May.11 at 2:38 pm

dez says:
Whatever happened to those Wizards?

May.11 at 2:40 pm

Cheryl says:
Unfortunately, Ethan, Whitlock could care less about what label he receives. There’s enough readership of his paper and his column that his income will not be affected negatively at all. And obviously, that’s where his interests lie, not in how he’s perceived by young black folk. Regardless of how he came off to you one-on-one, he rightly should be grouped in the catagory with the Connerlys, Thomases, and McWhorters.

May.11 at 2:41 pm

Cheryl says:
Sorry, I meant “Etan”. No disrespect intended.

May.11 at 2:50 pm

Drew says:
Let me be the first middle-aged, middle-class white guy to say that I agree with everything in this article.

May.11 at 2:57 pm

Bryant Reeves says:
“First of all, there is no direct correlation between one’s apparel and whether or not you partake in criminal activity.” - that is very true Etan, but if people choose to dress a certain way knowing that it will intimidate (perhaps wearing it beacuse it will intimidate), is it fair to get mad at people who are intimidated? The style of dress Whitlock was referring to is intimately connected to violence (particularly guns). Also, I don’t think any of the MCs you named regularly dress ‘gangsta’. I don’t think people are intimidated by Common when they see him on the street. They are, however, intimidated by artists like 50 cent.

May.11 at 2:57 pm

Ben Collins says:
If you truly believe that Jason is an Uncle Tom — or that he can even be considered one after talking to him — you clearly didn’t listen to anything he had to say. You may have allowed him to talk, but you did not process his information. The fact that you even bring up the word in the article is exactly Whitlock’s point. There just isn’t room for slave terms like that anymore. It’s degrading and retrogressive to the cause.
And — “But do you understand that both of you are wrong?” Yes! Of course he does! Did you even read his Imus column, Etan?
Etan, I have the utmost respect for you as a human being. You’re so learned, well-read and well-spoken that I’m glad you’ve taken it upon yourself to become a beacon for race relations and sports culture in this country. But the race problem that we have in this country is not going to be solved by two groups standing polar on different sides of the street snapping at one another.
Gandhi once said and it has been repeated ad nauseum, “You must become the change you wish to see in the world.” Sixty years ago, this was not even a possibility. Now, it is. Stop using the word Uncle Tom because, after a while, no one will use it anymore. That’s Whitlock’s point in proverb. I hope this time it sticks.

May.11 at 3:08 pm

H to the izzo says:
50Cent needs to keep his gangsta image because thats all he has-he has lost all credibility(if he ever had it) he needs to look like he is capable of doing the things he raps about so saying that there is no direct correlation between one’s apparel and whether or not you partake in criminal activity is true,you can certainly see that people would dress like this to have a possibly show that they partake in criminal activity and of course thats going to be taken the wrong way.

May.11 at 3:22 pm

Jason says:
I don’t think anyone is upset at what Whitlock said so much as how he said it and how he always says it with that air of arrogance, detatchment, elitism, stone casting and finger pointing. I also don’t see how anyone who has actually followed Stringer’s career could call her an opportunist in this situation. She’s always proven to be the exact opposite of everything he depicted her as and is one of the few people in her position doing all the things he claims no one is doing to uplift the race. Stringer has actually BEEN saying what Whitlock said about not embracing stereotypes, not being defined by your athletic ability, promoting positive images of self instead of embracing a negative culture and presenting yourself in a certain way. And she’s only been doing this for 30 YEARS, btw, beginning at a historically black college - Cheyney State, even taking them to the Final Four - a BLACK college. But of course, Whitlock passed judgement, probably only hearing of her for the first time when he watched the press conference. Had I been in Whitlock’s position and had such a strong opinion about a situation, I’d have at least done my research before baselessly calling someone out the way he did. Regardless of how you may feel about his stance on race, the coach and the players did not deserve his comments.

May.11 at 3:23 pm

Shiz says:
Ben, did you even read Etan’s letter? He never called Wristlock an Uncle Tom, some other guy at the forum did. Etan was merely explaining why he got the label. And if you can explain to me how you know for a fact that Wristlock “knew” his comments were wrong than I’ll be satisfied, but until then, you’re coming across exactly the way you think Etan did. Jumping the gun wit no bullets. If anything, Etan’s letter is more about the fact that Wristlock talks a good game, but has no clue how to help. He just sits on his high horse throwing out crude and irrelevant baseball analogies, prejudicially encompassing social commentary, and snide/catty digs at other journalists, while at the same time maintaining his “blackness”, whatever..Son duke’s a joke..and not the greatest journalist…And if you don’t think people still use the TERM Uncle Tom, or that in some cases its still relevant, ur living in a fantasy world…I personally couldn’t give a flying f*ck up a running squirrels ass about Wristlock, but lets not pump him up to be the next “revolutionary hero/catalyst/whatever” cuz while he’s dissin Jesse and others ad hoc, he seems to forget that its because of people like Jesse that he’s even able to have his show and his vaunted “reputation”. HA. It is to laugh.

May.11 at 3:23 pm

Lang Whitaker says:
Ben, you’re just saying that because you’re white.

May.11 at 3:24 pm

the brown guy says:
Etan i love your taste in music, (kweli !)
and think you have some solid points there.

May.11 at 3:24 pm

For Real says:
So when a women wears a short skirt she is prostitute? When boss of a crime mob wears a suit he is a businessman? So when I put on baggy jeans because I don’t like my jean tight, I am criminal? Jason Whitlock is just as bad as Jesse and Al. The white media loves him just as much as they love Jesse and Al because it makes them money.

May.11 at 3:28 pm

Shiz says:
Wristlock comes across as ur typical high-schooler that used to get picked on and is now exacting his “revenge” subconsciously through his profession (the same reason why kids who got picked on in school become cops - so they can give a little “get-back” to all the “cool” kids he couldn’t stand up against in school)…Oh yeah, 1 other thing, I rides wit Scoop. Dont diss my dude.

May.11 at 3:32 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Am I still allowed to think that Al Sharpton is an opportunistic grandstander?

May.11 at 3:36 pm

SkyDubai says:
First off, thanks for the engaging and thought provoking article Ethan. Good work. However, I do have some issues with your arguments and while I don’t agree with everything Jason wrote as well, I really want to bring up the Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson point b/c this has frustrated me for years. To give you a few examples before I reach my point, I’ve heard Sharpton criticize 50 cent for the way he portrays hip hop life and negatively portrays black people. However, he fails to mention 50 helping inner city youth through his foundation that he pumps a lot of his own money into (I believe it’s called G-Unity). Also, why can’t Sharpton defend black people everywhere when someone like that White Cardinal pitcher gets drunk, smashes up his car and dies? The media portrays it as an isolated incident and somehow we are supposed to feel bad for a person who was stupid enough to drive under the influence; however, you know if some black NBA player did that, the media would be all over that and like the Yanks overreacted, place liquor bans in the clubhouse and so forth (and subsequently blame hip hop for all our problems). As you mentioned above, negativity sells. Why can’t Sharpton go after the media for how they portray these types of events? Another argument can be made when we think about what levels of society we have reached when Kramer goes off sprouting the N-Word and has to apologize to Al Sharpton on his radio show. What, somehow Sharpton’s more offended by Kramer’s remarks than you, I or anyone else of colour is? Just as many if not more black listeners listen to hip hop / radio stations than Sharpton’s show so if Kramer wanted to apologize and get his message across, he could have gone to a number of different places. But Sharpton brings him on his show to act like this saviour and voice of black people. Get real. The above all have one theme in common. It’s all about the money with Sharpton and the more people like Kramer mess up, the more they have to come on his radio show, the more pub and air time Sharpton gets to spread his ‘message’. If he tries to defend and uphold the honour of black citizens, or show some of the fine and great role models black athletes/rappers are, the Republicans or lobbyists funding him will cut him dry. So when people like Jason attack Sharpton, I’m all for it. I just cannot believe more black people haven’t called out people like Sharpton and can’t see through his act.

