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Black History Specialist Aaron Johnson: Belafonte Was Right about Jay-Z and Beyonce
By Aaron D. Johnson
The overall direction or lack thereof of the so called African American community is a frightening one to think about, let alone talk about. As an educator in New York, I can tap into the pulse of the youth of our community in a way that provides insight as to what young African Americans think about and are concerned with. After conversing with many of our youth about the insanity that has attached itself to our community like a parasite to a host, it is more and more evident that there is a mechanism in place that perpetuates our cultural and societal quandary.
The infirmity that beleaguers our communities is the fruit of a deeply rooted tree of African and African American cultural destruction. African Americans have been taught to subscribe to the most destructive and ignorant components of our society. In order to counteract this growing problem, the elders of the community as well as people who have some kind of power or influence should reach back to help restore African American society and cultural significance. The question becomes: Will they care enough to actively work to make change? Harry Belafonte hit the nail on the proverbial head when he verbalized his distaste for the selfishness of Beyonce and Jay Z. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot more people on this list and the problems with these so – called celebrities are deeper than we think.
I always likened people like Jay Z, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Russell Simmons, and others like them as hustlers of the hood. They unabashedly produce the vilest content without regard for the damage it does to the African American community. They do so to quench their thirst for that mighty dollar. Money, power, fame, and elitism motivate their every move. They are calculative with how they present their brand. The word brand was purposely used because it seems as though they lose their personhood when they have reached a certain status. Many of these hustlers are consumable commodities without honest, off the cuff, meaningful, or personal opinions. Everything that they do is contrived and money minded. So social commentary is a rarity.
Even though they are themselves from the very community that they are poisoning, it is almost like they couldn’t care less about the quagmire that African Americans in the 21st century are in. These peddlers of filth are like Black slave drivers on the plantation. It almost seems as though plantation owners put them on a horse, gave them a shot gun, and said “keep those niggas in check.” Their actions are synonymous with a reply of “yes sir boss.” In the days of slavery, Black slave drivers were promoted to their positions by the master of the plantation. They were expected to keep the Negroes in line so to speak. Black slave drivers acquired a position of authority but remained one of the lowest forms of humanity by society’s standards of the time.
The record companies are in essence plantation owners and people like Jay Z, Combs, and Simmons are the slave drivers. The record companies dictate what kinds of content they want produced and these hustlers/drivers acquiesce no matter the collateral damage. In many interviews these hustlers have defended the content that they have produced. The nonsensical excuse that they are just poets of the hood talking about the problems of the hood is ridiculous. There is difference between commentary and glorification. It doesn’t matter either way because they are given a license to be socially irresponsible. There did not create our society’s predicament, but they package, market, and sell it.
At the end of the day, we have some very hard questions to ask of ourselves? Why do we the consumers allow this to occur? Do we care about the Black community? Do they care about the Black community? Do they even value the words of Harry Belafonte? Do they give a damn about his sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many others who have come before them? Why is there no chorus of the larger African American community rallying behind the comments of Harry Belafonte?
In 2012, the African American community is in a peculiar state. Many of the ignorant, self – hating, and culturally unaware people have microphones. Their messages are loudly and vigorously marketed and have become socially acceptable. The people who speak out get shouted down by the brainwashed masses. Others are afraid to sound old or behind the times. Some are fearful of the confrontation that will arise when the defenders of imbecility come for them and their opinions. The fact that the people who could make significant changes in the African American community with their status refuse to do so has become accepted. There are no standards with who the African American community and the hustlers are made to abide by.
Jay Z and all of the other slave driving hustlers do not have to think about the community. They do not have to express concern about it. The community does not require them to do so. The African American community can celebrate that these individuals have made it and that we are proud of them with no strings attached. Their selfishness has been going on for a long time now. We are entrenched in it. Think about it, would the caricatures Two Chains, Nikki Minaj, or any of these other clowns have a record deal if we or the husler/drivers gave a damn? Selfishness, greed, fame, and the illusion of inclusion as Paul Mooney put it, trumps selflessness, generosity, humility, and knowledge of self every time.
