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DEL.ICIO.USLet’s hope the Obama era will change thug rappers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My son has finally hit that age in which music means just about everything. So for his 13th birthday, we bought him an iPod. He’s downloaded a dozen or so songs, and his tastes expand all genres — notably rap and rock-n-roll.
Occasionally Miles will hand over the iPod so his Old Man can hear what he’s listening to.
Of the lot, rap presents the biggest parental headache. I try desperately to listen without prejudice, prejudgment and free of the baggage that weighs the art form down. Can the ubiquitous Lil’ Wayne be that much different from the artists of my teen years? Man, it’s like comparing night to day.
If there’s a story or message behind the lyrics, it’s buried somewhere amid magnificent beats and horrific rhymes about sexual prowess, fancy cars and pronouncements of being the best in the game. Humility as a trait has left the train station. It’s been replaced by the unfettered use of the n-word and the b-word.
Much has been made of the Nov. 4 election of President-elect Barack Obama. The first African-American president of these United States takes helm at one of this country’s more disparate periods. Expectations as to how his administration will govern run high.
On the periphery, another issue has been laid at his administration’s feet, though it’s not policy matter. Some wonder whether a black man’s occupation of the White House will affect music. Force the low-rent, explicit end of hip-hop to sing anew. To clean up. To add more dollops of decency so that fewer offensive lyrics need to be bleeped out. To produce for kids an actual “clean” version of songs that are indeed non-explicit and a showcase of the genre’s brilliance. It’s an issue that’s been discussed forever and a day among black parents.
In a Nov. 18 article, the Rev. Al Sharpton shared his opinion on the subject with Greg Kot, the Chicago Tribune music critic.
“You can’t be using the ‘b’ word, the ‘n’ word, and the ‘h’ word when you have Barack Obama redefining overnight the image that black people won’t have. Here’s the greatest political victory in the history of black America, and the thug rappers can’t come near it. They will have to change or become irrelevant.”
Notice he said “thug rappers” and not all. It’s a worthy distinction. Without question, rap/hip-hop music isn’t the sole source of crass pop culture. Turn on the TV.
I hope Mr. Sharpton and like-minded individuals are on to something and that that “something” catches fire. Surely the artists of such a powerful genre of music marketed to children can find ways to express points with less raunchiness yet still maintain their street swagger.
Will they? Who knows. I, for one, would welcome a sea change, the day when a majority of the “thug rappers,” as Sharpton described them, reinvent themselves.
It’s highly unlikely Miles will turn a deaf ear to any specific type of music just because I disallow it in our crib. Besides, he’ll get plenty of exposure outside my purview.
For now, though, Lil’ Wayne has got to go.
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By nana
November 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope Sharpton is right. I have to say though it’s an issue that’s been discussed forever and a day among non-black parents too.
By Pi$$onaDawg
November 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Good Luck with changing the words if you can’t change the Rapper’s mind. If mothers, sisters, and girlfriends put up with men acting and speaking like THUGS then the men will keep doing it. It is called enabling and until you or your wife quits giving your child the means to buy or listen to that crap it is your fault because your helping keep the music around by spending money on it. No money, no market, no RAP.
By Bill
November 29, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Come on Rick; be a dad and start parenting. If you don’t like the music, don’t let your son listen to it. Why are you going to wait until the government or Obama do your work as a parent. Teach this boy values, respect and good judgement as a DAD; before it is too late.
By Michael H. Smith
November 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
They will have to change or become irrelevant.
What a pleasant thought. To many people “THEY” are already IRRELEVANT.
By Ken
November 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Why should the election of a black leader be a signal to the black youth that they now should start showing respect to others? An attempt to change thug rap lyrics is just “killing the messenger”. The problem is how children are raised with regard to respecting others. It starts in the home, not in government. AJC editor Jim Wooten continues to highlight the real problem…it’s not rap lyrics but 70% of black children born out of wedlock. Don’t shoot the messenger!
By Concerned
November 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
The belief that changing thug rap lyrics will change culture is a problem itself. It’s so much deeper than simply changing words in a song. It’s cultural behavior. Did you know that Riverdale High School allowed Ludicris to come and accept a cultural achievement honor.? Yes, the school system. Leaders in the community glorifying an art form that continues to hold a community back. Changing rap lyrics is not the answer.
By Wackoman
November 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Good piece Rick
But what the black community needs more than a black president is more black fathers like yourself.
W
By mike
November 29, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
badie is again counting on obama to take care of his son to watch the rap music,and don’t abuse it? shouldn’t he as a suppose parent raise his family? IT IS TIME WE RAISED OUR CHILDREN OURSELVES,AND DON,T BANK ONANYONE ELSE. NO PROGRESS AT ALL. DOES NOT SURPRISE ME.
By NOWICUNVME
November 29, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Obama has much bigger fish to fry.
I think we all pretty much agree that some rap lyrics are just downright disgusting, demeaning, and disturbing. Some rap music is okay. Parents have limited ability to control what their kids listen to and are exposed to outside the home. Censorship is already in place on radio and TV. The rest is free enterprise and free speech.
Not to sound harsh, and you probably have heard some hard core rappers express sentiments of disapproval with “we don’t force anyone to listen to our music; the messages they have are in between the cussing and vulgarity; everyone has their own style; yada yada yada. Bottom line is you do not have to listen or buy any of this garbage.
Children born out of wedlock?, parents taking away allowance, disrespectfulness or issue of race is what is irrelevant. While most of the well known rappers are black, there are alot of white and hispanic listeners and followers as well. It is an era that a great many of us wish did not exist, however, it does exist. Just like the our predecessors had their eras.
