Cosby: Brutally honest or elitist snob?

Earlier this month Bill Cosby took a segment of the black community to task on issues from their grammar to complaints about police brutality. Some people said he was being brutally honest, while others said his remarks were a classist, elitist attack on the poor. What do you think? Read the story: Some angry, some agree with Cosby criticisms Renee Graham commentary: This Cosby show is undeserved

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Honest.. if you dont like it than change and start taking responsibilty for raising your kids... or grow up and see for yourself.. 9 friends of mine are teachers in boston area schools.. and those with parents who do not help and teach their children only hurt them..

bill

The article says that many blacks are worried that people will use BG's statements to deny that racism still exists. Racism will always exist. If you're Jewish like me, you get the opposite stereotype of the "princess" and it's no less damaging. However, Bill's still right. Racism or not, you have to make your own way in this country unless you're born wealthy. And, many blacks are by the way. I've always been a fan of Cosby and I always will be.

Melody

It's funny to me how none of us will ever own up to our own inherent racism. I would guess that 99% of the people who posted on this message board (myself included) are white, yet would never DREAM of admitting that they have racist tendencies. But ask yourself: would you live in Dorchester or Mattapan? Would you let your teenage daughter associate with the kids in the project houses down the street? What thoughts go through your mind when you see urban kids on the street or on the train, sporting their "bling bling" and screaming at each other, or blaring their hip-hop into the neighborhood? Racism is steeped in stereotype and misunderstanding. We don't know how to identify with people in a culture we know nothing about, so we segregate ourselves and become "us" versus "them". It'd be so much easier to deal with one another and respect each other if we just admitted it and said, "You know what? I don't like you. I don't understand your culture and you offend me." At least then the person would know what you really thought and could ask you why, or learn something about themselves or their behavior (or you and yours) that might evoke real change. People get too offended too easily. Learn to cop to your own shortcomings and deal with it. Then you can't blame someone else for your misery.

Sean

What do I think? Brutally honest. Oh, Mr. Cosby, from your lips to God's ears...my sentiments exactly! He does so much for the black community and here he is again, risking back lash, to scream out to black parents for change. In regard to poor grammar, its one thing to speak amongst friends or family with the "Why you ain't, why you is. "... (although I disagree with poor english in any forum), but these children do not know the difference. Granted, my grammar can use some work! No doubt about that. But as an african american, I say enough poor me and more show me how. Parents please heed his advise. Spend the money you would have on sneakers on Hooked on Phonics. Renee Graham, wonderful commentary.

RMM

Bill Cosby for President!!!!!!

Devon

The same comments can and should be made of all races. Everything he said is true. Parents of all races need to step and and start parenting.

Steve

I totally agree with Mr.Cosby. I have seen this in my own family.. It is the truth and something I would say without hesitation.. The truth Shall make you free..

Beverly

It's about time someone spoke up about the issues of black youth and education. It's not easy to speak out....but who better to than a very courageous well educated parent like Bill Cosby.

John Lavey

Everyone has a right to voice their view about your ethnic background but their are ways to go about making such criticism. There is an epidemic in our Afircan American community and we all need to stand up and do something about our downfall as people in society instead of making criticism and not doing anything to make a difference for the future our the next generation. Yes it's all up to parents to stress the importance of education and success in order to make postive contribute to society . Discipline starts at home and if there is no emphasis place on discipline we as a community has failed. It is depressing to see people in the low income community but what are we as a nation doing about changing the lifestyle of these people. We sit back and say every man is for their selves which is sad. Bill Cosby has a right to say what he has but he should do something positive to uplift his community instead of making such harsh remarks. We all need to work together for a better tommorrow and not just make remarks but go out there and make a difference even in the life of one child from the African American Community.

DonyaMunroe

Right on Bill!

Greg