Ulo
August 15, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Excellent commentary
Dwight Baker
August 15, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Belafonte raises a good point, but times have changed. JayZ, and his wife are young gifted, and Black, but it’s not about their money. We all want to enjoy the fruits of our labor. My take is that at the height of a lot of successful entertainers such as Issaac Hayes, his success invisioned him to build another low income housing complex, it went belly up and died, it hurt but no one gave him anything to heal with accept God for his giving. Mike Jackson took it to the political arena because he was on the outside with the heart of a child, but his stand cost him humiliation then death, and it was his talent, and his money both, “What About Us, We Are The World” , but they got to the public turned on him, and black people crushed him with he did this, and that. Tupac was not only a rapper, poet he was an innovater of a younger resistance to society, people don’t know these things. I feel people should give credit to God, because until there is unity put in motion with money then what’s the plan ? If I were in an envious whirlwind about my dollars, yes I would give it within God plan, then ask what are you selling. I say Harry should have a sit down with all the rappers to see what interest besides being just people with lots of money. These are young people with broad ideals, but contraversy ain’t gonna cut it.
Marthea V Scales
August 15, 2012 at 1:43 pm
I TOTALLY AGREE!!
earline bentley
August 15, 2012 at 1:47 pm
when discussing what people do or don’t do, please get the facts straight before you make a complaint. The facts, that’s all the bare facts. Peace!
Byron Woulard
August 15, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Nice commentary but where’s the solutions. It’s always the same thing, complain, complain, complain, but no real solutions. Harry Belafonte had a totally different calling than the people you speak of, yet they all have done philanthropic things for Black people, but I guess that’s not enough, they need to be like Harry. There a re plenty of hip hop stars that do a lot for the Black community yet bloggers never write about them, why is that? While you’re chastising Jay Z and Beyonce for not doing enough, you’re using their celebrity to get people to read your blog post. You’re just as bad as those that you claim are doing nothing by not metioning the good that they have done in this post.
Waukesha
August 16, 2012 at 9:47 am
I agree with Byron people spend so much time complaining about what the next person isn’t doing, especially in our BLACK COMMUNITY. You know we had some great leaders that took a stand for what was right like Martin Luther King Jr. he didn’t have to wait on someone to make a change neither did he complain about what others aren’t doing he took that stand and made Progress on his own for everyone and any race to make a change in ALL OUR LIVES…If you want to have a discussion about something to change what about the race on race crime that’s been going around here lately.
judy robinson
August 15, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Amen … Now the task is to educate your communities and break that cycle of poverty …
Pingback: Maria Lloyd: Team Beyonce Responds to Belafonte Criticism of Her Philanthropic Efforts | Your Black World
Peter D. Slaughter
August 15, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Interesting with all the hype and the counting of their paper money with dead white men on it.Not one of the brains top scholars have come up with a plan or agenda to create some liberation currency.
That would solve the problem of expecting or begging somebody esle to spend their money
Jg
August 15, 2012 at 6:28 pm
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!.. im of haitian decent by way of both of my parents.. Born and raised in the U.S. BUT of another culture at home.. IT NEVER made sense to me!…. You are totally right.. Raising two young men now, there are things THAT SHOULD NOT BE GLORIFIED, and obviously need help!!!…If you are not contributing to helping others, your wasting your time….
Lashanta R.
August 15, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I do concur but I also believe that we shouldn’t rely or expect of these “hustlers” and other artist, now that we have observed their negligence. I don’t think it’s solely their responsibility either. We as the people, who live in such communities, need to take a stand and set a standard for ourselves as well. There are more of us than them. Take pride in motherhood and fatherhood. It’s not the music that damages our communities, it’s the mindset of the people who weren’t taught that, this is not reality or that this is fallacious and of no substance. Lack of adequate parenting has catered to our down fall. As for the artist, it is their responsibility to give back through action. Now these artist(mostly mainstream artist) do contribute financially but anybody can reach in their pockets and give money. Socially, they need to increase their activities. Just b/c a father/mother pays his/her child support doesn’t mean he/she is a good parent and are completing their duties. Same applies to celebrities and millionaires. Great Article!!!