Until the rappers themselves change their lyrics, hard core rap will exist. Let’s not make the mistake of labeling those who do choose to listen to certain artists. I know for a fact that not everyone that creates or listens to this music are gang bangers or derelicts. Stop stereotyping and just accept it for what it is. Oh, and please leave Obama out of this one. For he’s just a man, not God Almighty and he already has enough garbage to clean up.
OBAMA08
By Freeper
November 29, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Mr. Badie is “counting on Obama” for any help in caring for his son. Mr. Badie was saying he hopes Obama INFLUENCES THE RAPPERS TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACTS. He (Mr. Badie) also said, “Lil Wane must go.” Meaning OFF OF HIS SON’S IPOD. It amazes me how people can read something and because of preconceived notions about the author, miss the whole point of what the author was saying. Read to learn not to judge…
By NOWICUNVME
November 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
@ Freeper…Well Said. I’m not sure if you’re a frequent flyer on this blog but you will soon discover there are many with the diminished capacity and intellect to stay on course of the proposed topic.
By roska
November 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Here’s hoping the thug rap goes away.
I’m just waiting for LT5000 to jump in here and tell me why thug rap is the illegal’s fault though.
By BW
November 29, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
I believe thug rap has been going down for awhile, I’m not an expert and not really into rap, I believe the reason is pure economics, you can reach a wider audience without the thug bs.
Freeper you covered all of the rest of the points well.
By BW
November 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Forgot, we are the Nashville of Rap, so get more thrown at us a usual.
By Brenda
November 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
We would not have to be concerned about thug rap if there were not so many absent and thug fathers. My son listens to rap and is a college student in New York City. His father and I taught him to respect others, study hard, get good grades and we have never allowed him to drink, cuss, hang in the streets or attend clubs and parties. We have been strong parents and rap or thug rag has not and will not take the place of our prayers, love and teaching. Don’t look for the system to correct your children, that is your responsibility. Obama has his own children to raise. He can be an influence by the way he lives, but the greatest influence on children should be in the home.
By Moral Society
November 29, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
In response to Freeper…I don’t think the bloggers here missed the author’s point at all. I think the author missed the point by hoping that a leadership change would cure some cultural ills. It’s a fundamental difference between the two major parties. To take the argument further…why not hope that the leadership change will lead to a keener focus on education in the black community and to stop looking for more handouts. Or that Mr. Obama’s nomination will somehow reduce crime in urban areas. The point that “Freeper” missed from the bloggers is that government should not have been the article headline.
By Pylons and Pile-ons
November 30, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
She turned around and gave that big booty a slap…..Sorry, Mr. Badie, but those lyrics are the greatest prose any american has ever written. That song is a grand masterpiece. The world would be a poorer place without it, and I even think it played a role in Obama’s ascendancy.
Art influences life, and life influences art by some pendulous sphere of waxing and waning tides of influence.
Rappers make cartoons out of thuggery and expose the vampirical side of our humanity to sunlight.
It’s all good in da house, word. (OMG! I just rapped.)
By Jack
November 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
To quote Bernard Goldburg ” If I were attempting to create a way to make black men look like complete idiots,I couldn’t do a better job than rap music.”
I agree.
By Arff
November 30, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I agree too many hip-hop artists are putting way too much ignorance out there. I wouldn’t call them thugs though because so many of them are just playing gangster and aren’t nearly as bad as they want you to think they are. Also it gets old hearing the word thug because we all know its the new and acceptable n-word so please lets chill with that.
I don’t think we live in a generation where adults will be inspired to change what they fundamentally are. These people are trying to make a dollar and they know they will not be able to sell “positive” music. The record executives won’t let these people make this kind of music anymore than they would let Coldplay make “Bust it wide open”. A lot of white record executives are getting rich pushing this music just like a low-life dope man is getting rich putting drugs out on the streets.
I think people are trying to change it like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Bill Cosby, Minister Farrakhan, etc. but when they make statements, hold rallies and conferences to draw attention to the matter the mainstream media turns a blind eye and ear to them. There are also tons of parents out there that don’t approve of this kind of music but look at what they are up against. One of the most popular radio stations in Atlanta is V-103 and they play sorry music non-stop and glorify the people that make it. To make it worse they play the same four or five songs over and over.
Mr. Badie I think the only thing that will stop what you call “thug rappers” is time. The music is getting worse and less creative so its only a matter of time before it dies the death of disco music. I think once it is gone the problems our communities face will still be there.
By BW
November 30, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Moral Society and many others have missed the point freeper was attempting to make. Moral Society I’ll use yours as one of the funniest examples, “I think the author missed the point by hoping that a leadership change would cure some cultural ills.”.
My, my, how soon Moral Society forgets, when President William Jefferson Clinton had an affair in the White House the youth of the United States was being distroyed by his example. Yet Newt, Speaker of the House was getting a free ride, so to speak, by doing the same thing in the Capitol, that was just an affair by the man who was third in line for Clintons job?
The “fundamental difference between the two major parties.” would be yours is filled with double standards and hypocrites.
Ever hear the saying, “You lead by example”, that is the point, no hand out either. Look at W as an example, test scores have dropped every year since he’s been in office.
By Moral Society
November 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
BW…The point here is that government leaders should not be a moral compass. They are human and will make mistakes. The black community should work within itself to solve some of the glaring problems (education, moral decency, crime) and not look elsewhere. If a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link, then the black community will need to lift itself up for all of America to become stronger. Stop looking at government or civic leaders for direction and listen to Bill Cosby.
