Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion

[admin]

Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion

Link to video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sOcMFeWUsuM&mode=related&search=


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?

[grenetta b]

:( COME ON NOW WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE IS THAT SUPPOSE TO GIVE.


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


SOMEONE NEED THEIR BUT FIRED FOR AIRING SOMETHING LIKE THAT:mad:
WE DON'T NEED NEGATIVITY WE NEED POSITIVITY.

AND WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THESE LYRICS NEED TO READ A BOOK ON HOW
TO MOTIVATE PEOPLE. NOT SING A TUNE IN EBONICS:p


WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS.:mad:

[JukeboxJones]

A profane Video is going to encourage my children to read and we wonder why other races call us the N-word. I was offended when I saw this video, I remember when they did this piece on a BET show, I forgot which show it was, I think it may have been the Red Carpet. Read a MF-ing book, we watch more TV then read, this video is not going to encourage children to read a book. I read a lot of books and it was because I wanted to become a better person by learning my history, perfecting my craft in business, film, video, music and carpentry. Learning about how to work a computer properly, we need to form a Black Network where we talk about conscious issues, I am working on developing something and we as a people need to develop our own programming. I am sure many of the listeners have Public Access Cable Television Networks in their cities. I live in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY, I am a member of both TV stations, we can do dignified shows on Public Access. Public Access is free to join, as long as you do dignified shows they will broadcast them, there are other shows on Public Access because of free speech. I am learning the ropes of Television hands on and everyone can learn the ropes as well, if you are 16 years of age and older, you can learn how to Create, Produce, Direct and Edit a Television show. We need to stop waiting for someone to complain, we need to complain ourselves. Bob Johnson selling BET to Viacom was the worst thing that ever happened to us, it looks more and more like the Minstrel Network. Spike Lee hit the nail on the coffin when he did the movie Bamboozled in 2000. It is crazy, I watch more Public Access TV and reality TV then anything else. I only watch TV maybe 2 - 3 hours a day except for sports.

[Jacque Dee]

I was appalled when I saw the video and then to finally be able to read all the words. Shame on BET. This does not surprise me. They took the news off and have flooded us with rap, booty-bouncing black females in a degrading and compromising way and expect it not to affect nor influence the world doing the most harm and damage to BLACK AMERICA. I am done with BET. As for me an my house we will not watch another moment watching it. How do you explain to your child that this is suppose to encourage him to read. Right!! All I can say is tune in to TV One. Thank God Cathy Hughes is smart enough to offer respectful programming. After we take care of the Jena 6 situation, our next goal is to change BET or should I say Booty Entertainment Television.

[ssjup81]

I don't get how this rap is supposed to inspire anyone to read, when they sound like they need to read themselves. I hate the fact that BET seems to think that the only way to get any messages to the black community is through rap, cursing, and ebonics. This message actually offends me. I'm an intelligent human being as are many of us. If someone wants to get the message across about the importance of reading, then do so in an intelligent, comprehensible manner. See, stuff like this makes me feel ashamed to be black at times and I hate that feeling.

I'm not offended over the fact that this is "rap", but it's the lyrics that are bothering me.

When I was a kid, on ABC Saturday mornings, during the commercial breaks between the cartoons, there used to be this California Raisin type character who would talk about reading. It was a rap, and it sounded way more positive compared to that abomination. We also had Captain O.G. Readmore, who'd sing about the importance of reading with a nice jingle in between the cartoons.

This to me, just proves that theory that the US government seems intent on keeping our youth "stupid".

[gdickens3]

:mad: I can appreciate getting our young people to read more because we all need to but I think that to get the message across in this way, is demeaning and down right disrespectful. Freedom of Speech is important but not in this fashion.

[ginny]

Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion

Link to video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sOcMFeWUsuM&mode=related&search=


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?

This should not even be addressed......peer stupidity

[choc8deb]

:mad: This is awful. I heard about this earlier this morning and I went on youtube to check out the video. I was soooo mad!!!...It is well past ridiculous and so sad. I was so mad. This video is in no way helping anything or encouraging kids to read.

[SuperFitBrother]

I know everybody is "up in arms" but for that young generation of hip-hoppers and "thugs" and "knuckleheads" this might be the only way to reach them!!!! They don't understand "regular" English so maybe putting it(the message) into a rap and coming at them "hard" might jar their brains into doing something!!!!!!!

When in Rome, act like the Romans!!!!! When in the hood, act like the hood!

[HAM84]

What the hell is wrong with this fool?I wouldn't let my child view this mess.:mad:

[choc8deb]

Whatever!!!....there is no way that that is acceptable. Not all of the kids are in the hood that are seeing this video...so that doesn't even make since.

[Sweet Tee]

This is nonsense if I ever heard! Let's end today's show by extending our congratulations and well wishes to Brittney Exline, a 15 year old young lady who has began her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university. Maybe we can figure out who her parents encouraged her to READ A BOOK.....and let's apply that sensible method instead of this frag-a-nackle bull.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070902/ap_on_re_us/young_ivy_leaguer

[|r|e|a|d|]

I think it send a message.

Exactly, also its a parody of the nonsensical music that goes on. First time i saw it i loved it. Because its meant to mock the foolishness that gets played over and over and over on radio and tv. Its not meant to be serious. I was at a club recently and they put it on and the whole dancefloor just stopped, folks were completely confused and I LOVED IT!!!. Sometime you cant take things so literally.

[Mahogany Love]

I choice to move my children to the country and have no cable because of this problem. We haven’t seen it because it is a HAZARD to turn on the television these days!!!! IT IS A DISGRACE that executives have the nerve to let this get further than their desk less-more on the television. I blame the executives & producers not the artists.

And it isn't BET anymore mainly because they have new owners that obviously aren't looking at the best interests of the Black Entertainers.

So very sad the way this world has ended up! So, So sad!

ALWAYS: Peace, Love & Harmony all over the world

[shaina]

I think this is very bad. I can not people are going to let that garbage go in one ear and out the other. What has the country come to. Black people need to wake up. We do have freedom of speech, but with that comes responsiblty. Black people are having a hard enough time this is making it harder for us. Shaina

[emans8]

It makes no sense how far rap artist will go to send a message. Yes they can say what ever they wanted under first amendment, but it is clear they just don't care as our young people will run out and buy this garbage. I have to admit the artist are smart enough to know that controversy sells and this is a prime example at it's best.

[CUJO]

I thought we were trying to bury the 'N' word!!! Why do we continue to do this to ourselves. There is no way this is going to motivate someone to read. No way will this be used as a training tool for my kids to brush their teeth...or grandkids now to do anything. Schoolhouse Rock may have been corny but you know what, a lot of blacks were behind that show and a lot of us still remember what we learned there. Bring back the Rock. Our race is in a sad state of affairs if we support this.

[Shahada1]

What Freedom of Speech should a Rapper have when he corrupts our young black children minds with mess like that!! Encouraging a positive act, yet with hidden and visual corruptive reverse psychology. BET has lost it for even putting it out there!!! Does Debra Lee know what is going on? Is she going to take the responsibility of allowing this video to be aired!

Mimi

[NJZAA]

Hello Fam
Every Thing Is Every Thing

See I'm Sorry That Taking It Toooo Far. .
But To Be Totaly Honest That's Something I'm Not Worried About That The Video Is Going To Make My Kids Read. First Thing We Need To Do Is Take Control Of Our Kids And What They Watch. My Kids Will See Something Like That They Will Call Me Over So I Can See It And We'll Laugh At How Stupid It Sounds. Something Like This I Don't Take Personal Because We Have 1hr Of Quiet Reading Time Mon-sun That's Right No Break And That Is The Way I Found To Get My Kids To Read No Choice!!!!!!!

[andre6971]

I Belive When Bo Made This That He Wasn't Directing This To Kids!!
He Was Directing At These No Good, Pants Slouching, No Respect Having Youths!!! For You To Put Him On Blast Is Crazy!!!
Everybody Goes After The Rappers. Last I Heard Bet Put This On Their Network. Yes Bet Stands Black Entertainment But Yet It Is Owned By Viacom Whom Im Sure Is Owned By The Man!!!
While Trying To Get Radio One To Do A News Show You Should Also Tell Them Not To Sell The 1 And Only Black Channel To The Man.

[coolmom]

BET has lost it. I don't see any humor in this video. They must have some young igorant producers at BET. Where in the devil is there humor about cartoons shaking their big butts and men grabbing them and using all types of profanity.
I beleive in freedom of speach also, but we need to have some common sence. We just had a big controversy of the "N" word and here this fool makes a video with it in it. I know Imus is just laughing and saying what did I tell everyone.
I just can not beleive that this young man thinks this will send a positive message.

[lilmissthing]

I Watched This Young Man On Cnn On Yesterday Or Sunday And Was Pissed Beyond Belief Because He Thought That What He Did Was Just Satire In A New Form. If He Would Have Done This Video In A More Tasteful Manner And Not Portray Black People As Simple Minded People Who Are To Stupid To Appreiciate Something To Praise Reading And Learning. I Saw This Thing And Thought Like Everyone Else How Could Bet Air Something So Vulgar And Stupid And Expect Us As A People To Not Be Upset. The Only Thing This Video Is Doing Is Help Children Learn More Ignorance.

[andre6971]

The Problem Is b.e.t.

[|r|e|a|d|]

I'm glad he is standing up to this barrage yall trying to put on him. Stand strong brother. As he said its "Parody" of an already profane situation.

[brownsugarlove]

I saw this video early this year while my husband, my six year old son and I were flipping through the channels and we stopped on BET to watch a Chris Brown video. This was on a Tuesday or Wednesday around 2:00pm. To my surprise this RIDICULOUS video poped up and shocked both my hysband and I. We watched for about two seconds and then I realized my son was glued to the television. I prompted my husband to turn that crap off, this is exactly why I will not allow my son to have a television in his room and I am not sure if I ever will. We rarely watch video's and I usually only watch BET when the BET awards come on each year. we try not to shelter our son from things because he will be subjected to all kinds of things in the streets and at friends and relatives houses. We explained to him that day, that just because it is on television that does not mean it is right.

We parents must take an active role in our kids lives and it is never too late to get involved. BE PROACTIVE. Yes, this video is ridiculous and it sets us back a bit as a race of people, but it does not have to define your child.

For the parents that are not involved please please get involved. Talk to your children. Ask them what they think about it?

Brownsugar

[andre6971]

George Make A Living Talking About Black People!!!
Calling His People Ni@@as!!! On His Show.........
Why Should He Be Talking To Him About His Thoughts!!!!

[Nashvillepoet]

I heard Mike say earlier in today's show( Tues) is this where we are? The answer to that is yes we are!! I'm out here with these kids everyday. I'm a young black brother who gives these kids a positive role model. I teach high school. Yet it still feels like a losing battle. For everyone we reach there are 10 more who still wair their pants below their butts and call women out their name. My students came in one day singing the song, and I was like what!! But at least they werent singing...."B this B that" I've actually held a discussion with most of my classes about the song. They teens think that the video is a bit much, but most think the song is no big deal. "At least its talking about real stuff,the people who see it need to read" student quote. Are his tactics a bit harsh...yes, will everyone who needs to "get it" get it...no, but its what we have all been saying to for a long time. I think BET took it to another level with the video...but come on people BET hasnt been "black" for years...its a puppet station. TV-ONE is our only hope, yet its not even on basic cable in a lot of states. If you dont have digital or a dish, you dont get it. We need black news, on a daily basis, if wasnt for Mike, and Joyner, we wouldnt have black news, and in 2007 with all these black millionaires running around thats a cryin shame...

[sflavor]

Why are any of you surprised that BET would show this video. When was the last time BET showed any responsible televesion programming. It's been how long since they've actually had a news program? It's gotten worse over the years and has been a travesty since Bob Johnson stepped down. I don't like to put down our people but the decision makers at BET are complete morons.

[FUNNYBRIDGE]

Hello Mr. Baisden,

I just would like to say if that is how we, as adults, have to talk to our kids to get a message across then we need not talk to the kids. I think that is one of the biggest problems with the black community. WE DO NOT RESPECT OUR YOUTH (KIDS) and it shows through our modern day music, movies, magizines and NON RESPONSIVE PARENTS.

How are these kids suppose to give something they have never received or experienced.

As far as BET showing it, remember BET was sold and you know who brought it....The same 3 or 4 white men who hold the hip hop music industry hostage. I know Mr. Johnson must be kicking himself.

[Midnight1973]

Personally, I don't mind it that much. Yes, the rapper could've went with a more "clean" way to get the message across. And, yes, he could've went for a way to get the message across that wasn't "straight for the jugglar & shocking". I believe he went for the way that most kids will not outright dismiss the message. We came up watching things like Schoolhouse Rock, Yuck Mouth(Cause He Don't Brush), McGruff The Crime Dog & O.G. Readmore. That was our stuff, and it was just fine for us in our time. But would alot of these kids out here today really pay those shorts any attention now?

We came up respecting our parents and authority. Now we have 5-7 year old kids shouting n**** this & f*** that, and cursing their mothers out(and mom NOT knocking the spit outta their mouth). Kids nowadays are taking guns to school, and not respecting their teachers. We have TONS of young parents who are ignorant on how to raise kids, because they themselvs are still kids. There are TONS of kids & teens who can't properly dress themselves before they leave the house, and no us seeing your wifebeater tucked into your draws because your pants are worn below your hips isn't proper dress. Neither is those coochie cutter shorts & jeans on that 15 year old girl who is dressed like she wants to turn a trick. We were in the house when the street lights came on(or at least on the porch with our parents), alot of the kids nowadays are out running the streets at like 11 PM. When these young men get their cars, they then go spend thousands on the sound systems & rims, and are like 20-22 & still living with moms(and have no goals or plans to move out & go to college or a legal job).

I look at it as simply a product of the times to pass a message that desperately needs to be heard. I've seen countless kids say that reading is boring. And I cry inside that these are the people who will run our country & raise kids in the future.

[4545rod]

I see the artist’s argument for making the song a cop-out plain and simple. Even though many young people use profanity, and it seems by his and the two teachers’ comments that it is somewhat now being more accepted. It does not justify him being a grown man putting this type of music out. Just because everybody else (the other videos) are doing it doesn’t mean he has to do the same. It just like the old saying about if your friends were all jumping off a bridge, there’s no need to follow. This is only setting us back even more. Regardless of what other good he has done, the bad always out weighs the good. Instead of elevating our people, he is simply lowering himself down to a more uneducated standard. Would he do this to help people get saved???

[jazzydj]

I just watched the video for the first time and I will say that that is very interesting to say the least. This goes to show that we as parents need to be aware of what our children watch and hear. Not everything that is played on BET is worth giving air time too. It is a shame that since the sale of BET it is everything and anything goes. But as parents if we take the time out to teach our kids to read then no one else will feel that they have the right in a derogatory form to tell our children to read. Yes there is freedom of speech but somethings go beyond that amendment. KNOWLEDGE is POWER AND POWER IS KNOWLEDGE and IGNORANCE IS BLISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) And this statement is not just for our youth but it starts with us PARENTS.

[Elijah Bliss]

...the other mindless trash on BET?

Michael Baisden's theme song should be "Out of Touch" by Hall & Oates because he doesn't have a clue what's going on with these kids and music today.

The "Read a Book" video is long over due.

[ToneSolo]

Where the damn hell are they finding these callers who condone this crap, this has got to be the stupidest and most irresponsible approach i have ever heard of, i never thought anything would eclipse ebonics but this has. If you want to improve the life of a child you have to uplift them and this is no way to uplift a child for an improvement. The hook of the song is MF and thats what kids will key in on. AND IF YOU ARE A TEACHER AND YOU CONDONE THIS YOU NEED TO BE STRIPPED OF YOUR LICENSE. All this will accomplish is opening our kids up to ridicule and deeper stereotypes. THis is why BET IS BLOCKED at my house. This video and song is more likely to make a kid tune into BET for more of this crap than it is to cause them to actually pick up a book. If you poll 100 kids a month from now i guarantee you none of them who didnt regularly read a book will have started.

[NJBoi]

Defiantly cannot disagree with the concept, but the content is unacceptable. Have we lost our mind? What are we teaching the younger generation? The video certainly grabs your attention as it should, but what message are you conveying at the same time?

[12 Things]

As an author of a book for Black boys and a youth worker who works at the grass roots level with them every day, I realize sometimes you have to use shock value to get them to wake up. When we do book signings at local malls, it is very disturbing to see Black boys and Black families walk right past our table and the Black bookstore and not even stop to pick up a free flier. Many of them have never even entered the Black Bookstore or even know it's there. They pass us in a rush to go buy gym shoes, clothes and cell phones. Many of you that are complaining about the video are doing a great job preparing your children for a positive a productive life. But for the millions of our Black youth who don't have that type of support, and are being raised by the media and the streets, you gotta get into their heads any way you can. Because of this song, I am willing to bet that Black boys (who don't read) will at least think about reading now. If you don't agree, READ what the youth are saying in the comments on Youtube. Many of them agree they needed to hear it brought to them like this. This song is not going to set us back. What is setting us back is the talented 10th who are failing to step to the plate and get involved in their communities and support people like me and the Bomani who are in the fight of saving our kids. Check out Bomani's other songs and you will see he is a conscious brother. Quit hatin on him and let's rally behind the real issue of our youth not reading and dropping out of school at such alarming rates. 12 Things Every Black Boy Needs to Know: www.12things.biz

[montanasherocks007]

This has to be the craziest message i have ever heard. now i understand u wanting to get the attention of so many of our lost minds but honestly this type of stereotypical "BS" has to end.

[ess1bee]

Borther Bomani may be using profanity in a satirical fashion, but, it is still not acceptable. We are constantly bombarded with profanity as it is and enough is enough. We as black people have been taking backward steps for years and Mr. Ahmer is now shoving us back in trying to justify his lyrics as satyre.If we don't stand up and say no to the hankerchief heads at BET then we deserve what we get. Also look at where the ad was premiered 106th& Park; come on people WAKE UP!!!

[roninicole]

Mike, I love your show. However, I can rarely listen with my 8 year old in the car with me. Your topics in the middle of the day while kids are nestled in the back seat of their parents' cars are inappropriate. It's grown folks radio though so I listen when I'm alone. To point this song out for its use of profanity is hypocritical, the content is positive--as is yours (most of the time). You approach your content though in a very adult manner. Satire has always been one of the most powerful tools to transmit truth. I agree, buy some damn land and while you are at it check the music on your teenager's I pod, cause T Pain is telling your daughter to sip up the drugged drink he just bought her! Attack him Mike. Call him out, please. Give this brother some positive press for addressing our (black folk) issues in a innovative way!:eek:

[brownsgr]

This video has got to be the most ignorant viewing material I have seen to this date. If I had children, I don't imagine this video would encourage more reading. What is the world coming to? This gentlemen is a teacher....surprising. He also said he would allow his children to view this video.....appalling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michael Baisden....help the brotha out!

[Star]

Dear Sir,

By using that type of language to express to young people in particular African -American youth is total sign that we are heading in the wrong direction. The gentlemen who wrote the song should read Carter G.Woodson's Miseducation of the Negro. This will bring attention that he too is apart of the plague that is killing our youth. You are not apart of the solution perhaps more of a problem. It seems as though you are hungry to make money off of a "one hit wonder" not realizing the implications that you have on how society views us as a people. Malcom X said "by any means necessary" but he did not mean it this way.

I am a young educator working with students who are first generation, low income students and never would I attempt to uplift them by using profanity.

Grow Up...Its not just about you! Its about us a people

[tima]

is this song meant for children or adults? if its meant to wake me up then put it on a channel I would watch. This seems to be directed at the kids that are allowed to watch the horrible videos already shown on BET so this pretty much belnds in with the rest of the horrible images they consume and repeat all day putting a so-called message behind doesn't change the fact that they listen to this kind of crap all the time if you want to be controversial stick to what you were doing and teach without profanity. I wouldn't want to feed my family buy selling my people this garbage. we dont need another 50cent but we sure could use another Martin,Malcolm, Medgar .:confused:

[ladybonner]

"Read A Book" is a disgrace in my opinion. :mad: That is why some of our children is non progressive today. No goals for the future and no positive outlook. With this type of video....No Wonder. Because you were raised in a black neighborhood does not mean you should not grow to a higher level in life. Also, what disturbes me in the female's booty being used as an advertisement niche. Another put down to females and how our young black men may view them. I'm very disappointed with our younger generation. God only knows what the future will hold if our young people don't start having respect and value for themselves and others...especially their own ethnic culture.


LadyB.

[Ms. G]

I saw this video about a month ago on BET. I was so shocked I could not finish watching the video. I am a 49 year old mother and grandmother and was alone when the video played. What is BET doing??? You can encourage anyone to read a book or nearly anything else in a better way than this video. I am so embarrassed for BET. Thank you Michael Baisden for having this topic on your show.

[losangeles67]

As an educator (and on behalf of just about every educator I know) I applaud the young brother for daring to shock Black America. For those who are far removed from the front lines of the classroom, the realities on the ground (the classroom) makes the "read a book video" necessary.

The video is a great opportunity to discuss literary in our community and a good discussion topic to engage in with youth..

If you dont like it.....sorry....its out there and done...now deal with it....