May.11 at 3:38 pm

Sam Rubenstein says:
Whitlock goes waaaaaaaaay too far. Black KKK? Jesse Jackson is a terrorist? Even if he’s desperate to make a point, when he goes that far it’s like okay, now you’re just trying to draw attention to yourself. I guess he does that just to get a strong reaction and increase his fame. I miss his old espn football column where he was dead wrong about everything 100% of the time and called it the irrefutable truths of the league column or something like that.
He’s just mad at baggy clothing cause there is not an item of clothing baggy enough to fit on his body.

May.11 at 3:40 pm

H to the izzo says:
Kweli and Common will do more with their rhymes than 50 ever will with his G-Unity

May.11 at 3:45 pm

SkyDubai says:
great point H to the izzo, b/c impoverished kids growing up poor will be much better for life listening to some dope beats rather than G-Unity providing them with education, shelter, clothing and food. You make a fantastic observation.

May.11 at 3:46 pm

Shiz says:
The only thing about Jesse that inspires terror is that tie-dye dashiki his “I am somebody” speech immortalized…yowza…talk about colourful..and yes, Al Sharpie is a grandstanding loudmouth…but his conk never moves…ever..

May.11 at 3:48 pm

mark says:
Then let me be the first to say I disagree with just about all of it. I will be waiting for Etan to write that article criticizing Al for his comments about Mormons………

May.11 at 3:53 pm

H to the izzo says:
Or maybe showing these children they can be more than what people expect of them,that they can get out of thier situation and make something of themselves–inspire them to improve themselves rather than getting handouts from a rapper whose widespread message is doing more harm then good in the communities he’s trying to help.I could be wrong and 50 might be a good person-but he does a good job of hiding it

May.11 at 3:54 pm

Michael says:
I completely agree with what you said Etan. ALthough i do feel Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackosn should be criticized. They are opportunist looking to push their own agendas. I still can’t figure out why there was no backlsah toward Jesse for what he said about the boys in the Duke lacross case.

May.11 at 3:59 pm

Shiz says:
G-Unity: all about the t-t-t-t-t-tax writeoffs

May.11 at 4:03 pm

SkyDubai says:
the point here is not to defend 50, to even talk about his charity, write offs and all. If you are going to put down a man for all he is, you owe it to the audience, especially a public one to give out all the facts - both good and bad. just that simple… moreover, 50 wasn’t the point and isn’t the point of this whole dialogue. just one small incident/example of how Sharpton conducts his business. atleast that’s what it is for me. and totally agree with the above posters who mention his words on the mormons and Duke case..

May.11 at 4:08 pm

JJ says:
I’m a white man who listens to Kweli. I love his music but I don’t agree with all his philosophies. I also read Whitlock’s views, some of them I agree with and some I don’t. As much as we polarize, stereotype and categorize people and the words they put forth (some quite justifiably), the truth is not so simple. Do we write off 50 Cent and Sharpton for furthering gangsta stereotypes and blatant grandstanding? It’s tempting, but to do so would also dismiss the good things about them. Either way, I refuse to believe that every baggy-clothes wearing kid in my neighborhood is going to jack my car when I go inside. If I did I wouldn’t last long in the city Etan (not Ethan) and I have in Common. Lastly, I’ve been critical of Mr. Thomas in the past but I think this article was important for me to read. Thanks for the refresher Etan.

May.11 at 4:11 pm

Silky Slim says:
I’m black and while I agree with some of what Jason Whitlock said, I don’t agree with the insensitive catch-phrases he uses when describing a person or situation. It’s one thing to make a point in a direct manner. It’s another to do so in a crass, sarcastic way. Jason was wrong for saying the things he said about Vivian Stringer and her basketball team. Etan - you were on-point, as always! Ben - I agee with you about the problem with the demeaning words, we as blacks, use to describe each other. Using phrases like uncle Tom or the n-word to refer to each other. I’ve never heard someone from another race refer to another person from the same race, using such demeaning words. One positive thing that has come out of all of this is the discussion of race relations in this country. That’s something that needs to be discussed more often.

May.11 at 4:19 pm

Giles says:
I thought Whitlock’s use of the term “Black KKK” was quite appropriate. Just like the THE KKK during the Jim Crow days that helped keep white Southerners in line by keeping them in fear of doing the right thing many times if they saw or knew who was maybe responsible for lynching a black man or burning down his house for fear of having the same thing done to them if they reported it, now, the “Black KKK” through its “stop snitchin” campaign is keeping many blacks in line by keeping them in fear should they report people they know who are doing something violent or illegal. Basically the same kind of mentality that prevailed when many blacks stood by and watched either out of fear, acquiescence, or endorsement while Reginald Denny was beaten up by members of that “Black KKK” on live television in a hate crime committed against him because he made the mistake of “driving while white” during a race riot. Etan, you’re correct that Hip Hop in and of itself is not the problem. On the other hand, the underlying attitude driving many of the messages conveyed by mainstream Hip Hop is a very big problem, and the Black KKK is largely responsible for it. That and numerous white guys at the top of the music and entertainment industry food chain that firmly belive in and facilitate the propagation of the soft bigotry of low expectations.

May.11 at 4:35 pm

Joe_x says:
Anyone else feel a little uneasy about all the “Uncle Tom” references? As if black people should be afraid to speak contrary to common black opinion….

May.11 at 4:37 pm

Joe_x says:
Oh yeah, and Etan writes, “there is no direct correlation between one’s apparel and whether or not you partake in criminal activity.” I live in Antigua (West Indies), where if you where a white headband or bandanna, you are a member of a gang. If you wear a read headband, you are a member of a rival gang. This is known to the general public, and wearing something like this affiliates you with gangs. is Etan trying to say stuff like this doesn’t happen in the States?

May.11 at 4:46 pm

Shiz says:
I agree to an extent Siiiiilky. I mean the term “whigger” is/was used often by white people to describe other white people who think they are black with as much venom as if they were black and calling out some perceived “sell-out”. But the self-polarization is a very prevelant part of mental slavery. The field nigga vs. uncle tom thing…the paperbag “test” from the 60’s…They even brushed on it during the earlier Fresh Prince episodes (Will vs. Carlton)…its the whole divide and conquer thing..Not sayin its right, just sayin it is. Having a good grasp on what “is” is a better starting point than simply saying we need to unit because it gives you a firm base on the scope of the problem and what it’ll take to rectify it…Remember people that slavery wasn’t so long ago. My grandfather was born on a plantation. So speaking in historical terms of time, the civil rights movement and the quest for equal treatment hasn’t even hit adolescence yet..its still a relatively “new” concept, so suffice it to say, everything aint all good yet and we obviously have MUCH work to put in. Good posts all around..

May.11 at 4:49 pm

Max Airington says:
Giles, no one in the “Black KKK” has ever, or ever will become a U.S. Senator, Supreme Court Justice or President of the United States. You can’t say the same thing about the real KKK. That’s just the beginning of how ill informed and inappropriate Whitlocks tired analogies are.