By Cindy
November 30, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Personally, I like rap. I just wish they’d clean up the lyrics. Those with true talent could make just as cool of a song with words that didn’t make me feel dirty to hear.
Other than that…it’s nap time.
By NOWICUNVME
November 30, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
@ Moral Society…I’m confused by your posts. The point Freeper was trying to make was that Mike was clueless and apparently you are too.
Any reasonably intelligent person can comprehend that Mr. Badie is not hoping President Obama teaches his 13 year old son about right and wrong. This is what happens when negative thoughts occupy your mind; You lose the power of the message. Actually, you lost quite a bit more.
It is not only the black community, sir or madam, who should be working on education, morals and crime. Considering blacks were once not allowed to learn, I think we’ve come a long long way. Blacks are graduating from high school with diplomas, from college with bachelors, masters and doctorates degrees. What’s the excuse in the white communities? They have never been held back, oppressed, always had all opportunities available. Yet, there are record numbers of high school drop outs in the white community as well. There’s room for improvement in every community. Parenting deficiencies in every community. Missing baby daddys in every community. Crime and drugs in every community.
To be completely honest with you, sir or madam, the black community has without a doubt come the farthest. We do excel in everything that is set out to be mastered. Remember when they tried to say that blacks weren’t smart enough to be quarterbacks? It’s been a long hard battle by many of generations. We now have professors, doctors, lawyers, and yes, The President of the United States coming out of these black communities as well. Our “weakest link” is a white society that focuses only on the negative and refuses to see the positive and the progression. The best is yet to come.
OBAMA08
By Michael H. Smith
November 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
I just had a good laugh after seeing the editorial from Media Matters (the left-wingers) ~ Calling U.S. center-right gets it wrong.
People voted their pocketbooks NOT their ideologies this time around. It was the economy stupid-part two, plain and simple. I guess Obama was the only one intelligent enough on the left to realize that his winning the election centered right on the American economy.
The vast Lil’ Left Wing is going to have a far more difficult time with Obama than with many on the right or make that the very vast center-right.
Comments from this blog certainly substantiate the GPS-moral location of the majority.
By Moral Society
November 30, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
NOWICUNVME…Let’s agree to exchange ideas in free and open debate without reverting to name calling. Calling Mike and I “clueless” makes you feel better, but does not advance your views.
The author of the article introduced the “negative” subject matter (i.e. Thug Rap Lyrics). Mike and I were only taking issue with the solution Mr. Badie suggested. Less government and more personal responsibility is necessary. Do problems exist in every community? YES. That is not the point. The black community just needs to work on how to work on the issues internally without looking to gov’t for the solutions. If a storm is coming to hit your neighborhood the best course of action is to LEAVE. But to lay blame on the gov’t when the best course of action is not taken is what we need to change.
By BW
November 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Moral Society, you do realize that Bill Cosby was a high school drop out do you not? Yes our moral compass Cos joined the Navy and when he realized after his tour that without an education you’re limited in life and went back to school.
Ever hear of being at the right place at the right time? That’s our Cos, while Congressman Lewis fought along side MLK, Cos was the first Black actor treated as an equal on prime time television. Now who raked in the $$$$, Cos for being lucky or a true hero and leader to follow Congressman Lewis.
So Blacks should listen to actors as moral compasse’s, care to name a few more than lucky Cos?
By fed up in gwinnett
November 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
In a post above it says ‘Considering blacks were once not allowed to learn, …….What’s the excuse in the white communities?They have never been held back, oppressed, always had all opportunities available.’ I don’t recall “blacks not being allowed to learn” at least in my lifetime. As far as “all opportunities available” that is not exactly correct either. Have you heard of affirmative action? How about the pell grant which is almost impossible for a white person to get. This is not always about race but this particular person always wants to make it about how they keep the black man down. IT’S GETTING REALLY OLD. Government cannot fix this and neither can Obama.
By NOWICUNVME
November 30, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Who cares! I’m fed up too! Fed up with ignorance! Do you have a dictionary? Wait you have a computer or a laptop right? Please google affirmative action and Pell Grants and return after you cleaned the egg off your face. You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. There are plenty, no, multitudes of white people getting pell grants. Women have benefited more from affirmative action than blacks.
My comments were specifically meant for Moral Society after he tried to assign lack of education and morals, and perpetrators of all crimes on the black community.
Just like the Jews will never forget the holocaust, Blacks will never forget slavery. It will always be old, but it’s history. You can’t ever make believe it didn’t exist.
You’re not the only one fed up in Gwinnett. Good ol Peachy Georgia mentality at its best!
OBAMA08
By BW
December 1, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
Blacks invented the Blues, the Whites had folk music, both told the truth. Rap is nothing more than modern day folk music.
Case in point, Pete Seeger and a number of folk singers were called before the Congress in one of it’s most embarrassing, besides unconstitutional times. The Inquistion of United States citizens by the Committee of Un-American Activities in the 50’s. Pete Seeger was blacklisted for years, Pete may be in his 90’s by now still hanging in there, but the McCarthy era, including the drunk McCarthy died a very short time later. Please read some history folks, Gone With the Wind is not history, it’s just a book.
Acid-Rock from forty years ago, a White thing more than a Black thing, where was the outrage? Now Whites do coke while Blacks do crack?The same drug gets treated differently, one slides, the other goes to jail, ever wonder why there are more Blacks in jail?
