Put Foxx and Sharpton on a rickety raft in the middle of the ocean.

The best way to protest is to stop giving the individual any money or attention.

Wow Tina, without my glasses on I thought I was looking at some weird form of a donkey...heehaw.  But after further inspection I realized your avatar is a turtle?...ok, so my eyes are a bit blurry w/o my glasses.  But thanks for your support, I think he is a jackass (heehaw kind of one) even though your avatar isn't showing it. 

BET Black Entertainment Television -   WET White Entertaiment Television... I think not!!!

Black Music Awards - Latin Music Awards.. -  White Music Awards... nope!!!

BET awards -   WET awards... no way!!!

Black Miss America -   White Miss America... not on your life!!!

Are black ladies allowed to join in the Miss America peagent.?... why yes they are.

Are blacks and/or Latinos excluded from the Grammys, Oscars, Emmy's or Tony's... no they are not.

So who has a race problem?... oh, that's right... it's those white people.

Gsiola, I think it is appropriate to discuss this in public forum and see how people feel.  I am sure there has been a need for these types of programs in the past, but it is appropriate to revisit them and consider if we need them as well today.  We might--or we might not. 

I know that as whites, we can enjoy cultural heritage based on race and frequently do.  There are Italian, and Scottish societies in town, that I am aware of, and I am sure they have their own exclusive programs for their members. 

Something to consider.  I am quite on the fence on the issue, and would love to see both sides present their best arguments.

MP

So so so true gsisola...as you pointed out so descriptively with the award & beauty shows.  There is no way that we (as on the color chart that we get when have to explain our ethnicity), would ever get away with this.  As it has been proven time & time again. 

However, I'm still curious what African Americans have to say about Jamie Foxx's comment....

My best argument is that as long as people contintue to draw racial lines and beat everyone over the head with it, the racial issues and the bigotry will never go away. 

I don't pay attention to the color of ones skin when they're working for me, with me or alongside me.  In time the lines will blur to the point they no longer exist/  But as long as people llike Jesse  and Al Sharpton..AND Jaime Foxx keep up their divisive speeches, it will take a lot longer for the lines to blur.

They hurt their own people.

These kind of people (entertainment biz) hurt all of us with racial comments...but yet they are the ones that scream the loudest when the tables are turned and God forbid, someone of another color says anything that might offend African Americans.  What other races have you heard scream racist?  We have many cultures & races living here in America, yet the only ones I ever hear screaming are the African Americans.   

My point on this topic is, there is prejudices on all sides....and when someone that is in the spotlight shows his true colors, it divides us.  I've been hunting for a video of his remarks, they have all been removed.  You can "read" them, but you can't watch them.  Quite obviously the people that put on the award show (BET) know that this is irresponsible & negative behavior....I agree. 

Wasn't it Micheal Jackson who said "don't matter if you're black or white", "ebony and ivory, together in perfect harmony" and "we are the world"... now before you tag me as a racist let me tell you that my son is black/ white... his girlfriend is Latino and my grand-daughter is black /white/ Latino... I don't care what color you are, they say in about 200 years everyone will be the same shade of brown, I hope so... but to say something so ignorant as "he belongs to us "we shared him" as if someone actually owned him... I don't get it. I'm sure that Micheal himself would have been appalled at Mr. Foxx's comment.

 @LoveVintage:

First off, I believe what Jamie Foxx said was a bit far fetched and at the same time a day late and a dollar short
in its tot-ale. Given the fact that Michael, as an artist, had a huge global fan base, I think it was a bit reckless to
discount those whom Michael himself may have viewed purely as his family of admirers, not as a color by
color fan base. As I believe the comment, as poorly thought out as it may seem to some, was one of
adoration that REALLY should have been said and conveyed more when the man was alive versus now when
it just seems like pure stunting, as the BET Awards show usually is (or so I hear as I don't watch the channel
any longer nor desire to do so).

Yet at the same time I can understand where that statement at a time of heightened emotions came from. It
was, in my opinion, a singular man saying that despite the many still prevalent negative connotations held by
some in Americana about Black Americans/African Americans that Michael Jackson, as a Black American, had
defied those notions to rise above them (somewhat). Saying he had belonged to "us" was a sense of pride
comparable with small town of 1,000 feeling so proud of one of their own who struck outside the bubble to
make something noteworthy of themselves that in turn shines a bit of light on the 1,000 people.

