Bill Cosby
I am quite upset about the allegations being made against Bill Cosby. I have always admired him and respected him. Of course I will stick with the American theorem that a man is innocent until proven guilty.
But the accusations made against him, and the number of accusations, is quite troubling. Among most public figures there is a public and a private persona that sometimes are not in sync with each other. Cosby has always been serious about being an educator, an entertainer, a role model and a mentor to many. He has been critical of the hip-hop. gang and drug influenced street culture embraced by so many African-Americans. As a self-made man he has always believed that education and hard work can improve ones status in life. He has criticized the embracing of African American Vernacular English (Ebonics) and has preached that it holds back African Americans from breaking through barriers to American success.
Several African American colleagues of mine seem to delight in the troubles Cosby now faces. They feel that he has been too 'White' in his criticism of the pervasive African-American street culture and that he lacks an empathy and understanding of the challenges Blacks face. I don't believe that.
Most of the 'incidents' being alleged are now beyond the statute of limitations. These people are going public with accusations which, if true, should have been tried in courts many years ago. Too many of them are just seeking publicity. Now about 20 women have sought the publicity and attention of the TV gossip shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Scene to air their grievances. So if they are seeking to undermine his reputation, his influence and his wallet they are succeeding. But I wonder if they were really victims. A single woman willingly going alone to a married celebrity man's apartment or hotel room to have a drink with him - is most probably in search of the infamous "casting couch". Well, they found it. The only trouble is that these 20 did not acquire the fame and fortune they had hoped for from their visit. They bargained with the devil but they lost. So now they want revenge? How many pretty and talented young women (and pretty and talented young men) went to the "casting couch" but now have a life of success and fortune? We will not know because they will most assuredly NOT talk about THEIR bargain with the devil. This is all unfortunate, but it is the reality of the celebrity game.
We are all sinners. None of us are 100% saints. Cosby has done more good in this world than most - despite whatever sins he committed. Now his reputation has been smeared permanently. I hope he finds peace. The road back to respectability for Cosby will be a long road. He is too old and tired looking now for a quick comeback. Look at how long it has taken Mel Gibson, despite all the apologies and staying out of the spotlight, to start getting his career back on track. I still hope these allegations are unfounded. There are not many heroes left in this world and Cosby had always been one of them for me.
Several African American colleagues of mine seem to delight in the troubles Cosby now faces. They feel that he has been too 'White' in his criticism of the pervasive African-American street culture and that he lacks an empathy and understanding of the challenges Blacks face. I don't believe that.
Most of the 'incidents' being alleged are now beyond the statute of limitations. These people are going public with accusations which, if true, should have been tried in courts many years ago. Too many of them are just seeking publicity. Now about 20 women have sought the publicity and attention of the TV gossip shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Scene to air their grievances. So if they are seeking to undermine his reputation, his influence and his wallet they are succeeding. But I wonder if they were really victims. A single woman willingly going alone to a married celebrity man's apartment or hotel room to have a drink with him - is most probably in search of the infamous "casting couch". Well, they found it. The only trouble is that these 20 did not acquire the fame and fortune they had hoped for from their visit. They bargained with the devil but they lost. So now they want revenge? How many pretty and talented young women (and pretty and talented young men) went to the "casting couch" but now have a life of success and fortune? We will not know because they will most assuredly NOT talk about THEIR bargain with the devil. This is all unfortunate, but it is the reality of the celebrity game.
We are all sinners. None of us are 100% saints. Cosby has done more good in this world than most - despite whatever sins he committed. Now his reputation has been smeared permanently. I hope he finds peace. The road back to respectability for Cosby will be a long road. He is too old and tired looking now for a quick comeback. Look at how long it has taken Mel Gibson, despite all the apologies and staying out of the spotlight, to start getting his career back on track. I still hope these allegations are unfounded. There are not many heroes left in this world and Cosby had always been one of them for me.
Comments
I'm not saying Cosby is guilty, but I think you should read real life stories about rapes and why people don't come forward until years later, if ever. The same is true for victims of molestation. Look at the football coach who molested all those boys. They didn't come forward until years later.
As a survivor myself I wouldn't want a dime, but I would want the jerk to do time. Sadly, like many I never reported the crime. I wish I had.
Bill Cosby needs to leave the public arena, stop doing shows, and simply disappear. He also needs to apologize but I doubt we are ever going to see that.
He was an educator to many of us, entertainment to many of us, and inspiration to many of us too. But no more. Bill Cosby: Thank you for the good times, but please just go away quietly.