Opinion Article by: Isaiah Williams
In the “American World” that we live in, there are a couple of issues that are to be addressed.
Honestly, saying a few is quite laughable, and should, therefore, be taken as a joke and if anyone one says otherwise lacks a sense of intelligence, and also a sense of humor. Harsh, I know, but for good reason.
One issue, that I really must focus, on was brought up after watching the Lifetime documentary, “Surviving R. Kelly”. I know that many people have sat down to watch the almost 5½ hours of content that was, in a few words, awe-inspiring, transforming, and life-changing; which, also, gave those many people something to say about it, just as I do.
I know that some people view this documentary as important concerning the African American culture, but in all honesty, this is important for ALL to see.
If I am to be truly honest, some of the reactions from the public and the media are questionable. Some of the more mature adults, who were more likely to have seen the more suspicious acts, like the situation between him and Aaliyah, seemed to react as if they were unaware of the actions of R.Kelly. But, seeing that the whole situation unfolded before I was born, I won’t say much more than this:
Everyone who knew about the situation prior to it was publicized – his manager, bodyguards, even his friends – should have spoken about it sooner rather than watch it unfold. I wouldn’t care how much money I’m making with him or how cool we are, if I'm seeing someone going to high schools, plotting on little girl, not because they could’ve been my sister, cousin, or niece, but because they are LITTLE GIRLS, I’m going to either have a BIG sit-down to discuss some changes or I'm reporting his tail to the right authorities. Either way, I’m going to make sure he’s not going to be repeating such action.
Everyone who found out after the marriage certificate, or at least after the various tapes – which communities were selling around like a commodity – should’ve voiced their feelings towards the allegations instead of ignoring them and having all his darkness come into the light decades later and being a predator to young girls to this day. Yes, to this day.
African American men, I question the support that we give our women. It’s not like I’ve never questioned it before because, sadly, I’ve been given several reasons to do, which makes me hang my head in shame even more. I have personally heard stories from victims who have survived rape and molestation, even stories told by a family member.
Every time I hear about these experiences, I ashamed and enraged by the acts, but also, I slowly become less surprised by the acts in which Black men, as well as men in general, partake of, which shouldn’t happen.
I should not hear about any man raping and molesting and be accustomed to those acts as if it’s a social norm within society or it’s something to be joking about and sold upon the streets. We must direct our attention to the actions of R. Kelly so the things that he has been “accused” of doing don’t become a social norm within society. It is unacceptable and inexcusable, and I’d be damned if I just sit around and let this cycle continue.
The simple fact is that it seems like as a race, us Black men don’t value our woman as much as any other race. White men have a history, good and bad history, that proves that they at least value white women enough to listen to them when they say that something. On the contrary, when a Black woman tells us their experience, we put it off as a tall tale. Best believe that if it were little Caucasian girls, he wouldn’t have had an open case for so long, not just because the judicial system wouldn’t have it, but because the white community wouldn’t have it either. They wouldn’t give him any second thought because he was a good songwriter or he’s “cultured”, he would've been punishment for his dirty deeds.
Now I know in the past that most cases of celebrated Black people, they often viewed as undeserving targets in the law's’ eyes, but this would’ve been more of a deserving case (but only if judged righteously and lawfully). The point is, we have to stop praising celebrities and ignoring that they’re just as human as you and I. We can’t let them, or anyone else like them, think that they have the power to do whatever they want, like in this case. Not again.
That is why I’m writing this, for the masses that will listen, but even more so for my Black, African American brothers who hear what I'm saying. This is an effort to let our significant others, our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and our Black, African American women to know that we support them and that we value them way more than as sex objects. There are men that do support, honor, adore, and believe in them. These men hear the pleas of the victims instead of ignoring them because for so long, that’s all that they needed from us.
Black women and all women have stood by men through our stupidity, through the hardship, through the recessions, and supported us… so show them that we can return the favor.
So, Hashtag “WeDo”, and let them know how you support #MeToo.
Thank You
Finnie, Astral, and Nigel Bellis. Surviving R. Kelly, Season 1, episode 6, Lifetime, 3 Jan. 2019.
To Contact Me – Isaiah Williams
Email: isaccdm6194@gmail.com
Instagram: @blacc.beast.zai
Twitter: @Blacc_Beast_Zai
Комментарии