So while the comment that Jamie Foxx made was irresponsible, I don't think that it was as racist as you are
charging it to be. What I did find a bit suspect was your looking for responses from "African Americans as well
as any other 'colored' blogger." Do you find that at all appropriate given that descriptor was/still is used by
bigoted Americans as a lazy way of defining anyone who wasn't White or pale skinned? That smells a bit
more racist than the statement you seem to want to attack with this post.

@gsisola:

The Black Entertainment Television network as well as the Miss Black America pageants had their moments in
time and roots of relevancy that gave their existence meaning and purpose. Today, however, the point can
be made and has often been raised in the blogosphere is of there being little need/a dire need to continue
on with these facets of appreciation, arts, entertainment, etc. BET, however,  is a shell of what is once was and
only serves as an embarrassment to me as well as many friends of mine that grew up with it in the household
while it was still promoting the Black artists that got little to no spotlight on the bigger music networks
(MTV/VH1/CMT/etc). Now it serves no real purpose other than pushing commercial crap and promoting crap
music without the substance found in music of prior decades.

My problem with your Black Miss America - White Miss America comparative theory is that the former was
started in response to Black American women not being allowed to compete in the general competition.
Additionally, The Miss Black America pageant has continued on as a means of empowering young Black
American women, who display talent/intelligence/drive, to succeed even further by providing them
scholarships to further their goals in aspirations they would otherwise may not have afforded/handed to
them. So how can you crap on something that really was a positive at its core and not just some overblown
T&A contest as the Miss America pageants now seems to have become?

Oh, and until you are ready to really tear down the walls across the board (i.e. no more male/female/religious/cultural/general-type-speci fic catering in the American mediasphere) I would recommend you put down your flame and pitchfork for now...

On side-note, I have Black-Mexican and Black-White siblings/family members, but that most assuredly does
not qualify me as some race-relations expert. So the utilization of your having mixed race children/family members, as factual their existence may be, doesn't somehow filter your mind from thinking thoughtless things nor conveying them in conversation or blogs, unless you start to put yourself out there and learn/observe the culture from the ground level and its many facets.

Nancy..OMG!  You have the audacity to post:

"My best argument is that as long as people continue to draw racial lines and beat everyone over the head with it, the racial issues and the bigotry will never go away. "
 

Aren't you the one to point the finger and candidly give your "demographic opinion" when it comes to Hispanics in the news?    You also take issue with people who are sensitive to your comments about race: 

'Sioux, if you use the words "Hispanic,"  "Mexican,"  "Spanish," or "illegal" in any combination in the same sentence, in any other than glowing praise, you are a bigot....Small minded people tend to think that way.'

However, today you are taking issue with Al Sharpton and Jamie Foxx for making comments that are offensive to you, as noted in your post:

I don't pay attention to the color of ones skin when they're working for me, with me or alongside me.  In time the lines will blur to the point they no longer exist.  But as long as people llike Jesse  and Al Sharpton..AND Jaime Foxx keep up their divisive speeches, it will take a lot longer for the lines to blur."

LOL....guess in your mind the people "drawing those racial lines" are always going to be those other than yourself.  Hmmm...with all due respect, you're talking out of both sides of your mouth now.

jpack, I totally agree with you.  Thumbs up!

Jamies Foxxx is not a racist.  I was not offended by his comments at all. Is anyone really offended by him saying that Michael Jackson belongs to "us"?  Is this more about the BET thing or is it really about the comments?

America's past affects what is going on today.  There was a point and time when "Black" (or race) music was not aired on TV or radio.  Michael Jackson helped change that.  A young and upcoming MTV didn't even want to play his stuff but it was so popular with mainstream (aka White) audiences that they had to play it.  MJ was a known commodity in the Black community before his popularity in the 80's.  Foxxx's comments were not made out of bigotry or ignorance.

(sigh) I guess you can have 'em, too.

I do not dwell on comments made by Jamie Foxx and you should not either.

Jewel  Nancy..OMG!  You have the audacity to post:

im surprised that word *AUDACITY* didnt burn the tips of your fingers off when you cliked it off..

as far as jamies comments hes a brother and he was proud of another brothers accomplishments..

I think like jewel ( accept that she just likes to fight over stupid crap) you may have read too much into some one elses comments and went a tad over board...slow down and take a deep breath..its not gonna stop you from eatting breakfast or carrying on with your day..not saying this too be mean..you seem to have a heart so keep it clean...

I think people sometimes take things way out of context.

Jewel - I'm glad you identified Nancy's contradictions (let me suggest that I actually like Nancy more than most of the conservatives on the blog, and oftentimes respect her opinion). 