The real question is...how often do you encourage youth to read a book??

sc

[bearbrown]

The only thing wrong with this video is the language. But how many people can honestly say we'd be talking about it, if it didn't have cursing? And who said this was just directed at children? I know people who's last book was a how to manual. Is this guy the same who made the slave sell song?

[ATLLovesTennis]

:rolleyes: I understand the message the young man is trying to get across to the young people. I look at it this way, if you watch BET then you should expect things like this. IMO some of the rap songs and vidoes are just as bad. At least he has a good message. I have friends you use profanity all the time. That does not make them bad people. I just don't take my daughter around them often. We need to wake up an realize one shoe does not fit all (AA).

[mzryte]

I'm sorry, I understand the message, but this is no way to promote it. I would be appalled if my 3 year old daughter ran around the house repeating these lyrics. We are supposed to lead by example, if we want our children to read, drink water, buy land, etc then we as adults should take the first step.

[Mahogany Love]

People are seriously calling in, in agreement with this! And our own people :( This is a serious problem. When your own people agree with allow children to hear this TERRIBLE lyrics just like that stupid song “SUICIDE” I HATE THAT SONG. And yes, as soon as I read the lyrics I knew this artist aim was to get attention and he sure did. But that message is bad in itself because like so many other starving artists that want attention they don't disgrace themselves and their people in such a manner (commend them for this).

Thank GOD for our ancestors Luther, Marvin and them. That's all we got to hold onto until people start standing up and refusing to let these kind of artists slip through the very large cracks we got today. Back in my ancestors days wasn't none of these artists slipping through cause they stood up TOGETHER against this MADDNESS!

My children read cause of ME! One reason is because I love to read and it has been passed down but if he wanted to send a message he should have taken his behind to the school systems to help device a plan to MAKE parents get involved (and there are several ways to MAKE a parent get involved, I got them in my school district) not making the situation worse!

ALWAYS: Peace, Love & Harmony all over the world

[cjiles1967]

I just viewed this embarrassing video on youtube and was breezing through the posted comments to see other reactions and was totally appalled by the following comment;

MAIN, why da whitey mens be keeping black folk down wit dis here musik
Dis vidyo jus keepin it real

Other comments stated they found nothing wrong with the video! Needless to say, I am somewhat speechless!!

No words can describe my outrage! Futhermore, the gentleman that wrote the song seems intelligent enough to focus his talent on something other than this garbage that is suppose to pass for lyrical content??!!!

No wonder we are constantly trying to explain ourselves to other races, when we continue to keep ourselves down with constant ignorant and negative images!

Think people before you SPEAK!

[lyhmedia@]

I have no respect for BET.....they must be out of their minds to even put crap on like this....but you know... unfortunately, this video is going to blow-up popularity....this is an OUTRAGE.... !

[dwntoerthx]

I just watched the video and I enjoyed it. There was nothing in this video that's worse than what most rap and hip hop videos show. In my opinion he is speaking their language...they meaning those to whom the video is applicable. Perhaps one of these kids mouthing the words "read a book" to the beats of the video will actually have a new thought and read a book. This video shouldn't be the outrage and controvesy. The fact that 75% of African American males don't graduate high school in Baltimore City is why people should be outraged.

[Elijah Bliss]

I quote "Young people are not ready to lead"

Well Michael, we wouldn't have to lead if the older generation didn't fail so miserably at it.

[The Original MASTER]

Well you can't talk intelligently to someone who's ignorant. They can't relate - they can only relate to ignorance.

[12 Things]

One more thing. BET is also airing a video entitled "Bid Em In". Please look it up on YouTube. This video portrays the sale of a slave woman. I BET it is educating Black youth and anyone else who sees it. Again, we have to wake our youth up. If they see what happened during the slave trade, and they discover that they need to read to grow-- maybe BET is making some steps to expose our youth to consciousness. Only when they know who they are will they discover their real power and stop destroying each other and our race.

[BigBear]

It is wild that this video is making so many upset in the wrong way. It is meant to upset!, Obviosly it is saying it is a shame i have to be this ignorant to get you to listen. The video is meant to make a person look at themselves. I work with kids and work to dispell their infatuation with the rappers that speak in that way but talk about cars, killing, drugs and clothes. these are the kids heroes and they listen to them and want to be them. Even if a kid pays attention to the video as it is and not seeing what its trying to say at least it will be drilled in their head as they repeat the lyrics and maybe they actaully will! Dont get mad at the messenger of the truth get mad at the youth who need the message! Your kids are listening to all that cursing using that cursing. Joining gangs, doing drugs. Are you mad about that? Watch the video with your child and see if they know whats going on see how it affects your kid and what they pick out then explain it to them. Educate them so that Young Jeezy or Lil Weezy doesn't! See how many books your child actaully has read. I remember in school that my black friends would ask me to (In the typical African tradition) relay a story by mouth so that they could take a test, because they knew i read the book and would get an A! I am mad at myself now cause i realize i kept my own from the Joy of expanding their mind. And if you are mad at BET!?! well do summi cause it isnt BET it is H.T.W.M.W.B.E.T! HOW THE WHITE MAN WANTS BLACKS ENTERTAINED! why your little kids watching BET anyway! why aernt yall mad about that? We need to get together and get a network where we can put on the shows and music that will entertain us, bad part is? at this point? it would look just like BET! Mike! you took a vow to not have sex till people got some, take a vow till 100 kids read a positive book and complete it! Im just saying...

[The Original MASTER]

Yes, these kids were thrown to the wolves, and now are at fault.

[lightysgirl]

:confused: I found it shocking that this is where we are now in having to communicate to our children. But we must keep in mind, these are not children who have LOTS of parental supervision, have progressive parents who listen to Mike Baisden, fathers in the home, maybe neither fathers nor mothers and certainly possibly lacking a loving supporting family system altogether. Many kids, this video is targeted are being raised by BET, they're peers in the street and it's being left up to the underpaid, overworked teachers to raise and get thru to them. I HEARD the teachers when they said this approach works... Of course, it would be offensive and and not work for George's kids, or kids that are being raised my hardworking mothers and fathers not living and being raised despite of the hip hop culture.

We've got to get past our own paradigms and find a way to effectively communicate to ALL our kids and the process to do it may not be pretty picture for those of us who KNOW or HAD the opportunity to do it in another way.

[The Original MASTER]

George, you said we need to find a better way - have you any suggestions? Oh, btw George, you say you use profanity in your act - But did Bill Cosby use profanity in his act? And Mike, you say music in the 60s, 70's, etc. were devoid of profanity and are classics, & the message is still relevant (hmm, just like Cosby's). Will George's "body of work" stand the test of time? Check yourselves. And also George, do you believe telling a child he's the reason his daddy left his mama as a joke a good thing? That's just as damaging. Hypocritical.

[celebratinglife]

Where do I even begin..."Read A Book" has set us back 1,000yrs...what happened to encouraging our children to strive for excellence! The profanity is really unnecessary and besides the message will be lost amidst the rhythm
and the inappropriate language. I am sickened and saddened by the ground we continue to lose by the buffonary we continue to exhibit as a people.

"WAKE UP"

[Brotherjx]

Listen to video opening of the Community Defender TV show, a song from a group out of Louisiana (Full Grown, T-Tom & Fellon) "Heaven Help Me" The song is a dedication to New Orleans & The Jena 6. you can listen & look at the whole showing on google video along with highligts of the July 31, petition rally in Jena, La.

Watch "Free the Jena 6" Petition Rally on Google video to be shown on Public Access T V
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Community Defender "Free the Jena 6" Special"
Show highlights of the July 31, 2007 Petition Rally that was attended by over 300 people
Running Time 56 mins to air on Sept. 2, 2007
on A.O.C.Public Access, Sunday at 8pm CST on chs - 15 & 16 (Cox Cable) Lafayette, La. (5 parishes)

www.blackaction.net

email: blackaction@cox.net

[Bleueyes917]

So if this is airing on BET, "What night will AMOS and ANDY air?"

This does not surprise me that "BET" would come out of the bag with this foolishness and also the fact that the young men that created this is BLACK or now considered COLORED because that is where they have sent our race back too. It saddens me to know that BET, The Entertainment Industry and the Creators of this video think that it is ok to degrade black people. Wasn't the N-Word is buried in Detroit 2 months ago. Bob Johnson should have taken his name off as a stakeholder of BET and taken the name as well. Also, Debra Lee should just resign after this because she is the face for BET. For the teachers that called in and thank this youngman....we need to find what school district they practice and request that they resign.

Bedelia Brown

[Effervescence]

I am so tired of people taking steps down in the name of bringing Black folks up. When will we realize that a standard is a standard for a reason so that we can measure up to it.
I agree with George. How narrow minded for the author of the song to say he's only speaking to Black people. Well in case he didn't notice, we don't live in a Black world and other people inhabit this planet as well.
Lord have mercy....

[Dimplesdel]

This is the saddest thing I have ever seen. I was so disappointed with College Hill and how the students were conducting themselves. This video should be pulled immediately. :mad: Our young people deserve better than what is being thrown at them.

[mr nutrition]

All Natrual Weight loss pills, meal replacements, SEXUAL HEALTH weight gain, creatine, vitamin supplements, HGH, glutamine, protein bars, workout gloves, lifting straps and more! We carry all of the top brands Over 130 Major brands and Shipping is Only 5.95 with super fast shipping!!!!!! So check it out Right Now!!!!

WWW.SPORTSFLEX.NET

All Natrual Weight loss pills, FAT BURNERS THAT WORK meal replacements, SEXUAL HEALTH weight gain, ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS, OMEGA-3, and a WOMANS SECTION vitamin supplements, HGH, glutamine, protein bars, workout gloves, lifting straps and more! We carry all of the top brands Over 130 Major brands and Shipping is Only 5.95 with super fast shipping!!!!!! So check it out Right Now!!!!

WWW.SPORTSFLEX.NET

Sexual Health For Men and women!!!!!! and 3,500 other Products that are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and REmBer 2 Save the Page!!!!!!!!

check it out today just click the link below Only 5.95 Shipping

Weight LOSS PRODUCTS
http://sportsflex.net/index.php?cPath=35

Sexual HEalth
http://sportsflex.net/index.php?cPath=52

Testosterone BOOSTERS
http://sportsflex.net/index.php?cPath=43

and Estrogen Blockers
http://sportsflex.net/index.php?cPath=46

[celebratinglife]

Where do I even begin..."Read A Book" has set us back 1,000yrs...what happened to encouraging our children to strive for excellence! The profanity is really unnecessary and besides the message will be lost amidst the rhythm
and the inappropriate language. I am sickened and saddened by the ground we continue to lose by the buffonary we continue to exhibit as a people.
Let's use our creativity to build each other up and not tear each other down
"WAKE UP"

[Elijah Bliss]

You can knock this video all you want, but it wouldn't have existed had it not been for the lack of leadership, the failure of Black parenting, and the overall nihilistic pacifistic attitudes prevalent in the community.

So blame yourselves.

[tjdixon]

He could not create quailty music so he sold out. He is all about making money. No matter how smart he sounds he is ignorate. :mad:

[imani22]

Dear Family,
Please research and post to all "WHO" actually owns BET NOW anyway????????:confused:

Life Theory...life chances influence social and economic mobility and how they affect individual behavior. When individuals have opportunities, the ability to obtain adequate housing, higher education, gainful employment, etc. they internalize them, develop expectations about the future, and act accordingly.
Life Chances Theory-Slonin Nevo

[latoyadmiller7]

If this is what it takes for our kids to read a book, we need to declare a state of emergency. I think it's really sad for Mr. Ahmer to make a song like this to teach our children. Our children are already far behind and stereotyped in school. This video does nothing to help the situation. First of all, there's barely a verse without profanity. Secondly, every other word is either bitch or nigga. Self-degradation is something that we must overcome or we will never get anywhere. How are those words uplifting or encouraging our children to read? Some of these kids experience enough negativity at home, school, and within their neighborhoods. They need all of the encouragement they can get. There's nothing wrong with using music or a video to get our children to be excited about education but be more creative than that. If you really think about it, would you allow your children to listen to this? Go into the schools and you will see exactly what I'm talking about. I've been working with kids in the Dallas area and it hurts to see the state of mind that our children have. We need to do all we can to help make our children do better. This is not the way. And, I am appalled at BET for airing this. They no longer practice discretion when it comes to what they air on TV. I no longer watch BET anymore and it's because of the shift that they've made in their programming. BET is not representing the black community in the right way. Things have got to change otherwise we will continue to be stagnant as a people and a culture. I hope that Mr. Ahmer opens his eyes and changes his dictation to our children.

[Bleueyes917]

So if this is airing on BET, "What night will AMOS and ANDY air?"

This does not surprise me that Black Entertainment Television "BET" would come out of the bag with this foolishness and also the fact that the young men that created this is BLACK or now considered COLORED because that is where they have sent our race back too. It saddens me to know that BET, The Entertainment Industry and the Creators of this video think that it is ok to degrade black people. Wasn't the N-Word is buried in Detroit 2 months ago. Bob Johnson should have taken his name off as a stakeholder of BET and taken the name as well. Also, Debra Lee should just resign after this because she is the face for BET. For the teachers that called in and thank this youngman....we need to find what school district they practice and request that they resign.

[Ro London]

Understanding the nature of satire answers all the questions of why it is so offensive. He is showing you how people already see our culture when they watch the everyday videos on BET AND MTV. This was clearly meant to wake up those who are numb to the constant stream of negative imagery already present. Satire is not meant to be subtle otherwise it is just plain fiction. Voltaire is a great example he received the same type of ridicule but he is now studied world wide.

[tcher07]

Dear Family,
My heart is troubled as I listen to the young viewers applaud the efforts of the writer of the lyrics in BET's "Read a Book" campaign. I have taught in the public schools system for over 20 years. What a sad state of affairs we as African-Americans must be in to vocally say that the words and images written and displayed in this video are positive or helpful. I am disgusted by teachers who think that because young people curse, it is the job of adults to lower the conservational bar, instead of raising it. We must motivate our children to use their brains, not their behinds to eridicate illiteracy. To speak professionally and not profanely, and use the power of mediums like video and rap songs to empower each of us to overcome overwhelming obstacles-not create negative diversions that detract away from the real problem-illiteracy and ignorance!

[Kalia]

As a 39yr old African-American woman I must express my sadness at the state of our people. To think that anyone would have the audacity to bring this forth and call it art or a method of teaching the youth is a disgrace.

I grew up listening to the Last Poets, Joan Baez, Gill Scott Heron, and numerous others. I was always empowered by the artists my mother played.

"Keep Your Head to the Sky by Earth Wind and Fire is a personal anthem. Think of the lyrics to "Devotion" by Earth Wind and Fire. After listening one could not do anything but critically look at themselves.

The brothers who brought this forth are no different to me than the neighborhood drug dealer. For a profit you will sell your people death. Yes all will not partake and you know that but for those who will then so what it is their lost. To gain the dollar is the ultimate goal. Yes as you mentioned a legacy is being left.

Although the brother thinks his children will be on to something else by the time they are able to watch BET he is affecting millions of children who are also his children they are his people.

As George stated the white elite sit back and sip champagne over scenarios like this.

Read A Book is a satire that reflects the feet shuffling yes massa satire that oppressed our people many years ago.

As Spike Lee says "Wake Up"!

[caramelcoffee30]

What a Shame!!!,was kind of crap is that,what are we doing to ourselves?I would be horrified if my sons ever saw that.the person who put that out should be ashamed and Bet is showing that,and I thought uncut was bad this is worse.

[Monte54]

Children of our black community will rather watch t.v than read a book, but if our last option for making kids read a book is to demean our own culture in the process, we might as well quit while we're ahead.
To have our future doctors and lawyers raised by a video saying "Read a Mutha** book" we are contradicting our own teachings of walking proud, and with self respect.
If we allow our kids to say "read a mutha** book", their views on what is appropriate will be altered. Doctors will be walking into interviews and meetings saying "I read the Mutha** medical book and it said to wash her Mutha** feet." this phrase does not show intelligence or education, but it shows stupidity and ignorance (which is the true definition of a N**ger).
I give so much props to Bumani for attempting to bring our kids back to reality but what he may see as a small change in how we teach our children may have such a GREAT effect in the future on how our children will be viewed and how we view our own selves.
And remind you, just because our kids are singing "Read a Mutha** book" that doesn't mean that their actually picking up a book and reading one. I have not picked up a book after i've heard this song.
Take it from me because I am 17 and a future doctor. I'll keep my dignity by telling my sisters and future children to read a book, but not to read a Mutha** book.

[rclark123456]

This video is a disgrace to any black person alive. How dare this young naive brother think that he was doing a service to anyone. How uninformed he is. I think we all need to send a silent prayer to the man above for this brother, and anyone else who agrees with him. My people, my people. I thought we had come further than that! Wake up man and get a clue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mahogany Love]

I quote "Young people are not ready to lead"

Well Michael, we wouldn't have to lead if the older generation didn't fail so miserably at it.

Do you not know you have to be a leader in you own life no matter if someone else "failed miserably"? Do you not know the stress of blame & pointing fingers is not going to do anything for you but hold you down? Are you speaking about YOUR immediate older generations (your family members) or are you speaking of the world in general because I know of several hundred of our ancestors that did a FANTASTIC job and even paved the way to open doors that were blocked with BIG BOULDERS before they came along. Please stop with this attitude because IT WILL NOT GET YOU ANYWHERE AT ALL!

Always: Love, Peace & Harmony all over the world

[gapeachndc]

I must be the crazy one because I'm hearing caller after caller congratulating Bomani on such a great approach. That's RIDICULOUS to me. While I hear and understand what he's trying to do, this video is such an embarrassment.

My white coworker first showed this video to me a month ago or so, and I was so embarrassed. I was at a lost for words, which doesn't happen often. While you may have intended this merely for a black audience, others are watching. While some are laughing, many others are shaking their head. They're digesting these images, and that's what they think of us. This is a horrible look for us. This video, coupled with images of African Americans on TV committing crime after crime is all some people see of us, and that's what you want your legacy to be. That's shameful.

I'm 24 and I don't have any children, but I refuse to be hoodwinked into believing that this is the only way we can reach kids. (For proof of the fact that this isn't the only way to reach our children, check out Andre Agassi's school in Las Vegas - a shining example of this.)

[MsLexus]

This is just awful and the person (I forgot his name) that produces this video ought to feel totally disgraced. He is degrading blacks more than some whites. And he says BET ought to be commended. BET ought to be boycotted for showing this garbage, trash and any other horrible word to describe it........:mad: :mad: :mad:

[mjcando]

the song is garbage!!!!!!however, the man has a right to say what he wants to say. i think that there is room for diverse thoughts and ideas. black america doesn't have one voice nor do we have one pattern of thought. i think that we can choose to view what we want, and, in america, our dollars speak loudest. unfortunately, a lot of what's being released is garbage, and this is no better or worse than a lot of what i hear. as a black man, i don't look to others to lead me or to determine what i (or my progeny) am exposed to. i listen to diverse ideas, and i make my own decisions. i think that we, as a people, get distracted by "causes on the periphery." i'm much more interested in focusing on jena 6, bringing troops home, pooling property tax monies statewide in order to equally distribute funds to public schools to even the playing/learning field for our children, eradicating the idea of absentee fathers, eradicating the idea that jesse jackson and al sharpton (i respect what they've done in the past) are black leaders because, as a black man, i don't need anyone to speak for me,and electing officials who are going to fight for systemic equality. as a young black man, i will not bow or break...i'll hold my head high, assert myself, and fight if i must. there is no shame in being black. the only shame is in how the system continues to perpetuate racism, and the way that fact causes some of us, both black and white, to view ourselves...

[marquisunt43]

Thank you guys for sending out the message about the videos on BET. BET is concerned about making money not educating our kids. You can get more Civil Rights info and detailed Black History on PBS then you can on BET.

A lot of the young black men today are raising themselves and other young black men with no parental experience. A lot of the young black "Wrap Artist" did not have fathers in their home. Not having a father in the home should push these young black men to get their education. Use education as a weapon. I can go on and on about today's "Wrap Artist". They can call our people Niggas and don't realize that Saggin pants means Niggas backward.

With much love

[Mz. Blue]

it's not that we want our young people to listen to these types of lyrics for education, but in today's world like sex, aggression sales. The song Mike plays by dj jazzy jeff is truely a nice song with a nice message but the bottom line to it is, is that today's youth probably won't buy it because where they come from is ruff, their daily lives are ruff and in reality the nasty lyrics are what they prefer. so why not make a ruff song as long as the meaning gets heard.

[loveforall]

Black America is made up of many different facets, and no one person can represent "Black America". Michael Baisden is able to reach a certain market in "Black America" that Bohmani Ahmer cannot reach and vice versa.
I heard a statement that other cultures are rejoicing because of the lyrics below. But are other cultures also rejoicing when a young African American man is invited on a radio show and then is publicly ridiculed for doing what he "thinks" will make a difference in "Black America" by another young African American man who is doing what he "thinks" will make a difference in "Black America".



Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[macadocius]

You house niggas are at it again. You can't come up with a solution to another problem, so you attack anyone that tries to express a possible solution. It is not your idea so you must beat it down. "Read a Book" is not the problem. It is all you closed minded simpletons that have led us down the wrong road with incompetent leadership and now want us to listen to and follow you again....Nope its not going to happen.http://www.minglecity.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif

[MissNita]

I could not even listen to all of it, my ears could not stand it. This is horrible.
I dont need to curse at my child and call him out of his name to get him to listen to me. I am not sure if any behavior warrants this type of response from this guy--this sickens me

[Ro London]

I think it is more effective for the parents to see it than the kids. As tax payers and voters you all have a voice to end what the young men who created the video fights and what you are obviously against. But no one says anything when some popular rapper does it because of the nice beat and radio edit trickery. Wake up to that, if you are mad say something and don't quit carry your voice to the top and make it mean something. It is time forums become plans intended for implementation

[mjjones397]

As a person who was in the trenches of the Education Profession for several years, I understand what the brother is trying to do. If you haven’t spent time teaching I challenge you to spend some time in your local inner city school for a week (A week should do it). You will quickly see that we are dealing with a different type of student. This is a new generation of teenagers, and to education them calls for radical approaches to get their attention. I understand that this song is not for every student. Those students who have a solid foundation at home have no need for this song or can at least understand the satire of the song and the video. But there are some students who don't have a clue as to what is going on in the world around them and don't have anyone to go home to that could properly educate them. As a result many of them receive their education from the music that they listen to and the videos that they see, and it is very difficult to compete with the 50 Cent’s of the world. When I was teaching high school I was very professional with my speech, but at times I used slang and profanity. And no, I didn't have a lesson plan full of MF's and niggas...but when I needed to get a point across I used them....and they worked. We need to meet the children where they are in order to get them where they should be. You have to try new techniques because the old ones don't seem to be working.

[deniseh59]

As my boy Chris Rock would say "Let's be for f------ real." Who knew who this man was before this video came out. Nobody!! Yes he has done other things but didn't get noticed at least not the way he wanted too. Now he comes out with this bull and it's instant fame, regardless of the negativity surrounding it. Yes he got his 15 minutes, but at whose expense. Unfortunately our children.All he had to do was say this was his only way to get his foot in the door and I would have understood. I still would not have liked it but I would have understood. Sometime African Americans have to go about things in a different way to get the desired effect we want. But when he tried to play it off by saying we would be into something else by the time he kids would be old enough to watch is a cop out.Expose our kids to the bull but not his. I hear you loud and clear my brother!!!

[Mahogany Love]

You house niggas are at it again. You can't come up with a solution to another problem, so you attack anyone that tries to express a possible solution. It is not your idea so you must beat it down. "Read a Book" is not the problem. It is all you closed minded simpletons that have led us down the wrong road with incompetent leadership and now want us to listen to and follow you again....Nope its not going to happen.http://www.minglecity.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif

All I can do is laugh at this person! So very sad.........:confused:

[RM Gray]

Hmmmm...there seems to be a lot of diverse opinion and strong feeling about this one. I think this video and its message is an interesting attempt to communicate with a certain segment of 'at risk' youth who utilize hip-hop as a primary means of entertainment. I see a lot of posts saying that it should be "communicated differently". I agree...do it. Differing perspectives is one of the beautiful things about humanity. Anyone is free to produce and post videos for public consumption (i.e. YouTube, CurrentTV, etc.). There are many modes of communication, none necessarily good or bad, but definitely there is a distinction with regard to effectiveness. Lets see if this video accomplishes the task its creator intended. If so, then I see no problem. If not, then back to the drawing board (no pun intended).

[damitrie]

Pardon me, I'm not going to jump on the band wagon with everyone else in reference too this read a book video. In my opinion, I'm a 49yr old black man with a 12yr old son who has had the best up bringing than i've ever had as a kid coming up. The only way that I can get his attention is to go there with him. I work in the county jail system, and let me tell you, the author of this video message is accurate. This is the language of perference for todays majority youth.

P.S. Before you judge my comment, peep this, you don't walk in my shoes.

[Ro London]

A Modest RevoluTION Generated by Love

The incarnation of my salvation gave me a new aspiration.
This nation needs to break down the notion that God wanted
us to cross that ocean to become an abortion to African
civilization.

Yes, there was a time of Reconstruction,
but it never fulfilled its implementation. So, the country
was divided through education, occupation, and recreation,
because some members of a certain persuasion favored
separation. Some of us accepted that as damnation, but others
used their experience to enlighten another generation.

It is time for us to find a solution no less than a revolution
that would rid us of the mental pollution, which causes the
confusion that leads to the manifestation of our under
representation.

I motion to begin the promotion of
education that leads to graduation,
occupation that leads to inspiration,
and recreation that leads to liberation.


Rolanda London
Copyright ©2006 Rolanda London

[darmitab]

This is no way to send a message across to any race. I guess what BET is trying to say is the only way our children would even consider reading a book is if the message is coming in a hip-hop style.

This is crazy...we can do better people.

[DaSmoov1]

Hmmmm...there seems to be a lot of diverse opinion and strong feeling about this one. I think this video and its message is an interesting attempt to communicate with a certain segment of 'at risk' youth who utilize hip-hop as a primary means of entertainment. I see a lot of posts saying that it should be "communicated differently". I agree...do it. Differing perspectives is one of the beautiful things about humanity. Anyone is free to produce and post videos for public consumption (i.e. YouTube, CurrentTV, etc.). There are many modes of communication, none necessarily good or bad, but definitely there is a distinction with regard to effectiveness. Lets see if this video accomplishes the task its creator intended. If so, then I see no problem. If not, then back to the drawing board (no pun intended).

I agree.

I think for Michael Baisden and George Wilburn to criticize this man is highly hypocritical. To promote "Grown Folks Radio" where tons of "our" children listen to the show which contain graphic/adult topics, and even promote segments for children to call in, and then criticize this man for his lack of morals is the pot calling the kettle black. :confused:

[RisinSon]

This is why we continue to spiral deeper into the abyss with no way out. I think read a book is a little over the top, but you you must take a deeper look to where it is going. As far fetched as this seems we are caught up in a matrix meaning the wool is pull over our eyes, and do we really want to be awakened to the real issues. This link below shows why the next generation is not ready to take the torch of the elder generation. We must wake up family return to the Kings and Queens we used to be! Peace
:mad:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=5639940

[Elijah Bliss]

Do you not know you have to be a leader in you own life no matter if someone else "failed miserably"? Do you not know the stress of blame & pointing fingers is not going to do anything for you but hold you down? Are you speaking about YOUR immediate older generations (your family members) or are you speaking of the world in general because I know of several hundred of our ancestors that did a FANTASTIC job and even paved the way to open doors that were blocked with BIG BOULDERS before they came along. Please stop with this attitude because IT WILL NOT GET YOU ANYWHERE AT ALL!

Always: Love, Peace & Harmony all over the world

Michael attacked my generation (30 and younger)

Me pointing fingers is not "holding us down".
I'm am pointing out your failures and I will let my generation NOT to repeat the same mistakes the older generation committed. And NO, THEY DID NOT do a fantastic job, because if they did, this thread wouldn't exist.

[jmtol27]

:mad: I am 26 yrs old, a wife, and a mother of 3. My response to the show today is in outrage. I felt that Mr. Baisden and George were not fully understanding what the artist was trying to say or convey in his video. I simply saw the video as a parody of other music videos that promote sexual preverseness and the thug lifestyle. I was also wondering why wasn't there an outrage toward other music videos that promoted the same lifestyle that the artist was rapping against? I did feel that, that particular segment of the show was one-sided and all views should have been talked about instead of bashing this one artist who at least is trying to paint a different picture. I have seen videos far worse than his and have heard lyrical content that would make a grown man or woman shutter. My point is, is if you are trying to reach the youth and feel this isn't the way then, you need to understand what these young people are facing from day to day. Yes it is sad that an artist has to reach the youth by cussing and saying "read a book" all in the same sentence but, that is how the world is getting today. There is no point in stating your wisdom and maturity because first off no young person wants to hear that. I should know, I am only 26 and can barely reach my young sisters and brothers. You have to get down to their level; instead of, chastising and judging and making the youth see your point. This is why this artist did his song and video in such a manner. It wasn't to exploit the black youth or have the white racist "pop champagne bottles", it was simply stating the truth no matter how ugly it sounded or how it looked.

[The Original MASTER]

These "kids" and "grown folk" in West Palm Beach Fla.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-07-10-gang-rape_N.htm

Mother and son huddled together, battered and beaten, in the bathroom — sobbing, wondering why no one came to help.

Surely the neighbors had heard their screams. The walls are thin, the screen doors flimsy in this violence-plagued housing project on the edge of downtown.

For three hours, the pair say, they endured sheer terror as the 35-year-old Haitian immigrant was raped and sodomized by up to 10 masked teenagers and her 12-year-old son was beaten in another room.

Then, mother and son were reunited to endure the unspeakable: At gunpoint, the woman was forced to perform oral sex on the boy, she later told a TV station.

Afterward, they were doused with household cleansers, perhaps in a haphazard attempt to scrub the crime scene, or maybe simply to torture the victims even more. The solutions burned the boy's eyes.

Now check this out:

"So a lady was raped. Big deal," resident Paticiea Matlock said with disgust. "There's too much other crime happening here."

Big deal? Michael & George, how come you're not outraged about this?

Sounds to me like these people need an education.......

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-07-10-gang-rape_N.htm

Do you think you can talk reasonably to people who do things like that and have that kind of mindset? No! Again, check yourselves.........

[cococure621]

I understand exactly where your coming from. I do feel though that when we expect more from children, we will get more. I am old enough to remember when BET had shows like Teen Summit where kids had a legitimate forum to discuss their issues and in many cases resolve them. I don't believe we have to acquiesce with the rest of America in the "dumbing down process". I talk to my children's friends and encourage them every chance I get - we need them.

[grenetta b]

I know everybody is "up in arms" but for that young generation of hip-hoppers and "thugs" and "knuckleheads" this might be the only way to reach them!!!! They don't understand "regular" English so maybe putting it(the message) into a rap and coming at them "hard" might jar their brains into doing something!!!!!!!

When in Rome, act like the Romans!!!!! When in the hood, act like the hood!



HOOD IS NOT GOING TO HELP THESE KIDS SURVIVE IN THE WORLD. HOOD IS NOT GOING TO GET THEM A DECEIT JOB SO THEY CAN GET OUT THE HOOD. HOOD IS NOT GOING TO KEEP THEM FROM DESTRUCTION. I CAME FROM THE HOOD BUT MY MOTHER NEVER TAUGHT US TO ACT LIKE THIS. SHE PRESSED FOR US TO DO BETTER AND MAKE A CHANGE IN OUR LIFES:p


CAUSE YOU LIVE IN THE ENVIRONMENT. YOU DON'T MAKE THAT ENVIRONMENT YOUR LIFE. IT COMES A TIME IN EVERYONES LIFE YOU HAVE TO WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE. HOOD OR NOT.:p

[Divine1212]

Wow, I AM INSULTED! I believe in "different strokes for different folks", but this is taking it a little too far. I can not believe anyone in the entire African American community can believe this video will help some of the lost generation of young people. In fact, I believe it will do the exact opposite. It will reinforce to us and others to continue to disrespect the Black community. It is no wonder the Black community is always a target for disrespect. If we don't respect ourselves, which is all this video saids, then how in the world does any other group show us respect. It seems hate groups no longer have to destroy and degrade us, people like this (read a book) artist, many other rappers, and others seem to be doing the work for the hate groups while they sit back and laugh at us. And I don't know who owns BET, but just as we plan to go to Jenna, Lousiana to let them know we will not tolerate injustice, we need to let BET know we cannot tolerate videos such as "Read a Book". I can not imagine my children ever viewing this DISGRADING NONSENSE. The artist needs to go somewhere and hang his head rather than add insult to injury by interviewing in the media. Have Mercy!!!

[ladyE]

iF THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO REACH OUR KIDS WHAT DOES THAT SAY FOR US AS ADULTS. WE MUST GO PASS PROSTITUTUNG OUR YOUNG. THEY WHAT TO LEARN MORE THAN ABOUT BIG BOOTIES AND GOLD CHAINS. BUT THIS VIDEO IN NO WAY MAKES THEM WANT TO READ. iT JUST GIVES THEM AN EXCUSE TO CUSS. MAYBE IF WE AS PARENTS READ A BOOK OUR KIDS WOULD ALSO.

[upshaw]

I think people are missing Bomani's point. I hear people say this video isn't the answer and I think it's obvious it's not the answer and it's not meant to be an answer. It's about breaking through using a communication method that is popular amongst the next generation to make us/them wake-up and reject what we're being bombarded with by BET, etc. What I don't like is Micheal and George and Rev. Sharpton saying this isn't the way. The civil rights movement was the civil rights movement. This is 2007. The next generation form of communication the internet, cable, and forms that we haven't heard of yet. Even talk radio and TV are dying forms of communication. The point that's being missed here is that even as wonderful as Michael's program is it's not getting through to the target audience that Bomoni is targeting becuase they don't listen to revolutionary radio.

[Lennisport]

Say what you want...you can't dispute the fact that this IS the type of language that reaches and attracts the attention of today's young people. Church ain't doin' it, parents are trying (some of them anyway). The bottom line is in an eutopian world all children would listen to their parents and abstain from anything that would harm or endanger them, but in this world this message IS getting the attention that no rappers are saying.

Removing the judgmental glasses and looking at it from a positive standpoint...the message is quite clear. The language may be offensive and the video may be too but the message is clear...and they will listen to it.

[simm2345]

THIS IS CRAZY!!!! NOW WE NEED TO START A REVOLT AND GET THE PEOPLE ON BET FIRED. John Imus got fired. Let's look at our own people and help them to change their ways. It is so sad that our children's role models have become the ones who can curse the loudest, show the the most T & A (tits and ass), and show the most ignorance.

It is bad enough that our children's heroes are thugs and they believe that life is based on the life of rappers. In all fairness of the rest of the world, ALL BLACK PEOPLE DO NOT LIVE LIKE THAT. WE DON'T ALL LIVE IN CRIME RIDDEN AREAS!!! Most of us live in good neighborhoods, even if they are not afluent. Just because you are poor, it doesn't mean that you have to live a life of crime. That's just an excuse some people use to commit crimes.

We were dirt poor and never stolen anything, or committed any crimes. We have got to teach our children the right things in positive way. There are enough negative things going around without grownups contributing to it. If grown people do this, what do expect of the kids.

Dr. J. S. Lee

[grenetta b]

I think people are missing Bomani's point. I hear people say this video isn't the answer and I think it's obvious it's not the answer and it's not meant to be an answer. It's about breaking through using a communication method that is popular amongst the next generation to make us/them wake-up and reject what we're being bombarded with by BET, etc. What I don't like is Micheal and George and Rev. Sharpton saying this isn't the way. The civil rights movement was the civil rights movement. This is 2007. The next generation form of communication the internet, cable, and forms that we haven't heard of yet. Even talk radio and TV are dying forms of communication. The point that's being missed here is that even as wonderful as Michael's program is it's not getting through to the target audience that Bomoni is targeting becuase they don't listen to revolutionary radio.



MY SON IS 17YRS, AND MY DAUGHTER IS 21YEARS OLD AND EVERYTIME SOMETHING CONTROVERSIAL, OR REVOLUTIONARY COMES ON THEY ARE INTERESTED CAUSE THEIR MOTHER WON'T LET THEM FORGET ABOUT OUR PEOPLE STRUGGLE. AND EVERY YOUNG PERSON THAT I COME IN CONTACT WITH I EDUCATED THEM ON OUR HERITAGE. ANY OTHER RACE CAN EDUCATE THEIR YOUNG IN A DECEIT MANNER. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO OUR PEOPLE YOU TELLING ME THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REACH THEM IS BY A CUSS WORD. OR INDECEIT EXPOSURE. NO THAT'S NOT THE WAY.

A CHILDS MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE. AND IF YOU WASTE IT ON IGNORANCE, THEN THE FINAL PRODUCT IS GOING TO BE IGNORANCE. AND WE HAVE ENOUGH IGNORANT PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD TODAY. :p

[Mahogany Love]

Michael attacked my generation (30 and younger)

Me pointing fingers is not "holding us down".
I'm am pointing out your failures and I will let my generation NOT to repeat the same mistakes the older generation committed. And NO, THEY DID NOT do a fantastic job, because if they did, this thread wouldn't exist.

I did not say "hold us down" I said "hold you down" and I am three years shy of the supposed attack Michael made about the generation you speak about 30 & younger but I did not take it as an attack for where is the REAL 30 & younger leaders right now? I don't mean athletes or singers I mean public speakers some young folk to take the baton from Michael when his time is up? AND yes the CRACK HEAD generation is what I suppose your talking about because there are many leaders for example Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela, Queens such a Queen of Zaria, Queen of Kahina, inventors such as Thomas Carrington, Thomas W. Stewart , W.H. Sammons and so, so many others. DO YOUR RESEARCH and this thread will continue to exist because as long as we are in existence there will be IGNORANT PEOPLE that we MUST SPEAK OUT AGIANST?

P.S. Oh, you must have forgotten about the leader that helped pave the way for you to sit anywhere you want on the bus she was even thrown in jail?!?!

Always: Love Peace & Harmony

[mosdef1906]

Truth be told, I wasn't offended by this song at all. For all of the educated negro's on this board that has an answer for everything after the fact, come to a deprived inner city school and sub for one day....you know what that's too easy. Come to a deprived inner city school in the middle of a school year and try to make it until the end of the school year. 90% of yall clowns could not make it. I understood the satire, I understood what the young man was trying to accomplish. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get your point across. Even if you think the song is appalling, you can still turn it into a positive. Some of you just don't get it! I am more appalled about the Ozone awards, Plies pants, Lil Wayne, Flava Flav, and a lot of other offensive individuals and material that comes on the radio and on t.v. Some of you just don't understand and probably will never understand.

To George Wilborne...
The KKK is salivating at this song and video?? You are an idiot if you believe that. They can listen to you sometimes and get material to use for their cause. Don't be a hypocrite.

[stanpits]

Everytime I hear or read something about BET its sets us back 20 years! This song and video just shows how ignorant our afro-american yuppies are becoming! Not only should BET be disciplined for airing this garbage, but the song writer, producer, artist, and label should be stripped of they're licenses, this is just plain garbage!! BET should change they're name to WET!!!

[Elijah Bliss]

I did not say "hold us down" I said "hold you down" and I am three years shy of the supposed attack Michael made about the generation you speak about 30 & younger but I did not take it as an attack for where is the REAL 30 & younger leaders right now? I don't mean athletes or singers I mean public speakers some young folk to take the baton from Michael when his time is up? AND yes the CRACK HEAD generation is what I suppose your talking about because there are many leaders for example Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela, Queens such a Queen of Zaria, Queen of Kahina, inventors such as Thomas Carrington, Thomas W. Stewart , W.H. Sammons and so, so many others. DO YOUR RESEARCH and this thread will continue to exist because as long as we are in existence there will be IGNORANT PEOPLE that we MUST SPEAK OUT AGIANST?

P.S. Oh, you must have forgotten about the leader that helped pave the way for you to sit anywhere you want on the bus she was even thrown in jail?!?!

Always: Love Peace & Harmony

Although I respect the efforts of the civil rights leaders of the past their actions and pacifist ideologies must be heavily criticized.

Although Blacks comprise 16% of the nation, we have 719 Billion Dollars in spending power. It's in the best interest for the white power structure to keep us pacified and dumbed down to buy their products. Poverty Pimps behind the pulpit and rap music do an excellent job at keeping Blacks at bay.

Again, old school pacifists ideologies are deprecated in this day and age.

[grenetta b]

Truth be told, I wasn't offended by this song at all. For all of the educated negro's on this board that has an answer for everything after the fact, come to a deprived inner city school and sub for one day....you what that's too easy. Come to a deprived inner city school in the middle of a school year and try to make it until the end of the school year. 90% of yall clowns could not make it. I understood the satire, I understood what the young man was trying to accomplish. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get your point across. Even if you think the song is appalling, you can still turn it into a positive. Some of you just don't get it! I am more appalled about the Ozone awards, Plies pants, Lil Wayne, Flava Flav, and a lot of other offensive individuals and material that comes on the radio and on t.v. Some of you just don't understand and probably will never understand.

To George Wilborne...
The KKK is salivating at this song and video?? You are an idiot if you believe that. They can listen to you sometimes and get material to use for their cause. Don't be a hypocrite.


I BEG TO DIFFER I WAS IN ONE OF THOSE SCHOOLS AND MY KIDS ALSO AND MY FAMILY ALSO. WE HAD THE SAME STRUGGLE AS YOU YOUNG MAN. MY NEPHEW WAS IN ONE OF THOSE SO CALLED SCHOOLS YOU TALK ABOUT. WHERE KIDS WALKING WITH RAZOR BLADES IN THEIR TONGUES AND GUNS DOWN THIER PANTS.

IT DON'T MAKE A DANG DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU CAME FROM. ALL THAT MATTERS IS WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO WITH YOURSELF. ARE YOU GOING TO REMAIN AN IGNORANT FOOL WITH NO CARE FOR YOURSELF. OR ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND STAND UP FOR YOURSELF.