Bernlaw
August 15, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Whose House? Whose house are you building? Are you building your house(for YOUR FAMILY,Your People,Your Friends, OR their family)? This is the question that should be put-up in our Rich & Wealthy entertainers and gifted faces. All of them should go to their old neighborhoods and create : businesses,Medical centers,Theaters,Recreation Olympic Centers,Schools,housing to employ build-up up their communities. You don’t have to live in the Hood,Just show/give some respect and love,Stop building up other charities”Charity starts and ends at home”
Renee
August 15, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Sighs, this was a damn good article. I can’t add anymore because the author took every single word out of my mouth. Brilliant piece.
Ishmar Muhammad
August 15, 2012 at 9:23 pm
What I Don’t Understand with these BrainDead Negroes of today why these fools try to put athlete’s on a level with real Black Leaders? F##k all these Rappers & Athletes they not SCLC,N.O.I,BPP,UNIA remember Organizations kill more Devils than Bullets! I am Ashamed of the Cats from my Generation very misguided & Destructive at the same time the The FBI killed off the Leaders of that Era Leaving a Power Vacumm so here came all types of Gangs Crips,Bloods,BGD,VL Destructive BS Crack the Government put that There Guns everything to make us less stable was heaped on us I grew up in LA & hated seeing all them Brothers Gone Now Sisters gone! We went for the line like a fish! We played ourselves!We are the Bastard offspring of the Civil Rights Era we want to fight but don’t know who to fight? Muhammad Ali is the only Athlete who is in this Brotherhood of Freedom fighters
Ashira
August 15, 2012 at 9:30 pm
I agree with Mr. Belafonte and Mr. Johnson, these people who have a position of fame and power should use that as a platform to give back. Historically entertainers such as Belafonte, Dick Gregory, Ali, Paul Robertson worked to make change. They rallied in the streets with the people. They financed movements. This is what Belafonte is trying to convey. I applaud the success of Beyonce and Jay-Z;however, they could contribute more to the community. Yes Beyonce has contributed to her community in Houston. I live in Houston, TX. Nevertheless, more could be done by not just her and Jay-Z ,but by us as people of the community and other celebrities such as lil wayne etc. For instance what are people doing about the senseless killings in Chicago? I think that all of these wealthy and influential athletes and the like should pool their monies together and effectuate positive change in communities. Forget about the concerts for this cause and that . I’m talking about really connect with the young people and help develop programs that can change lives.
Katie Lindsey
August 15, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Interesting this era, we have come to be quiet about..We all need to rise to that higher calling now,look in the mirror, act,
then go to the stars of hip-hop the N-word wrappers call them out to change along with the Companies that own them.
Ishmar Muhammad
August 16, 2012 at 9:35 am
Brother BelAfante was right Jay-Z like most of the DumbAss Rappers when they get Money buy BS and Spit it too! Most of us are from the Ghetto and don’t go around putting BlackBiz in the Streets! It’s always been street people but did not make songs about it yo! Most of these Negroes are Greedy just like the Crackers who own them! Jay-z also throws his Black Brother Dam Dash away under the Bus for some Greedy Peckerwoods when Dam was His Homie when he Had Nothing! I don’t trust him or listen to his Music he not even Black to me he a Selfhating Negro & a stoolpigeon and not to be trusted!
PB Short
August 16, 2012 at 11:43 am
Here is the solution….
As parents, we must make and demand that our children bring all of their books home and actually do their homework…
We must regulate our children life and keep them out of adult conversations…and keep them away from adult material such as movies, books, and music…
Otherwise, the BIG businesses will continue to cater to what the ignorant masses want (Jordan’s/Cuss words/Sex tapes/etc.)…
Biggie said it best with “Considered a fool because I dropped out of high-school”…
So many black people ran with this one phrase and look where it has gone today…still considered a fool, because you dropped out of high-school…dummy…
Education starts in the home, not in the streets…whatever your child do not learn in the home, the streets will teach them (the opposite of life)…
Joy
August 17, 2012 at 11:54 am
PB Short, you are obviously of the “Old School” thought and right on target. “Keep children OUT (ear shot)of adult conversations” and let them be and do what children SHOULD be doing: playing, reading, writing and learning. They shouldn’t know what a “Khardasian” is……. Keep them AWAY from RAP music, facebook…… and most of all monitor their TELEVISION. No cell phones until late high school.
