I have to honestly say that what Whitlock posted is thought provoking as it should be. So many pointless crimes occur each and everyday in all communities. The thing that really makes these cases even worse is the other people that are affected by these tragedies. Close family members, friends, team mates and people that have come to know Sean Taylor, all grieve with this loss. We should all grieve and show the utmost respect to the departed and their families.
I agree that spending time pointing the finger everywhere from Hip Hop’s influence, to perhaps the lifestyle and habits of a person and there associations have no value if we choose not to learn from them. We should all come together in understanding just what the value of life means and strive each day to be better than we were the day before.
None of us will feel the grief at the level that the girlfriend and close members of Sean Taylor will feel. All I ask is that we all be objective when reading stories such as this, because when we do, then it is at those moments that we see the point that Whitlock was trying to make. Here's the big picture. It’s not about pointing fingers. It’s about identifying the things that tear up families today. It’s about learning about the things that causes us to loose loved ones prematurely. The only way to make progress against those very things I describe is simply by paying attention, and making decisions that better your life and communities alike regardless of any affiliations.
I think J. Whitlock has valid points about SOME of the things he has said. The reality is that most people are products of their environments, not an excuse, that's kust how it is. I have been stereotyped much of my life as a black man because the only thing people see in some areis what is on the news.
I agree and disagree with the comments about rappers like "Soulja Boy" acting and dressing like a grown man, but don't all of our professions have different "dress codes?" I mean if this is the case where was the complaint about the way Prince or the Symbol...whoever he is now; what about that. LMAO, I believe Chris Rock said Michael Jackson dressed like Cap n Crunch and he had a point! I just think J. Whitlock is just as fed up with the black athletes and celebrities wasting some of the oppurtunities they have been given, not to mention not doing anything positive to erase stereotypes. Then again, that's just me.
You all need to read Elizabeth Merrill's article on ESPN.COM. Best article on this tragedy by far not this insensitive rubbish expoused by Whitlock. What Whitlock is saying makes absolute sense but to say before the kid is even buried? Come on man.
Mr. Whitlock’s comments are truly one man’s opinion. The unfortunate part is once again we have an individual who has a national media outlet that thinks he can represent what the Black community should feel about Sean Taylor and his death.
If Mr. Taylor has a checkered past that has nothing to do with the fact someone in an attempted robbery murdered him in his home. Every Black man in America is one mistake from society deeming he has a checkered past. Now that’s real!!!
Another disappointing aspect to me is a man of Mr. Whitlock’s stature disrespecting the deceased. Throughout his message he talks about different influences that are part of the blame, from disrespecting music and other issues that penetrates our community but within his own commentary he disrespects the deceased.
I have a young son and I'm very concerned with many things going on in our country and my heart goes out to any family that loses a loved one; there’s nothing else within life that keeps it more real than death.
Mr. Whitlock has chosen this young brother’s death as a feeble means to display he is a recognized voice for our community.
Based on this insensitive act I am no longer a supporter for Mr. Whitlock and I also believe he owes an apology. For someone who supposedly is so concerned about the negative aspects that provide influence to our community should take a good look in the mirror the next time he decides to write a commentary that supposedly is to help provide proper focus. His commentary should be treated like a misleading rap song, no air play and TUNED out.
Last edited by Blaze11 on November 30th at 6:45 PM.
Is this the direction of unchecked discourse in this country regarding race? Witlock's article is intellectually sloppy on multiple levels. From the start, to compare black on black crime to the #### is absolutely foolish. #### was a national movement to a terrorist organization with its members at the highest level of power in this country. Black people lived in complete and utter fear as if Al Qaida ran the country. #### operated without any fear of the law because they were the law(Supreme Court Justices were #### members also).
Then to blame "hip-hop" is silly also. Then why were blacks killing one another before hip-hop... Jazz? The argument is logically flawed and ignores the most simple fundamentals taught in any sociology class or history class. His article should be laughed at and not taken serious. Maybe it sits well with some because it shifts blame from historical inequalities to the black community and its cultural components.
Believe it or not, the hip-hop in popular culture that Witlock speaks of is marketed to everybody else but black people. Black people only make up 8% of the sales of that music. People in other countries also buy hip-hop, but they dont kill one another. Dont fall into this writers intellectual "black hole".
