Cosby's comments let many of these whites off the hook. If what Cosby says is true, then critics who have said the same, but who courted charges of racism, are vindicated. There's nothing like a formerly poor black multimillionaire bashing poor blacks to lend credence to the ancient assaults they've endured from the dominant culture...His views have traction in conservative (and some liberal) circles because they bolster the belief that less money, political action and societal intervention — and more hard work and personal responsibility — are the key to black success.
Cosby has said that he's not worried about how the white right wing might use his speech, but it certainly fits nicely with their twisted views of the black poor.
The main problem I have with this whole situation can be seen in the reverse scenario: if some relatively well-known white entertainer got up and criticized poor white people, who are certainly more numerous than all Blacks combined, that celebrity might get a little media attention, but ultimately would fade away into the cacophony and pabulum of talk shows and tabloids.
So why does a Black comedian -- who's not even that funny -- get treated like he's the expert on all of his community's social, economic, and political problems?
Doesn't the press realize that almost all of Cosby's educational credentials are "honorary"?
He's not even as educated as he pretends to be, and he's no more an expert of Black America's social ills than the middle-aged brutha who cuts heads down at the barbershop.
How this clown's babbling is given top-shelf media attention tells you everything you need to know about the state of race relations in America today, that is: it's a joke!
Hmmm, now that I think about it, in showing little has really changed, maybe Coz serves a purpose after all.
b/w: Cobb