Feedback:
Is Bill Cosby Right?
On 9/16/04, we aired a show posing the question: “Is
Bill Cosby Right?” Larry spoke with guests
who took issue with Bill Cosby’s recent comments
that some in the lower-economic communities are
their own worst enemies. The show garnered so much
buzz and viewer response that a follow-up show
is in order. See why this topic has so many people
talking:
41-year-old
Henry Milner was enraged by Cosby’s comments
and says that Cosby can’t talk negatively
about the streets since he is not actively involved
in the culture. Though Henry has five children
by five different women, he says that he is invested
in his kids’ well-being, despite being on
disability and not able to support them. Though
Cosby would likely refer to Henry as a prime example
of his complaints about the way some in America
parenting, Henry says that love is all you need
and that he shows his kids ample amounts of love.
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Nikita, mother
of four, is another viewer who takes issue with
Cosby’s assertions, particularly about African-American
women who have a “revolving door of men.” Though
Nikita’s children are all by different fathers,
Nikita says she would never stay with anyone who
inflicted harm on her or children. She is proud
to be with Antoine, who is a willing guardian to
her children and a positive role model. They also
support the kids’ use of the “n”-word,
saying that it helps them to fit in at school.
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Rapper Large
Pad appeared on the first “Is Cosby Right?” show
to defend his rap music, which some allege glamorizes
life in the “hood.” Today’s guest
Alonzo grew up in the same area as Large Pad and
says that contrary to what Large Pad says, it is
not inevitable that you will get involved in drugs
and/or gangs if you grow up in the hood. Like Larry,
Alonzo believes that life is about choices, while
Large Pad still maintains that he is only narrating
what he sees in his surroundings. Alonzo implored
Large Pad to re-consider his lyrics, saying that
you cannot eradicate racism by promoting negativity.
Sisters Debbie
and Noel are at opposite sides of the Cosby debate.
Noel says that, although she has three children
by three different men, she plays the role of both
mother and father to her children. Debbie begs
to differ, saying that Noel’s kids taunt
each other about having different dads and that
they need a steady male figure in their lives.
As a writer
for publications such as the LA Times and USA Today,
Jimi Izrael has cultivated some strong opinions
on Cosby’s stance. Jimi says that as the “father
to America,” Cosby has a responsibility to
deliver his message in a less sensational manner
and more positivity.
Quick Clicks
Which side of the Cosby debate are you on? Speak
out in our Show Talk forum and e-mail
us.
Do you know someone who needs to step up and take
responsibility for his or her life? Tell
us about it here.
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