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We opened this thread with Cosby's words. I for one don't think Bill Cosby's words should be misused or abused by those who haven't lived in a black man or woman's shoes, but instead attempt to understand the context in which Mr. Cosby used them--probably the context of a frustrated black man who has done well himself and is imploring his people to "do better" too.
Jameela Donaldson, a Georgetown Law School graduate (DC) started this blog/log to try to share and exchange some of her frustrations and urgings that "we got to do better."
I thought perhaps people may appreciate seeing yet another perspective (a black perspective) on the same subject.
Actually, in New York, it has become common practice for groups to advocate their own ethnic, racial or religious representatives to serve them in all communities--and from my personal experience, the medical professions.
Could anyone deny that there are more Jews in Park Slope than Crown Heights and that the majority of Crown Heights' population is of African heritage, particularly Caribbean?
If you are raising this question in response to my statement, I am confused.
However, while there may be more Jewish modernists in Park Slope (non-practicing Jews), there are also an enormous number of Orthodox Jews in Crown Heights.
North Crown Heights is separated by the Blvd with the majority of Caribbean's on one side, and Orthodox Jews on the Southside.
It is not so different than the divide in Williamsburg - Latino/Hispanic vs. Orthodox Judaism.
PS - I also just wanted to add I've never seen a demographic figure on Park Slope. I lived there for nearly 8 years and can't recall the population being predominantly Jewish--but I may be wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by majoun
Could anyone deny that there are more Jews in Park Slope than Crown Heights and that the majority of Crown Heights' population is of African heritage, particularly Caribbean?
Last edited by ontheroad; 02-02-2007 at 05:05 PM..
Reason: added text
We opened this thread with Cosby's words. I for one don't think Bill Cosby's words should be misused or abused by those who haven't lived in a black man or woman's shoes, but instead attempt to understand the context in which Mr. Cosby used them--probably the context of a frustrated black man who has done well himself and is imploring his people to "do better" too.
Jameela Donaldson, a Georgetown Law School graduate (DC) started this blog/log to try to share and exchange some of her frustrations and urgings that "we got to do better."
I thought perhaps people may appreciate seeing yet another perspective (a black perspective) on the same subject.
I don’t need to walk in any other’s shoes to appreciate what Bill Cosby is pointing out to blacks. You seem to be missing the point with your over analyzing of this. The fact is if a black, white, or “insert race” person talks like these “getto” people they will forever be destined to a life of poverty. Listen up IF YOU TALK GETTO NO ONE WILL HIRE YOU. Not even affirmative action will bail you out if you can’t talk.
I presume you misunderstood me. I don't think Mr. Cosby was talking to white people--and a white person started this thread. I therefore wonder the motive!
And don't understand estimate my logic! it is still intact!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RedNC
I don’t need to walk in any other’s shoes to appreciate what Bill Cosby is pointing out to blacks. You seem to be missing the point with your over analyzing of this. The fact is if a black, white, or “insert race” person talks like these “getto” people they will forever be destined to a life of poverty. Listen up IF YOU TALK GETTO NO ONE WILL HIRE YOU. Not even affirmative action will bail you out if you can’t talk.
If you are raising this question in response to my statement, I am confused.
However, while there may be more Jewish modernists in Park Slope (non-practicing Jews), there are also an enormous number of Orthodox Jews in Crown Heights.
North Crown Heights is separated by the Blvd with the majority of Caribbean's on one side, and Orthodox Jews on the Southside.
It is not so different than the divide in Williamsburg - Latino/Hispanic vs. Orthodox Judaism.
PS - I also just wanted to add I've never seen a demographic figure on Park Slope. I lived there for nearly 8 years and can't recall the population being predominantly Jewish--but I may be wrong.
When I lived in Williamsburg (by the Bedford Ave. stop on the L) it was mostly Poles with some Latinos and what was the beginning of the large migration of young people there from all backgrounds (who by now may be as big as any of the other groups). I remembered occasionally seeing a Hasid there, I know there are a lot of them IIRC around the Marcy Ave. subway stop. .
Most of the people I knew in Park Slope were Jewish, although not Orthodox/Hasidic who are quite different from normal Jewish people.
Yes, the South of Williamsburg is 1/2 (Latino and Hasidic).
And as for Park Slope, it is such a mixed bag I never knew what religion people were.
Quote:
Originally Posted by majoun
When I lived in Williamsburg (by the Bedford Ave. stop on the L) it was mostly Poles with some Latinos and what was the beginning of the large migration of young people there from all backgrounds (who by now may be as big as any of the other groups). I remembered occasionally seeing a Hasid there, I know there are a lot of them IIRC around the Marcy Ave. subway stop. .
Most of the people I knew in Park Slope were Jewish, although not Orthodox/Hasidic who are quite different from normal Jewish people.
when your out with your friends in an informal setting doesn't mean you don't know how to talk anyway. A lot of black people, just like people in every other race, have "two languages"... one for friends and one for business. It's not as big of a deal as everyone's making it out to be.
when your out with your friends in an informal setting doesn't mean you don't know how to talk anyway. A lot of black people, just like people in every other race, have "two languages"... one for friends and one for business. It's not as big of a deal as everyone's making it out to be.
Yes, this is called code-switching. Around family and friends that are black, they speak a certain way (call it ebonics if you like) and then in other settings they may speak differently. Everyone does this to a degree. We act/speak differently in our jobs versus when we're at home with friends drinkin' a beer. BUT, the issue is the fact that many young people in these communities growing up are dropping out of school, dressing and talking like thugs all the time and thinking this is okay. This is not the way to excel in our society. That's what I think a lot of people are getting at and that's exactly what Cosby was talking about.
I presume you misunderstood me. I don't think Mr. Cosby was talking to white people--and a white person started this thread. I therefore wonder the motive!
And don't understand estimate my logic! it is still intact!
Since I am the white person who started the thread, and you asked what the motive might have been, I will tell you.
To me, Bill Cosby is saying, it is 2007 people, wake up, get up. It is time. In these later times, it is YOU who are hurting YOU. If you apply yourself you will achieve. Quit using excuses. No more excuses. Make your self proud, because you can.
My motive.........I think it is time to consider ourselves as equals.....no better than...no worse than...no special favors for this group, or that group...........Just Americans, one and all.
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Just because you talk a certain way