Moral Society let me offer two things; A. THE GOVERNMENT designed and built the levees that gave way a day AFTER the storm, “The People” believed they survived yet another storm because of the canal’s and levees were shafted, the levee’s built for commerace, B.about Rick and the subjects he brings to the table are open for discussion, most of us like his way sorry you do not, but the most important you have expressed your opinon.
Look at this way Moral Society, the AJC could go crazy and give me my own column.
By spankmonkey
December 1, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
“AJC editor Jim Wooten continues to highlight the real problem…it’s not rap lyrics but 70% of black children born out of wedlock. “
You and Jimbo leave out a fairly significant stat in your analysis.
The fact that 60% of white kids will end up in a one parent house. And because of our “conservative” courts it’s usually not the dad’s house.
By jim d
December 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Rick,
I’m afraid I fail to see the relavance between Mr. Obama in the oval office and the thug rappers plugged into your childs ears.
I don’t see this as a job for government, but more one of astute parents like yourself.
Help me out here, where’s the connection?
By fed up in gwinnett
December 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
nowicunvme blah blah blah same ole BS from you different day
By woodie
December 1, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Art has always existed on the edge of civilization. Artists seeking attention grasp new ideas in the hope of being heard. It doesn’t seem to matter that they mouth lyrics they do not believe. They are seeking attention that they are not getting. That’s the real issue it seems. The angst of youth weighs heavy in the black community. I say let them voice their angst. Let it run its course.
By Donna
December 1, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
nowicunvme…Obama did not come out of a black community and was raised by white grandparents. So, not the same as coming out of Cabrini Green and straight to the Presidency.
The biggest reason some Jews cannot forget the holocaust is because they were there. Know any black people who remember being a slave?
By NOWICUNVME
December 1, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Donna…Obama and his sister were raised by his mother and grandmother in black communities, because you know how some whites reject their own for race mixing. Read his books. His family experience struggles and racism. The love of his life, Michelle Obama, was raised in a black community. I, myself, was raised in a predominately white community, so does that mean I didn’t come from a so called black community.?
The biggest reason Jews can’t forget the holocaust is because it was a mass genocide of Jews. None of my jewish friends, none of the bat mitvahs or bar mitvahs I have attended, ever turned up one actual victim of the holocaust, but I heard many horror stories. The only difference you’ll get me to agree on with this one is Jews are not currently being slaughtered by a madman. However, Blacks and other miniorities continue to be oppressed and face racism, prejudice and bigots every single day. Especially down south in Peachy Georgia.
BTW in case everyone hasn’t yet heard the breaking news, Hillary Rodham Clinton will be our Secretary of State. Remember to get out and vote tomorrow for Martin!
Oh, I’m sorry…What exactly was the point you were trying to make? Nothing? That’s what I thought.
OBAMA08
By MSmith
December 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Well, considering that Ludacris is rallying for Jim Martin today, I rather doubt that the message is getting across to young voters in Georgia who like rap. I totally appreciate your article, and share your hope and desire for the lyric clean-up. My expectations, however, are low. I watched Oprah berate Ludacris for some of his disgusting lyrics, and he stood by his “rights.”
By Pedro
December 1, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama will be the Tiger Woods of politics - not black enough because his mama was white and he grew up in a privileged environment. He doesn’t understand the black man’s burden. Yawn.
By NOWICUNVME
December 1, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
P.S.…Should have known. The blah blah blah gave you away. “Fed up in gwinnett” is one in the same with none other than “Michael H. Smith”. What’s the matter Mr. Smith? Why do you feel the need to use another screen name? Could it be that you are actually the one that’s getting old? Yep, I sing the same story when I find it necessary. It appears you do too. Pitiful.
By Pedro
December 1, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama will be the Tiger Woods of politics - meaning he will influence black youth just about as much. People who are chronic underachievers will always claim to be victimized. Their failures will always be somebody else’s fault.
By Michael H. Smith
December 1, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Station Break:
The U.S. entered a recession in December 2007, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Okay, go back to blubbering.
By Michael H. Smith
December 1, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
You are so very sadly wrong about… “Fed up in gwinnett” is one in the same with none other than “Michael H. Smith”.
I’m NOT this clown either @ By MSmith December 1, 2008 11:51 AM
Somebody is getting very disparate in falsely casting dispersions.
By Mark
December 1, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
(c)rap is simply ear garbage for the illiterates.
By mike
December 1, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
any you cut it noabama is black. he is not patrioatic,he looks black so he is black. have you heard the saying”if it walks like a duck,if it quacks lika a duck,if it looks like a duck, it is a duck. and didn’t cosby have an affair with a woman that is not his wife? know what you are saying before you say it. ditto with jesse jackson. not everyone is dumb.
By fed up in gwinnett
December 1, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Wrong again nowicunvme this is not Michael Smith…you are so full of yourself and think you have all the answers. That’s obvious in the name you have chosen for yourself. As far as your comment about whites reject …for race mixing, so do black folks. I believe that if you expressed your obvious racial views to your so called friends that you do on this blog you wouldn’t have any friends. You are a blowhard with very little to add to the conversation unless it is once again how whitey has kept the black man down. We’re not buying it anymore and it’s so “yesterday” with the new President we will have in January. Go peddle those wares elswhere.
By NOWICUNVME
December 1, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Will do. First, I need to ask you if you have studied up on your assignments that I gave to you? I want at least an 8 page report on both, “The reasons for Affirmative Action and how they actually backfired” and “How long it took me to get my foot out of my mouth when I stupidly stated it was almost impossible for a white person to receive and Pell Grant.” You can peddle on that for a while.
