Comedian Bill Cosby is being derided as racist, classist and elitist following a speech in which he criticized black Americans for their speech patterns and exagerrated complaints about police brutality, reports the Associated Press.
Speaking at a commemoration of the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation decision, Cosby criticized low-income blacks for not using the opportunities the civil rights movement won for them.
"I can't even talk the way these people talk, 'Why you ain't,' 'Where you is' ... and I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk," Cosby said. "And then I heard the father talk ... Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth."
Among the critics was Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who questioned Cosby's tone. "Judgment of the people in the situation is not helpful. How can you help them is the question," he said.
In a statement issued the weekend after his remarks, Cosby said his comments were intended to be a call to action.
"I feel that I can no longer remain silent. If I have to make a choice between keeping quiet so that conservative media does not speak negatively or ringing the bell to galvanize those who want change in the lower economic community, then I choose to be a bell ringer," he said.
Bill Cosby - Speaks Out!
Yes there is still racism/discrimination in America, and it goes in both directions. However, injustices brought upon your ancestors, is no excuse for young blacks not taking hold of educational opportunities. IMHO it all boils down to a lack of morals, a lack of parental guidance, low expectations of success, and condoning laziness as acceptable behavior. The black community needs a shift in it's core values if it is to rise above its sterotypical projections, and Cosby is on the right track by speaking out.
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