I've always looked at people for who they are, not what they look like (well, I try, at least).  However, now that I'm in a technical interracial marriage, my perspective is even more influenced by what I see and hear from my in-law family.  What I've found is that there is still plenty of racism coming from the "white" side.  Some of my wife's family look almost as "white" as an scotch-irish caucasian, yet they are technically Mexican-American, and therefore, they oftentimes are on the listening end of extremely racist jokes and propaganda, considering those spurting such filth are not only bigotted to begin with, but obviously somewhat stupid as they can't even think about the possibility that someone looking white would actually be of another culture.

I'll agree that current social constructs within the minority communities (most notably the black community) are on the decline.  Media moguls have indeed cashed in on rap & hip-hop culture, identifying that sex and violence sell, thereby indoctrinating future generations with negative messages, beefing up the idea of "gangsta life."  At the same time, we can also look at how government has had a role to play in this over the years, especially when looking at the construction of low-income housing and the "projects," which created an environment conducive for horrid living conditions, which can have a major influence on someone's choice between going to school but still live in squalor, or joining a gang, where, as rap culture promotes, the individual can become rich and powerful.

I think it is essential for all Americans to feel equal, and not feel pressured by race or culture.  While I don't think Nancy meant for individual cultures to completely fade away, I do think it is important that we keep cultural traditions in our own families, and as we assimilate and inter-marry, meld traditions together, allowing for a creation of a new culture that still has roots in ancestral beginnings.  It's this very reason that I've already done extensive research on my own family history, because when I do have children, I want them to know from where they came from, and where they are going.

FSG Jewel - I'm glad you identified Nancy's contradictions (let me suggest that I actually like Nancy more than most of the conservatives on the blog, and oftentimes respect her opinion). 

FSG..this is a case of not having been on another blog so the poster is editing to invent a point that really has none..using a partial post to get a reaction..which seems to be jewels mode of operation..I dont want to keep this thread running on another blog unlike other people but your opinion of nancy is correct and you need to rethink it on jewel..I know we occasionally have our differences but not this time..

note I said occasionally..sometimes you do make sense *grin*

Now im outta here..*FLAME ON JEWEL* show em what cha got..too bad i wont be back to read it..had enough of your invented bigotry stupidity yesterday..

Well, if that's the case, then I apologize to Nancy.

Either way, what Jewel said still has some validity - maybe not as it pertains to Nancy, but to many people in general.

I have one more comment here then I'm done with this particular blog.

Jewel...Pointing out demographics isn't racist OR bigoted.  If I said the majority of people in Mexico are Mexican therefore most of the auto accidents there involve Mexicans I suppose you'd consider that bigoted too.

Pointing out that the majority of people living in and around Wasco, Shafter and Arvin are of Hispanic descent (there's that ugly word again) therefore a large share of auto accidents involve people of Hispanic descent is a demographic fact.  I don't make up the numbers.

That doesn't mean the majority of auto accidents in the USA involve people of Hispanic descent, it just means than in pockets of the country where the majority are of one descent or another, percentage wise, they will be higher in numbers for ANYTHING...even shopping.

Now, if you refuse to believe the numbers I suggest you spend some time in any of those towns.  I did.  I worked with them, for them, shopped with them, had them as clients, made lots of good friends while I was there.

My bigotry, if any, is toward ILLEGALS who are swamping the system and the majority are of Hispanic descent.  I don't make those statistics up either.  Again, it's not the people of ANY descent I complain about, it the fact that illegals in the numbers we have hurt all of us who are here legally.  Now, if you want to say I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth because I talk about demographics, go for it.  But while you do that, you might want to include the folks of Hispanic descent who resent the hell out of the illegals for not entering the country legally and with all the struggles THEY or their family had while becoming legal.  If that's what you want to call it, they're bigoted in the same way and for the same reasons I am.

Now I'm done with this and with people like you who just want to fan the flames of intolerance.

Yep, I thought it was a racist remark in some way.  He did not HAVE to say "he belongs to us and yada yada yada".  Let it be known he was known world wide and admired by many of different races.  But I wasn't surprised someone "threw" that out there.  One thing I have a hard time understanding is him being a black man and 'one of them' (which sounds dumb as I typed it), why was he always lightening his skin? And here I am trying to maintain my tan...geeeesh!  (and I don't buy the skin disorder story crap)

Jpack - I would recommend you put down your flame and pitchfork for now...