May.11 at 4:58 pm

Shiz says:
No, Joe. Most gang representation has the same M.O., a specific color, character, sign. He’s saying that Wristlock’s idea is that, “okay this guy is in a gang. Hmmm, he’s got a white T-shirt on, therefore all white-T wearers are gang members or are influenced by prison society.” Well, I’ve been to jail once, and it only influenced me to never go there again. EVER! Im a catholic high, university educated grad. I love hip hop (both Common and 50) and I love me some white t’s. In Wristlock’s mind, Im a gangbanger or a convict or whatever. Its that vague generalization that got him the Uncle Tom barb thrown at him. Because that’s just irresponsible for someone who proclaims to have an open mind, and is about the advancement of the minority to say. Lets look at Hovie..um not H to the…although thats my dude..but the real Jay Z. He rocks big chains, big jeans, big shades, big cars, big wallet, but that doesn’t mean he’s in a gang or that one should “fear” him or be “intimidated” by him cuz we all know he’s about that ch-ching ch-ching, not backin out on fools.

May.11 at 5:13 pm

illydiva says:
Can someone at Slamonline give Shiz a job? I never cease to be entertained or enlightened by his comments. In fact, I could say the same about many of the faithful linkstigators.

May.11 at 5:15 pm

Joe_x says:
Shiz, I don’t know Whitlock’s writing, but I can empathize (a little bit) with why he’s upset about clothing choices of youth (black and white). Do you (not you personally) wear baggy jeans, long white Ts, big gold chains, and bandannas or off-kilter hats? If so, why? Cause your favourite rapper does? And why does he? Maybe because some gangster did, or maybe not. Either way, it’s all about emulating “cool” and appearing to be something manly. There’s an excellent video that I show my students called “Tough Guise.” It’s about the male violence and construction of the male image in North America. The writer/creator, Jackson Katz, draws an interesting link about why urban youth dress the way they do. You can see a trailer of the video by clicking on my name (unfortunately, the part about clothing choices is not in the trailer). Jackson Katz spends his time in urban youth shelters and rehab homes, so he definitely knows his stuff. This is slightly off topic, and I apologize for that, but watch the trailer, and watch the movie. It’s worth your time.

May.11 at 5:34 pm

Giles says:
Max, I guess that means that in order to “even things out” a bit through some kind of affirmative action the “Black KKK” needs to get some of the positions you mentioned so we can have some good old fashioned anarchy. As far as I’m concerned the “Black KKK” and the “real KKK” deserve each other in the same way I felt that the thugs that beat up Reginald Denny should have been made to share the same jail cell with the police that beat up Rodney King: They could either learn to get along with each other, or tear each other up and either way solve some problems for everyone.

May.11 at 5:37 pm

Hersey says:
Is there any video of this conference online?
There are people who are trying to do something about the issues with race and youth culture in this country. Jason Whitlock spews venom but has no solutions. The guy makes me sick because he’s so transparent. Etan is trying to make it clear to him that’s how the people see him. It seems like he hates young Black people so why should we even bother reading/hearing one word of what he has to say. I stopped a long time ago.

May.11 at 5:43 pm

steve says:
Etan:
A Washingtonian and Wizards fan here. I wonder why you wrote the above article. First, Whitlock is a clown. I used to read some of his stuff, but it was always bad, incorrect, or designed to draw attention to himself. But as adults, we should recognize that when a clown speaks, most of the stuff he says is worthless, but even he might make a point or two worth discussing. It sounds like this panel discussion ended up being about Whitlock instead of the real issues blacks and black athletes face. Is Jason Whitlock the most pressing issue black athletes face? Are black journalists who raise issues like Whitlock the most pressing issue? It sounds to me like someone could have moved the discussion forward by saying, “Look, this guy’s opinions are just that — one guy’s opinions — and most of those opinions are just wrong. But he makes a couple of points worth discussing, such as …, so let’s talk about them.” And now you write this open letter to Jason Whitlock. I know you care about issues, and usually those issues are important ones worth discussing, but I fail to see how Jason’s Whitlock’s opinions are of any importance. If he writes you and says, “I read your piece and I’ve changed my mind. You are right, and I was wrong,” have you accomplished anything? No, because there are 100s or 1000s of other journalists out there who shares those beliefs and write or broadcast them. Maybe those other journalists are not black — is that Whitlock’s offense? But they are out there — are you going to write open letters to them? I don’t know, maybe there is a reason to write this piece, but I just hate that we tend in our society to focus on the extremes — the Imuses, Whitlocks, etc. — who spout ridiculous things to attract attention, when we could be spending our time much, much better by talking intelligently to each other about important issues instead of trying to convince these morons that they are wrong.

May.11 at 5:55 pm

Reggie Evans says:
Jason Whitlock makes Bryant Gumbel look like Louis Farrakhan.

May.11 at 6:45 pm

Dennard says:
@Russ, you are not wrong to feel that way about Al Sharpton. Not that it means anything, but I happen to be of the African-America race and I want to know who appointed Al as the designated “Black Leader.” I am sorry I can’t take Al seriously until he cuts that Goddamn perm off. Don’t get me wrong he does some good, but there is something insincere about dude.(IMO)

May.11 at 6:59 pm

K22C says:
Etan…. I know why you found the time to write this.

May.11 at 10:36 pm

2G40 says:
In some respects I disagree with Etan, simple because image is important in todays culture. My father always told me to “dress to impress” that often times people form first impression based on one’s appearence. It’s hard to erase that first impression. My dad would say ” if you look like a bum, regardless of how smart you might be that’s how most people will treat you”. This isn’t a universal truth, but it does hold some water. So if you dress like a gang banger, or thug…don’t be surprised if that’s how you get treated.
-
Giles, Black KKK…Is that like a group of black guys running around in long black robes and hoods, terrorizing white neighborhood’s? That’s silly, Whitlock’s attempt at coining a phrase to describe black on black violence is another example of his catoring to white fears and stereotypes…nothing more.

May.11 at 11:35 pm

what says:
*stands up and applauds* Etan, you have managed to sum up all my opinions of Jason Whitlock into one very well-written article.

May.12 at 12:44 am

J. says:
First off, let me say that neither Al nor Jesse has been designated the so called ‘black leader’, it’s just the mainstream media doesn’t pay attention to black issues until something happens and when something does happen they go to there old standbys b/c they don’t know anybody else. But the bad thing is that the media and society, actually thinks that one black voice speaks for all black people. That in itself is degrading. Black people are a diverse people that do not respond in a monolithic way. The quicker people realize this the better it will be. Also in reference to the ‘dress to impress’…does that mean I have to be dressy all the time? I wear shirt and ties all week long to work. When I’m off work I want to be comfortable, so I put on my baggy clothes and just chill. I could care less about scaring some shallow thinking person b/c of what I’m wearing.

May.12 at 1:21 am

IllyPhilly6 says:
Hey Etan write about why you hate Brendan Haywood, and got into 3 fights with him??? Haywood’s not secretly white is he???

May.12 at 2:27 am

derreck says:
Sorry Etan,
You need to stop writing and start working on your game. You can write a few paragraphs between jump shot drills but PLEASE for the Wizard’s sake PUT DOWN THE PEN and go PRACTICE! You think Gil has time to sit around and write books to some ignorant sports writer? Well, maybe he does at three am but he only sleeps probably like two hours a night. WORK ON YOUR GAME leave the writing to the pros. If you want to get into journalism or politics do that after you retire. Thanks for your time.