By BW
December 1, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
The last two comments (fed up in gwinnett and mike) were killers, thanks for the laughs. I cannot believe by reading the majority of comments, those posting are allowed to drive cars and raise children.
It amazes me that the majority here cannot grasp simple concepts, it seems any defense of what kind of example Obama may have on rap soars right over their heads. One even suggested we do not use politicans as moral compasses, we should use actors? The Cos for being at the right place at the right time or Congressman Lewis who marched with MLK and took the beatings for Cos could finally get his chance?
No this just the typical Black bashing that always appears, mbut then you have to remember it’s one of the few states that voted for McBush.
MHS, don’t tell LT the news, he will go into shock.
By Badie
December 1, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Jim D: My point is this: Obama’s campaign was heavily touted by rap artists, some of whom spew vile, offensive lyrics. Maybe, just maybe, they will “rethink” the lyrics they write, the words they use in their songs, now that Obama - who has spoken out against such language - is in office. A few readers - and frankly, I don’t see how - totally missed the entire point of the column. I am not calling on Obama’s administration to take up the issue of pop culture. But maybe, just maybe, his occupation of the White House will bring about a change as it relates to the more offensive end of the art form. Make no mistake, and if you missed it in the column, I will spell it out more clearly: I police what my children listen to, hence the last line of the column: “For now, though, Lil’ Wayne has got to go.” What does that mean? That this artist and other songs have been deleted from my son’s iPod after we discussed them. How that was lost on readers is beyond me. Hope this post clears it up. Be safe. PEACE
By NOWICUNVME
December 1, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
I know this is waaaayyy off topic, but I just figured out how the Nov. 28th, the Friday after Thanksgiving, became a state holiday. That would be the State of Georgia. I’m dumbfounded and speechless and in need of help on this one. Hold onto your pants for this one…Robert E. Lees birthday? They have got to be kidding me! Who in their right mind would ever condone a national holiday affiliated with this name other than Georgia?? I don’t even think Virginia has declared this one yet, and he lived here and owned his slave plantations here before, during and after the Civil War.
Was there a vote for this, or was it handled like the stadium and trash hauler deals? This is outrageous.
By Moral Society
December 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Mr. Badie…Thanks for following along this blog and attempting to further explain yourself. However, it seems you’ve fallen deeper into the absurd. What evidence do you have that would allow you to speculate that rappers like T.I. and Ludicris will all the sudden change from writing such degrading and offensive lyrics just because a black person was elected president? NONE. There is no evidence this is even a remote possibility. That is why many readers ASSUMED you meant that you were looking for gov’t oversight.
It seems like you and many others who share your view are taking a very cautious approach in hoping for a culture shift in the black community. It will take an effort equal to the civil rights movement of the 60’s to raise the moral standards in the black community and to reject the oversexed, materialistic, misogynistic and lawlessness spewed forth by modern day thug rappers. The black community needs to get really angry about it first and rally the masses just like “Jena Six”. Then real change will begin. Writing articles like the one above hoping some “climate” change will work is a waste of newspaper space.
By NOWICUNVME
December 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
You forgot affluent, rich, luxurious car owning, taking care of their families and their mothers, talented and smart enough to make such a comfortable living off of their ryhmes and rap too. I am really not trying to be amusing, but I honestly think some or all of your cheese has slid off your cracker. Oh well. That’s okay too.
By Politcal Foreskin
December 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Rap is America’s diary. Dear Diary. I’m a gansta, give me your wallet.
Rap is the global stream of conscience, and our daily prayer to the superior power who forced us all to exist inside these dance machines we call our bodies.
Rap is the virtual now, the lines of communication from the call of duty to the bootie call, and all in between.
Rap takes us all to a ho nubbah lebel.
Rap will overtake rock and roll, country, classical, and lawrence welk as mainstream pop media.
peace out, blood. (OMG. I just thug-rapped again. Time for a drive-by blogging)
By momofmany
December 1, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Although I could have a lot tot say about this article, will stick to relevant comments only. I am the mother of 4 and I constantly discuss this and sveral related topics in this area.My children are quick to point out the the radio is the first source of the music(all county busses are equipped) so even when I scan the MP3 and Ipod to erase offensive or inapproiate songs they still hear them. Mr. Obama will not cure,raise or provide for my children anything that I can’t or haven’t except for an opportunity to see that education and intelligence can and will go further than the ignorance that they surround themselves with in the “gansta rap” that they are listening to. All this makes old skool rap enjoyers long for the next Run DMC or LL cd for just a piece of normalcy.
By nana
December 1, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Some people have really gone off the deep end on this….momofmany summed it up pretty well. How did slavery and the holocaust come up…I must have missed that one! :-)
By Aleesa
December 2, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
It must be so nice to be white and so morally upstanding. Wouldn’t it be shocking if there was a white Governor whose daughter got pregnant out-of-wedlock? Wouldn’t it be shocking if there was a white president whose daughters abused alcohol? What if some white men were so corrupt they bankrupted the largest bank in America and destroyed the econony of a whole nation. I simply can’t imagine. Have you ever heard of a white serial killer or child molestor? Unheard of! It must be nice to live in a world so perfect and good.
NOWICUNVME, don’t let any of the ignorant garbage you read on blogs make you angry. Blogs are always hijacked by the ignorant and hateful. The only reason I read them is the same reason I watch Jerry Springer. It makes me appreciate the real people in my life all the more.