A little harsh and, totally uncalled for don't you think... you obviously know little or nothing about the kind of person that I am... I am sorry if my previous comments may have "struck a nerve in you"... clearly not my intent... just bringing to light a few true and factual points. I know this may sound like crap to you, but I do "run" with friends of various races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and yes differing sexual preferences... wow what a surprise, maybe I'm not the "Gomer" that you think I am. So if you are painting me with the broad white redneck Bakersfield "god ole' boy" paintbrush so often used in this town,  maybe you better think again and switch to crayons or colored pencils or something.

 

MJ was just an entertainer!  nothing more. The big memorial on almost every channel on TV all the people who were standing there weeping over him because of all the 'good' he supposedly did.   What about the soldiers that die everyday for  you for me for our children and grandchildren, wheres  the same kind of attention for them.   It turns my stomach that this twisted singer was worshiped by so many and the ones that give their life are given a small mention in the news.  

FSG:  construction of low-income housing and the "projects," which created an environment conducive for horrid living conditions, which can have a major influence on someones choice between going to school but still live in squalor,

How do you explain the "squalor"? The "projects" were brand spanking new at one point weren't they? Or were they built with garbage, bugs, rats, and dirt included?  I have had friends who were down and out and had to move to the projects just to survive. THEIR place and surrounding area was clean, neat and tidy and basically kept up. However, several "neighbors" did live in "squalor" - garbage in the yard, inside filth, weeds and bugs all over. So who provided the "squalor"? The government? How much does soap and water cost? a garbage bag? a rake? a broom?

There are many, many neighborhoods in Bakersfield that, at one point, were brand new and very nice. Now they are garbage dumps - who did that? The government? I see neighborhoods now that I used to walk through to go to school and today they are horrible and I would not allow a child to walk that neighborhood under any circumstances.

PEOPLE are the "squalor". Do not blame the area - blame the ones who live there who don't give a damn.

Are you serious?

Jamie Foxx is a comedian. He was hired to make people laugh. Not all things that comedians say are funny I must agree on that but that does not make this man a racist. If you don't agree with BET do me a favor and don't watch it! BET awards do promote white talent....Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Robin Thicke...so don't even go there with me. MJ.. yes he was an icon but he was a little strange....who cares.....Mr Foxx has the right to say what he wants when he wants.....its 2009 missy!

Us black women were told we were ugly for many of years so we came up with Miss Black America to compete against each other and to show the world Black is Beautiful too.

 Blacks have one freakin channel and you are worried about it ....get a life!

TIMEC: Jamie Foxx made horrendous racist remarks about mily cirus and 'white' girls (and it wasn't funny) and all he had to do was apologize and he kept his job. Imas made horrendous racist remarks about the black basketball team and lost his job and was villivied in the media even after he apologized many many times.

So...............who/what is racist??

I prefer the company of anybody who is polite, and genuine.................I don't care the colour, race, creed, religion or sexual preference. I have many friends in all those venues.

We know Jamie Foxx is a comedian, who doesn't? I didn't realize that was a time or place for comedic acts, my bad!

Jamie Foxx did make inappropriate comments about Miley ...BUT...Sirus radio needs Jamie more than he needs them that is the reason he was not fired.

Imus made racist comments towards and entire basketball team....calling them "nappy-headed ho's".....he was fired and rehired....oh well...life stinks.

"The Dog" used the word ni**er and was fired and rehired....oh well......its called life.

I didn't realize that was a time or place for comedic acts, my bad!

Thanks for your input but he was hired by BET not you. They knew exactly what Jamie Foxx was going to do and say. That is why Jamie makes the big bucks.

Timec - Please! Some people use the public forum to get their point across and that's just what he did, figuring many were watching the escapade. Personally, I found it to be tacky and still don't think it was the time or place. IMO

I say~ take the title of your own blog to heart :-)

Very well said jpack.

We do not have to wait for the day we are all caramel colored.....the human genome project has proved we are one race.

Now on to the tidying up of these artificial divisions.

MICHELE

You have a right to an opinion and so do I and so does Jamie so we are going to leave it at that ......

Once again, we can agree to disagree :)

Who is Jamie Foxx?  The name sounds familiar............

I love Jamie Foxx. 

He's proud of his race.   So who isn't.   He makes stupid comments.  So who doesn't. 

Racism to me is the KKK. 

The key to understanding things like BET and the Black Miss America Pageant is to listen, with a very careful ear, to the rest of the noise and hype produced by media and people in this country. White folks get plenty of pats on the back, every second of every minute of every hour of every day.

If you are anything else, you get maybe an occasional comment, and half of them are negative.

If folks reach a bit for their sub-group's pride, I think it is well understandable.