May.12 at 4:27 am

mutoni says:
derreck, you obviously haven’t heard about gilbert’s blog.

May.12 at 7:38 am

Slobodan Chutzpah says:
Glad to see Talib getting some love in the comments, what with all the hate he usually gets for being too smart for his own good. Also, it’s really sad to see African-American figureheads such as Oprah and Whitlock (if you can call him that) attacking black culture as being at the root of society’s ills. That is just narrow-sighted, and plays into the hands of white right-wing America who must be rubbing their hands, since, instead of anger and frustration being directed at the right target, it is turned back on the African American community.

May.12 at 9:08 am

Giles says:
2G40
The Black KKK, according to Whitlock, has their own minstrel-show/trade-mark “costume” and above all attitude and demeanor that annoys and in some cases scares more than just blacks. Secondly the kind of “prison culture” that Whitlock talks about extends across the racial spectrum and indeed is a major potential threat to the entire country’s future. The Black KKK characterization had less to do with catering to white fears and more to do with jarring blacks into re-assessing just how the “prison culture” as manifested by the Black KKK has hijacked and perverted black culture—-kind of like how THE KKK hijacked and perverted much of white southern culture. The Black KKK and their facilitators make blacks look bad and has darned near destroyed Hip Hop, and THE KKK certainly didn’t do a whole lot for the white man’s image either. This entire issue is much bigger than so-called “white right-wing America,” and is now becoming an issue garnering a high level of concern across the ideological, social, and racial spectrum, and now also extends to the Hip Hop Nation and the country’s music and entertainment culture in general.

May.12 at 10:00 am

JOE says:
ON POINT AS ALWAYS ETAN. THANKS FOR WRITING!

May.12 at 10:30 am

Ashe says:
Whitlock is one of many black reporters that tend to take the low road.I could honestly say I Hate when he’s on the sports reporters.Im glad you shed light on “House Nigga” reporting.Racist issues will always arise,but when the gatekeepers don’t take the time to get the story straight,the picture is always blurred.ESPN has been reporting like this for awhile.Barry Bonds&Roger Cleamens are about the same age and not a single mention of
Roger on the juice.Do white folk heal faster& better with no recourse?Espn thinks so.There’re countless examples I could use but let’s just work on one brother at a time.Jason…step your game up.Thanks E

May.12 at 10:35 am

tc says:
Gee Giles, we sure are grateful that a noted Whitlock scholar like yourself would take the time to explain the finer points of “black KKK” theory to those of us who need a good “jarring” into re-assessing black culture, courtesy of Professor Whitlock, member of the department of Macking Studies at Big Sexy University.

May.12 at 11:34 am

Mack So Fly313 says:
Im glad that im not the only person who looks at some of these writers criticize the hip hop community and wish I could just have a nice 30 40 min conversation and see where they get they views from, what hood they grew up in and who used to beat them up and take they candy when they was little, cuz its obvious that they have a predetermined agenda within the words they speak, I mean seriously not only as a black person, as a human being in general who in they rabbit ass mind wakes up in the morning and says “ok today Imma do something to try to bring down a woman who is standing up for her players rights” How can you say that thats a “recruiting” ploy for rutgers, The staff at Rutgers didnt kno that Don Imus was going to degrade them, and second isnt he supposed to be a sports writer? doesnt he kno that Rutgers women was in tha National championship game, that mean that they are the second best team in the country, why would they need help with recruiting. Prison garb? Gang attire? so are you telling me that in a country where blacks are the minority that people in jail are there because of the kind of clothes they wear? So what about the Mexican Gangs, White Gangs, Arab Gangs that dont wear “hip hop” fashion does that mean they crimes were any worse? The Media is always quick to blame hip hop culture for everything, look at the Carmelo fight at Garden, what did that have to do with hip hop? I still heard hip hop being blasted but the killing part to me is how they say all this garbage about the black dominated sports. I just happened to turn to the red wings game in the first round and they was blowing some team out, so the team pulls the goaltender and inserts a back up, and the backup just got to hittin ppl in the legs and stomach wit tha stick, whoever he could reach, to me thats worse than a squabble where a total of maybe 3 punches were thrown, im not defending a fight im just saying how the media acts towards african americans in sports, How come little Dillan can quit school at the age of eleven and start playin Tennis, Golf, or driving a stock car, but my dog Tony who is 18 livin in tha hood with a family to feed and all he knows is basketball but he has to wait a few years, he has to risk injury and cant make money in college, and even worse he has to tell his family they have to wait a few years to eat. Thats crazy. and all Whitlock does is give the media escapes to goto…

May.12 at 11:44 am

Edwin says:
Thank you Etan, for speaking up. Part of the problem is that we no longer own hip-hop culture, we have been sold out by the Russels and the 50’s, the Jay-Z etc. Out culture is now a cash cow for major corporations. The industry doesn’t want positive hip-hop to be the norm because they are afraid it would only appeals to a black audience, their profits would plummet and they might have to get real jobs. So whether it’s clothing, music, cell phones, cars, jewelry or whatever, they have a vested interest in keeping it gangsta. I hold people like Russel who have made millions of dollars exploiting black culture responsible. People like Jay-Z, Russel, and 50 need to realize that money is powerless if you don’t put it to work for positive change. What will be their legacy? Hip-hop is now a universal culture, with the best aspects of the music, art, clothing and dance being accepted everywhere. We have to start evolving our culture and take back control or it will die.

May.12 at 11:57 am

Nothin_personal says:
I am glad to find such a nice debate, in what people would think is an unlikely place. Contrary to the common perception in Europe that has Americans to be apolitical and somewhat naive in certain issues, i found EVERY post to be interesting and based on solid arguments. You can find some of this opinions rather stereotypical and cliche’, but they are evident of the mainstream and most supported political philosophies. I won’t come to examples (players play, writers write? what happened to the thinking individual),but I think people ‘d better start reading between the lines, trying to figure what every little action adds to the big picture, and what’s the cause behind it. In my opinion, this isn’t a matter of clothes, or sellout journalists, is a matter of how white-collar America (and Europe, for that matter) tries to manipulate people into focusing onto a small group of people (”blak thugs”, communist traitors from within, Arabs, hippies, and so forth) and blaming them for everything that is wrong in the world. That’s certainly not the case, and I hope we all could get past that, and face the real problem’s that we face.

May.12 at 8:03 pm

john julio says:
I respect Mr Whitlock for having the courage to write his column. Unfortunately there are too many people out there that cannot handle the truth. Jason is simply keeping it real in his view. I applaud him for taking a stance knowing that people like Etan are going to try and assasinate his character. Bill Cosby went thru some of that too.

May.13 at 2:48 am

Sesa says:
I didn’t want to be vindictive, Mr Thomas. But from what I read fromhis article; he looked like a completely ignorant person lookin’ for some bread to feed his families. There’s only a slim chance that he will read your open letter. But hey, at least you have tried to do something about it. Good luck…

May.13 at 3:33 am

Maurice J Morgan says:
I can’t see how Mr Whitlock is truly blind to the words that he writes and their ultimate effect. My question is why is it that he behaving as if it is okay to stereotype and be outwardly prejudiced toward a group of people who have been unfairly treated. What is his payoff, is the question? Maybe he has future political aspirations and his divisive statement are the only way he can get noticed now, becasue judging from his size he won’t have long to live and has to make his mark now. Maybe it’s just a false assumption of mine based on his appearance but I’m sure he understands where I’m coming from.

