I Just Have to Say This

OK, so I know there has been a lot that's transpired since the last time I blogged, and you probably thought I had moved on to another passion or pursuit. Well, that's true to an extent. I thought since such a great accomplishment was made with the ascension of Obama to the presidency, that we (as a diaspora) would gradually get out of our own way and seek to reclaim the pride and self-respect that we had in decades past (Civil Rights era, early 70's). There are glimmers of that here and there, but for the most part I have to say "Boy, we have a long way to go!!!"

We just lost probably the singular most successful, iconic, influential, creative, and transcendent figure of modern history. For those of us in our 30's and 40's, Michael Jackson is the bassline and rhythm to the soundtrack of our lives. Regardless of origin, nationality, economic condition, religion, persuasion, whatever, virtually everyone who heard or saw his creativity was indelibly touched. But, like any great person in human history who could cast a powerful and magnetic aura over humankind, he was persecuted, mis-understood, tormented, and had inner conflicts. People who have such an enormous gift rarely are able to be "normal", and with their extra'ordinary' genius and gift, how could they be? Such was the case with Michael Jackson.

Regardless, Michael Jackson is a world treasure because of his global influence. He also belonged to the African-American community, transcendent as he was. Michael Jackson was and is a source of pride because he is from our community and he was able to break barriers. He exemplified the American dream - "from nothing to something by using your God-given talents and putting in hard work."

All of that brings me to this.......WTF was that on the BET Awards tonight?!?!?!??!?!? And I'm speaking specifically about the buffoonery starting with Ving Rhames and climaxing with Drake/Lil' Wayne/Birdman et al. Stephen Hill, EVP of Entertainment and Music Programming (if that is still his title) needs to be fired for allowing them to sing those songs and DISGRACE the memory of Michael Jackson. Did he not know the WORLD was watching?!?!?!? Maybe he couldn't predict Ving Rhames' ignorance, but surely he knew what these other clowns would be singing. And to top it off, whoever was manning the broadcast 7-second delay switch was definitely on "CP Time" because the vileness kept getting bleeped a second or two too late. The hostage audience had to take the full brunt of the vulgarity. No chaser. No forewarning for the parents who had kids in the audience. WTF? W-T-F?!?!

I was so embarrassed, I had to cover my eyes and hide my face - even while in the privacy of my own home. This is PRECISELY why we as a people don't get respected, stay marginalized, and are treated with indifference by so many other cultures. We do it to ourselves over and over again. Here, we have a rare occasion to coalesce around a singular cause, an opportunity to show the power of our unity and reverence for a product of OUR community. Granted, we did see humble and dignified performances by several artists in tribute to Michael Jackson. But, we also know it's the sensational and out-of-bounds ignorance that remains on the minds of most people who look for reasons to marginalize our people. The song selections for Drake and Lil Wayne were an abomination to the memory of Michael Jackson. I'm not knocking their hustle, and their songs are popular (although I think they are tasteless and lack substance), so I wish them continued success. But damn, is there nothing else more family-friendly in their whole repertoire? Or, could they stick to a PG version of their songs since they’re hollering "Rest in Peace MJ"? This clearly demonstrates the one-dimensional un-inspired limitations of their so-called talent. I have just three words for these fools.....TIME AND PLACE! They have effectively taken a DUMP on the memory of Michael Jackson with this vulgarity under the cover of art/music/entertainment. He would NOT be proud, I assure you.

No respect, no common decency, no regard for how this "tribute" will be received by the world. Just more of the same ignorance. Sometimes I think we as a people are putting our faith and future hopes into a generation that is morally, spiritually, and common-sensically bankrupt.


Just One Man's Opinion.