Jerry
August 16, 2012 at 12:37 pm
I agree, when I think about the selfishness it discourages and frustrates me to my core. I encounter younger people on a daily basis, and when I attempt to share some history with them about the struggle people encountered for them they could care less. I choose not to listen to music that demean my brothers and sisters. I am convinced that if you educate them young enough, it will change their path regardless of their environment
Jean Brown
August 16, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Excellent Commentary. To quote someone “To much is given, much is required”. Pray for our commmunity and our children. An entire generation has lost its way. Do what you can in your community. Do not look to the rappers, politicians or other “stars” to help us. Understanding starts at home. Boycott those who demonstrate that they don’t give a damn and are hustling our community. Peace
James E. White Jr.
August 16, 2012 at 3:25 pm
A TIME TO STAND
I thought about Rosa Parks
And how she must have felt
After working all day long
And finding only one seat left
Yes she paid her bus fare
Just like everyone else
But got treated as if
She was dust on one’s shelf
Yet that day the world gained a hero indeed
Because she did stand up
For what she believed
And if that sweet little woman
Hadn’t found her way
I’m sure that this man wouldn’t be standing here today.
So when I hear anyone making comments that ban
If I value her courage
Then I too must stand.
Rasheed7
August 16, 2012 at 3:59 pm
I agree with the commentary in general. I think it is a little overly hyperbolic. I still have some respect for Russel because he originally had something good going with def jam. Jay Z is one of the best MCs around and I respect his skill, but I cannot relate to his attitude (flying around the world “making it rain” while back in the real world, people are doing bad). Him and Kanye strike me as a couple of clowns these days. No respect.
Harry Belafonte is a hero to me.. I wish these the negroes these days would wake up.
I work with kids too, and I can tell that a majority of them dont have any direction, nor do they believe in anything that matters.
AMERICAN culture of violence and sex and drugs and all the other nonsense has consumed kids of this nation, and black children have it the worst because they dont seem to have anyone to snap them out of this fantasy world that AMERICAN popular culture has become.
Its selfish, destructive, and it is apathetic to human life and common decency.
Its is KRYPTONITE to our community and it will destroy us.
You can already see it taking effect
Daddyar
August 16, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Damn, so true!!
Robert Pipkin
August 17, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Powerful words. What are we as a people going to do to change our situation?
Demetrius Young
August 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I’m not rich by any stretch. I make a decent six figure income. I have bills, debt and struggle like most folks.
I donate and give back to causes and ONLY causes that 1) I feel passionate about 2) Directly Impacted my life or 3) impacted my immediate family / friends.
My point, I’m so sick of folks feeling that its their business and place to tell someone how to legally make their living, income or fortune AND then demand that they give, spend or donate it a certain way – .FOHWTBS…. I don’t care if I had Bill Gates money, I feel absolutely no obligation to take care anyone but myself and my family.
As for Jay Z, Diddy, and Russell Simmons – All of them HAVE given back and helped in times of trouble. They have donated and helped raise money. So who are you or Belafonte, or anyone else to dictate what more they SHOULD be doing…FOH
Aaron D. Johnson
August 17, 2012 at 7:56 pm
I am glad that my article is starting a dialogue. What is sad about articles such as the one I wrote is that some folks refuse to read the document in a real critical way. Some have said some things that are totally disconnected with the article. If you reread the article, the commentary is essentially saying that the burden is on us. We cannot rely on these HUSTLERS OF THE HOOD/ SLAVE DRIVERS to do what we need to do in our communities. They don’t care enough to utilize their celebrity to change our communities. Let us not get it twisted, they are not obliged to do anything. If all things were equal in this society that we live in, none of my words would matter. The fact that we have been here in America for as long as anybody and we still occupy the basement of society is troubling. I AM NOT DICTATING WHAT I THINK ANYONE HAS TO DO. It would be nice if our so – called famous, educated, and wealthy recognized our quagmire and plight to ASSIST IN MOVING OUR COMMUNITIES FOWARD.
What is the most disconcerting thing that I have read on these responses are the insults. Now I am a big boy and I can handle these words, but I am wondering why there is so much animosity? Why must we personify the crabs in barrel when we have differences of opinion? Someone even questioned my intelligence. I refuse to dignify that assertion with a response but I will say it is really distasteful and sad. African Americans will continue to languish as long as we continue to exhibit self-hate. My article is not talking about monetary selfishness but of social irresponsibility. Know thyself, teach the truth, and rebuild our communities