The latest hip-hop artist to make statements out of ignorance is the RZA. On Good Morning America Weekend Edition, they were discussing the increase of noose hangings across the country and The RZA had this to say:
But hip-hop star RZA told “Good Morning America Weekend Edition” that the latest generations are more open-minded and steering away from divisive racial clichés.
“We’re erasing all those old-school stereotypes,” he said. “People are really respecting each others’ cultures.”
What he said doesn’t even make sense. He is stating that my generation is trying to erase old-school stereotypes. If it was old school why are people hanging nooses out of hate still in 2007? You can not erase history or behaviors of ignorant people that continue to engage in that activity. That is why you have some white people who think that the that hanging of nooses as funny or innocent.
Have you ever heard of Jewish people trying to rationalize the swastika? Have you ever heard the Jewish community embrace the swastika? Of course not, because they know what that symbol means; it hasn’t changed and it never will. It is still used today as a symbol of hate and terrorism. The noose is equivalent to the swastika; you can not change that; it is not an old-school stereotype and some of us in the black community are so damn ignorant. Some of us just don’t get it.
Filed under: Local News/Politics, My General Thoughts/Opinions | Tagged: African American, News, noose, Racism, terrorism, The Rza, Wu Tang Clan
“The latest hip-hop artist to make statements out of ignorance is the RZA. ”
Should we expect otherwise? I mean, what basis do we have to think that the “latest hip-hop” artist: (a) speaks for a cross-section of the so-called black community, or (b) is going to provide useful intellectual analysis of a controversial and divisive issue? In plain terms, hip-hop artists make money off of hip-hop. They’re not professors, community leaders, thought leaders, or pillars of the community. They’re in business to make money.
A perfect example is Nas. Instead of relying solely on a quality product (i.e., his rap lyrics and beats), he’s taken notice of the controversy surrounding the use of the N word and is using it as the title of his CD. His belief is probably that the discussion about the title will generate “buzz” in the mainstream media that will result in dollars (i.e., from CD/download sales) in his back pocket. Accordingly, to think that artists that have similar intentions to profit off of whatever free marketing they can benefit from will speak positively and convincingly on a divisive issue is analogous to believing in, and waiting for, the Great Pumpkin.
Afripino:
my thoughts as well.
We shouldn’t be suprised at RZA’s or his ilk’s attitudes. These guys are treated as nothing but superstars by their fan base, many of whom are white youth.
I remember in grad school (at a large state school) when the Wutang came through, and hearing the stories about the play these guys get from the coed groupies. No wonder their minds are warped.
The Grand Ruler Zig Zag Zigular is a GREAT producer, he, Dr. Dre and Timbaland are probobly the greates producers of the last 20 years.
That being said, thats what they are, We need the GREAT leaders, Black men under 45 to step up and be heard, this musicians, rappers, atheletes, etc., are NOT or should NOT be our spokespersons..
Putting the terms hip hop artist and Rza in the same sentence is like putting name Madeleine McCann and the word ‘alive’ in the same sentence. This guy is garbage. I think the media purposely asks these so called hip hop artists to comment on these types of issues knowing full well they will get some bullshit response and they can promote this garbage as the views of the majority. When these ex dope pushers, who degrade our women are now inserted (not by black other black people) to be our spokespersons we are undoubtedly on course for even more ridicule from these crackers.
Most of the Wu-Tang guys are talented rappers, but obviousy social commentators they are not.
I tend to agree with the idea that someone in this position would make this kind of statement to keep up record sales.