May.13 at 3:52 am

Maurice J Morgan says:
The more we are divided the more easily we are conquered. As a race, as a nation as an individual. There is no Black KKK. The mere fact that for one to exist it would be in reaction to a long legacy of racism and heinous acts even beginning with how the people arrived into the country. Now that we have made our contributions to this country and this world as a whole, we should not allow pompous attention seeking to destroy what little unity we have. A journalist of Mr Whitlock’s stature has to know better, just like Mr. Imus, the effects of his words given his access to the media and the public with his comments.

May.13 at 4:06 am

zzmobar says:
Etan I have read your other articles and you come off to me as being nothing but an ignorant, overeducated, hyprocrite. You want it both ways. You don’t like people telling you to shut up and play. Yet, you have no problem trying to silence Jason Whitlock and calling him an Uncle Tom?? If your game was a little more polished, Mr Whitlock might actually take notice on what you have to say. Jason Whitlock is not the problem. Guys like you are the problem. You are an educated person, but so misinformed and misled by left wing thought. The left will use you to help carry out its agenda and keep Black America down. As long as black American’s think they are being held down by racism they are going to keep voting the same way they have for the last 40 years. It’s unfortunate that you cannot see that.

May.13 at 10:05 am

Mr. Big says:
I think the main point in this discussion is that, while Americans have the freedom to dress the way we want and say whatever we want, that does not absolve us from the consequences of our actions. That’s fine if you want to wear baggy jeans or, like the Rutgers basketball team, have tattoos, but then you must be prepared to face the responses to those actions. For some reason, the African American community wants a free pass from the court of public opinion when it engages in alternative behavior. That’s fine if young black males, for instance, want to promote a gangsta image. But to do so while demanding that society treats you as a harmless person is plain misguided, when Americans who have little to no exposure to African Americans are only fed negative information about young, urban blacks through the media. Life is full of choices. Blacks must learn to live with them and the consequences they introduce. Black culture is no less diverse than Hispanic or Asian culture. That is, it has many forms and orientations. For black people to constantly propose that there is ONE African American culture does not take into account the diversity of experiences enjoyed by its members. Someone from Nassau County in N.Y. who went to prep school will have a different orientation than someone from South Central L.A. and has been surrounded by gang activity their entire lives. How can these two people possibly view the world the same way? They cannot, and to assume that they can is not taking their individuality into account. Jason Whitlock is not Allen Iverson, so please stop viewing him as such. He has absolutely no obligation to react to racial issues the “standard” way. If he feels that the Rutgers team was using the Imus issue to propromote i

May.13 at 10:09 am

Mr. Big says:
I think the main point in this discussion is that, while Americans have the freedom to dress the way we want and say whatever we want, that does not absolve us from the consequences of our actions. That’s fine if you want to wear baggy jeans or, like the Rutgers basketball team, have tattoos, but then you must be prepared to face the responses to those actions. For some reason, the African American community wants a free pass from the court of public opinion when it engages in alternative behavior. That’s fine if young black males, for instance, want to promote a gangsta image. But to do so while demanding that society treats you as a harmless person is plain misguided, when Americans who have little to no exposure to African Americans are only fed negative information about young, urban blacks through the media. Life is full of choices. Blacks must learn to live with them and the consequences they introduce. Black culture is no less diverse than Hispanic or Asian culture. That is, it has many forms and orientations. For black people to constantly propose that there is ONE African American culture does not take into account the diversity of experiences enjoyed by its members. Someone from Nassau County in N.Y. who went to prep school will have a different orientation than someone from South Central L.A. and has been surrounded by gang activity their entire lives. How can these two people possibly view the world the same way? They cannot, and to assume that they can is not taking their individuality into account. Jason Whitlock is not Allen Iverson or Etan Thomas, so please stop viewing him as such. He has absolutely no obligation to react to racial issues the “standard” way. If he feels that the Rutgers team was using the Imus issue to promote itself, so be it. But do not think that, because he disagrees with the “party” line, that he’s not black. He most certainly is and America will never let him forget it. He is just a sportswriter with a diverging opinion, who happens to be black. This country will be a better place once it adopts viewpoints like that.

May.14 at 8:13 am

Stuart says:
“The perception that you are on “their” side is constantly growing” with this statement you have proved what a narrow minded insecure idiot you really are. its sad that this belief in society that black people are somehow still victimised like its the 1950’s when in fact on the whole you’re not. Now i’m not sayin racism doesn’t exist, because it does, but it goes both ways. I’m white and if someone called me a honkey people would laugh. if i called someone a nigger i could lose my job. this double standard is ridiculous and etan you need to stop wollowing in your self pity and grow up.

May.14 at 9:08 am

MLA says:
AMEN!!!!!

May.14 at 9:09 am

MLA says:
I agree with Etan on this one. It needed to be said and he did it in a way that was classy not trashy!!!

May.14 at 9:50 am

oliver says:
Etan- I did not think ur columns could get any worse- but once again you have suprised me.
The ‘their side’ comment is journalistically irresponsible and as ‘more than an athlete’, something that you continually bring up in your smug bouts of self praise i would expect you to be above this sort of childish ‘us against them’ sort of attitude.
If you were white, and this is the god honest truth you would be fired by now for this sort of irresponsible journalism- your column is prejudice and written exclusivly for a black audience, something that is utterly detestable on a widely read sports website such as this.
You seem to think America as a whole is holding back the black race and this is truly laughable.
You reference a student approaching you and thanking you for your standing up for ‘them’, what? seriously? ’standing up for them’? is this a joke? standing up for them against what exactly? the hords of evil white people trying to hold them down? get off your high horse Ethan, in this awful white run world where black’s get no opportunity you dont seem to be doing to badly for yourself. After all you have been given a column on a respected sports website despite your journalistic skills being questionable just because of the fact that you are a BLACK ATHLETE! The average man in the street does not disagree with many of the things that Jason Whitlock said. You can accuse him of being an uncle Tom all you like, your column is confirmation of the pathetic blame game that sadly many minorities play whenever something goes wrong. im in university and am friends with plenty of intelligent black men and woman and none of these people seem to be ‘held back’ by any oppressive white regime and in fact one is writing a response to this column alongside me as i write this. The world is what you make of it so rather than sitting around blaming everyone else for the worlds problems go out and do something about it. In closing i only ask that Slamonline reconsiders Etan’s position on this website before putting this sort of drivel up on its website. Its getting worse and worse and is basically ‘racism’ dressed up as intellectual debate. its deplorable and pathetic

May.14 at 12:07 pm

Nothin_personal says:
What you people are trying to say is “Anerica isn’t holding back JUST the black race”. If you think that’s good enough, and things don’t need to cgange, then fine by me. I just thought that the way New Orleans people were treated, (as Dave Zirin pointed a few issues back) would make the public stop sleeping on certain policies.

