After Imus When Are We Going To Show Some Respect?
A chorus is now rising among some in the white community concerning what they see as double standards and hypocrisy in the black community. Popular rapper Snoop Dogg was shown on television as an example of what we in the black community have accepted as disrespect of self by self. Even if we act foolish to ourselves we will not tolerate others to disrespect our community. This brings me to the purpose for writing this article. Now that Imus is fired and his show a thing of the past when are we going to stop tolerating the disrespect that we as black people heap upon ourselves daily.
Over the past nearly 30 years of my life I have heard the black woman called "Hoes" "B***h" and others denigrating words from comedians(like Richard Pryor) to popular rappers of today. Even the VH1 show "The flavor of love" showed black women using negative words speaking of themselves. Amazingly, we still call ourselves 'Niggers' or 'Niggas' in 2007 and are shocked when whites or others follow suite. I was always taught that if you don't respect yourself-you can't expect respect from others.
Perhaps we can use the spark from the Imus debacle to start a serious discussion on the serious problem of self hate in the black community. Many may think that the last statement is extreme, but I ask who is killing us more-our own selves or others? Who is robbing us more-our own selves or others? Who is getting black women pregnant and leaving the women vulnerable our own selves or others? Who is selling drugs in our communities our own selves or others? Who is calling our women b***h on records, promoted worldwide, our own selves or others? This is self hate! A wise man once said, "Until we learn to love and protect our woman, we will never be a fit and recognized people on the earth. The white people here among you will never recognize you until you protect your woman. The brown man will never recognize you until you protect your woman. The yellow man will never recognize you until you protect your woman. The white man will never recognize you until you protect your woman."
I don't think Don Imus words can be anymore hurtful than the words and actions being perpetrated daily by the men in our communities against our own black women. Who wants to accept the challenge to help stop this? We can turn this around and it starts with showing some self respect and self love. I am in no way excusing Mr. Imus or any other bigot or racist, but we should sweep the dirt in front of our own door first.
As an African proverb said:
"If you kick your own dog don't be surprised if someone else does also."
Thank you for reading these few words.
Copyright2007Mustafaa Muhammad
Related Tags: african american, racism, current events, sexism, don imus, rutgers, radio shows, mustafaa muhammad
Mustafaa Muhammad is an "African American" who is a follower of the Islamic faith. Through independent religious studies developed an ecumenical view of the world's religions and the people of God. And while he is devoted to Islam as his faith he is at home in the Church(or other religious institutions) as he is in the Mosque.
He has been featured on the Radio, Newspapers, public speaking events and at Mosques/Churches telling his story and offering his understanding of Almighty God's plan for salvation.
Mustafaa is involved in community activity. He believes that our faith must inspire us to greater service to humanity or we may be making a mockery of the purpose of faith. Contact him @ http://brothermustafaa.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Third Term - The Obasanjo Syndrome ... Ambition and the Place of God
I recently read a post in a blog (multibrand.blogspot.com) concerning President SBY of Indonesia amb - Black Veterans Still Not Receiving Their Due
With a Black President, many discussions have been re-kindled regarding the treatment of Blacks in v - Are Green Party Candidates Converting Voters?
Have you noticed that the Green Party Convention is hosting a few training sessions which include th - The National Debt: Young Americans Are Inheriting a Sinking Ship
The greatest fundamental weakness of the United States of America is its national debt. Debt weighs - America Must Return to Its Free Market Roots
The United States is the most prosperous country in the world. Its economy has been a constant engin - Policies Of President Obama And Democratic Congress Severely Undermine Job Opportunities For Young Americans
For Young Americans, this is the worst job market in decades. Despite politicians claiming we are on - The Virtues Of A Limited Federal Government And Why America Must Return To The Limited Federal Republic Laid Out In The Constitution
I consider the foundation of the Constitution . . . that 'all powers not delegated to the United Sta - Young Americans Have Largest Stake In Maintaining A Strong Military And Effective Homeland Security Policies
Americans are truly blessed to live in a country protected by the most powerful and effective milita - Why Hitler Wanted To Ban Guns
Whenever the name Adolf Hitler is mentioned one automatically makes a connection to the Holocaust, N - What Happened To The Mohave County Downwinders?
I always get a bit frustrated when I hear that the reason Mohave County was excluded from the Radiat
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Designer Shoes Come First In Global Poll Of Most Wanted Accessories
For both men and women, shoes have long been an essential fashion item. In fact, many women in popul - New US Ambassador for Indonesia Named
The US government has appointed Cameron R. Hume as the next ambassador to Indonesia, reliable source - 1984 By George Orwell
1984 by George Orwell In the book "1984" Orwell criticizes totalitarianism of all types and brings - Chaos Theory: Bush's delusions & Iraq's destiny (Part 2)
The classic counter-insurgency strategy of the US consists of the "ink-blotch" approach. This involv - Will Israel Attack Iran (Part 2)
In November of last year, I wrote an article speculating about whether or not the Israelis would tak - Rodrigues Island 'autonomy'
Rodrigues Island: 'Autonomy' The first few pages were qui - Obama Is Coming, Clear The Way!
"Obama biro, yawne yo!" (Obama is coming, clear the way)—Tens of thousands of cheering Luo "Tr - African Tribes
African Tribes In this article the economies and lifestyles of such African tribes as the Lele and - This Is Not Your Dad's Republican Party Anymore
Stock markets are strange because they reflect the sum total of all our hopes, fears and prejudices - How to Drastically Reduce our Foreign Oil Dependency While Saving you Money at the Pump
If you watch or listen to the news, discussions come up all the time about the price of a barrel of