As far as gangsta rap goes, as long as there is a market for it, they will sell it. Children always want to listen to music that goes against what their parents teach them. It’s their way of cutting the apron strings and having a sense of independence. The wonderful thing about President-elect Obama is he gives black children so much more to aspire to. Perhaps soon they will understand they are so much better than what gangsta rap offers.
By lots wife
December 2, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Anybody dumb enough to think the Obama-era will change the rap music, needs to remember he listens to music he will not allow his daughters to hear. Most of the posters are right - it’s up to the parents, not Obama.
By NOWICUNVME
December 2, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Thank you Aleesa. For your comments and for at least understanding Mr. Badies message.
Now I’m going to try to help seal the senate seats for President Obama so he can do what he needs to do. Go Martin!
BTW, who invited McPalin to Gwinnett? There’s a beautiful thought. The epitome of intellectual intelligent. The People’s finest, right here in Gwinnett posing as a Chambli$$ groupie!
By Reality
December 2, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Aleesa, you are too smart! Make more sense than all others combined. Read “Black Like Me”(written by a white guy- a true story) and maybe some of you southern whites will understand yourselves better than you pretend to. I find it too difficult to wrap my brains around the rap genre.(no pun intended) Perhaps it’s generational?
By Michael H. Smith
December 2, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Is it time for another blog?
By The Forgotten Messiah.
December 2, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
A man who was taking part in a terror attack on a hotel found himself needing a bathroom. He found a door marked “Mens” and went inside. The one stall was already occupied by another terrorist, yet he knocked on it anyway. “I’m sorry, this stall is taken” came the polite half sung reply. “It’s okay, I’ll wait”.
Moments passed. Outside, the sounds of a massacre encroached over the vent fans and courtesy flushes. The terrorist, becoming impatient, knocked again, “Hey, can you hurry up? There’s a jihad, hello.”
“I’m almost done. You want the sports page while you wait?”
“The sports page? Are you in their reading? Come on. Lets go.” Not once did the terrorist wield his weapon. It just hung there from the straps around his neck and shoulders..
“Almost done”. The terrorist began to look around the room and noticed a vending machine selling Spanish Flies. He studied the marketing pitch about fail-safe sex and observed the cartoon figure of a woman in heat. Isolated and deprived his entire life, (born and bred for the jihad), he had never imagined such a product was available, and soon decided to buy one of the pills.
He knocked on the stall again. “Hey, do you have a quarter?”
“A quarter? What for? I’m almost done. Just wait.” The terrorist returned to the vending machine and indulged his imagination with the fantasy of freakazoids for the first time.
More time passed and suddenly a woman entered, obviously trying to escape the carnage just outside the restroom door. She stood face to face with the terrorist.
“Do you have a quarter?” The woman took the situation in. She saw the vending machine and knew exactly what it was. She read the face of the terrorist perfectly and realized she could buy some time. She raised her purse and pretended to rifle through it for change. She noticed the AK47 on the floor inside the stall, and the boots. As he watched the woman, the terrorist imagined the immediate future bought with only a quarter, and felt himself becoming fly.
Stay tuned for part two of, “The Lords of the Fly”.
By Cindy
December 2, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
By Michael H. Smith December 2, 2008 11:05 AM * *Is it time for another blog?
Understatement of the day…
…and yes. It’s time.
By BW
December 2, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Maybe so, even after Rick explained it again, next time he’ll have to use blocks,a few still do not get it.
Palin was suppose to bring 7,000 of the parties faithful, it ended up round 3,000 according to the news, is it moose hunting season?
By Get a life
December 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Cindy and Michael,
You both really need to find something to do if you are waiting with bated breath for a new blog. How small are your worlds?
Go blinking out into the sun—it’s a beautiful day.
By Michael H. Smith
December 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Oh how cute, a silly anonymous wag attempts to score a mindless point.
People have long since “got it” and responded for the most part truthfully. Obama will not make the difference or change anything. The only ones that can change this rap crap penitentiary base so-called music and the associated lifestyle that goes with it are those most involved in it.
Yeah it is definitely time for another blog.
By LT5000
December 2, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why Brucie is so Anti-Palin.
Like Brucie’s mother, Sarah Palin kept a Down’s syndrome son as well.
As for Rap/Thug/Black culture. I think the results speak for themselves. Primarily in the crime statistics. How can 13% of the population cause so much trouble?
Based on current rates of first incarceration, an estimated 32% of black males will enter State or Federal prison during their lifetime, compared to 17% of Hispanic males and 5.9% of white males.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm#jail
Just the facts.
LT5000
By BW
December 2, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Hey LT are we in a recession yet? Have we been in recession since 12/2007? Keep investing LT, we need you.
LT keep your wall poster of Palin up I could care less, just reporting the facts.
By Cindy
December 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Get a life, You’ve GOT to be kiddin’. Out of all the things in the world to do, you chose to focus on and insult me and MHS. Someone does need to get a life, but it looks like it’s you.
By PBrazile
December 2, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I am so sick and tired of parents and politicians blaming rappers for their children’s outcome. When will parents stand up and become responsible for what they teach their children at home. When have rappers become teachers of our youths? Surely, they have some influence. Surely, they are the stars and “TV role-models” of today. However, it has always been parents who lead their on children to values and beliefs they want them to have. I say this commentary is another poster putting blame on rappers, and side issues. The spotlight needs to be on parents, and government. What parents teach their own children at home should always overlap what is on television, or what song is being played on the radio, but how will a child distinguish that when their parent is putting fingers at people they do not even know….