May.14 at 1:39 pm

GuyanaALLDay says:
Oliver went a little crazy but the gist of what he’s saying is right…and no I am not white, I am from the West Indes, try and call me an Uncle Tom and you will get your shit checked… Jason Whitlock needs to word his opinions better… no doubt about that…and I don’t think Etan really feels the world is on some black vs. white kind of battle. But like most black people, he is comfortable representing his own, and takes pride in speaking up for, and identifying with his people. Although Whitlock never really provides a solution (Etan is right on that one), Etan Thomas really isn’t either. There are plenty of black people who agree with Whitlock…I was at All-Star weekend, as was much of my family. Although I was comfortable (I am 25), my parents and MANY older black people were uncomfortable…Although he is crass, Whitlock correctly described the atmosphere as something like out of a rap video…That’s never bothered me, but I don’t pretend to be insulted when it bothers other people –> its the freakin truth and all you complainers on here know it! What it all boils down to is taking responsibility for who you are, what you represent, and what you allow others to get away with (which is what brings it back to Oliver’s longwinded, but accurate comments). Stop WORRYING about who is calling who what when you endorse a culture and music that, on a holistic level, demeans and degrades everybody - black people, white people, all women, etc… Ignore all this petty stuff, fix YOUR OWN lives up, TRY to help others along the way, and leave all this bullshit to people who are just looking to get the limelight. Black people all know deep down inside how hypocritical black people can be at times…especially times like this…

May.14 at 2:47 pm

oliver says:
My post was supposed to be fairly sarcastic- sadly my buddy’s comment didn’t get posted yet- but he also makes many valid points- its so sad to see this ‘us against them mentality’ the blame game needs to stop as does the ridiculous double standard in matters such as race that exists in the United States. im glad Guyanna above me has the sense to see this- Im sure someone will want to have a pop at me for saying this because im a white man and its ‘not my place’ but essentially its true and i and many of my friends (black and white) feel that attitudes such as Etans beggar belief and serve to divide rather than unify something very dangerous in the volatile society that we live in.

May.15 at 2:32 am

zzmobar says:
One thing I want to make clear, is that I never ever want to see Mr Thomas silenced. This is America and he’s got a right to speak. Let’s face it, he likes to stir the pot and get people fired up. He wants people to try and silence him to give him more satisfaction. My advice is don’t take the bait. I enjoy a little comic relief and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Etan was born on April Fool’s day. Slam, please let this guy keep writin!

May.15 at 7:44 am

oliver says:
the problem is zzmobar- that people DO take this sort of stuff very very seriously- and the us against them mentality is not a joke at all-

May.15 at 3:02 pm

Iheartnyc says:
There are very insightful posts in this space. I’ve read some of Mr. Whitlock’s pieces and he has made a good point or two. However, the comments he frames his opinion in detracts from any positive message he may have intended to make. What good is it to goad someone in with a solid point, then immediately assault them with invective? I find that to be the main problem with Mr. Whitlock’s approach to writing societal pieces. Also, he isn’t the best writer. What he lacks in humor and insightfulness, he more than makes up for in vitriol. The only readers he connects with are the one’s who’s case he’s making. (And how difficult is that?) And he, like so many others, brings all of the problems to the table, but has no real solutions. I also can not let Etan Thomas entirely off of the hook. He left the door wide open for this piece to be interpreted as reverse racist. Other commenters referenced the us against them undercurrent found in Mr. Thomas’ letter. They missed the point, as the them isn’t white people. The them are counter productive black people. And although Mr. Thomas was correct, he should have solidified that point. (Random thoughts from reading the comments on this board: We really should stop using the term “Uncle Tom”. It only helps if you want to dismiss an unpopular line of thinking. It brings nothing to the discussion of our issues; There is no mention of any white agenda to hold down to the black man in this article. So I found it telling how some gleaned that from this piece; And finally, hip hop music and big clothes haven’t ruined our children. Teen pregnancy, absent fathers, drug addiction and inadequate public education are what’s hurting our kids.)

May.16 at 3:28 am

zzmobar says:
Hey Oliver, it is still important to allow people to have their say. There is nothing I dislike more than to see a person get fired for what they have to say. It happens too often in America. When you disagree with someone stand up and be heard. Just stop short of silencing them all together. I don’t think Don Imus made very appropriate comments and he was severely chastised. However I do not believe he should have been fired for making foolish comments.

May.16 at 9:00 pm

j joyner says:
Dear Eaton Thomas,
I would just like to say to you that I agree 100% with Whitlock. He is telling the truth and he should not change the way that he says anything. White people are not going to fix or problem and finding a way to tell the truth just for the purpose of not hurting our feelings when we have nooooo problem hurting other peoples feeelings is detrimental to our position in america. While I do understand your postion on this issue I now disagree with your approach. At one time many years ago I would have agreed with you. But after operating a commercial cleaning service for a decade, my brother working in the court system for a decade, and teaching over a decade grades k-12 on both sides of town I now understand what whitlock is talking about. In the past I have been just as guilty of some of those same behaviors, but I not afraid to admit it. The truth is the truth and if we as black people want to change the distructive path that we as a race are going in (this only applies to those who fit the shoes and they know who they are)we are going close a lot of doors of opportunity that have been open for us. We used to have very high standards but that has gone down hill and it is a cop out excuse to call Whitlock an uncle tom for shaming those who represent us in this manner and those who defend their behavior. I would like for you to in detail define for me what an uncle tom is. Give me some examples. Then I would like to compare them with so called black folks standards that in I guess are the opposite of an uncle tom. I believe that once this is done whether your man enough to admit it or not you might be suprised and ashamed of the position you are taking at this time. I believe we all recognize that blacks have a cultural problem that needs to be addressed and fast. But the Jesse and Sharpton approach is embarassing and makes us look weak and ignorant. Instead of being concerned about what white folks think about what whitlock is saying which is the truth. You need to be more concerned about what some of our black people,entertainers,politicians, preachers, and athletes are to make us look bad.And please do not use the excuse that white folks do the same thing because I will say to that . You should be ashamed of yourself for comparing the negative standards of another race of people to our negative standards. If your child gets in trouble at school for using profantiy and his excuse is the whites, asians, and latinos do it I bet that you would tell your child that just because they do it thats no excusse for you to practice the same negative behavior. Furthermore, anytime you want me to support my view with statistics I not only can but will! I will expect the same thing from you and I will not let you off of the hook if you don’t come correct with your statistics. I welcome the challenge beccause it will be an easy task for me thanks to my people.

May.25 at 5:19 pm

Mack So Fly313 says:
@zzzzmobar dude up there, how tha hell can u be overeducated? cuz my man black and went to school he is overeducated, its terms like that thats holdin down black america point black, overeducated

Jun.11 at 7:49 pm

Miranda says:
Bravo………..well done sir, well done.^^^^^

Jul.11 at 4:00 pm

Farrod says:
Um…I’m almost 46…northeast born and raised (Brick City, Baby)consider myself a music lover, but not particularly of hip hop. Maybe because I’m almost 46…But I’m always peeping whats going on in music. As an outsider, a ‘casual fan’…I have to agree w/Whitlock…hip hop sucks. Not just the mainstream stuff either. Might as well call it ’strip hop’, or ‘trap hop’, these days. It’s putting forth a real bad image and is having a HORRIBLE affect on a number of generations. Say what you want about Kweli, Common, MosDef (lost a little respect for him after hearing him claim who’s side he’s on in this debate) those dudes, but they aren’t carrying the mantle. Idiots like Jeezy, 50, are. These guys are the black KKK, not because they are actually doing what they talk about, but are encouraging a multitude of others.

Jul.15 at 9:04 pm

zzmobar says:
Hey Mack, what are you talking about?? Haven’t you ever of the phrase “overeducated idiot” before??? That phrase is used for people that have a lot of brain power but absolutely no common sense. The types who have mba or doctorate degrees. Everybody automatically gives them the free pass thinking they are so smart, but yet they have no clue on how to change the oil in their car. Those types of people are everywhere. In Etan’s case, its about him embracing of far “left wing” politics. Etan is a smart guy but absolutely disagree with his politics. In case you were wondering Mack there are a whole lot of WHITE “overeducated idiots” among us. The entire global warming alarmist crowd consists of overeducated idiots. However these comments happen to be attached to an article ETAN wrote. So Pardon me for picking on Etan. Mack, you really, really have to look long and hard under a 25 ton boulder to find an issue of race with the word “overeducated”. Of course if you live life with a “permanent chip” on your shoulder. You’ll see race issues with every path you take. That my friend is very unfortunate.