WE HAVE ENOUGH WANNABE GANGSTER IN PRISON ALREADY. HOW MANY MORE OF OUR BROTHER ARE GOING TO LET THE SYSTEM GET FREE LABOR OFF THIER AZZ CAUSE OF IGNORANCE.

WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER LYRIC WITH BITCHES AND HOES AND THE "N" WORD. WE NEED YOU BROTHERS TO STAND UP AND SHOW US YOU CAN BE A MAN AND DEAL WITH THE SITUATION AT HAND. AND SHOW US HOW MUCH RESPECT YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS.:p

[Mahogany Love]

Although I respect the efforts of the civil rights leaders of the past their actions and pacifist ideologies must be heavily criticized.

Although Blacks comprise 16% of the nation, we have 719 Billion Dollars in spending power. It's in the best interest for the white power structure to keep us pacified and dumbed down to buy their products. Poverty Pimps behind the pulpit and rap music do an excellent job at keeping Blacks at bay.

Again, old school pacifists ideologies are deprecated in this day and age.

is the dialogue needed. I knew exactly what you meant from the start but some of those around us that may have read your first comment would not. WE NEED WORDS SUCH AS THIS TO GET TO THE SOLUTION (and there is a solution) these are LEADERSHIP WORDS. FANTASTIC JOB!

[BLACK AND DAMN GOOD]

What Up Michael You Put That Fool On The Air, So You Are Just As Bad, May Be That Is Why You Call Your Self The Bad Boy. You Did Not Need To Give That Fool His 15 Mni. On Your Are Time, So You Know What Mr. Bad Boy You Are Just As Bad As Bet. You To Are Being Controlled Like Most Black Men And Women In This Country. Sit Back And Think Before You Jump. Black People Get Smart, Dame You Drop The Ball On This One. Damn Black And Good Is Out

[diaonne1]

There is no positive message in that video or rap. And the creator did what he set out to do.....shock to get a name. No other reason than that. He is a total idiot. And his DAD should kick his butt for creating that crap. He is ignorant just like BET if they think this crap was anything less that Bull!

BET shame on you. The FCC should suspend your license.

And to the creator - GET A REAL JOB!

[AlmondDoll]

I understand what you are saying SuperFitBrother.
I heard the artist who wrote the song on the radio and it sounds like he wanted to catch the youth attention with his harsh lyrics. Unfortunately there are way too many kids not learning and under the impression that they can survive without proper schooling and have parents who do not push them. If you listen to the uncut lyrics of half the songs BET plays for our youth, you would see why this artist did not think he did any harm.
The culprit is BET for what they play most of the day.

[ddsharper@earthlink.net]

BET is owned by a white corporation, Viacom, which controls 99% of the media in this country and world. All hip hop publications, including this one http://www.xxlmag.com/ and most rap record companies are owned and run by whites. So blacks eat it up like sheeple and then cry foul. Please. Welcome to the plantation, yo.

[Autoboxx]

I know everybody is "up in arms" but for that young generation of hip-hoppers and "thugs" and "knuckleheads" this might be the only way to reach them!!!! They don't understand "regular" English so maybe putting it(the message) into a rap and coming at them "hard" might jar their brains into doing something!!!!!!!

When in Rome, act like the Romans!!!!! When in the hood, act like the hood!


If this is the way we have to address our children to get an education then we as black people have FAILED our children. Any black parent that thinks this is okay needs child protection services to come to your house and take what children you have. They are better off in the custody of the state.

[ddsharper@earthlink.net]

Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion

Link to video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sOcMFeWUsuM&mode=related&search=


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?
BET is owned by a white corporation, Viacom, which controls 99% of the media in this country and world. All hip hop publications, including this one http://www.xxlmag.com/ and most rap record companies are owned and run by whites. So blacks eat it up like sheeple and then cry foul. Please. Welcome to the plantation, yo.

[Ms.T]

Read a what kind of book? This really makes my blood boil! :mad: There are better ways to grab our kids attention.

[RockieB]

Oh my...I was so surprised at the biased reaction of the hosts this afternoon toward Mr. Ahmer's "freedom of speech". Besides the use of the N-word, which we all know we've "laid to rest"(???), the video hit the nail on the head. I do not agree with BET airing this on 106&Park, where mostly young black children sit after school and watch, but then again, their parents should be there to explain to them what we are here to do and how society already sees us as Blacks doing. Bomani's use of animation to manipulatereal world objects and the vernacular or nonstandard cultural dialect he used that sadly some of us found offensive is degrading to those who think it. Those who think it are one in the same with the people who are "popping the bottles of champagne". They are blind, totally blind to what this young man's intention was. His intent was not to call us niggers. His intent was not to degrade the black woman. His intent was not to show the black man as a rim ridin', grill wearin', mac 10 shootin', ass-slappin' niggah. As Mr. Ahmer said many times on the show, this video is the video mocking the video. We need to open our eyes and not only see things as it is laid out for us. His message was as obvious as the word "book" written across the girl's behind. Ain't that what all yall brothas are talkin' about? The booty? He put it there for you to see. I just think that some saw the video and was disgusted, just didn't care to think of it any further, but thought about what others would think of us as Black people. If our children are on the dean's list and don't need this kind of material presented to them, fine. It's out there anyway and lying to your children about what's out there and not taking the time to explain what some things may appear as but not really be, says something about you and self. I am a 24 year old, black female from New Orleans, LA and my father always said, "Use your head other than a hair rack. Book sense ain't all sense and without street sense to some you make no sense." Black people don't stone your people for sayin' something that may not come off as politically correct for everyone. You cannot satisfy everyone and this message was not for everyone. Society wants us to believe that this message contains humor and it doesn't. There's nothing funny about it. Take the Kingston kid for example with the song "Suicidal". Now that it's mainstreaming on white radio stations, the song quickly went from bleeping the word out to changing it all together to the words "in denial". It's all to cover up the problem it may present to children. Let's not continue to cover our problems because America has always put our Black problems on front street. Check the statistics, "our white family" has just as many problems as we do. They just tweak the numbers by adding other small countries that don't relate to Black America and they don't broadcast it as much. Yeah, BET or Viacom may think it's amusing, but I hoped that Michael Baisden and his co-hosts could do a better job interpreting what is being misrepresented in our communities like they have done so many times before. Keep doing you Bomani Ahmer!

[Elijah Bliss]

Again, I want to know what Micahel Basiden doesn't attack the other trash on BET.

[grenetta b]

Oh my...I was so surprised at the biased reaction of the hosts this afternoon toward Mr. Ahmer's "freedom of speech". Besides the use of the N-word, which we all know we've "laid to rest"(???), the video hit the nail on the head. I do not agree with BET airing this on 106&Park, where mostly young black children sit after school and watch, but then again, their parents should be there to explain to them what we are here to do and how society already sees us as Blacks doing. Bomani's use of animation to manipulatereal world objects and the vernacular or nonstandard cultural dialect he used that sadly some of us found offensive is degrading to those who think it. Those who think it are one in the same with the people who are "popping the bottles of champagne". They are blind, totally blind to what this young man's intention was. His intent was not to call us niggers. His intent was not to degrade the black woman. His intent was not to show the black man as a rim ridin', grill wearin', mac 10 shootin', ass-slappin' niggah. As Mr. Ahmer said many times on the show, this video is the video mocking the video. We need to open our eyes and not only see things as it is laid out for us. His message was as obvious as the word "book" written across the girl's behind. Ain't that what all yall brothas are talkin' about? The booty? He put it there for you to see. I just think that some saw the video and was disgusted, just didn't care to think of it any further, but thought about what others would think of us as Black people. If our children are on the dean's list and don't need this kind of material presented to them, fine. It's out there anyway and lying to your children about what's out there and not taking the time to explain what some things may appear as but not really be, says something about you and self. I am a 24 year old, black female from New Orleans, LA and my father always said, "Use your head other than a hair rack. Book sense ain't all sense and without street sense to some you make no sense." Black people don't stone your people for sayin' something that may not come off as politically correct for everyone. You cannot satisfy everyone and this message was not for everyone. Society wants us to believe that this message contains humor and it doesn't. There's nothing funny about it. Take the Kingston kid for example with the song "Suicidal". Now that it's mainstreaming on white radio stations, the song quickly went from bleeping the word out to changing it all together to the words "in denial". It's all to cover up the problem it may present to children. Let's not continue to cover our problems because America has always put our Black problems on front street. Check the statistics, "our white family" has just as many problems as we do. They just tweak the numbers by adding other small countries that don't relate to Black America and they don't broadcast it as much. Yeah, BET or Viacom may think it's amusing, but I hoped that Michael Baisden and his co-hosts could do a better job interpreting what is being misrepresented in our communities like they have done so many times before. Keep doing you Bomani Ahmer!



I SEE YOUR POINTS SOMEWHAT: BUT THE BOTTOMLINE IS YOU DON'T WANT YOUR YOUNG CHILD GOING AROUND THE PLAYGROUND SAYING "READ A BOOK BITCH". NOT ONLY IS HE GOING TO GET SUSPENDED. BUT THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE A MOCKERY OUT OF THE PARENTS.


THE YOUNG MAN HAS A GREAT MESSAGE "READ A BOOK" BUT MAKE IT WHERE THE KIDS DON'T GET REPRIMENDED CAUSE THEY WANTED TO READ A BOOK

[HBasilSr]

It's sad that this rapper has to make a video to get young kids to read. To me, this video was so unnessary, and it now brings a negative appearance to rap music (like it really needed this). If we want to get young people to read, how about we (as a whole) try this: CUT THE TELEVISIONS OFF AND MAKE OUR KIDS READ!!!!!!! I have a 3 yr. old son and I try not to let him listen to negative music at all. I reads to my son all the time and he's starting to read a little himself. If we can give our children the time that they so deserve, we wouldn't be sitting here having this discussion.

[RM Gray]

As I'm listening to the show, I hear you keep challenging the creator of this video to produce something better (i.e. more to your liking). I challenge you to fund the project. Getting a video like this produced for BET involves some expense...there is a cost for mass distribution. Perhaps you could commission the artist to create an alternative view video to post on MingleCity or MichaelBaisden.com. Just a thought since you seem to have the resources to drive a project of this nature.

[creole_queen]

BET has sold out. This is no longer "our" network. I stopped watching BET when they took the news off. The content of their shows are pathetic. This network, which used to be positive for people of color, now promotes drugs, gang banging and explicit sex. The black execs of BET have sold out for the mighty dollar. I think we need to do an email blast to the VIACOM and BET execs, letting them know how we feel about this. There is power in numbers. There is nothing positive about this network or that video. The fact they call it a "public service announcement" kills me. What "public" are they serving?

[JacJacqu]

I watched the video and I have to tell you, the only reason I watched it in it's entirety was because I wanted to know exactly what I was appauled by. I listened to the show at work and once I got home I check out the video. I'm not into the rap scene, when a few of my peers are. I didn't think it would get much worse that the "skeet skeet" song. I am a lover of words and lyrics. I hoped I could see the artistic POV of this but I couldn't. I hoped I could see how it could be helpful, but I couldn't. The message he is intending is not at the forefront of the drama. Family, this was not good. This is being presented as though it is possible to pick and choose whose ears will hear this. I don't want to hear it. I wouldn't want any child of mine to hear it. I wouldn't want my neighbors to hear it. It's embarassing.

[Mrs. TL]

Michael,

I have to agree with the author of the video.

Although I do not promote profanity or videos, parents don't seem to mind allowing our young ladies to walk the streets in these short shorts with a bold statement across their behind. (My grandmother sent me home at 13 when I thought I was grown enough to do as I pleased I had sewn a red heart on the back pocket of my jeans. Before I reached my door, one block away, my father was waiting. He took the jeans, ripped the pocket off & that was the end of my jeans for that summer.) I am 45 now and rember that 'til this day. I now know the importance of that event. I am a respectable Woman.
Young men in our communities find it of importance to look as bad a possible, some of them don't comb their hair, wear deodorant and God knows they don't brush regularly. After smoking as much as they can afford our young ladies find them sexy. WHY! LADIES WAKE UP !! Young men take control of your lives, TODAY IS YOUR DAY - THE WORLD IS WATCHING YOU. MAKE A CHANGE!

[Mahogany Love]

BET is owned by a white corporation, Viacom, which controls 99% of the media in this country and world. All hip hop publications, including this one http://www.xxlmag.com/ and most rap record companies are owned and run by whites. So blacks eat it up like sheeple and then cry foul. Please. Welcome to the plantation, yo.

who you are referring to? But don't put us all in the same boat. I knew what was behind these wealthy Black entertainers (that is when BET first aired) because my late grandmother explained it so very well to me and my siblings "They keep them wealthy because they are spreading the bad words, because they are dressing the way they dress, because THEY are spreading the bad messages and this is why the white executives & producers keep them wealthy to spread the word because WE allow our children to have entertainer role models." NOT MY BABIES they know that’s why they are wealthy and it is so sad the entertainers don't understand that or if they have, it is far too late. Read the 16 chapter of Proverbs on what our Lord HATES and what is not FORGIVABLE in his eyes.

P.S. Let me rephrase: some black entertainers & some white executives & producers not all

[swtnsour]

I understand both sides. I understand where Michael and his show is coming from in that cursing is not the only way to communicate to today's youth. However, understand the creator of the song as well in that many of our youth has been so desensitized that they need something jarring to get their attention and once that door of dialogue is open, other conversation can happen. I think Michael is not as open in his thinking because he has to realize that while many young people listen to his show, many (probably more than he realizes) don't. I live in Birmingham, AL and I don't know any young people that intentionally listen to his show. There are those that do but for what reason. Are they listening because their parents are? Are they listening because they themsleves come from a more affluent background so they seek entertainment that's more though provoking. I assure you the average kid from the "hood" is listening to the all hip-hop station because that's what their friends, peers, and family listen to. I'm not going to say that everyone listening has a college degree or is a descendent of someone who does, but you have to admit his show will carry a certain "pedigree". Therefore, the listeners are going to be bias on some points. It's like saying you're going to go to a convention on holistic health and expect everyone to agree with you if your standpoint supports modern medicine. If you enter into a forum of those who are more though provoking, who seek to eleveate their level of thinking, then you're going to get more people who disagree w/ the read a book song. All I'm saying is while you're on your soapbox shouting down at those who use profanity in their music and negative imagery, realize you yourself realy don't contribute that much to the solution. Would Ludacris have gotten as much play if he started out with a song like "Runaway Love"? The answer is no, but am I mad that he made at least one song that probably helped many young girls after having many songs that denegrate women, no. You have to start somewhere and the happy-go-lucky approach will not catch the attention of the very people you're trying to save.

[sabrina412]

Michael I have been trying to get thru to you for a while and I'm glad that you are talking about this subject. My brother (Ben Wiggins) and I have started a non-profit organization with children's hip-hop not vulgar language and its really for the kids ears. If you go to our site www.hiphopeducation.us you can listen to our music. Please take the time to listen to the music that we are creating for the children. Again please visit us at www.hiphopeducation.us and you can hear real children's hip hop.


Sabrina Wiggins, CEO/Co-Founder
"Empowering Youth Thru Music"

[Panman5]

I'm for freedom of speech.I also hope that parents will turn the idot box off and make their children read.

[TRUDIVA]

As many others have said, its a shame that it has come to this to get peoples attention. I remember a while back there was an email going around that was supposedly sent from a white person saying "if you want to keep something from black people put it in a book". No one was in an uproar then but then this fellas puts a song out as graphic as it is saying pretty much the same thing, we have a problem it. Now I may not agree with how he "package" this but it got your attention just the same. I don't remember Michael Baisden ever having a topic on our youth and literacy today but I may have missed that show. If this is what we have to do to get the attention of the PARENTS then so be it. I hold the PARENTS accountable not this fella.

[volleygirl]

I think the reason why the artist's lyrics are as such is because he needs to read a book. These current artist need to listen to artists like KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers, etc.... They're lyrics educated us as kids on black history and empowerment without the profanity and they're lyrics made sense and the beats were tight. Can someone please send Mr. "Read A Book" a copy of their cassettes so he can listen and learn how it is supposed to be done?

[wfuque79]

I was offended by the video & the profanity used. I listened to the young man talk about reaching black youth but he can't be serious about being an adult in a position to teach others how to act & use language like that infront of minors. That's one of the biggest problems with our youth. The pre-teens are more into this type of offensive material. No matter what he says, most of the ones who will like the song are not listening to the message. We don't need another black person glorifying the n-word & profanity. Why do we feel that we can only get our point across with filth & call it free speech? I didn't hear that type of language from Malcom X or Dr. MLK. No one who opened doors for the rest of us felt the need to use such language. It comes from the ones who benefit from the struggles of the past & forget or have no clue where they came from. If we do more studying of our history we won't have as many situations like this.

[RM Gray]

Michael I have been trying to get thru to you for a while and I'm glad that you are talking about this subject. My brother (Ben Wiggins) and I have started a non-profit organization with children's hip-hop not vulgar language and its really for the kids ears. If you go to our site www.hiphopeducation.us you can listen to our music. Please take the time to listen to the music that we are creating for the children. Again please visit us at www.hiphopeducation.us and you can hear real children's hip hop.


Sabrina Wiggins, CEO/Co-Founder
"Empowering Youth Thru Music"
Now this is more like it! An alternative, tangible solution. It's fine to talk about what's wrong with the BET video, but what is being offered as an alternative. I love your site and will probably have my 4th grader listening to "the sound of the brush" before she goes to school in the morning :-)! Thank you for offering a rational post with a tangible alternative! Everyone should check out Sabrina's site!

[Sec 2 None]

If this is the way we have to address our children to get an education then we as black people have FAILED our children. Any black parent that thinks this is okay needs child protection services to come to your house and take what children you have. They are better off in the custody of the state.


Ok, I am riding in my car this morning listening to 'Grown folks Radio" and I hear about this video which I personally had not had the chance to see. I log onto youtube and immediately I am like what the heck!!! I ask my 16 year old if he has seen the video and of course he has (remember the demographic audience is supposed to be 18-34) Yeah Right. He has an interesting point of view and says that he believes that it started out as a bad idea but probably ended up in the hands of an "idiot" who just did their thing not thinking about the possible reprucussions. Now, if a 16 year old has common sense to realize how demoralizing and ridiculous this message is, we as adults need to take a course of action. Now when, Bill Cosby said what he had to say about our people, everybody was in a tizzy, now I hear people saying this is the only way we can reach this generation? I say that is BS and we all know it. I work with adolescent girls ages 11-18 in a residential short term assessment treatment facility and we base our concepts on three principles: family orientation, social awareness, and spirituality. Everyone in my organization upholds these standards and of course we hear about how we are talking like white folks, acting like white folks, etc, but when we are finished with these kids they are thankful that we treated them with respect and taught them that you do not have to speak or act in a thuggish way to get your point across. When are we going to just take responsibility for calling trash exactly what it is "trash". Remember that BET is now owned by VIACOM, who if I am not mistaken, owns MTV and VH1. If you notice the programming on BET is familiar to the programming of the other channels. I heard a radio talk host state that he was putting a parental block on BET and would no longer support the network. If you ask me, we all should do the same. What happened to Teen Summitt and other programs that were empowering to our youth and community. Think about it and let's wake up and realize that this is the generation that will one day have to suppport us.

Sec 2 None:cool:

[diaonne1]

Viacom may have let this "read the book" video slide because they are tired of supporting this "black" station. Hmmmm? Conspiracy theory maybe???? I'm sure viacom is thinking....Let the Blacks shoot themselves in the foot. At least Viacom wont be labled the bad guys for being "forced" to shut BET down for good.

The sistah or Brother at BET who ok'd to let this video air may have played right into Viacom's little scheme.

If BET goes away, what other major TV station is African American focused station?

We've been bamboozled! Hoodwinked! What a shame!

[TRUDIVA]

As many others have said, its a shame that it has come to this to get peoples attention. I remember a while back there was an email going around that was supposedly sent from a white person saying "if you want to keep something from black people put it in a book". No one was in an uproar then but then this fellas puts a song out as graphic as it is saying pretty much the same thing, we have a problem it. Now I may not agree with how he "package" this but it got your attention just the same. I don't remember Michael Baisden ever having a topic on our youth and literacy today but I may have missed that show. If this is what we have to do to get the attention of the PARENTS then so be it. I hold the PARENTS accountable not this fella.

[Hosea_4vrs6]

As Malcom said we still have some House Negros running around. The problem is we dont own anything and when we own something we sell out for the fast bucks or they send that house nergo aka Judas to come in and try to take you down. Every major city you see a ChinaTown the only thing they respect is your dollar which you slave for from him. When we learn to reproduce and build our own communities which rivals America's I guarantee they will listen. Sit your child down and show them our history what the struggle was about show them b/c every Jewish child knows about their holocaust. Let them hear music with a purpose take your daughters out and show them how a man suppose to treat a woman. This generation our streets have more homeless men and are Homes are man less. How can we trust or intergrate with anyone who continues to lie and surpress you. They dont use water hoses or dogs anymore they use our own people. Its a shame to use tactics like this wake up people wake up.