I don't know about Taylor's past associations or dealings, but what Whitlock said about the big picture is right on. If you chose to focus on specifics concerning Taylor, you are ignoring the problem. Black on Black crime, black crime period, for that matter. Blacks are persecuting themselves, celebrating mistreating each other in music and videos, while blacks and others make money from perpetuating a thug mentality. While blacks profit in the short term, who really profits in the long term from blacks killing each other off? The blacks who are left standing, or others? And what kind of legacy do those left standing inherit? Chuck D almost broke through, but then along came NWA, Snoop Dog, etc. It was easier to smoke weed and drink forties than to try to grasp what Chuck was saying. And the record industry ran with it, hip hop became gangster rap. Now the business is so big, it's hard to resist temptation. It's not just the music business I'm talking about, it's the thug business...the check me out I'm so gangster business. How gangster can you be after you sell some records and move out of the hood? Now your just talking #### and acting a fool for money. The same reason why blacks prey on each other, for money. So what's the difference, blacks are selling each other out anyway. The difference is now you are indoctrinating millions to act a fool. Martin Luther King and Malcom X are rolling over in their graves. The unfortunate death of Mr. Taylor is a catalyst to once again illuminate the real issue. Another black man is dead. Mr. Whitlock, I hear your frustratio
Obviously, the media is an easy target. But the term Black on Black crime is such a stigma because of the simple fact that there is a phenomenal amount of it. Blacks kill more blacks than anyone else, period, whether in the neighborhood or elsewhere. The thug business only encourages and legitimizes this, making it attractive to prey on men and mistreat women. Yes this happens otherwise, so why continue to promote it?
"Encourage one another and build each other up."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
J. Whitlock hit it straight on the head. This is a tragedy but it can be turned into something on very positive note. Just like Sean Taylor made it everyone has potential and it makes me so sad that no one wants to take the time and energy to see where their talents are they would rather take someone else's good fortune and hard work then to go out and achieve the same goals the legal way. It upsets me everytime I hear of someone getting carjacked, home invasions, hostage for ransom this is so wrong we get up every morning to go to work to have the nice cars, nice homes and other rewards we get from working and here we go again with some low life coming and trying to take it away. This young man lost his life trying to protect what he has worked hard for. This just makes me so sick and I hope that everyone involved get the death penalty. I am definitely one in favor of it. It fits the crime.
I dont usually agree with Whitlock and am sometimes downright pissed off at his articles. This one however is an exception. I agree totally with his aspect on this. The "dont snitch" Tshirts are a big testimony to b on b violence. (not mentioned in article). But one question remains with me. How is Hip Hop a culture? Have we redefined culture lately? Is the constant video barrage of so called "gangstas" a culture? As a bartender, I guarantee you France and Mexico are laughing all the way to the bank with hip hop videos and songs promoting Henessey and Patrone.
As a single parent of four (4) three (3) young adults, one 10 year old, one in which is a 19 year old black male, I have come to relize that some were we as parents have missed the mark on raising our children. I'm also blessed to have four (4) wonderful grandsons. I have passed on the "spare not the rod spoiled the child" form of disciple. None of my children have ever been arrested locked up or in trouble with the law. Oh I forgot to mention that I was a former police officer in the DMV area. The spare not the rod spoiled child methology has worked for my generation, my mothers generation and it will work for all generations if applied correctly. This dose not mean put your children in the hospital or kill them. You must raise your child or children with respect for him/herself and for others. Too many of our children and young adults donot have the basis respect for themselves so it is impossible for them to applied that to society. This is not just in the black community but all over the world. We have lost touch with the basics of raising our children. It has been replaced with tv, video games and the streets Yes I am doing some finger pointing at parents. This foolishness has gotten so bad in some states local government has step in to police how we disciple inside our homes. America our youths are out of hand. Parents step-up to the plate, you can't buy basic common curtisity, for life or property.
In closing, the four young men who are involved with the death of Sean Taylor, leaving a baby without a father, may God have mercy on each of your souls.
Can anyone explain why the U.S. homicide rate trails only:
50.14 South Africa
21.40 Russia (1999)
10.00 Lithuania
_9.94 Estonia
_6.22 Latvia
_5.64 U.S.A.
(2000 stats, per 100,000 population)
Why is American culture so violent? Why is the murder rate so high compared to your next door neighbours Canada,(1.76)and my country
Australia (1.81)? Oh yeah, we have strict gun controls, better education and fewer disadvantaged people. Your country is one scary place.