Jul.19 at 3:15 pm

Kevin in Denver says:
Jason whitlock is demonized because he speaks the truth. Any time a black person points out ANYTHING REMOTELY negative about how alleged black leaders and the Black Community fials its youth, and therefore its future, thay are labeled. Uncle Tom, Oreo, Sell-out. The result? Only the “stereotypical” acting successful black people are considered worthy of admiration and role modeling. The thugs in Hip Hop, the Gangster wannabes. So, slam Whitlock all you want. Keep regressing and driving up that out-of-wedlock-single-parent birth rate. Your loss.

Jul.19 at 8:34 pm

Rick says:
unfortunately, what you don’t see is how the majority of the world sees young black people dressed in baggy clothes, do rags and the like. I know it is a culture but to those not in that culture it is a culture synonymous with unemployment, violence, and laziness. Wether you agree or not is not the issue. That is a fact. That is what Mr. Whitlock is trying to tell African Americans. Each time a prominent black man stands up and tries to tell the hip hop culture that he is taken down. I know Jason Whitlock has been taken down and before that I remember Bill Cosby was. I own my own business. If someone sent me a resume that was loaded with great references, experience, and education, and he walked in my office in a hip hop (costume), I would not hire him. Each employee is a reflection of my business, and right or wrong, that image is not a good one in the eyes of the majority. Mr. Whitlock is not trying to be an uncle tom. You mentioned in your letter that you can see that yourself. I think what he is trying to do is get young African Americans out of this culture so that they will be viewed for what they can be. Smart, Intelligent, hard working people like you and me. You seem like a person Etan, that can see more than one side of any story and a guy who can make up his mind about things on his own without going with the crowd. Take this issue seriously. African Americans need a strong leader that can relate to them. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are not the answer. They are just looking for publicity and have lost their credibility entirely. Young black men and women need to hear this message from an intelligent man who stands in their shoes. Be that guy! Rick,
Class of Syracuse 1996

Jul.20 at 10:30 am

jamie odonnell says:
i found this an interesting read, but, you are being a lttle disingenuous. if mr. whitlock is “perceived” as an uncle tom, then, why is it not okay for him to voice his perceptions of kids who wear baggy jeans and boots? unfortunately, for better or worse, people are judged by the way they dress, act etc. vivian stringer was a hero for a day. when she choose to go on her media tour she opened herself to criticism. i doubt the girls on the rutgers team even knew what imus said until the media circus began. as to jesse and al, they have become a joke. any respect they were due has long been compromised by their words and actions. all races have all sorts of people. good and bad.

Jul.20 at 2:49 pm

Allenp says:
This column and all of these posts were a good read. I know have more information on how a cross section of this country who also watch basketball think. I have my own opinions, but they don’t really need to be expressed. But, because I know know how all you people think, including the writers from SLAM who commented, I will have an even better understanding of the sports world. Good day.

Jul.25 at 3:08 pm

Justin says:
The problem that Etan Thomas fails to address in his article is that Hip Hop has been effectively hijacked from the sane, non-violent artists who strive for the betterment of people of color in this nation and when most people dress in a “hip-hop” way, they are identifying themselves with the predominant, violent form of the genre, not the positive one. In a similar example of this, when you see a white kid walking down the street dressed in “Goth” clothing, you probably think that they are 1. on drugs 2. depressed 3. angry/rebellious and 4. listen to music which constantly talks about various forms of self or societal destruction. That is the connotation that comes with dressing that way. While there are certainly people in that group who do not fit that stereotype, anyone who dresses in that manner knows that is the way they are percieved. Just because wearing a certain set of clothes breeds stereotypes doesn’t mean that those stereotypes have no basis in reality and aren’t sometimes the image that the wearer was actively attempting to cultivate. I’m sorry, but if you wear hip-hop clothing to an interview, job, or anywhere you expect someone to see you as a professional, you are as crazy as someone who would put on the black eyeliner, a skull and crossbones ring, and a pair of ripped jeans and walk into a law firm. You would have to be stupid to think people wouldn’t make inferences about you from the way you dress and the popular associations with the culture your clothes represent. To say hip-hop isn’t popularly associated with the objectification of women, gang violence, and drug use/dealing is naive and its even more naive to say the genre doesn’t actively court that perception. In any case, Jason Whitlock just pointed out what anyone with half a brain already knows: one white idiot is not what the black community in America should be focused on. Talking and protesting does nothing to rebuild the shattered community, educational and family structures in the predominantly black areas of this country and only serves as a distraction from the numerous vices and poor leadership which a choking a community which was once the most vibrant and righteous in America despite centuries of being egregiously wronged. The black community once had the moral high ground in America and, because of that postion, signficant (though not complete) changes occurred. Returning to that high ground should be the first focus, silencing idiots and potential rascists much further down the list.

Jul.26 at 9:13 pm

Rodney says:
Hypothetically, what if the so-called prostitute was white with the Duke La crosse players? Would the case then really boil down to race? I think it’s a crime to make it that way and the counter-culture progenitors like rev. JJ and Sharpton, fuel the fires because that’s their thing. SO, even when the issue dies down and the offensive, rich white guys are found innocent, that sentiment still rides the wave and ripples out to create more of the same: hate. I believe this is Whitlock’s point about the reverend JJ. Opportunist. It’s the same presuasion/propaganda that embraces the ‘thug life’ in hip-hop culture. No one ever said all hip-hop promotes drugs, violence, guns, etc… but no one can deny it doesn’t either. Are these more angry leeches that build success off of hate or being a victim? If a prominent person says what Whitlock says and they’re white, then they’re a racist, if they’re black, then they’re an “uncle Tom…” Feels hopeless.

Aug.2 at 2:41 am

Tony says:
Jason Whitlock is completely right in everything he said in his column. What he wrote about is exactly what you are doing Etan. People try to avoid the problems that hes talking about. Imus is an idiot, everyone knows that, including Whitlock, and im not comparing what he said to hip hop lyrics, but they are in the same league. It is horrible to hear rappers talk about women the way they do, but most women listen to it and find absolutely no problem with it. They glorify drugs and illegal activity and as much as you want to deny it, rappers are role models to kids. They will do what they say. If they grow up listening to people tell him that killing is the answer and treating women as if they were not even people, and especially if he has no one to tell him any better, then that is what he is going to do, believe it or not. Keep avoiding the problem, but until the people you mentioned like Talib, Common, and people like Lupe, and Musiq, are the kids’ role models, instead of G-Unit, Lil Wayne, and Young Jeezy, the problem will get worse and worse. Let the ignorance continue and grow, and so will the problem.