[simpletouch]

I can understand the message he was trying to teach the kids. An education can open the doors to endless possibilities, if not you can become a gang-banger, HS dropout, etc. But his way of communicating the message was completely wrong. His main reason for writing this song was to be heard (15 minutes of fame and making his MONEY!!! That's all. BUT THE BOTTOM LINE: PARENTS SHOULD HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON THE MUSIC THEIR CHILDREN(S) BUY AND HEAR !!! THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST PARENTS ARE EITHER WORKING HARD OR JUST NOT CARING TO MUCH FOR OUR GENERATION. ALLOWING THE ENTERTAINMENT BUS. TO RAISE OUR KIDS. IT SAYS ALOT ABOUT US AS A SOCIETY!!!! WE SHOULD JUST SPEND MORE TIME WITH OUR KIDS. PEACE:)

[erinaxy]

There is a serious problem with many parents leaving their kids' education and well-being in the hands of goverment. There is also a serious problem with teachers who have lost their ability to tap into the minds of children without sinking to profanity and stereotypes as a "teaching tool." Whatever happened to parent-teacher conferences? Does anyone talk or listen anymore, or do we just vent frustration and let the chips fall where they may? I just saw the video on you tube and it seems like this is not meant to help anyone. I was so surprised a black teacher wrote this. If you've been around racist people like I have in the south, you'd know that this video is written from many of their jokes about us. Remember, blackface too was a satire on an already reprehensible situation. That didn't make it funny, edgy, or uplifting to the community. That satire as well as this one only reminds us of how quickly the media will rush to our aid if we are volunteering to embarrass ourselves. As for BET, there is only one way to kill a media giant. Stop Watching.

[ladybug1]

I just think it is pitiful that our generation is under the impression that the only way to reach our children is through rap music and filthy language...how low will the standards go as to what we expect from our kids...and my real fear is that because this is all we expect from our kids this is all we will ever get out of them. I mean really is it so sad and I would never allow my children to listen to this crap!!!!!

[julienne402005]

Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion

Link to video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sOcMFeWUsuM&mode=related&search=


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?


this may be strange to say, but this actually will probably make someone pick up a book and read. put it in perspective, try having someone with a phd preach to you that you need to read a book, when mother-blankin, and nigga is what you hear in your environment on a daily basis. Now imagine someone in that environment that relates to you telling you to read a book in the language you are accustomed to. it may not be said the way we like it to be said but if it makes someone pick up a book that would not necessarily read a book, then eventually that person will want to maybe change the environment they are in.;)

[sinamen]

I honestly love this song, I am a young person and definitely do not find it offensive, what I do think is crazy is how everyone is jumping on this man and his song....he said its a parody, ITS SATIRE of what is actually going...please believe this man may cuss a lot in the song however this is nothing compared to language i hear on a regular basis or to the actual words to the videos they play on BET and MTV on a regular basis. The song isnt meant to be taken as seriously, believe or not vidoes, song lyrics, and everything else in pop culture effects our lives, personally I am glad that this song attempts to do something positive instead of concentrating on the negative. BTW this is not the only song he has, he has other plenty of positive songs that does not have that much cursing for the sensitive. BOMANI stay strong and do your thing, I been seeing you perform for awhile and Read a Book is not what your are all about!!!

[lmizell]

Read A Book video, yes it is offensive, however, the folks they're trying to reach are those who live in inner city ghettos, poverty stricken and unfortunately will receive this form of language.

Black America is not dealing with reality...There are countless young black girls and boys joining gangs, killing, robbing and just plain wildin out. (in their language).

They are the ones who live in homes where there's no one to give guidance, they usually don't have food, clothing, furniture, but they have a TV and Cable and watch BET.

I agree with George that we should not have to reach our children in this manner, however, they are not responding to anything else, all they watch is BET...Here's a song "I Got Drink and Two Step" little kids as young as 3 years old are singing...Where are parents, drinking and two stepping...and with that we need to reach them where they are.

Black America needs to wake up, we are losing our children....no not the children that come from the wealthy African American homes...but the inner city kids who the community shuns...we move out of the ghettos, turn away and pretend it's not happening...because they made out.

No your children won't have to be persuaded in this manner...but wake up, look, read the papers, hell watch the first 48 hours (A&E), you will see Black America killing, selling drugs, robbing each other...need I go on...

Wake up Black America...because now your inner city is moving closer to your middle class and your upper class. Think it's not happening...wake up look, around you...

[livinonpurpose]

This young man should be ashamed of himself. I heard him on the show today and I was appauled at his answer when George asked him if he would want his children to listed to this type of music. I can't believe he admitted that he was a father of "two" boys. He is not fit to be a father of anyone; he needs to father himself and "grow up." I hope he understands that his sins will follow his seed and his two boys will grow up to be just like him if not worst. Who married this fool and brought babies into the world. BET is no longer a vehicle for positive black change and we should boycott them.

[xwoman2010]

I find it hard to believe that the author of "Read a Book" really believes that this is a good way to reach our black youth. I believe he needs some soul searching with this song, and money isn't everything. There are better ways to reach our youth, and one way is to lead by example. I just thought that the video was just terrible.

[DSTPrincess21]

I'm a 30 year old college educated women who occasionally watches BET. Most of the time I'm disgusted looking at the videos and all the CHILDREN in the audience. However, when my 30 year old friends and I saw READ a book... it was finally a breath of fresh air!!! This is clearly making fun of ALL the videos on BET. I don't know if any of you have actually WATCHED a video on BET but all the women are shaking their butts, have their breast hanging out and are jiggly their phat a** over some dude throwin money at them... so why does THIS video offend you.

Maybe it offends parents because you realize YOUR kids are sittin shaking their a** to "Superman dat HOE" and NOT readin a book. Look at the videos in the top ten and you have the AUDACITY to complain about this message. You ought ot be ashamed of yourself. You talk about the youth but I didn't hear you complaining about any other songs but you complain about the one saying read a abook.. What MESSAGE are you sending... you can talk about "superman dat hoe" and shake your behind but once you say READ a BOOK... darnit it's time to shut down rap. You people are comical and obivously very detached from the YOUTH today.... It's so sad that you are missing the message and coming across as hypocrits.....

Maybe you should sit and READ a book... You don't complain about artist promoting their CRUNK juice, even LIQUOR but he says DRINK some water and you complain????? The Ying Yang twins he a nubmer one song, the whisper song and the lyrics said "wait til you see my d*ick"... DID YOU protest that SONG on BET... H*LL NAW you didn't protest that song... because you were up shaking for phat a** to the beat! NOw you complain about READ a book...

[lmizell]

Read A Book video...yes it is offensive, however, the folks they're trying to reach are those who live in inner city ghettos, poverty stricken and unfortunately will receive this form of language.

Black America is not dealing with reality...There are countless young black girls and boys joining gangs, killing, robbing and just plain wildin out. (in their language).

They are the ones who live in homes where there's no one to give guidance, they usually don't have food, clothing, furniture, but they have a TV and Cable and watch BET.

I agree with George that we should not have to reach our children in this manner, however, they are not responding to anything else, all they watch is BET...Here's a song "I Got My Drink and My Two Step" little kids as young as 3 years old are singing this song...Where are the parents, drinking and two stepping...and with that we need to reach them where they are.

Black America needs to wake up, we are losing our children....no not the children that come from the wealthy African American homes...but the inner city kids who the community shuns...we move out of the ghettos, turn away and pretend it's not happening...because you made out.

No your children won't have to be persuaded in this manner...but wake up, look, read the papers, hell watch the first 48 hours (A&E), you will see Black America killing, selling drugs, robbing each other...need I go on...

Wake up Black America...because now your inner city is moving closer to your middle class and your upper class. Think it's not happening...wake up look, around you...

[grenetta b]

Read A Book video, yes it is offensive, however, the folks they're trying to reach are those who live in inner city ghettos, poverty stricken and unfortunately will receive this form of language.

Black America is not dealing with reality...There are countless young black girls and boys joining gangs, killing, robbing and just plain wildin out. (in their language).

They are the ones who live in homes where there's no one to give guidance, they usually don't have food, clothing, furniture, but they have a TV and Cable and watch BET.

I agree with George that we should not have to reach our children in this manner, however, they are not responding to anything else, all they watch is BET...Here's a song "I Got Drink and Two Step" little kids as young as 3 years old are singing...Where are parents, drinking and two stepping...and with that we need to reach them where they are.

Black America needs to wake up, we are losing our children....no not the children that come from the wealthy African American homes...but the inner city kids who the community shuns...we move out of the ghettos, turn away and pretend it's not happening...because they made out.

No your children won't have to be persuaded in this manner...but wake up, look, read the papers, hell watch the first 48 hours (A&E), you will see Black America killing, selling drugs, robbing each other...need I go on...

Wake up Black America...because now your inner city is moving closer to your middle class and your upper class. Think it's not happening...wake up look, around you...

AND WHEN IT HITS THE UPPER CLASS MEN . THEN YOU WILL HEAR FROM PEOPLE WE NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE.

[cvyavl05]

If this is what it's come to, then we have a real problem!

[whitegirl]

I do not see how this is going to teach our young people to read a book or whatever else he was trying to get across. If this is all that our young people see and hear, our future world is in trouble. I am a schoolbus driver and I see everyday how our young people are acting. We need a much more positive way to teach them. I feel for our teachers who are trying their best to do just that. I really wish I had a solution in order to help, but I can honestly say that this video and song IS NOT THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!

[Sec 2 None]

I honestly love this song, I am a young person and definitely do not find it offensive, what I do think is crazy is how everyone is jumping on this man and his song....he said its a parody, ITS SATIRE of what is actually going...please believe this man may cuss a lot in the song however this is nothing compared to language i hear on a regular basis or to the actual words to the videos they play on BET and MTV on a regular basis. The song isnt meant to be taken as seriously, believe or not vidoes, song lyrics, and everything else in pop culture effects our lives, personally I am glad that this song attempts to do something positive instead of concentrating on the negative. BTW this is not the only song he has, he has other plenty of positive songs that does not have that much cursing for the sensitive. BOMANI stay strong and do your thing, I been seeing you perform for awhile and Read a Book is not what your are all about!!!

This is the problem. The fact that we can not see what is completely wrong with the song. The problem is that it is how others view our race. This is the reason why Imus can get on the radio and say "nappy headed" you know the rest. Read a book mf? N*gga? (and I thought the NAACP buried that word months ago). Is that sattire? Sad truth. Sad that we have to address ourselves in such a negative light, and do we really think that the one's meant to hear the message actually get it??? You know the saying you are what you eat, well I believe the same can be said of what we read, listen to and view, put in garbage and garbage is coming out. Let's educate ourselves and one another.

[lmizell]

Yes, unfortunately...we have a really BIG PROBLEM!!!

[kimandkam]

I looked at the video and just laughed after hearing about it on the show. I read a few of the comments posted and laughed at those also. Someone should cut and paste many of these comments and email them to BET and other cable channels. Our children (majority) are watching this stuff anyway. BET shows videos and movies using this type of language. The artist here just took it to the extreme to open up eyes and to begin conversation on what our children are watching. What's sad is that it took a video like this to get the conversation going. If you're really mad do something about all of it and not just this one thing.

As a man thinkeths, he is.

[DeeJaySee]

At 29 years old you would think that this young man with a wife and 2 children would be on his way to manhood and maturity. He is quite immature. This is about nothing more than making a 'dollar'. He indicated that children repeat what they hear. In that note, doesn't he understand that if they repeat what they hear they are also repeating what he says in the name of reading a book.

I spoke with my 17 year old nephew who thought it was stupid. He says how can you use something like that to tell kids to read a book. He voice that children will be learning to read a book and cursing at the same time. 'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings....'

He needs to listen to the old school songs and understand what the real entertains sang about. It was to teach, to educate, to inform and to grow us.

[uncdec01]

This is outrageous. I understand trying to reach out to the kids, but you must always still set a good example or you are just being a hypocrite. What was that about brush your teeth and use deodorant I found the whole thing to be offensive.

It is because of this and a host of other reasons why I think BET should not be allowed to be called Black entertainment television. It is no longer owned by African Americans, the station does little to uplift, motivate or inspire our people, it is making a mockery of us in front of the world. When people here and in other countries view BET they believe this is a true depiction of who we are and what we value because we have sanctioned it by calling it Black entertainment television.

If another station would have financed and broadcasted this video we would be publicly raising hell like we did with Imus, but because it is presented under the guise of black entertainment we let it go.

[SIMPLYME]

While BET is partly responsible for this garbage, they do not bear total responsibility. BET is on your television because you allow it. Do us a favor and turn off the television promoting such garbage. The last time I checked, you were the leaders in your homes. Turn off the television and read a book with your children. STOP BLAMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS for the failure of our children. Education's foundation begins at home. If they see you reading, they will be more inclined to read as well. Stop allowing television to babysit your children. Having children comes with sacrifices. It is a parent's responsibility to make sure they get everything we can possibly give them to be successful. You either pay now with your time or we all pay later. To the parents who are taking the time to teach your children respect, to read, to think about tomorrow,etc..you are appreciated .

[DSTPrincess21]

This young man should be ashamed of himself. I heard him on the show today and I was appauled at his answer when George asked him if he would want his children to listed to this type of music. I can't believe he admitted that he was a father of "two" boys. He is not fit to be a father of anyone; he needs to father himself and "grow up." I hope he understands that his sins will follow his seed and his two boys will grow up to be just like him if not worst. Who married this fool and brought babies into the world. BET is no longer a vehicle for positive black change and we should boycott them.





This man is FAR from sick... he is very intelligent. My problemwith the hypocrits is that you don't protest any of the OTHER songs currently playing on BET but the one that mentions READ a book you have a problem with. What do you think YOUR kids currently listen too? What do you think the videos look like NOW? But, READ a BOOK is a controversy? What sad about BLACK America is that you are missing a message. BET has never been a vehicle for black America... PARENTS have been, but since REAL parents are extinct we want to blame HIP HOP for everything. This young man is VERY intelligent. So, before you reply... watch BET, watch RAP Cit and look at the videos and look at OUR children in the audience... THEN tell me what you think!!!!

[Sec 2 None]

I am reading the posts and I am shocked by a few responses. Once again we are divided over something we should all be on the same page about. I agree with the person who said that if the video aired outside of BET and on a white affiliate station we would be calling the NAACP and AL Sharpton to boycott. WAKE UP!!! DO THE RIGHT THING!! Remember the Spike Lee movies, did he demoralize our race to make a point? I didn't think so. ;)

[satiresam]

This song is satirizing all of the junk that is out there now. Many of the songs have people just yelling out vices. If you listen to most urban stations almost every song they play has drug references in them. I saw the FAMU band spell out TRAP STAR at the Detroit Classic. The trap is where they sell drugs. If you are getting mad about this song you are missing the point. As far as the profanity this song is mocking some of the songs like Luke and Lil John. Rap has profanity in it because if a song is worth rapping about it should be emotional and if it is emotional it will bring out strong language. I here people use profanity all the time in professional environments, but not at meetings or to the boss. We used to listen to Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy tapes and laugh and repeat it to our friends. I think you should direct some of your ire at the radio stations that allow every song they play to have drug references in them.

[spicy_3]

I listened to the show today and finally got a chance to view the video. I thought that the video was degrading to black people. I am a teacher and heard an educator tell the guy who made the video that he did a good job. I was outraged. True enough, our schools are in trouble. That's not mainly because of teachers but because of our mentality as a people. This is certainly not the way to make a change. I would like everyone to know that most real educators do NOT agree with this. I am a black woman and I work with children of all races (mostly black). I think that we should stop blaming the schools and society for our issues and just deal with them. These issues need to be attacked and dealt with inside the home. Parents are going to have to step up and not only demand better for their kids but make things better for their children instead of waiting on someone else to do it.The writer of this song stated that he was 29 years old and considers himself "a grown ass man." I too am 29 years old and believe that a grown ass individual should know that this video will not promote any positive results and it's definately NOT funny. It only magnified stereotypes that most positive black people are trying to combat daily. We have enough problems with people of other races viewing us in a negative way. We certainly don't need one of our own putting us on blast like that. As far as satire is concerned, some people have trouble decerning satire from anything else. I guess, some people will do anything for a dollar. Maybe the writer of this song should write about that.

[wfuque79]

Truth be told, I wasn't offended by this song at all. For all of the educated negro's on this board that has an answer for everything after the fact, come to a deprived inner city school and sub for one day....you what that's too easy. Come to a deprived inner city school in the middle of a school year and try to make it until the end of the school year. 90% of yall clowns could not make it. I understood the satire, I understood what the young man was trying to accomplish. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get your point across. Even if you think the song is appalling, you can still turn it into a positive. Some of you just don't get it! I am more appalled about the Ozone awards, Plies pants, Lil Wayne, Flava Flav, and a lot of other offensive individuals and material that comes on the radio and on t.v. Some of you just don't understand and probably will never understand.

To George Wilborne...
The KKK is salivating at this song and video?? You are an idiot if you believe that. They can listen to you sometimes and get material to use for their cause. Don't be a hypocrite.
Having worked with problem youth in one of the poorer sections of NC & having taught Life Skills & Job Skills to young people on probation, I have to agree that this video helps no one. Most of the youth I worked with told me that they listened to the street smart people for almost everything. It didn't matter what people like me said. It was only given credability when they heard it in the street. Young people know right from wrong but a lot of them want to go along with their peers. If their peers speak out they do, if not they don't. Is the hard core street kid gonna read a book because of this video? Of course not. the may sing it or listen to it because of the language. I've heard people under 30 & teenagers talk about the video. Most of them say they understand what he is saying, but they don't agree with the language. We make too many excuses for our shortcomings. Each one teach one. This video isn't the first one that was offensive, just one of the first with a real message that uses unnecessary language.

[Sec 2 None]

While BET is partly responsible for this garbage, they do not bear total responsibility. BET is on your television because you allow it. Do us a favor and turn off the television promoting such garbage. The last time I checked, you were the leaders in your homes. Turn off the television and read a book with your children. STOP BLAMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS for the failure of our children. Education's foundation begins at home. If they see you reading, they will be more inclined to read as well. Stop allowing television to babysit your children. Having children comes with sacrifices. It is a parent's responsibility to make sure they get everything we can possibly give them to be successful. You either pay now with your time or we all pay later. To the parents who are taking the time to teach your children respect, to read, to think about tomorrow,etc..you are appreciated .

I totally disagree because your children are exposed to this garbage outside of the household. I have a 16 year old, 6 year old and 10 year old. All are well educated, excelling in school and while the 16 year olds tv programming is not monitored as strictly as the younger ones, I can tell you that my younger kids do not watch BET. Now maybe Nick and Disney but they have no desire. Why, because I educate them daily and when trash like this comes out I make sure that I explain it to them so when they hear it outside of my home and believe me they will because all parents don't take the time inside of the home to do so, they are able to respond and understand. So don't attack all parents because there are a lot of us out here who are raising our kids properly. Once again we attack each other and miss the flippin point. I get so angry. Instead of talking about it, let us be solution oriented and figure out how to reach those parents who are lacking some parenting skills and help. When you point the finger remember 3 more are pointing back at you so what are you going to do about it???

[drummond029]

I find the video as well as the lyrics to be degrading to our young people. BET have reach it's low. burn the video burn the blank video

[rachel s.]

The guy who wrote the Read a Book song is on 106 and Park right now!!!!!!!!

[Sala]

Now we have transitioned into using their surrepitious tactics to make money. Some or most rappers may have turned in their dime bags for ten cent lyrics. How incredibly delusional some of us have become.

[shemawi]

I hope you're not saying that our youth is so ignorant and that they are beneath other youth in America as well as all over the GLOBE when it comes to learning abilities and intelligence that the only way that they are able to learn is for those who want to display a message is to use profanity. The only way that we can get their attention is by exploiting women in animated sexually explicit videos. If this is the case, we still giving "massa" control! Still enslaved by sex! and still ignorant that the only persuasive words are curse words. We accepted this demeaning behavior 400 years ago because we had to...demeaned by white men. Why are we doing it now?

[Sec 2 None]

Now BET is playing NAS' video lmao. What is the point just like they changed that Hot Ghetto Mess title to something else. right don't believe the hype

[grenetta b]

I am reading the posts and I am shocked by a few responses. Once again we are divided over something we should all be on the same page about. I agree with the person who said that if the video aired outside of BET and on a white affiliate station we would be calling the NAACP and AL Sharpton to boycott. WAKE UP!!! DO THE RIGHT THING!! Remember the Spike Lee movies, did he demoralize our race to make a point? I didn't think so. ;)


WHO U THINK OWN BET.WHITE AFFILIATED PEOPLE AND ITS NO LONGER BLACK ENTERTAINMENT

ITS KEEP BLACK PEOPLE IGNORANT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION.

AND I SAY WRITE LETTER TO THE PRODUCERS, WRITERS, OWNERS OF BET
AND TELL THEM BLACK PEOPLE DON'T WANT TRASH FOR OUR YOUNG GENERATION. WE AS PARENTS HAVE HAD ENOUGH:mad:

[DSTPrincess21]

I find the video as well as the lyrics to be degrading to our young people. BET have reach it's low. burn the video burn the blank video

So what do you think about every OTHER video on BET? What do you think about shows on BET? What did you think about BET before this song came out??? Where were you THEN????????

[Sec 2 None]

WHO U THINK OWN BET.WHITE AFFILIATED PEOPLE AND ITS NO LONGER BLACK ENTERTAINMENT

ITS KEEP BLACK PEOPLE IGNORANT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION.

