04-30-2008, 07:43 PM
[quote Black Landlord][quote vision63]Guitarist, you offer a great assessment of Cosby's new mission (though I take issue with a few tiny things). I don't think black America by and large really care about what Cosby is saying outside of some sort of amusing spectacle. Certainly a lot to talk about for the punditry.
You seem to be suggesting that all black people are not of one unified "hive mind", and that one doesn't have the ability to speak for all.
Controversial position, can you elaborate so the general public might understand?
The term "Black America" suggests an implied unity that I'd argue doesn't exist. Terms like "The black community" or the "African American community" or "the Italian American community" (or the more comical example of three types that certainly don't get along or have the same agenda, the "gay-lesbian-transgender community") are overused, I think. While communities do exist, that share common values, some organized, some informal, my inclination (this is probably an unpopular view) is to think of a lot of wildly diverse individuals who defy easy categorization, once we start viewing people as 'groups' instead of individuals, it's a disservice. Some of these so-called communities couldn't agree on where to have lunch tomorrow, much less automatically agree on a political or social point of view. I'm oversimplifying. But my inclination is to think of individuals, with views that are unpredictable and contradictory, instead of groups, that hold common or consistent views.
(update: I just noticed that I began this thread by using the term I just mounted an objection to, referring to Cosby, as a "...leading voice in the community". Quoting myself. Well, that blows that argument. I'm so full of crap LOL)
But about the popularity or unpopularity of Cosby's message: what I noticed, in the handful of interviews or articles I've come across, is that Cosby draws serious crowds at these events. He speaks to standing-room-only audiences, in gymnasiums, town halls, etc., and generates of a lot of emotional energy. His message is tough, but engaging. Many in attendance are older blacks, parents and grandparents, who have seen families under siege, opportunities in decline, vulgarity and gangsterism on the rise, and are frustrated. There's a thirst for what Cosby is saying. At least inside those packed halls.
You seem to be suggesting that all black people are not of one unified "hive mind", and that one doesn't have the ability to speak for all.
Controversial position, can you elaborate so the general public might understand?
The term "Black America" suggests an implied unity that I'd argue doesn't exist. Terms like "The black community" or the "African American community" or "the Italian American community" (or the more comical example of three types that certainly don't get along or have the same agenda, the "gay-lesbian-transgender community") are overused, I think. While communities do exist, that share common values, some organized, some informal, my inclination (this is probably an unpopular view) is to think of a lot of wildly diverse individuals who defy easy categorization, once we start viewing people as 'groups' instead of individuals, it's a disservice. Some of these so-called communities couldn't agree on where to have lunch tomorrow, much less automatically agree on a political or social point of view. I'm oversimplifying. But my inclination is to think of individuals, with views that are unpredictable and contradictory, instead of groups, that hold common or consistent views.
(update: I just noticed that I began this thread by using the term I just mounted an objection to, referring to Cosby, as a "...leading voice in the community". Quoting myself. Well, that blows that argument. I'm so full of crap LOL)
But about the popularity or unpopularity of Cosby's message: what I noticed, in the handful of interviews or articles I've come across, is that Cosby draws serious crowds at these events. He speaks to standing-room-only audiences, in gymnasiums, town halls, etc., and generates of a lot of emotional energy. His message is tough, but engaging. Many in attendance are older blacks, parents and grandparents, who have seen families under siege, opportunities in decline, vulgarity and gangsterism on the rise, and are frustrated. There's a thirst for what Cosby is saying. At least inside those packed halls.