"the inferiority of the black race was built upon the idea of criminality; we were always criminally responsible even when we weren’t. We only held value when we represented money for our owner. We were only property that produced cash."
http://newculturevibes.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/an-open-letter-to-bobby-shmurda/
I had to respond. If you haven't read the Open Letter to Bobby Shmurda please read it first.
My reaction to Ms. Imani Brammer's article is not completely negative. I'd have to categorize my response while reading it initially as "GTFOH" (Google that if you are unaware of the acronym's meaning). However, she does have some great points. I understand her intentions, and the overall point she's trying to get across. But Ms. Brammer's thoughts hurt more than they progress.
Black Americans created Hip Hop. It was created in my home borough of The Bronx. Since its creation, it became a voice for a variety of classes, races, and ideas. Bobby Schmurda is just another voice. But lets not focus entirely on him, taking away an opportunity for him to earn an honest living. When it comes to music, focus on a bigger picture.
I can go into details how Black Americans are the number one consumer. I can explain how Hip Hop culture advanced consumerism at the same level, perhaps more than Steve Jobs and Apple advanced technology. Before I do that though, I'd first have to explain - from an entertainment perspective - what Bobby Schmurda represents. He represents care free fun.
"Hot N----" isn't a hot song because of its content; nor is Chicken Noodle Soup, Walk It Out, Laffy Taffy, Wobble, and many other dance led songs. If it weren't for that dance, you may not have even heard the song, let alone see him showcase his music at Epic. Bobby Schmurda's Hot N---- is just a song to get people dancing. If you danced to it, if you had a great time while the song was playing, it did its job.
If you were really interested in content, you would've listened for that initially. And that is why I was compelled to respond. So many listeners are backwards. Hip Hop fans, the real base of the culture, listen to what an artist says, before they become compromised by the fact that they are listening to a beat that makes them move. Ms. Brammer, you are simply a listener of what ever comes on. You are not what you are attempting to represent. You are an enduser. Similar to the Facebook users that post the picture of "Facebook can access your camera and record without your permission". After you have used the material for what you wanted, you attempt to posture as someone trying to save others from perpetuating a "bad thing". Stop it 5!!!
Furthermore, you attempt to degrade him to a slave, working for the white man, destroying the entire black community one play at a time. Well damn, pardon the man for trying to achieve his dreams. But let me put you on to something dear. Bobby Schmurda is not the first violent rapper. He's damn sure not the first black rapper. He's also not the first rapper to come from an oppressed inner city, in which the dreams of having more force people to compromise their morals an values. You ever heard of Ice Tea? You ever heard of Jay Z? I know young people don't know much about him, from what I heard, he's wack, and Chief Keef is better (I really knew rap moved on at that point).
I'm going to explain this to every reader, and quote me on this. Spread this word. Never condemn a person who is attempting to achieve success to a slave, working for the white man, and never claim they're destroying the black community unless they're literally doing such a thing with intentions of doing so.
When white people, asian people, and any other ethnicity watch tv and perceive us how the news portrays us, we equate that to having a racial bias. When you blame a music artist, actor, or anyone who has a job for the degradation of our race, you're basically taking that job opportunity from someone who would excel. Taking that job opportunity from that person, let's say 50 Cent, means 50 Cent doesn't go on to have a stake in Vitamin Water. He doesn't make $300 million. He doesn't invest in SK which sends a dollar to feed the hungry for every like. He doesn't take that trip to Africa. He doesn't build that relationship with Chelsea Handler, and performs a farewell for her last show.
Don't assume because a person entertains they are encouraging people to behave in the manner they perform. You shouldn't hold them so high on a pedestal. If you need someone to worship, go to church. Michael Jackson danced with the dead, is he supportive of a zombie apocalypse? Scarface sold drugs wholesale, is Al Pacino mentioned to support drug distribution and use? Harry Potter was a sorcerer, does that mean Daniel Radcliffe supports witchcraft and wizardry? Its entertainment. Jay Z said, "Scarface the movie/did more than Scarface the music to me" which means stop living and dying by the words these people say. Instead categorize their music as love, action, drama, comedy, documentary, family.
As far as inferiority and criminals, black people are not either. There are more white criminals than black criminals. More white people use drugs than black people. More white people are on welfare than black people. We are not inferior, we are outnumbered. There are 42 million black people, 210 million white people. Read up on your census.
If you were really concerned about the black community, you'd get an education in finance or law. Partner with someone else who does the other, and help establish businesses, communities, and cultures of independence. Teach people to invest, then how to invest. Teach people their rights and why they should vote. I'm assuming you voted since you're so pro-black community. Educate others, and don't ever tear down characters in our story of black life. Everyone can contribute if everyone encouraged others to contribute.
I myself am not tearing you down, but hoping you can open your eyes before you attack someone else publicly. I admire your voice, and with the views you've obtained, you can do so much more.
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