AND I SAY WRITE LETTER TO THE PRODUCERS, WRITERS, OWNERS OF BET
AND TELL THEM BLACK PEOPLE DON'T WANT TRASH FOR OUR YOUNG GENERATION. WE AS PARENTS HAVE HAD ENOUGH:mad:

Well I say white affiliate because all of us don't realize that VIACOM is white owned. Let's start the campaign and send around a petition letter. I am with you

[lmizell]

I totally disagree because your children are exposed to this garbage outside of the household. I have a 16 year old, 6 year old and 10 year old. All are well educated, excelling in school and while the 16 year olds tv programming is not monitored as strictly as the younger ones, I can tell you that my younger kids do not watch BET. Now maybe Nick and Disney but they have no desire. Why, because I educate them daily and when trash like this comes out I make sure that I explain it to them so when they hear it outside of my home and believe me they will because all parents don't take the time inside of the home to do so, they are able to respond and understand. So don't attack all parents because there are a lot of us out here who are raising our kids properly. Once again we attack each other and miss the flippin point. I get so angry. Instead of talking about it, let us be solution oriented and figure out how to reach those parents who are lacking some parenting skills and help. When you point the finger remember 3 more are pointing back at you so what are you going to do about it???

Your point is well made...but we have to remember the children who are raising themselves...It's unfortunate...what are we doing...certainlly not enough...

[SIMPLYME]

I totally disagree because your children are exposed to this garbage outside of the household. I have a 16 year old, 6 year old and 10 year old. All are well educated, excelling in school and while the 16 year olds tv programming is not monitored as strictly as the younger ones, I can tell you that my younger kids do not watch BET. Now maybe Nick and Disney but they have no desire. Why, because I educate them daily and when trash like this comes out I make sure that I explain it to them so when they hear it outside of my home and believe me they will because all parents don't take the time inside of the home to do so, they are able to respond and understand. So don't attack all parents because there are a lot of us out here who are raising our kids properly. Once again we attack each other and miss the flippin point. I get so angry. Instead of talking about it, let us be solution oriented and figure out how to reach those parents who are lacking some parenting skills and help. When you point the finger remember 3 more are pointing back at you so what are you going to do about it???


With reading comes comprehension my dear....Hope you're able to comprehend the whole message unless you're guilty.

[grenetta b]

Well I say white affiliate because all of us don't realize that VIACOM is white owned. Let's start the campaign and send around a petition letter. I am with you

GET IT STARTED AND POST IT HERE. AND I HOPE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TYPING IN THIS FORUM SIGN IT. ITS TIME TO STAND UP IF YOU WANT CHANGE :p

[Metroboi54]

I honestly don't see nothing wrong with the message cause IT really needed to be said. Its funny how we as black people get upset when someone tells the truth in a graphic manner. Yes maybe it was a bit overboard with the girls and whatnot but ok we we cant look past that to see the message in the song. Number II The song was not created for kids anyway the song was created for adults who the message applies to. I am a Metro bus Operator In the nations capital of Washington D.C. and I have seen the Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. From the upper class all the way down to the homeless. And has become so sad at some of the things that I see on a daily basis on that bus. Truthfully being a young black man it hurts when you have to sit there for hours at a time and deal with the things ( the same things in the song) because apparently some folks really don't know, or care, or haven't been taught how to read, or hygiene. Black folks even have gotten upset at the TV show "We need to do better". What has it come to we get mad at the truth now. I applaud the approach I think the idea was a good one but just a bit overboard with the the animation was put together however it seems that we have to be extreme to find a solution to do better.

[vonmiwi]

I Often wonder how many people know that BET in owned by VIACOM and not Bob Johnson. I hardly ever watch BET, I'll look at the network if they have something positive on or on Sundays other than that I can not watch the madness. I saw that video and I was insulted, I can not believe the producers of that cartoon and of that network. Why do they constantly try and push garbage down our throats? Have they not realized that all of us do not think negatively 24-7? BET definitely needs to revamp its image and its programs. They really don't show anything positive addressed to the 35yr old and beyond. They also do not address the wide AA demographic the same way as the other VIACOM holdings do. I say bring back "Oh Drama!:o

[MoGreer]

Mr Basiden

I do appreciate you getting to word out to your listeners on issues that are and should be of concern to our communicate. But I believe your (acknowledgement)/advertisment is servicing more as a promotion for the Artist.

I also applaud your challenged to the Artist, to create a more positive rap that you would be more than willing play on your show; but he doesn't need to do that when you have provided a link to his video for your listeners to see and hear.

This link is providing all the support he needs (positive or negative) to give him all the exposure he needs.

The lyrics you recited on air gave me the impression that this is a ridiculous video, so I know that I don't need to look at it, to see that it is ridiculous and stupid.

By watching it is a form of support regardless if you like it or not.

[vonmiwi]

I Often wonder how many people know that BET in owned by VIACOM and not Bob Johnson. I hardly ever watch BET, I'll look at the network if they have something positive on or on Sundays other than that I can not watch the madness. I saw that video and I was insulted, I can not believe the producers of that cartoon and of that network. Why do they constantly try and push garbage down our throats? Have they not realized that all of us do not think negatively 24-7? BET definitely needs to revamp its image and its programs. They really don't show anything positive addressed to the 35yr old and beyond. They also do not address the wide AA demographic the same way as the other VIACOM holdings do. I say bring back "Oh Drama!:(

[LiberatedAspirations]

I got really upset while I was listening to the show today. But unlike most of you that may listen to this show, I got upset for a different reason. I was hurt to see how out of touch most of the panel on the show today was with the black youth of 2007.

As soon as I saw this video, I understood what it was: SATIRE! As an educated Black woman, I am sick of the "booty shaking; bling-bling." I'm tired of being subjected to the notion that, I, as a young Black female, am not important unless I rise to the challenge of taking off my clothes for a camera, being able to sing like a canary, or shake my butt "like a salt-shaka" This video to me was a breath of fresh air as it poked fun at all the garbage coming through the airways on BET, MTV, etc...

Obviously there are a lot of "grown folks" out there who need to get in touch with there "inner child." The young people get it. We know what it is and we understand it's intended purpose. Sometimes you need to talk to people on their level. And let me tell you, 'niggas' sometimes don't understand anything but curse words.

Let's wake up Black America. There are more important things going on out there in the world than a dog fighting scandal or an extremely satirical video telling 'niggas' to read. As a soldier coming back from the desert I can tell you first hand that the real issue here is the spiritual war going on all around us. The battle is for our souls and we as Black people are the easiest and currently the MAIN course on the menu. We are so distracted by fluff that we can't and don't want to see what's really going on. No matter what your religious preference let's pray that we can come together as a people, no mater what our opinions of each other (or what others do) are, for the sake of all humankind.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and Blessings :)

For the record if you want to know more about this artist look him up and check out his website. If you do you would see what kind of an artist he is and from where the motivation for a song like this springs.

[mzryte]

It seems this video has caused an uproar. Many are very disappointed that we must use such harsh language to get our children to listen. I reiterate, we as adults should lead by example. If we as parents are reading books ourselves, our children will and can too.

I'm currently reading, The Power of the Praying Wife, By Stormie Martin

My 13 year old daughter just read "Help Yourself" by Dave Pelzer

My 3 year old daughter and I read "Dora's Worl Adventure!" Scholastic

[adrock]

DAMN!! Can you Black people no longer take a joke. Its a parody.
Parody (a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke some affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject.) If you had seen this on Mad TV, Saturday Night Live, or The Dave Chappell Show you would have laugh. Bomani never said the video was a guide to getting kids to read. I was intially shown the video a few weeks ago by a fourteen year boy who is very bright, understood the videos purpose was to poke fun at. He was actually playing it from the website collegehumor.com
And George your a hypocrite if use profanity in your act and think kids don't hear it or listen to comedy. When I was in high school we passed out def comedy jam dvds like tic tacs.
I agree that its important to stand up and protest injustice but when you protest and overreact to every little you just wind up making noise.
Good Luck in Jena LA. Keep bring us important stories like this. But remember we didn't create racism and we don't perpetuate. People who hate don't need a reason.

[FIreStorm]

He could not create quailty music so he sold out. He is all about making money. No matter how smart he sounds he is ignorate. :mad::confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

"READ A BOOK, READ A BOOK..."

I LOVE this song & video.

The very controversy that is this discussion about it is, proves it's success!

It was MEANT to offend. As one other poster said, the message from the creator of "Read A Book," is basically that, 'It's a shame that I had to make something so STUPID to reach my intended audience and get my point accross.' Most of you people here whining about race, and perpetuating one of our favorite pasttimes, the conspiracy theory...totally miss the satirical brilliance of that!

I think that it puts to the fire, the feet of the whole hip hop culture, and the "bling" bird has finally come home to roost.

You offended? Congratulations!

[koolwerks]

I'm a DJ, have been a DJ for over 15 yrs, in the music biz for 11 yrs, and I TOTALLY understand this is satire. When I heard it, I realized exactly what he was doing, and went to his site to find out what he was about....notarapper.com Please go to his site, listen to his work and you will see the brother is a positive artist, that took an approach to: 1) get you to talk and pay attention, and 2) reach a particular "material" mentality that us between 15-35 yrs are in. He's talking to those that aren't as "established" as everyone on this message board. How many of us have girlfriends/homeboys that DO NOT raise their kids? DO NOT know what their kids have in the iPods, or ringtones on their cell phones??? Folks that can't tell you the name of the school their kids go to, names of their kid's friends, etc. This song is not intended for Mike's/George's kids/the main audience listening to Michael Baisden's show. This is meant for those watching BET, a typical teen or young adult, that is not handling their responsibility, and haven't even been shown how to. And he's actually "clowning" (making major mockery) of all the artists your kids listen to (i.e. Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, Three 6 Mafia, Yung Joc, Young Jeezy, Baby and Lil Wayne, etc) Some of you hum lyrics to songs by these artists and don't realize they're talking about cooking up drugs, oversexing women, and more. Michael asked where are the positive artists. THERE ARE PLENTY OF POSITIVE ARTISTS. Trust me, I see/hear them all the time. Email me if you wanna know some, koolwerks@gmail.com If everyone on this board would buy Common's CD as quick as we buy 50 Cent, you'd hear a few more positive messages. I witness it with my own eyes, everytime in the club, in retail, in radio, everyone complains that all the hip hop is bad, BUT YOU DON'T SUPPORT THE GOOD. Do you watch Andre 3000's (Outkast) cartoon with your kids?? Have you bought any of the children books by Queen Latifah, LL Cool J or Melle Mel?? I have to agree with the comments Big Bear made. This video is satire. Just like "In living color" made parodies of people, just like Dave Chappelle made parodies, it's satire. He took an extreme approach, went "outside the box" (like Michael says) but within the means of those that would need to pay attention. I think the brother is getting a bad rap.

[adrock]

DAMN!! Can you Black people no longer take a joke. Its a parody.
Parody (a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke some affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject.) If you had seen this on Mad TV, Saturday Night Live, or The Dave Chappell Show you would have laugh. Bomani never said the video was a guide to getting kids to read. I was intially shown the video a few weeks ago by a fourteen year boy who is very bright, understood the videos purpose was to poke fun at. He was actually playing it from the website collegehumor.com
And George your a hypocrite if use profanity in your act and think kids don't hear it or listen to comedy. When I was in high school we passed out def comedy jam dvds like tic tacs.
I agree that its important to stand up and protest injustice but when you protest and overreact to every little you just wind up making noise.
Good Luck in Jena LA. Keep bring us important stories like this. But remember we didn't create racism and we don't perpetuate. People who hate don't need a reason.

[drock92]

Hello my name is derrick i am a 15 y/o sophomore at baldwin county high school in Bay Minette, alabama. I think that when to far but some time i think it didnt go far enough. I did what it was suppost to do. Bring attenion to the subject. i did think it had to many bad words till i though about many other hard core song which all had more coursing that that video.

[NikkiGee]

It's funny how everyone has their panties in a bunch about THIS video, but no one says anything about the content of other other videos on BET. "OMG he has too many curse words in the song." WHAT?!? C'mon people, get past the fog.

What the article on the front page doesn't tell you is the women shaking their "money makers" are fully clothed (as opposed to being barely clad like the other vids) and they have the words "read a book" written across their behinds. Very nice placement seeing how most men are fixated and obsessed with women with big butts.

It seems the only way to get kids & teens attention is to have a song with a nice beat, baseline, booty shaking, and curse words. How is what he's done so different from:

Lil Wayne's Workin em'
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
I be pimpin’ them hoes, I be pimpin’ them hoes
I be pimpin’ them hoes pimp pimpin’ them hoes
I be workin’ them bitches, I be workin’ them bitches
I be workin’ them bitches work workin’ them bitches

I'll tell you how. I'd say in 90% of african american households WITH cable access, BET is more than likely the video channel of choice. In some of those households, kids grow up watching the videos from the time they can even comprehend. Instead of teaching these kids to imitate what they see on these vids, WHY NOT have them read instead? Why not buy some land instead of rims, jewelry and expensive clothing? That's why we have 7 year olds on youtube doing the "pop. lock, and drop" dance.

I'm really surprised by Michael Baisden condemning this guy for this comedic satire of the content that is on 98% of videos. His message is needed, wanted and appreciated. I'm in contact with dumbass kids who can't spell, let alone complete a sentence everyday. So yes, this PSA is warranted.

Answer this, does your child know how to use a phone book? How about a dictionary? But they know every single word to any Lil Wayne song.

It's amazing how we will damn near crucify this brother for telling kids things parents should've covered from infancy. It's obvious who's educated and who's not.

[shemawi]

:mad: I wish we'd all take a stand on one thing as a culture. Because things are getting worst for us as a culture not better. Are our black children the most ignorant in the world that the only way to get their attention is by sexual solicitation and profanity? How is that any other country where education is free, kids can learn without all this negativity. Even in impoverished areas they can still learn. So to advocate that our African American youths are too ignorant to learn without demeaning lyrics and sexually explicit animations is placing massa back in control. They (other races) are sitting back laughing at us, they won't fight to have that type of ignorance removed from television, This is our fight. We as a people cant stand for anything, so we are falling for this type of crap as acceptable and making all kinds of excuses as how this ignorance will benefit our community. What a crab pot mess! If this is the case, we've already loss the battle before joining the fight.


As the saying goes, if you dont stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

[eliza61]

Why is anyone surprised at any thing BET does nowadays. They have proven time and time again that they long ago stop trying to portray positive images of Black america. I've written my local cable company asking for the removal of BET from my package. It's not much but it's my way of saying I will not passively accept this nonsense.

[The Intuitive One]

Did you think we ever really ran BET? Tavis didn't have the issues he did because Bob Johnson didn't like what he was saying...If I can recall ViaCom owns and runs BET...I don't watch TV, reason being, I refuse to pay someone to insult me. Also, I didn't learn of this JENA 6 from television, I learned of it from the Michael Baisden Radio Show. And now again TV has our folks in an uproar with the exploitation of our young brothas that are tying to make it anyway they can. I just wonder what phase of their program are we in now?


Profane BET 'Read a Book' Video Causing Commotion



Link to video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=sOcMFeWUsuM&mode=related&search=


Lyrics to the song:

Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!
Not a sports page (what) not a magazine (who)
But a book nigga, a fuckin book nigga (YEAHHH~!)
Raise yo' kids, raise yo' kids, raise yo' God damn kids
Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SHIT
Buy some land, buy some land (what) FUCK SPINNIN RIMS
Brush yo' teeth, brush yo' teeth, brush yo' God damn teeth
Wear deodorant nigga, wear deodorant nigga
It's called Speed Stick (bitch) it's not expensive (bitch)
Read a book! Read a book! Read a muh'fuckin book!


Fox News story: http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=4139

Not content merely to offend, the network has chosen to shock and awe our sensibilities with an alleged PSA that encourages viewers to read a book *— as in "read a mother-blankin' book, nigga."

It gets worse, with profanity and images of big-hipped women shaking their money makers, and more.

More incredibly, the video wasn't merely played by BET. BET created it, and debuted it on its afternoon video show, "106 & Park" (co-hosted, incidentally by a former student of mine at N.C. A&T, Terrence Jenkins).

BET's own animators produced the video to accompany a song and lyrics conceived by Bomani Ahmer.

In a press release, the network praises the video's positive message: " 'Read A Book' uses an irresistible beat on which to place the catchy, overly repeated lyrics. But instead of exhorting the listener to dance as much of current hip-hop does, he takes the opportunity to suggest ways through which people can better their lives."

A BET spokeswoman goes on to say in the release: "This video a great example of how the best animation can convey complex messages with great clarity and humor."

Among the song's lyrics (with the expletives slightly veiled by me):
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

R-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book, nigga, a blankin' book nigga
Read a book, read a book, read a mother-blankin' book

BET obviously knew this would cause a stir and promotes the video on its Web site. What is it they say about no such thing as bad publicity?

[DSTPrincess21]

Thank you! Finally, someone that actually get's the MESSAGE! This brother is AWESOME. I thought I was a lone soldier. But, I see someone else is actually in touch with the youth and understand what they see on a daily basis. This is SATIRE and he should be applauded! The panel today was so far in the dark and not knowledgeable about the artist, his poetry or his music. I just happen to come across this brother about 4-5 months ago on MySpace and I was blown away at his talents.

I can't believe how we criticize this MAN and miss his message. What we see everyday.... everyday on BET, MTV, VH1, E! is degrading to blacks and he's showing how we accept it. You are mad at the women Booty shaking with READ across her but; however practically EVERY single video has a black woman booty shaking. If you don't want to look at TV, check out VIBE, SOURCE or any other hip hop magazine and black women are spralled across it with their butts hanging out.

Liberated Aspirations is exactly right, young people get it. Mike maybe it's beyond you, George, and Al Sharpton. As a young 30yr old I often feel Al Sharpton does't reach me or my peers. He has done a lot for our people but he no longer represents ME or my Ideas, you are definitely missing the mark on this one!


I got really upset while I was listening to the show today. But unlike most of you that may listen to this show, I got upset for a different reason. I was hurt to see how out of touch most of the panel on the show today was with the black youth of 2007.

As soon as I saw this video, I understood what it was: SATIRE! As an educated Black woman, I am sick of the "booty shaking; bling-bling." I'm tired of being subjected to the notion that, I, as a young Black female, am not important unless I rise to the challenge of taking off my clothes for a camera, being able to sing like a canary, or shake my butt "like a salt-shaka" This video to me was a breath of fresh air as it poked fun at all the garbage coming through the airways on BET, MTV, etc...

Obviously there are a lot of "grown folks" out there who need to get in touch with there "inner child." The young people get it. We know what it is and we understand it's intended purpose. Sometimes you need to talk to people on their level. And let me tell you, 'niggas' sometimes don't understand anything but curse words.

Let's wake up Black America. There are more important things going on out there in the world than a dog fighting scandal or an extremely satirical video telling 'niggas' to read. As a soldier coming back from the desert I can tell you first hand that the real issue here is the spiritual war going on all around us. The battle is for our souls and we as Black people are the easiest and currently the MAIN course on the menu. We are so distracted by fluff that we can't and don't want to see what's really going on. No matter what your religious preference let's pray that we can come together as a people, no mater what our opinions of each other (or what others do) are, for the sake of all humankind.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and Blessings :)

For the record if you want to know more about this artist look him up and check out his website. If you do you would see what kind of an artist he is and from where the motivation for a song like this springs.

[lmizell]

I got really upset while I was listening to the show today. But unlike most of you that may listen to this show, I got upset for a different reason. I was hurt to see how out of touch most of the panel on the show today was with the black youth of 2007.

As soon as I saw this video, I understood what it was: SATIRE! As an educated Black woman, I am sick of the "booty shaking; bling-bling." I'm tired of being subjected to the notion that, I, as a young Black female, am not important unless I rise to the challenge of taking off my clothes for a camera, being able to sing like a canary, or shake my butt "like a salt-shaka" This video to me was a breath of fresh air as it poked fun at all the garbage coming through the airways on BET, MTV, etc...

Obviously there are a lot of "grown folks" out there who need to get in touch with there "inner child." The young people get it. We know what it is and we understand it's intended purpose. Sometimes you need to talk to people on their level. And let me tell you, 'niggas' sometimes don't understand anything but curse words.

Let's wake up Black America. There are more important things going on out there in the world than a dog fighting scandal or an extremely satirical video telling 'niggas' to read. As a soldier coming back from the desert I can tell you first hand that the real issue here is the spiritual war going on all around us. The battle is for our souls and we as Black people are the easiest and currently the MAIN course on the menu. We are so distracted by fluff that we can't and don't want to see what's really going on. No matter what your religious preference let's pray that we can come together as a people, no mater what our opinions of each other (or what others do) are, for the sake of all humankind.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and Blessings :)

For the record if you want to know more about this artist look him up and check out his website. If you do you would see what kind of an artist he is and from where the motivation for a song like this springs.

Amen, I'm 40+ and agree that the Grown Folks as we call ourselves, NEED TO WAKE UP!! The real music Mr. Baidsen played this afternoon...was mellow...nice melody...deep...but, let's not kid ourselves...the kids can care less ...keep it real Michael...let's try and reach our youth...the adults...and we are talking and that's a start...let's not stop here!!!