By LT5000
December 2, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Blubbering Brucie, show me two consecutive quarters of declining GDP and I will admit there is a Recession.
Like Blubbering Badie, you spout off, but don’t have the facts. Something everyone here has come to expect.
*The committee does not judge a recession as two consecutive quarterly declines in gross domestic product; rather, it examines quarterly data along with four key monthly economic indicators: employment, incomes, industrial output and sales. *
And Better yet:
The committee, which includes academic economists, met on Friday by conference call. Several members of the committee had said earlier that the economy was likely in a recession, but said they were waiting for more information before making the call about when the recession had begun.
Sorry Brucie, no Recession yet. The classical definition still stands as the Gold Standard. This group just changes the definition until it fits their model.
and let’s not forget this little nugget.
One member of the committee, Christine Romer of California Berkeley, did not participate in the conference call. She resigned from the committee last week to join the Obama administration as head of the Council of Economic Advisers.
An Obama shill on the committee? Say it ain’t so. This “Recession” didn’t start unitl the Democrats took over the House and Senate.
Don’t be too depressed Brucie, you can cruise the local Quik Trip for a young Mexican boy to make yourself feel better. The “Recession” has really hit them hard.
LT5000
By Jimbo
December 2, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
@NOWICUNVME
I haven’t read all your comments but I assure you that white don’t have a monopoly on racism and blacks don’t have a monopoly on suffering in this country.
Still, Obama is proof that anyone can pretty much do anything they decide to do. While it isn’t a decisive end to racism, blacks are only 12% of the population.. that means a lot of white people voted for Obama and I think that’s promising.
By Michael H. Smith
December 2, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
As one small footnote to the now “officially declared thus year long recession” that wishfully will hold true with traditional economic forecasting trends, is that when recessions are officially declared, it usually means the economy is either starting to exit or is well underway to an economic recovery out of recession.
At the moment the former is acceptable in the absence of the latter.
By BW
December 2, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
lt, you mean THIS committee, “Adding to the gloom, the National Bureau of Economic Research officially concluded Monday that the country has been suffering through a recession since December 2007.
With NBER’s decision, the United States has fallen into two recessions during Bush’s eight years in office. The first one started in March 2001 and ended in November 2001.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/390224_economy02.html
By BW
December 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Tsk, tsk little lt, one should never lie about the members… Milton Friedman Ludwig von Mises Simon Kuznets Alberto Alesina Robert Barro Anna Schwartz Aaron Edlin
By LT5000
December 2, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Last time I checked Milton Friedman was dead.
Dumbass Brucie, the hits never stop.
LT5000
By NOWICUNVME
December 2, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
@ Jimbo…I can assure you whites definitely have a monopoly on racism. They started racism. Sure, there are blacks that are prejudiced, but you need to ask yourself why? Do you think one day they woke up and said, “you know what? I can’t stand white people”? Attitude breeds attitude. This was a learned behavior for blacks. It was taught in the home and inbred for whites. That’s a big difference.
Secondly…Blacks, Jews, Hispanics, Indians, Gays, Muslims, Pakistanis and more have all endured great suffering in this country. Well, the Jews are separated by religion but they are considered white, and their suffering was bestowed upon them by white germans. Please enlighten me as to what suffering, (at the hands of a society or a government) has whites endured?
Your second paragraph was okay. Except, we know alot of whites voted for Obama, just not in good ol peachy georgia.
For those that refuse to believe, we have officially been in a recession since December of 2007. That’s a whole year. Before that, we were just in deep doo doo. Let’s see; Emergency unemployment benefits have been extended twice..foreclosures are the highest ever..700 billion bailout plans..Major banks merging and closing down..food stamps highest in 8 years..major car manufacturers going out of business and bankrupt..white colleges now want to merge with black colleges to save money (now you know it’s in the tank)…and Wall Street is in a frenzy. Are you friggin kiddin me???
I love the statistical demographic data of the prison system though. Blacks are unfairly represented in the system. It was designed to be that way. Almost like branding of cattle. Keeping track. Just remember all a black man has to do is drive a 2008 Cadillac and he can get arrested. Surely, everyone is also aware that, statistically, a black man and a white man will commit the same exact crime, yet, be given two different outcomes. Try to say it ain’t so all you want. It is so! Has always been so, and those who don’t want to accept it as so, just prefer to keep their eyes closed shut. As a matter of fact, police, judges, DA’s, lawyers, don’t usually like to bring up the failed penal system and what a disadvantaged system it is. Leave to LT to save the day. Ignorance is truly bliss. Well, at least now, we have the illegals to contend with. Whites don’t commit crimes right? I got a bridge in London I need to sell.
OBAMA08
By fed up in gwinnett
December 2, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
I think now..me needs to find a black panther website to visit.
By fed up in gwinnett
December 2, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
jimbo there is no reasoning w/now..me he is right all the time, all white people are racists, all black people are victims and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…don’t even try.
By LT5000
December 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
NOWICUNVME
Check out what the Racist White System did to this innocent African American.
Yep, those prison statistics must be a lie with such upstanding members of the black community as Leon Wiley.
Are asians and hispanics racist because they don’t like black people too?
Ever stop to think that maybe the black community may have done something to give people a negative impression of them?
http://www.sacbee.com/114/story/1443712.html
LT5000
By NOWICUNVME
December 3, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
WHO ever said all African Americans were innocent? That never came from my mouth. There is no pic shown of Leon Wiley but it doesn’t really matter because whatever color he is, he appears to be “off”. You know what I mean?
