Perhaps it’s the altitude. There must be a reason for the problems some rap music entertainers, such as Snoop Dogg and DMX, encounter. Perhaps it’s the fact that they keep getting caught in England. At least authorities there hold them partially accountable. But I find it remarkable that in each case it is the rapper who caused the incident over a minor request. With snoop it was the fact that he and those with him were not allowed to have a party in the 1st class area, even though they all did not poses 1st class tickets that were required for the access. With dmx, it was a request to fasten his seat belt. Are these guys 3 or grown adults? One would have to wonder, since this is what small children throw tantrums about. So would blame this on all rapper’s in general, I do not. But I have to wonder what effect the lack of education has had on some of these entertainers as, in my opinion, any adult with reasonable intelligence, and self-discipline, would not act as they have. And considering the past history of dmx at airports, among other places, I think that perhaps some of these entertainers shouldn’t fly without their mommies.
Just a quick though on something else. Many in the black community have had problems with the sale of Black Entertainment Television from it’s former Black African American owner, to a national corporation. While there may be dispute (I don’t see why) whether it was selling out or not, it has been anything but quiet. Beyond my own surprise over this obvious choice, that being the choice of an entrepreneur to start a business, build it up and be able to sell at an extraordinary price and reap the rewards of your success and hard work, I wonder where all the cries of outrage are for the sale of Ivillage.com? While already a public company, it’s acquisition by General Electric should have brought some cries. Where are all the women upset by the potential watering down of content that this presents. Where are all the protests and words of anguish the a corporate mega-image will superimpose the current content on this site? Is it perhaps that most of those that visit this site assume that the stockholder were living the American dream and cashing in? Is it that these patrons are willing to see if they will be provided better services? Is it that this is the nature of American business, and the sale of this site does not represent some kind of betrayal on a personal level but a monetary decision. I can only guess.
But there are more important things to discuss. Namely, Mr. Hill Harper’s book “Letter’s to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny.” This book addresses concerns that are at the core of what I am often speaking about. This book provides advice from Mr. Harper to the Black African American youth of this nation. And there needs to be more done. Not that I am upset Mr. Harper is making an effort to improve the situation. But there are more Black African American men in jail than in college or the military (as of 2000). As more and more Black males dropout, with dreams of being pimps, rappers and other forms of the ‘thug life’ that either place them in illegal activities or a longshot of odds no bookmaker would avoid taking, they are dramatically increasing the percentage that are unemployed at their age.
Mr. Harper should be applauded though for making an effort. In reminding the youth that school is important, and tips on how to make it work for them. In giving advice on how to impress without being stuck in the stereotypical (and growing) Black culture of defeat, isolation and death (my interpretation of the ‘bling’ ‘thug life’). For those who are unaware Mr. Hill Harper has not only appeared in several films (including The Skulls and Lackawanna Blues) and television shows (currently CSI: New York) but he also has a Law degree from Harvard University. He is another example of success. Like Mr. Morgan Freeman, Mr. Wil Smith and others, Mr. Harper is an example that success is not necessarily preceded by an arrest record, surviving murder attempts, or disrespect to women at large. And his book shows that success does not prevent giving back something positive to the Black culture and community. If as I mentioned above, there can be heartfelt debate about someone possibly selling out, shouldn’t there be an equal about of deeply felt discussion to support and investigate this book? If so many of the celebrities, Black, Hispanic or otherwise, that our children seek to emulate seem to act like spoiled brats, is it not time we present them with a choice that has comparable success and wealth and yet has also lived to his potential in education and career choices. Which parents do you think are more proud, snoop dogg’s parents (who have to explain what his real name is, and his various legal difficulties from assaults to drugs, and why his lyrics promote(d) disrespect to women and drug use) or those of Mr. Hill. Which would you prefer if you were their parent?
This is what I think, what do you think?
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