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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Although I have disagreed with Mr. Cosby's opinions before, I'd have to fully agree with him on this topic. He is simply telling it like it is. The truth was spoken, but no one wants to back him up on this topic because it is a very touchy subject that can ruin one's career and/or reputation, but it's a topic that has to be addressed. Kids in the inner city really can't speak the english language properly. I grew up and went to school in the inner city (Roxbury) and I know what it's like. Don't blame the kids or the public school system, blame the parents. They are the ones that have to set a positive example for their kids to follow. It's not a big secret that the public school system in the inner city is not the best around, but it does suffice in teaching kids the basics of math and english. I am a product of this said school system and I'm in no way illiterate and cannot speak proper english. I'm actually a college student attending Northeastern University. My parents didn't even speak english, but they gave me the motivation and guided me through school and I have succeeded in becoming a well educated adult and will soon be contributing to the American work force. I think the big issue here is that socioeconomic problems in the inner city is the cause of the reason that these kids cannot speak proper english. To make a long story short, the low-income parents are the cause of the poor language skills that these kids possess. It's a never ending chain of poverty and uneducation that gets handed down their family lineage that will continue to happen until someone like Mr. Cosby speaks up about it and offers a resolution. Until now, no public figure has come out and spoke the truth about this issue and hopefully someone will come forward and fix this issue so that future generations will not have to face this problem.

Tom

He is absolutely, dead-on right to bring this up. Good for him to have the courage.

Sean

Brutally honest. It's about time someone demanded accountability.

Josh

We as black people in America need to stop blaming other people for our problems, remember when you point your finger there are three pointing back at you. I totaly agree with what he said! Instead of spending your money on material things all the time, why not save for the future. its not always about the here and now what about the future! The so called black leaders who became angry are probably the same ones who became angry at the movie Barbershop when it came out. To take a quote from a Spike Lee movie.... WAKE UP!!!

Trent

I believe Bill Cosby is right on the money. I also believe that more African Americans agree with him than not. Those that do not can not look themselves in the mirror, because his statements are true. Number one, education starts at home, class, racism, manners, all start at home. It is not Bill Cosby's fault that these people are uneducated and choose not be educated. They blame the white folk for every little thing that goes wrong in there life. Again, look in the mirror. I am not saying racism is not alive and kicking, but take responsibility for your own mistakes, actions, and lack of wanted a good education. Take care of all of those things and you too will agree with Mr. Cosby, he is 100% correct.

Kim

i think that mr, cosby's statements were right on track. what is funny to me is the way the liberal media is trying to spin this to make it look like folks are evenly split on this issue (the globe, the new york times, etc...). ask any clear thinking individual and they'll tell you that bill was right to make these remarks. people need to take control of their lives and stop blaming the white man for all their problems. only left wing radical activists would say any different. LOOK IN THE MIRROR....

JACKSON

The african-american community is in a downward spiral of self destruction. Cosby's words only drive the truth home. The ability to speak the english lanuage, develop social skills and attain an education are crucial factors to existence in this country. The african american community needs to start educating their children and participating in society and stop sitting back waiting for the next welfare check.

Joe

I agree with Mr. Cosby as I also find myself distraught everytime I hear an african-american adult saying "we was" or "you is". The sad thing about this is that kids copy what they hear from their parents, and this "way" of speaking is not only found within young african-americans in high school, but most teenagers are beginning to emulate this way of talking. Very sad.

G Salas

Yikes! It seems the Klan has found its way to Boston.com and is making its voice heard. I think the underlying problem can be found in the responses to this survery. There is a lot of "they" and not enough "we". People should only care about children of their own color? All of the respondants cheering Bill on should look in the mirror and ask what they've done for "the children" lately. It takes a village, you know. Bill should have found a more constructive way to voice his concerns. It is very easy for us "haves" to criticize the "have nots".

Roger

The 21st Century America: Speak the truth and you will be labelled as elitist, racist, or un-patriotic...

B