You are only a "sub-group" if you think you are.  For years women were a "sub-group" now look at them!!!  Ya have to pick yourself up - can't expect others to do it for you so if you decide you are "sub-group", not good enough then that is what you will become.

DS~ that is a good point. All and all this is much ado about one comment.

As a person I can only begin to understand anothers experience~ but know full well the impact words and unspoken things can have on a person.

Women have hardly acheived parity.

jpack, I appreciate your well thought out comment.  I don't buy into the "emotions" thing though.  Jamie Foxx has put down my "color" for far too long & he knew exactly what he was saying on the show.  I never listened to him as a comedian as I don't really enjoy that venue, but I have seen his movies & on talk shows and always thought of him as being a good actor, he was supreme as Ray Charles.  The Miley thing irked me, but the comment at the BET award comment was the final straw.  I watched & listened to the memorial yesterday & many things were said that I found very moving & quite touching.  No one ever made a comment that alienated any race, as Jamie Foxx's comment did.  

I do want you to know when I said that I wanted to hear from African Americans or any other colored blogger, that I was referring to ANY color of people, not just African Americans or whites.  I want to hear from everyone, no matter what color you are. 

Timec: I was hoping I would get something better than what you had to say.  I know you are an intelligent woman, but in your comment, you came off as angry & bitter.  And by the way, I really don't watch the BET award show or any other award show for that matter.  I was channel surfing, saw Jamie Foxx, wanted to hear what he had to say...and boy, I was disappointed.  Guaranteed darlin, I will stay away from anything that has to do with Jamie Foxx.   

I'm with the majority of people that have responded.  I'm color blind and will fight this racial thing tooth & nail.  Maybe one of these days, everyone will get it...we're all just part of the human race.  I do not find humor in jokes about any race, religion, color, or creed.  I do not find humor in fat jokes, skinny jokes.  IMO, you have to be extremely intelligent to be able to be a comedian without any racial comments or bad language..it's an art that many comedians have yet to master.  

The most beautiful people in the world are the ones that are filled with a loving spirit, a giving heart, an open mind, a way to put anyone at ease.  I hope one day we can all be united and realize that the things we have in common are the things we should be joyful for.  

As far as Jamie Foxx, he just doesn't get it.  I won't listen, watch, buy, any of his movies or programs.  I say don't abuse your god given talent, use it to influence all of us in a positive way.          & nbsp;  

There would have been much ado if the situation was reversed.  And that's the point we've all been trying to make.

Speaking of Ray Charles..HE and wonderful singers and entertainers like him, such as Sammy Davis Jr as well as many others, paved the way for the Michael Jacksons and the Jaime Foxx's.  MJ was not the trail blazer.

I see white folks have joined the band wagon and are crying racial discrimination.  The white firefighters won their reverse discrimination suit, whatever that is.  Hey, it worked for blacks, why not try it for whites and one hispanic.

Oh yes Nancy, we did completely leave out those wonderfully talented men.  Good thinkin!

Jans: ho hum and a big yawn.   

 MJ was not the trail blazer.

In music video he was, without question.  Michael made MTV and set the standard for videos.  He was 20 years ahead of his time.

Music videos?   That's not what they were talking about.

He didn't have to go through what people like Sammy Davis Jr did..or Lena Horne.  He didn't have to have the Rat Pack refuse to stay at the Vegas hotels unless Davis could have free access.  Those were the pioneers.  MJ benefitted from their struggles.

As every generation does~ and every generation has it's struggles. Doors continue to open for whoever comes next in line,that were closed before.

Yes he did as Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxxx, and to many others to name benefited from him.  MJ was a trailblazer in the music industry how he was able to market himself to the world and be an entertainer.

In defense of BET, I think the Black community gets to a point where they are no longer seeking acceptance or gratitude.  Black videos, movies, and "entertainment" is seeking approval within th eocmmunity.  Where else can you see football games between HBCUs?  Prior to the mid-90's it was the only channel that you could see Black musicians and entertainers (not just Michael Jackson). 

Should Blacks be looking for approval from the mainstream?  Should they beg for acceptance or just create their own channel?

 Sharpton is about the biggest racist I have ever seen! Why let him even speak?

If a black person lets him be their voice they are pathetic!!

Charles Barkley is bigger than Al Sharpton.

Wow, Witters.. that was quite a tirade.

The reality is that in the past (and in the present in certain areas of the country), projects have been poorly maintained by management.  I'd also suggest you do some reading on the effects of concentrating low-income families into such areas.