - not by a longshot, as his music does absolutely no good - for anything - but come on, let's stop looking to bury the lead here!
These boys knew exactly what they were saying. Yes, they are young enough to expect mistakes, but they are old enough to understand and know the power of the n-word. Everyone does.
We need to stop sugar coating it and give excuses for what is apparently very evident. There is still this type of hate and racism within our country. And even scarier, it is still being passed onto new generations.
This instance just happened to be recorded and shared with the world. Just imagine all of the other moments that haven't been and are considered acceptable in certain pockets of our nation.
Let's stop with the ridiculous psycho-analysis babble. Put a halt to all of psuedo-reasonings for why it happened. It's time we looked at ourselves, our culture, our nation, and get serious about dealing with our awful past.
I'm tired of racism. It's oh so tiring.