So. Let’s get this straight. In essense, what you’re saying is that the reason why you don’t like blacks is because of low life scum like Leon Wiley?? News Flash LT!! Leon Wiley does not represent the black community. Just like this wonderful piece of human specimen doesn’t represent your entire community text to be linked
You really crack me up with your hypocritical satire. Asians and hispanics don’t like black people either??? Would that be the same hispanics that you degrade and spout off the cuff remarks about daily? Thank you for informing me that Asians and hispanics don’t like black people, and…also for confirming that you are just a racist, hateful, ignorant poor excuse for what is supposed to be called a human being.
By Moral Society
December 6, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Nowicunvme…Your perspective is interesting. However, it’s holding you back from seeing the real picture. Please consider these points to help change your perspective and see the issues more clearly:
Whites started racism - It’s true the European cultures were much more advanced than the African culture when the slave ships arrived. It’s also true that Europeans didn’t just show up and force Africans into slavery. Africans sold Africans into slavery. This point alone should change your perspective that the blame should be equally shared.
Blacks Are Unfairly Represented in the Prison System - OK. Conduct your own social experiment to challenge your perspective on this. Take a drive down Bankhead Highway. Then go just a little north on I-285 and drive down Riverside Drive. The main difference is the homes and business on Riverside don’t have bars in the windows. Why? Because there is less crime in those neighborhoods. The white people in the Riverside Drive neighborhoods are driving down to Bankhead and forcing the blacks in those neighborhoods to commit crimes. Blacks chose this path on their own. Therefore, it’s not unfair that more blacks are in prison. Blacks are just not as prepared to compete in the workforce outside of rap music and the NBA. This fact causes more blacks to commit crimes and go to prison.
Obama will change some attitudes. But he won’t change the number of blacks going to prison unless the blacks themselves make the change to become more competitive in the workforce. Changing the attitudes of the thug rappers is a start…but only a start. More focus on the family and education is the next step for the black community to become a more competitive culture.
A changing perspective is my hope for the Obama era…not just thug rap lyrics.
By NOWICUNVME
December 7, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
@ Immoral Society…Tsk tsk tsk. How children will play when the teachers and greatness are away. You are very very envious of blacks. Did you lose your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend to a beautiful black person? I know we have the beautiful skin that you probably cook yourself in the sun to obtain. Or is it your teeny weeny wanker?
Sorry. You get all “F’s”. F in History. F in socioeconomics. F in Common Sense and intellect. If you are indeed a true and legitimate retard, please forgive me. Otherwise, consider yourself accepted as the southern born and raised, backwards, redneck, inbred hick that you are. People(?) like you are amusing and entertaining, nothing more. So, don’t go popping off in your wranglers thinking you got to me. I’m still laughing, and you, sir, madam, or both, can KMBA!! When you’re done, maybe a smidgen of black greatness will remain on your lips and you just might be able to think and write more sensibly instead of a replica of the developmentally disabled.
Hope you had a wonderful day, and an even better tomorrow!
OBAMA08
By NOWICUNVME
December 7, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
How bout those two gems in Cleveland that stabbed that youth minister who gave them a ride home, ran over him with his Toyota Corolla and left him to stagger to his death at the end of a driveway nearby. The mother of the 29 year old female and her kids watched at the front door and never called the police. Guaranteed the 28 year old pedophile teacher who abused and violated the 13 year old boy gets less time than Michael Vick. Hmmmmmm let’s see….13 year old child or 4 year old Pit Bull?? Go figure. But then again, the other caucasion teacher that raped the student and then had kids with him only received 2 or 3 years too right?
Oh yeah. What an equal and fair system we have operating here in the good ol U S of A! Some of yall heads are cemented into the sand for sure if you even think that prison sentencing and punishment is comparable for blacks and whites. Thus any statistics provided are tainted garbage as well. Also, let’s not forget that even the bi racial, quarter racial, heck any mixed race is recorded as black which ultimately, again, provides false positive information.
It is what it is. Just thought you’d like the real facts. Take your own advice and change your perspective on the real clearer picture.
By Moral Society
December 9, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
NOWICUNVME…OK, so don’t listen to me. How about another viewpoint from an AJC editor:
{Yes, marriage matters to nurturing of children}(http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thinkingright/entries/2008/12/08/yesmarriagematterstonurtur.html)
Mr. Wooten hits the nail on the head. Put the blame where it belongs. Think of what could be accomplished in just one lifetime (80 years) if we could reduce the 71% of out of wedlock births down to 30% in the black community. It could be done with a broader focus in the church’s and school’s. Teach the young girls how it is morally and socially wrong to bore kids out of wedlock. This country could be great again as government could focus more time and resources away from social ills. This is the path…however, there must be a revolution in the black community for this to take place. Start the process NOW!
By Concerned
December 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
NOWICUNVME…Put the Jena Six flag down and move away from the microphone…Your 15 minutes is UP!
By Moral Society
December 10, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
NOWICUNVME…No more name calling…just the facts about children and how to raise them better in our current society (topic of conversation). Stop with the stats around crime…that’s for another blog!
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it! Rule 2: The world won’ t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won ’ t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity. Rule 6: If you mess up, it’ s not your parents’ fault, so don’ t whine about your mistakes, learn from them. Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’ t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent ’ s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room. Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they ’ ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’ t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don ’ t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time. Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you ’ ll end up working for one.