[pennylover]

How in the world a lyric like this is going to help our children learn to read. There is no way on earth all this profanities is going to help them to read, if anything it will increased the cursing and disrespectfulness among our youths. Therefore, this is not the right message. I do agree with what George says earlier. The white folks are rejoicing, because we are always demeaning ourselves and race. We demand respect but we are not respecting ourselves or the youths. There gots to be a better way, they say "better must come one day". But when? it seem farther away than closer. We are the cause of our youths being the way that they are today. Look at the message the song is sending them, children modeled what they see. I sure hope that they banded the song from the airwave. I know the brother is trying to make a living, but not at the expense of our children. Come up with a better and meaningful lyric.

[eliza61]

It's funny how everyone has their panties in a bunch about THIS video, but no one says anything about the content of other other videos on BET. "OMG he has too many curse words in the song." WHAT?!? C'mon people, get past the fog.

What the article on the front page doesn't tell you is the women shaking their "money makers" are fully clothed (as opposed to being barely clad like the other vids) and they have the words "read a book" written across their behinds. Very nice placement seeing how most men are fixated and obsessed with women with big butts.

It seems the only way to get kids & teens attention is to have a song with a nice beat, baseline, booty shaking, and curse words. How is what he's done so different from:

Lil Wayne's Workin em'
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
I be pimpin’ them hoes, I be pimpin’ them hoes
I be pimpin’ them hoes pimp pimpin’ them hoes
I be workin’ them bitches, I be workin’ them bitches
I be workin’ them bitches work workin’ them bitches

I'll tell you how. I'd say in 90% of african american households WITH cable access, BET is more than likely the video channel of choice. In some of those households, kids grow up watching the videos from the time they can even comprehend. Instead of teaching these kids to imitate what they see on these vids, WHY NOT have them read instead? Why not buy some land instead of rims, jewelry and expensive clothing? That's why we have 7 year olds on youtube doing the "pop. lock, and drop" dance.

I'm really surprised by Michael Baisden condemning this guy for this comedic satire of the content that is on 98% of videos. His message is needed, wanted and appreciated. I'm in contact with dumbass kids who can't spell, let alone complete a sentence everyday. So yes, this PSA is warranted.

Answer this, does your child know how to use a phone book? How about a dictionary? But they know every single word to any Lil Wayne song.

It's amazing how we will damn near crucify this brother for telling kids things parents should've covered from infancy. It's obvious who's educated and who's not.

Very simple. Trash is trash. Just because other videos are just as bad doesn't give one carte blanche to add to the junk. Pretty much what the old school mothers have been saying forever "if your friends jump off a bridge, that means you've got to do it also". I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be encourage to pick up a book after viewing this video. Do you honestly think calling a young child a nigga or mother fU$#% is going to encourage them to speak correctly.

Yes the kids in my immediate family and cousin, nephews and neices ALL know how to use a dictionary, they are computer literate, they know their way around the inside of the NYC library, they know they better never, ever let me hear them use the N-word, they have limits on how much TV and video games they use and they know they will be attending college. Why because I AM AN OLD SCHOOL PARENT
They may not know how to use the phone book, because nowadays they can get the info off of the web much easier.

[LiberatedAspirations]

DSTPrincess21,

Thanks for the compliment. It's good to see people who understand this positive brother to speak up and let their voices be heard. The man is speaking to the people who need to hear the message in the language they need to hear it in order for it to sink in (Would missionaries be effective if they tried to preach their gospel in Chinese to people who only understood French?). For the rest of us it's just plain funny.

PS I (LiberatedAspirations) am is 100% female :)

[Diva_XL]

Did this guy say....."I'm trying to go platinum"? Because if he did infact say that then the message isnt to empower (which it doesnt)....he's trying to get famous!!!! SMH!

[pennylover]

How in the world a lyric like this is going to help our children learn to read. There is no way on earth all this profanities is going to help them to read, if anything it will increased the cursing and disrespectfulness among our youths. Therefore, this is not the right message. I do agree with what George says earlier. The white folks are rejoicing, because we are always demeaning ourselves and race. We demand respect but we are not respecting ourselves or the youths. There gots to be a better way, they say "better must come one day". But when? it seem farther away than closer. We are the cause of our youths being the way that they are today. Look at the message the song is sending them, children modeled what they see. I sure hope that they banded the song from the airwave. I know the brother is trying to make a living, but not at the expense of our children. Come up with a better and meaningful lyric.

[LiberatedAspirations]

How in the world a lyric like this is going to help our children learn to read. There is no way on earth all this profanities is going to help them to read, if anything it will increased the cursing and disrespectfulness among our youths. Therefore, this is not the right message. I do agree with what George says earlier. The white folks are rejoicing, because we are always demeaning ourselves and race. We demand respect but we are not respecting ourselves or the youths. There gots to be a better way, they say "better must come one day". But when? it seem farther away than closer. We are the cause of our youths being the way that they are today. Look at the message the song is sending them, children modeled what they see. I sure hope that they banded the song from the airwave. I know the brother is trying to make a living, but not at the expense of our children. Come up with a better and meaningful lyric.

I think "the white folk" could care less what we are doing as long as we are keeping ourselves occupied with foolish bickering like this and out of their space and business. <<<<<----opinion Why not band the songs that have REAL people in them saying "you must be like me, objectify women, deal drugs and drive fancy cars" <<<<<-------honest question

[abrne]

No, You Read A Book
(If they let you)


Every brotha ain’t a brotha
Like the sheets he’s under cover
Slicing off the sacred loaf
To get the fish bone out his throat
Well that is you, Judas new age
Wonder why I’m so enraged
It’s because that trash you dumped
Is more than just bout getting crunked

Yo, you talkin read a book
Frontin like you got a hook
Well you a foolish type of fool
You should walk backwards back to school
Straight up exploiting your own kind
You won’t influence none of mine
We see that you traded your soul
For that sell out kind of gold

Now let me break it down a few
Do what a sista’s gotta do
Peep your game and then expose
You ain’t bout nothing but zeros
Cause you the only one that’s lackin
Frontin like you ghetto crackin
If you so pressed about the youth
Then brotha learn to tell the truth

It’s not the lack of books they reading
It’s the images you feeding
It’s the sell outs in black skin
Helping the enemy slip in
Brotha you ain’t got a case
Cause it takes more than just tooth paste
To clean the crap you left behind
Poisoning our young black minds

You could have made your message heard
Without the booty bumping words
Instead you took the gutter route
You signed the check and sold us out
Guns and stereotypes galore
Now tell me who’s really the whore
Frontin like you keep it real
While in the back you making deals

No other race would tolerate
The damage that you perpetrate
No other race would let you flow
They’d laugh at you and tell you no

If you can read then look up karma
One of these days you’ll feel the drama
You might as well have called us ‘coons’
With your race baiting cartoon
Targeting our kids should be a crime
You need to do some type of time
After all that money’s spent
Someday soon, you will repent

Cause God is love and love is pure
A new concept for you I’m sure
Ain’t nothing pure about your rhymes
You said MF a thousand times
Your soul is mislead and corrupt
You’d sell your mama for a buck
As long as you can live with self
Then brotha you cannot be helped

The God within will make you see
This is my heart-felt prophesy
Discern the picture behind the picture
Know who you really making richer
It’s the ones who smile in guile
The suits who pimp the black lifestyle
They wear the mask so you can’t look
They’ll never let you read their book…….

[shemawi]

As a young black women I feel I have to comment on your comment. And yes I'm sick of the booty shaking and sexually explicit lyrics that artist use as well, nonetheless we fall for this as acceptable. As a people we cant agree on very much to make changes.

Its not the message its the delivery that many people from the panel complained about. Perhaps you're correct in saying that the only way to get someones attention is by cursing. All he did was curse in this video, and his message was overlooked. He sure got attention, but was it positive attention?

No one heard this artist's message, it was epowered by all the negativity that plagues our culture.

[ssjup81]

If I ever have children, I'm going to raise my child the same way I was raised in this regard, and hope that I'll have the funds to do so.

My mother used to read to me every night and she used to read a lot herself, so I guess I just picked up on it. She was setting a good example, without probably realizing it.

I was so happy when I first learned to read, and even though it wasn't much, I went straight to the comics in the Sunday papers. I was glad that I could read it on my own.

In Elementary school, we were encouraged to read all the time, especially with the book-it program.

In middle school and even high school, I participated in my local library's summer reading program of my own accord, since I really enjoyed reading and grew to enjoy it since I was exposed to it at a very early age.

I know it was probably easier back then too, since I didn't watch much television, 'cept for Saturday mornings (Cartoons/kids shows on CBS, ABC, NBC) and sometimes after school, like for the Disney Afternoon block, maybe some Nickelodeon (when it had some cool shows, like You Can't Do That On Television, Double Dare, etc.). We had a computer in the mid 90s, but it was only used to type up papers. We didn't get the internet until 1999, right before I graduated high school. I didn't have video games until 1992. I received it as a present for graduating with honors from the 5th grade.

There were limitations on my television time, as well as video game time. Homework and studying always came first.

Both of my parents worked, but they always seemed to manage to find time to help me if I needed it. Mom would help me with my homework a lot, dad usually attended my school functions (after we moved, mom before, because my school was closer to her job).

Parents need to spend more time with their kids and monitor them. Kids should not be raising themselves.

The main problem I have with the video, is the way it's degrading blacks as being ignorant. If children can learn in a classroom without all that profanity and such, why is a video of this nature so necessary? Yeah, I know some kids speak slang and stuff to one another, some even curse, but I doubt these kids would be that disrespectful to speak this way in front of a teacher and I doubt any self-respecting teacher would teach in this way, "hood" or "no hood".

I've always had a problem with rap videos in general. This mess should have been dealt with years ago. I can only assume it's really bad now. I don't even bother with rap music, because it's just too negative. I also can't get into it. I'm more of a rock/techno/trance/classical person myself.

[shemawi]

Cuz George is not displaying this type of garbage to "children". Maybe thats why our children dont do well and dont read. Grown folks don't understand whats acceptable or unacceptable for children to view. People who have kids and call themselves grown should go to the library and get books forf their kids.The problem is not the artist, its the grown folks who call themselves intelligent to allow children to view stuff that they aren't ready to view. Not everyone lives in the hood. And if this artist wanted to speak to those in the hood, he should have gone to the hood with this message.

[mzryte]

Amen

Straight To The Point!

[Robontheradio]

Though this is a controversial topic Mike, the one thing that stood out to me in the posts was that you and George were Hypocrites.

I have been a big fan of the Show for the past 4 months now, and I definitely think you're talented, provocative and a force to be recogned with on social issues. However, I have been a little uneasy about some of your shows where you and George go a little over the top in sex and comedy issues. I admit that it is entertaining, and it's middleaged brother's having some fun (and I do enjoy it!) but I don't know how to just switch pages and subscribe to the show as a moral/intellectual authority when the current events swing in your direction.

I think that you will evolve into a voice that speaks out of one side of your mouth to squarely address both serious and light hearted issues. But this is just a call to recognize the power that you now broker, and to walk a little more conscientous in light of what your future holds for you and your team.

I only say this because it applies to me also. So for what its worth, be consistent so that you will continue to grow.


"Iron sharpens Iron"

[DSTPrincess21]

OK, I'm really upset about black america downing this BROTHER. When we praise other rappers, make them millionaires and let our children listen to their music and this ONE rapper we put down harshly.

Maybe my view is different. I actually ran across him 4-5 months ago on Myspace. So, I'm attaching his myspace page and maybe you'll ge the impression I got. http://www.myspace.com/knotarapper

Black people we really have to get it together. As a young black womam I am so upset at the language, anger and hatred we are showing this positive brother. Where were your post about Ying Yang, Plies, RKELLY, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Nelly, Hurricane Chris... where were all of you. You let your kids watch 106 & Park on a daily basis, you buy them 50 cent cd's and he happily raps about being SHOT nine times... and you're upset about Bomani???

I seriously feel like I'm in the twilight ZONE??? Am I? This is about my 5th post and I get anger everytime I read the hatred toward this bother...

[shemawi]

Then blacks must be so ignorant since they can only learn through this type of negativity. What does this say for the black population? The only thing that entertains us is sex and ignorance. This artist advocated this for youth, this wasnt about all the other poorly orchestrated videos we see on tv, this was about continuing to find negative ways to get through our children as if they so ignorant that can't learn otherwise. We get mad a other races for calling us out, but when push comes to shove we cant agree on one positive note.

[shemawi]

parents just need to be parents. Bomani is very talented but why are we as black people always the laughing stock. This is not the only way to reach the youth... you must have given up.

[shemawi]

Truth be told, I wasn't offended by this song at all. For all of the educated negro's on this board that has an answer for everything after the fact, come to a deprived inner city school and sub for one day....you know what that's too easy. Come to a deprived inner city school in the middle of a school year and try to make it until the end of the school year. 90% of yall clowns could not make it. I understood the satire, I understood what the young man was trying to accomplish. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get your point across. Even if you think the song is appalling, you can still turn it into a positive. Some of you just don't get it! I am more appalled about the Ozone awards, Plies pants, Lil Wayne, Flava Flav, and a lot of other offensive individuals and material that comes on the radio and on t.v. Some of you just don't understand and probably will never understand.

To George Wilborne...
The KKK is salivating at this song and video?? You are an idiot if you believe that. They can listen to you sometimes and get material to use for their cause. Don't be a hypocrite.
If you have a targeted audience, target your audience. If this was meant for inner city schools, he should be at those schools uplifting. I wish people would stop making excuses on why this was video was necessary. Parents just need to be parents! and where there are no parents involved- the community needs to step in with a more positive delivery of the message. What did he teach, read a book, brush your teeth by some land?

whatever!

[HONEYBRONZE]

I AGREE WITH YALL 200%... :D They say it themselves...The good music...the b-side artist...positive sistahs jill scott, india, amel...etc...brothas...raheem devaughn, common, chub rock etc...don't get much airplay... how about spoken word artist like Talaam Acey...etc...don't get much talk...but of course...pick on the brotha that takes a chance n forces us to look at the REALITY that we're in...I applaud u. don't know if it will be successful or not...but I do understand where ya going with it n for those who don't....itz gonna be alright ;)

Originally Posted by LiberatedAspirations
I got really upset while I was listening to the show today. But unlike most of you that may listen to this show, I got upset for a different reason. I was hurt to see how out of touch most of the panel on the show today was with the black youth of 2007.

most of the panel on the show today was with the black youth of 2007.

As soon as I saw this video, I understood what it was: SATIRE! As an educated Black woman, I am sick of the "booty shaking; bling-bling." I'm tired of being subjected to the notion that, I, as a young Black female, am not important unless I rise to the challenge of taking off my clothes for a camera, being able to sing like a canary, or shake my butt "like a salt-shaka" This video to me was a breath of fresh air as it poked fun at all the garbage coming through the airways on BET, MTV, etc...

Obviously there are a lot of "grown folks" out there who need to get in touch with there "inner child." The young people get it. We know what it is and we understand it's intended purpose. Sometimes you need to talk to people on their level. And let me tell you, 'niggas' sometimes don't understand anything but curse words.

Let's wake up Black America. There are more important things going on out there in the world than a dog fighting scandal or an extremely satirical video telling 'niggas' to read. As a soldier coming back from the desert I can tell you first hand that the real issue here is the spiritual war going on all around us. The battle is for our souls and we as Black people are the easiest and currently the MAIN course on the menu. We are so distracted by fluff that we can't and don't want to see what's really going on. No matter what your religious preference let's pray that we can come together as a people, no mater what our opinions of each other (or what others do) are, for the sake of all humankind.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and Blessings

For the record if you want to know more about this artist look him up and check out his website. If you do you would see what kind of an artist he is and from where the motivation for a song like this springs.





Quote:
Originally Posted by NikkiGee
It's funny how everyone has their panties in a bunch about THIS video, but no one says anything about the content of other other videos on BET. "OMG he has too many curse words in the song." WHAT?!? C'mon people, get past the fog.

What the article on the front page doesn't tell you is the women shaking their "money makers" are fully clothed (as opposed to being barely clad like the other vids) and they have the words "read a book" written across their behinds. Very nice placement seeing how most men are fixated and obsessed with women with big butts.

It seems the only way to get kids & teens attention is to have a song with a nice beat, baseline, booty shaking, and curse words. How is what he's done so different from:

Lil Wayne's Workin em'
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
That’s why yo bitch want a real nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
She want to give that pussy to a nigga like me
I be pimpin’ them hoes, I be pimpin’ them hoes
I be pimpin’ them hoes pimp pimpin’ them hoes
I be workin’ them bitches, I be workin’ them bitches
I be workin’ them bitches work workin’ them bitches

I'll tell you how. I'd say in 90% of african american households WITH cable access, BET is more than likely the video channel of choice. In some of those households, kids grow up watching the videos from the time they can even comprehend. Instead of teaching these kids to imitate what they see on these vids, WHY NOT have them read instead? Why not buy some land instead of rims, jewelry and expensive clothing? That's why we have 7 year olds on youtube doing the "pop. lock, and drop" dance.

I'm really surprised by Michael Baisden condemning this guy for this comedic satire of the content that is on 98% of videos. His message is needed, wanted and appreciated. I'm in contact with dumbass kids who can't spell, let alone complete a sentence everyday. So yes, this PSA is warranted.

Answer this, does your child know how to use a phone book? How about a dictionary? But they know every single word to any Lil Wayne song.

It's amazing how we will damn near crucify this brother for telling kids things parents should've covered from infancy. It's obvious who's educated and who's not.

Very simple. Trash is trash. Just because other videos are just as bad doesn't give one carte blanche to add to the junk. Pretty much what the old school mothers have been saying forever "if your friends jump off a bridge, that means you've got to do it also". I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be encourage to pick up a book after viewing this video. Do you honestly think calling a young child a nigga or mother fU$#% is going to encourage them to speak correctly.

Yes the kids in my immediate family and cousin, nephews and neices ALL know how to use a dictionary, they are computer literate, they know their way around the inside of the NYC library, they know they better never, ever let me hear them use the N-word, they have limits on how much TV and video games they use and they know they will be attending college. Why because I AM AN OLD SCHOOL PARENT
They may not know how to use the phone book, because nowadays they can get the info off of the web much easier.
09-04-2007 06:51 PM
pennylover How in the world a lyric like this is going to help our children learn to read. There is no way on earth all this profanities is going to help them to read, if anything it will increased the cursing and disrespectfulness among our youths. Therefore, this is not the right message. I do agree with what George says earlier. The white folks are rejoicing, because we are always demeaning ourselves and race. We demand respect but we are not respecting ourselves or the youths. There gots to be a better way, they say "better must come one day". But when? it seem farther away than closer. We are the cause of our youths being the way that they are today. Look at the message the song is sending them, children modeled what they see. I sure hope that they banded the song from the airwave. I know the brother is trying to make a living, but not at the expense of our children. Come up with a better and meaningful lyric.

[shemawi]

Free speach! I wanted to hear what Bomani had to say. There is no need hiding the negative issues that plague our lives. Got to know where you been to know where you going. Don't every deny a good debate, we can all learn something!

[shemawi]

His intent was destroyed and his message could not be heard! As black people we have missed the bus, we don't know whats appropriate for children we dont set boundaries and thats why are children fail. The video was unacceptable because of the context not the message, which was obviously overlooked since it has received so much negative feedback.

[BLU]

Then blacks must be so ignorant since they can only learn through this type of negativity. What does this say for the black population? The only thing that entertains us is sex and ignorance. This artist advocated this for youth, this wasnt about all the other poorly orchestrated videos we see on tv, this was about continuing to find negative ways to get through our children as if they so ignorant that can't learn otherwise. We get mad at other races for calling us out, but when push comes to shove we cant agree on one positive note.