Aug.14 at 2:33 pm

robert robinson says:
Dear Etan,
I really enjoyed your letter. It is very thought provoking and important. I am only just getting exposed to Mr. Whitlock and his columns but i have to say so far ( his catchy reparte excluded ) he may be on to something. If we all can strip down what is being discussed and not be offended then we may be able to think about it (which it is obvious you do). It is not a mistake that the prison population is upwards of 70% black..why? who is determining what hiphop style is…? ther are only a couple of russell simmons and sean johns, i believe that it is mostly white folks. The point being, you are right, how you dress is not indicative of what your behavior is but the sad truth is that it is the impression. Until there are more black people in charge of hiring etc. then we as a people can not ignore the impression that we set. Why cant the image of young blacks (men especially) be a kid with his nose in alan locke rather than with a rag on his head. I coach college basketball and train horses in northern california and i stipulate to all my young black brothers that the only way to change the treatment we get is to eradicate the slave ideology that white people imposed on us so many years ago. To ignore the idea that the hiphop culture (box) could be another way to catogorize us and prepare us for exclusion is not responsible. Of course there are all the exceptions (yourself as an athlete, mos def, common) but there is a distinct commonality in the scene. It is not only black folks that buy that stuff or idolize A.I. and what do those same white folks think of you or me before they talk to us…I think that the real talk would be for everyone to be less sensitive and really take a hard look in the mirror and think about how they contribute to this oppression, we cannot continue to blame it on “the man”, we have to look in the mirror and take responsiblilty and I think that is what Mr. Whitlock is saying. Thanks for the time Etan.

Aug.16 at 7:10 pm

Former English Major says:
The writing in Etan’s (presumably proof-read) article is absolutely shameful. Hard to take someone seriously when his view is so awkwardly expressed you feel sorry for him -largely because he clearly takes himself far too seriously for so poor a writer. I hear he’s a pretty good public speaker though, so maybe he should just stick to giving quotes from now on… On another note, there’s nothing inherently wrong with hip-hop style, but there is clearly something wrong with a society (reflected by posters on this board) that actually thinks young black kids wear baggy jeans with the intention of “intimidating” others -i.e. the white establishment. Get a life…

Aug.18 at 2:04 pm

Kedrick Storey says:
When are we going to stop using “Uncle Tom” as a derogatory comment to describe a black person? When are we going to actually read up on Uncle Tom and find out who he really was? The “Uncle Tom” that we continue to refer too was a Christian black man that put others ahead of himself. The Truth shall set you free.

Aug.23 at 9:43 am

Shonda says:
I am so glad that someone other than me knows damn well Jason Whitlock could never be on the same level as the memorable personality in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Jason has little character, is the sole owner of his INFLATED EGO and is a virus to black people in general. He has the opinions of a once bullied 4th grader, now tyrannical Adult BLACK Male-yes Michael, I mean Jason you are black and forever will be black. Go find another soap box Mr. Whitlock, this one is empty.

Aug.23 at 9:46 am

Shonda says:
P.S. Thanks Etan for the letter but for the record could you please briefly list some of the things with which you agreed with Mr. Whitlock?

Aug.31 at 10:32 am

tizzout23 says:
Personally, I have no problem with Jason’s points. As we’re seeing now by one of the girls pending lawsuits against Imus, this is no longer about being a victim, it’s about money. The Rutgers’ women could have turned the other cheek and had more class then to get into a pissing match with everyone who wasn’t outraged. Instead, people want to play the victim and tear down anyone who disagree’s. I commend Jason for shinning a light on the situation.

Sep.8 at 7:58 pm

John says:
It’s sad when someone points out the obvious and we still fall into the trap of the victimology of the left. Why are Watts, Thomas, and Connerly considered “Uncle Tom’s”? Was it because they made something of themselves? They didn’t register Democrat? (which ironically was the party of slave owners, and pretty much exploit us in a different way now) As soon as we stand up hold each other accountable and stop depending on the “Black Community” we will all be better off. Personally I could care less what Imus said really if you heard it in context was it really that bad? Please…He sounded like a out of touch old white man that most white people don’t like anyway.

Sep.11 at 4:21 pm

Larry Poili says:
Gee, I find it suprising to attack a man who tells you, get an education, respect yourself and if you want something go out and earn the right to have it. If you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, chances are you are a duck. It will not get better until you make it better.

Sep.12 at 3:26 pm

Munah says:
I agree with this article. I never heard of Jason Whitlock unitl today. I was reading about the Jena 6 from Loisianna and came across the articel he wrote on the topic. I think this young black male is very misguided. I question if he know the history of African Americans in this country or any where else. I wonder if he ever had the N word used towards him. I don’t want to say he is as bad as Bill Cosby, because for me Bill Cosby is looking out for us as black people as a whole. Bill Cosby was not degrading us, but having us question how we want to be represented in the media and in society as a whole. Mr. Whitlock I am not sure has any respect or pride in being black. Hip Hop, basketball, baseball, football, television, etc. like to show the negative side of blacks. They love us when we are winning there games and making moeny for them, but hate us when we aren’t winning or making money for them. Hank Aaron doesn’t get the resepect or glory that Babe Ruth does, but when Barry Bonds surpassed his record, here comes society bringing the negative, just like back when Aaron’s surpasses Ruth. I challenger Mr. Whitlock to take some African American History classes and realize that slavery was less than a hundred years ago and that we as blacks have had the privileges that America has to offer for less than sixty years. Uplift our black youth don’t throw them under the bus. Be that positive role model instead of beating the drum of white america.

Sep.25 at 7:19 am

cbiz says:
Cant we all just get along? I think Jason W makes some excellent points about respecting yourself and working hard.

Sep.25 at 5:55 pm

Alexander says:
Jason Whitlock is totally right, the truth is the truth no matter what the color of the person who is saying it. Mauah I applaud you and Whitlock for having the courage to say the things you said. We have a problem in america as negro americans,and it has nothing to do with the system or white america. The lack of self respect and the self hatred of our people is the problem. Only the weak minded,self loathing,lazy would listen to sharpton and Jackson. They never tell our people what they need to hear, only what they want to hear. thank you Mr. Cosby. Black on Black crime is at an all time high why don,t sharpton and jackson talk or do something about that. I for one wish that they would not make themselves the spokes persons for our people. Jena 6 what a mess. thank you Mr. Whitlock for telling us the truth about it. The young man should stay locked up, maybe it will turn him around.

Oct.6 at 11:01 pm

Harlem_World says:
The saddest thing about Whitlock is his inability to ever accept criticizm and use it as a source of self development. Clearly, he has issues. He is the ‘black’ mouth piece alot of white mainstream media will cling onto and use in continuing to perpetuate negative Black stereotyping. He’s educated enough to know there are better ways of getting his (valid) points across. Very disappointing.

Oct.19 at 10:50 am

Around and Around says:
Whitlock is nothing more then a shock jounalist using an easy method of furthering his career, ie. attack ‘black’ culture. No doubt there are legimite issues which need to be addressed, however, Whitlock way of going about it are disingenuous and self serving. His priority is clear.

Nov.14 at 11:03 am

Billy Stewart says:
This is a very stupid article!!!

Nov.28 at 9:30 pm

DanteXavier says:
“In addition, there are positive aspects to hip-hop as well as negative, and I understand that negativity is what sells, but don’t limit that to hip hop.” Whitlock is simply saying that Hip Hop’s modern influence today(the influence we see from it) is overwhelmingly negative. That can’t be denied. We know there is positivity in hip hop-I listen to Common, CRS, Talib, etc. They are exceptions to the rule at this point.
Hip hop today has become a demented institution, and that has to change. The fact that this art form has somehow managed to become the thing with whichs blacks worldwide are associated and known makes this change even more necessary. “As if the young women on the Rutgers basketball team or all black people in general degrade ourselves.” It’s a valid point. The black community got outraged when they heard the Imus comments about “nappy headed hoes”.
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