OUR PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE THAT YOUNG GROWN AZZ MAN AS HE SO PUT IT NEEDS TO READ THE FOLLOWING BOOKS I BET HE'D CHANGE HIS TUNE THEN. THW WHITE SUPREMACIST PARTRIARCHA POWER STRUCTURE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE OF THE NEXT GENERATION ADVANCING ANY FURTHER GROWING UP LISTNING TO VIDEOS LIKE THIS PARENTS, BLACKS PEOPLE PLEASE READ THESE BOOKS AND SHARE THEM WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND ALL THOSE YOU LOVE, KNOWLEDGE IT THE ONLY POWER WE HAVE TO STOP OUR OPPRESSION:
THE CONSPRIRACY TO DESTROY THE BLACK WOMEN. by michael porter
DEVELOPING POSITIVE SELF IMAGES & DISCIPLINE IN BLACK CHILDREN. by jawanza kunjufu
THE DREAMKEEPERS:SUCCESSFUL TEACHERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN. by gloria ladson-billings
COUNTERING THE CONSPIRACY TO DESTROY BLACK BOYS by jawanza kunjufu
MISEDUCATION OF THE NEGRO
KILL THEM BEFORE THEY GROW
THE DESTRUCTION OF BLACK CIVILIZATION
THE LYNCH LETTER. YOU CAN VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITE TO GET ENLIGHTENMENT ON WHY THE VIDEO AND THE LANGUAGE OUR PEOPLE TOWARD WITH EACH OTHER. http://www.thetalkingdrum.com/addlink.html

[1niecy]

OH MY GOD. We as a people have fallen so far from where we need to be as a people. This young man is a disgrace to himself, his parents and african american people as a whole. To degrade himself with such foul language, just to raise a dollar.
He may as well have sold his soul to the devil. I believe that at some point we will have to give an acoount for the things we do here on this earth. People are living as though they don't really care or don't believe that we are just passing through this place (land) I think when our forefathers and mothers were so oppressed in slavery days they depended on God for strength, we have gotten so far from that, the price we are paying for not raising these kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord is kids like this young man.
We will continue to have disfuntional kids, disrespectful kids and kids that have no morals. I'm 43 years old and have two teenagers. I started early training my kids, and now all I have to do is look at them a certain way, and they know, it's on. The Bible says when we fail to discipline our kids we hate them. (Prov.13:24) If my kids go astray at some point it won't be because I dropped the ball, I'll be able to sleep at night. With the current generation that feels cussing and foul language and nudity is art. Well I have to ask who dropped the ball with these young people. I do think God' s patience will run out and we will be judged for being good or bad stewards over what he has entrusted us with. Where will you be? Do you even care?
Take a stand, don't buy the junk that portray us this way. For the people who do have talent, and can sing with out using these words, please put a sticker on your labels (Steppin' It Up) and watch and see that there are people that do want and care about good music, even rap. If we collectively
come together, we can make it happen. 1Niecy

[shemawi]

We should all be fighting for our children. It the delivery of the message. I very saddened by the comments that support the contents of this video. I think that many have missed the point. We do we as black people continue to degrade ourselves, haven't we been through enough?

[shemawi]

Its not the message, its the delivery!

[ldavis6532]

This video is very upsetting to me. I am not sure what the kids will think of this but as a parent it is a disgrace to promote another unwanted video. I hope my son - who is 17 - will not listen to this message. But if he does I hope he sees it as a message to what is going on and get the meaning that was intended.

I am 43 years old and not pleased with this at all. However, I am from a different generation and I want the kids that are of the now generation - like my son - to recognize the importance of the video. My son is not a child of the streets - street smart - because I have sheltered him from some of the nonsense that goes on in the city. However, a sheltered children is like a preacher's daughter; just have to experience the other side - street life.

I don't beleive that this song will help - sounds like a joke - but I hope I am wrong. This generation is off the hook!

[shemawi]

This man is FAR from sick... he is very intelligent. My problemwith the hypocrits is that you don't protest any of the OTHER songs currently playing on BET but the one that mentions READ a book you have a problem with. What do you think YOUR kids currently listen too? What do you think the videos look like NOW? But, READ a BOOK is a controversy? What sad about BLACK America is that you are missing a message. BET has never been a vehicle for black America... PARENTS have been, but since REAL parents are extinct we want to blame HIP HOP for everything. This young man is VERY intelligent. So, before you reply... watch BET, watch RAP Cit and look at the videos and look at OUR children in the audience... THEN tell me what you think!!!!
how do you know noone is protesting other poorly made videos. The point is the other videos though tastleless as well are not directed to "teach" or send a positive message to the children. Thats why everyone is so upset, this message was for children!

Black children are in jeopardy because grown folks dont even know whats appropriate!

[PHTommy]

I haven't seen the video, but the lyrics ALONE are enough to stop the whole show! If this was JUST targeted to adults and pre-teens, that would be one thing!! I have young girls, and if I don't use that kind of language around them, I sure as hell don't want someone ELSE to!!

[DSTPrincess21]

how do you know noone is protesting other poorly made videos. The point is the other videos though tastleless as well are not directed to "teach" or send a positive message to the children. Thats why everyone is so upset, this message was for children!

Black children are in jeopardy because grown folks dont even know whats appropriate!
Where are your POST about the other videos? Did I miss them? I just TiVo'd 106& Park and watched the other videos that were in the top ten while this young man was on the show... Did we make a post about them? Were you this outraged about them? You're upset because this man said READ a book but you're ok with Jay Z praising how much money he made selling crack and 50 cent praising getting shot 9 times? I'm asking because I don't see your post about them????

YOu know, I a friend of mine took her sister and other neighborhood kids to 106 & Park and she said the parents are THERE in the audience. They sit on one side and the children on the other. So, while your children are watching and dancing to Superman that HOE the parents are in the room watching... Was their a protest? Was there outrage?? If I missed it PLEASE let me know. All these part time parents are jumping on the bandwagon NOW but who made these rappers millionaires... the KIDS.

SO, if you are sooo upset by these lyrics, where were you last year, this year, last month before this song came out??? Because I missed you!!!

[bmccalop]

Hi Micheal,

I listened to your show today, and I agree, The Read A Book video is one of the most disgusting videos I have seen a long time. The young man who tried to justified why he wrote this song did not succeed in convincing me. I agree with George, this is a pathetic attempt at getting our children to read. Because BET is now owned by VIACOM, all we can expect is for them to show entertainment geared towards their way of how they view black america.

I love your show. Keep doing what you do!!!!!

[bmccalop]

In order for BET to change, we need to stop watching!!!!!! This will send the message that we will no longer support entertainment that sends a negative image of Black America. BET take a hint from TV One.

[1niecy]

Alright, I Love it, Well said. Keepin' it real.
TO: Abrne

[DSTPrincess21]

Hi Micheal,

I listened to your show today, and I agree, The Read A Book video is one of the most disgusting videos I have seen a long time. The young man who tried to justified why he wrote this song did not succeed in convincing me. I agree with George, this is a pathetic attempt at getting our children to read. Because BET is now owned by VIACOM, all we can expect is for them to show entertainment geared towards their way of how they view black america.

I love your show. Keep doing what you do!!!!!

THIS is the most disgusting video you have seen? Well you have made my point! You are SOOOOOOOOOOOO far removed you have missed ALL the disgusting videos? How about Nelly's tip drill for starters?

[Ice Cold]

I am deeply disappointed by what's going on. I saw the read a book video months ago and i appaulded it. What part of the video is aimed towards little children, let alone anyything on BET? The artist clearly wasn't interested in education children, but young adults who are already fully aware of real life and its vulgarness.

What child has to make a choice between buying land or spinning rims?
What child already reads sports pages and magazines?
What child raises kids? (Besides the grown ass kids running around now because their parents ((you and your peers)) didn't raise them?)
Watch the video, the images and actions do not relate to kids, the only thing they have in common with other videos is the prescene of violence, excess, and sex.

The language in this video is not meant for children, the video is not meant for children. If your worried about your child seeing this, this video is not the problem, you are. BET has never been (in my lifetime, I'm 23) the channel for children. My peers need to read books, and buy some land, the fastest and easiest way to get across to them now is to put it in a catchy hook.

For all of you saying this is taking us back, this is horrible, do something so that the most efficient way to reach the youth of today isn't through vulgar media. You and your peers are the reason the kids are the way they are today, stop gettin mad when we try to come up with our own solutions and do something your damn selves.

[ssjup81]

THIS is the most disgusting video you have seen? Well you have made my point! You are SOOOOOOOOOOOO far removed you have missed ALL the disgusting videos? How about Nelly's tip drill for starters?Just because this is the most disgusting person that person has ever seen, doesn't mean that this person is for videos of that sort. I'm in the same boat. This is the worst I've seen for the most part, mainly because I don't watch BET and I'm not a fan of rap music at all. If I even turn on the radio, it's to listen to the oldies stations, as well as Michael's show and Steve Harvey's. When it comes to music videos, the most I'd watch is VH1 Classics. That's as far as my "American music" goes, for the most part.BET has never been (in my lifetime, I'm 23) the channel for children.I guess you're a bit too young to remember (I'm turning 26), but BET in the 80s was decent. Even though the station wasn't watched much, in our household (MTV and VH1 was watched more so in the 80s compared to BET) it did have some nice decent programming, like Video Soul starring Donnie Simpson (I think that's his name; he's going down to Jena as well). That show as pretty much a music talk show, which featured different artists, and showed music videos, which also included jazz artists. I only know of this, because of my father. He used to watch this show, as he's a jazz fan. There were other decent shows on BET too, but this one stands out for me, as it's the only one I recall watching every once in a while with my father.

Seems that BET started to go downhill when the 90s rolled around, and it got more....I dunno, I guess "inappropriate".

[yophiyo]

Earlier today I heard Michael and George commenting about some "educators" calling in and being thankful for this asinine mess. Then this person before me cites the "When in Rome" mantra. As an educator who has spent her career thus far in front of children who often chide her for "sounding" white when I use proper English, I am not thankful for this mess and will make sure to say so to my students. I often tell them they shouldn't want people to communicate to them through yelling (which teachers often have to do) or cursing because they deserve to be respected at all times. I also show them that if no one respects them, they have to make them. How do they do that? They do so in the manner in which they carry and present themselves. Because of this, I receive an abundance of respect from my students. Yes, all of them! When we stop settling for mediocrity, we won't be offered less than that. Someone needs to feel responsible for this mess..

[uncdec01]

YOu know, I a friend of mine took her sister and other neighborhood kids to 106 & Park and she said the parents are THERE in the audience. They sit on one side and the children on the other. So, while your children are watching and dancing to Superman that HOE the parents are in the room watching... Was their a protest? Was there outrage?? If I missed it PLEASE let me know. All these part time parents are jumping on the bandwagon NOW but who made these rappers millionaires... the KIDS.

SO, if you are sooo upset by these lyrics, where were you last year, this year, last month before this song came out??? Because I missed you!!!

Can you please understand that we are not saying that we support the other degrading videos BET shows all day everyday. The major difference with this video is that it is presenting itself under the guise of delivering a positive message the same way BET presents itself under the guise of being Black entertainment. It is important that we do not confuse the youth by sending mixed messages about what is acceptable. What kind of image does this portray the audience that this is marketed to may not understand satire the way we do.
Just because people were not active on this issue before does not mean they give up their right to become active now.

[DSTPrincess21]

Just because this is the most disgusting person that person has ever seen, doesn't mean that this person is for videos of that sort. I'm in the same boat. This is the worst I've seen for the most part, mainly because I don't watch BET and I'm not a fan of rap music at all. If I even turn on the radio, it's to listen to the oldies stations, as well as Michael's show and Steve Harvey's. When it comes to music videos, the most I'd watch is VH1 Classics. That's as far as my "American music" goes, for the most part.I guess you're a bit too young to remember (I'm turning 26), but BET in the 80s was decent. Even though the station wasn't watched much, it did have some nice decent programming, like Video Soul starting Donnie Simpson (I think that's his name; he's going down to Jena as well). That show as pretty much a music talk show, which featured different artists, and showed music videos, which also included jazz artists. I only know of this, because of my father. He used to watch this show, as he's a jazz fan. There were other decent shows on BET too, but this one stands out for me, as it's the only one I recall watching every once in a while with my father.

Seems that BET started to go downhill when the 90s rolled around, and it got more....I dunno, I guess "inappropriate".


OK, I am 30 and part of this Hip Hop generation. So my friends... my group of peers watch videos. We listen to rap music, buy rap music and watch rap videos. How can you comment about this music and comment which such negativity and you are not in touch with the music. You said you don't listen or watch rap but you are commenting on music and you have no basis. I'm really not into 15th century art? I can't honestly make a valid argument about the taste of the art from that century. So I wouldn't condemn it. My problem is that parents that are so far removed from their childrens lives are spitting such negativity and hatred to this young brother. When my friends and I first saw this video we applauded this young brother!

So, before you sit and talk about this young brother. Talk time out of your day, and watch 106 & Park... watch Rap City and look at the videos. Look at the images your children have been looking at for months... no YEARS prior to this video and I ask again... where were your protest?

Next question... instead of banning, burning or trashing this young man's art form... Why don't you suggest some more positive art forms. Kids like rap and hip hop tell me who you think are positive rappers... what's in their videos and give me some of their lyrics. I'm in to Hip Hop so I can easily spit out names of hip hop artist and lyrics that are positive but I'll let everyone else do it. Instead of being negative... lets be postive... Starting name artist, songs, and list some lyrics. Let's begin.....

[uncdec01]

It was targeted at kids because it was played on 106 & Park.

[uncdec01]

I'M Black .....Styles P

[bert1]

MB AND FAMILY,

I commend you, the family, and your guests for the topic of discussion today. I could hear the passion, concerns for action in each and everyone’s voice. Your show topics are becoming totally profound. However, we must remember that Viacom brought BET for billions of dollars. Have you ever wonder why? Well, for starters BET was educating, informing, up-lifting, as well as, entertaining our youths, and for America that is a No-No! The key is to keep our youths un-informed, un-educated, and in the system this way these young, brilliant, intelligent minds will not be a challenge in the future because it is being controlled, in check.

“Wake up Everybody”

Let’s not just talk about these important issues today and forget about them tomorrow. We still have a long way to go.

[ssjup81]

OK, I am 30 and part of this Hip Hop generation. So my friends... my group of peers watch videos. We listen to rap music, buy rap music and watch rap videos. How can you comment about this music and comment which such negativity and you are not in touch with the music. You said you don't listen or watch rap but you are commenting on music and you have no basis.I have relatives who watch the videos and play the music. I have been exposed to it, and I do not like it. Just because I don't personally watch or listen to the "new stuff", doesn't mean I haven't come across it.

The only time I was "cool" with rap was pretty much back in the 80s and early 90s. It was tolerable, imo, then. The lyrics were "decent" as opposed to dirty. I mean, there were rappers like Will Smith and MC Hammer who didn't go around cursing or talking about "hos" or "bitches".

In other words, I don't hate rap as a whole, just that aspect of it, and seems the only kind I can put up with are older artists who seemed to be positive.Next question... instead of banning, burning or trashing this young man's art form... Why don't you suggest some more positive art forms. Kids like rap and hip hop tell me who you think are positive rappers... what's in their videos and give me some of their lyrics. I'm in to Hip Hop so I can easily spit out names of hip hop artist and lyrics that are positive but I'll let everyone else do it. Instead of being negative... lets be postive... Starting name artist, songs, and list some lyrics. Let's begin.....I mentioned something earlier in this topic. There's nothing wrong with "rap" to get a point across. I'm not against that, what I'm against is the type of rap that comes across as degrading and embarrassing to the entire race.

As a matter of fact, I recall a rap that used to come on ABC between the Saturday morning tunes, and it was about going to the library and checking out books at your local library. We had Schoolhouse Rock as kids too. We also had Captain O.G. Readmore. They conveyed messages to kids without degrading any race or gender. I don't see why that can't apply to the kids of today.

[meekin]

:mad: NO this is not the way, Let's stop teaching this way. Come on please stop the maddness, find something else to talk and sing. Just think Babies are having Babies. Will their Babies know this as the OLD School? Thanks Michael for bringing You forward to help show them the way with our help. Wrong is Wrong and Right is Right. Let's push this type of negative singing to the side. For all of us that know the 70's, 80's. We can look back and share our good years with our children. Look at us now, our childred love the BAD BOY SHOW and they know some of the words to the music and sing along. Who in their right mind want to sing these type of songs. They only lead to further Disrespect and Violence in our society. It's time to sing new tunes for ourself and our love ones. Going to Louisiana on the 20th is a POWERFUL STEP, lets not lose our Force... These Words Ain't COOL

Meekin,
Dogs of the Year @ my Aol Blog! (http://journals.aol.com/shayfaith/dogs-of-the-year/)

[black_rayne07]

I heard about this today and was able to view the video. I think its stupid no matter who it was trying to reach. What was he really trying to do here? To be honest here, kids would be reading books if their parents guided them to do so. I understand that he was trying to make fun of videos but I would not want my child to see it so who is it reaching? What ever he was trying to say he missed it.

[DSTPrincess21]

Can you please understand that we are not saying that we support the other degrading videos BET shows all day everyday. The major difference with this video is that it is presenting itself under the guise of delivering a positive message the same way BET presents itself under the guise of being Black entertainment. It is important that we do not confuse the youth by sending mixed messages about what is acceptable. What kind of image does this portray the audience that this is marketed to may not understand satire the way we do.
Just because people were not active on this issue before does not mean they give up their right to become active now.


Do, you always have a right to be active. But, you are missing the message. Others have said it and I'll will repeat this is a PARODY and SATIRE. He's making fun of the artist who constantly and consistenly put booty shaking sistah's in their video. He's making fun of the artist. So, while they are rapping about selling drugs and getting shot... he said, hey... READ a BOOK... So, instead of your children constantly hearing, BUY SOME CRACK, BUY SOME CRACK... he said READ a BOOK, READ a BOOK...

I am 30 and my brother is 35 with three kids and we both listened to the show today completely bewildered. We just looked and said, "are we in the twilight zone"???? This brother is a poet and entertainer... just like Mike B and George just like Jay Z and 50 cent, Plies, TPayne, Hurricane Chris, Lil Boosie... but he's saying something FAR more important. Buy some LAND... is that really directed to your kids. I think it's directed to YOU because I know a lot of parents driving cars worth $500 with $5000 rims and living in apartments. So, I"m all for it... BUY some LAND!!

[ssjup81]

Oh yeah, here's something I said on another board in regards to rap music...it was in a topic about what you dislike about it. It was a poll. I couldn't vote, though, since I can't say "everything"...

Anyway, here's what I said...I've never been too big a fan of the genre, but I can't say I hate it as a whole because I have heard some songs that I've actually liked. Personally, artists like Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, and Will Smith had decent songs, from what I can remember. Even Vanilla Ice was decent and MC Hammer (though corny). They didn't curse every other syllable and the music and seemed to be somewhat positive. It was just nice fun music, ya know?

Most now (not all, I'm assuming) seems to consist of degrading women and such and glorifying being a thug. Where is the positive influences? Since when is it an honor to be a thug? Thugs end up in prison. Since when is it cool to be shown wasting money?And this is my view on rap music in general.

[Ice Cold]

You guys keep saying what about the kids....rap and music videos (more specifically what is on BET) has not been for the kids in a long time. 106 and Park is aimed for High School students, it's not a children's show, and even then the songs they play are IMO too much for High School kids to be bombarded with all the time. If you don't want your kids to watch this (or BET at all, which they shouldn't) monitor and talk to em, or use the V-chip, you have so many tools for hands off parenting at your disposal for a reason.

[chocolatechild]

I couldn't hear what he was trying to say because my ancestors were up in arms. For all of the lashings that were taken, for all of the murders and mutilations that were endured, not to mention the tears that were shed, we have shown( or at least some of us) have finally allowed our forefathers to be shamed.I live in Detroit,and while driving to my fathers final resting place in Hope Hull Ala. I couldn't help but to think about how our people had sacrificed their lives so that we as a present day generation can live better.I thought about how they tried in vain to learn to read,how not so many years ago my cousins had dogs and waterhoses turned on them.How we were treated as second class citizens only to have those amazing people look down on their children and say one day you will live better. And lo and behold all of that has been setback by this so called educational video and other mindless forms of slapstick entertainment(the flava of love,hot ghetto mess,being bobbybrown and on and on) to encourage black youth to read.By hollering at them to READ N_ _ _ A! buy soap N_ _ _ _a.If you call a child something long enough they have a tendency to believe it.So when Black People do we say no more,when will we take our images back.Why is it that we have to go to others to beg them to treat us as humanbeings.We are the ones that gave you science,math astrology. We built monuments that have stood for centuries to others amazement. We are the images that gave you beauty (the curve of a black woman's body, the full lips(not collagen enhanced),the color of our skin ( we come in all shades of the rainbow {and yes I consider our hispanic brothering in this mix too} . So let's call upon BET to be shut down (it hasn't had any value in years or at least make them change the name for it is no longer BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION)How long do you think MTV would've survived had they did this to whites.And to all those that work at the station remember Jesus was sold out for thirty pieces of silver,so what is your price? Sorry I went on and on but I'm fed up with being made th laughing stock of this nation .And to my ancestors, I will always truly thank,love and appreciate what you and others have done for us,for it was not in vain the vast majority of us know the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made.we as a people will make it, unfortunately not all of us will share the ride !!!!!!!!!!!

[shemawi]

Where are your POST about the other videos? Did I miss them? I just TiVo'd 106& Park and watched the other videos that were in the top ten while this young man was on the show... Did we make a post about them? Were you this outraged about them? You're upset because this man said READ a book but you're ok with Jay Z praising how much money he made selling crack and 50 cent praising getting shot 9 times? I'm asking because I don't see your post about them????

YOu know, I a friend of mine took her sister and other neighborhood kids to 106 & Park and she said the parents are THERE in the audience. They sit on one side and the children on the other. So, while your children are watching and dancing to Superman that HOE the parents are in the room watching... Was their a protest? Was there outrage?? If I missed it PLEASE let me know. All these part time parents are jumping on the bandwagon NOW but who made these rappers millionaires... the KIDS.

SO, if you are sooo upset by these lyrics, where were you last year, this year, last month before this song came out??? Because I missed you!!!
There are several groups that speak out against BET's videos and when there is an open panel I like to voice my opinion as well. The problem with the black community is we just dont know whats appropriate. And we call lyrics such as Bomani's "Read a Book", art. Because we as a people cannot agree on whats respectable behavior we will continue to have the ills in our community. Ask yourself, will you be willing to defend this track before the Lord?

All videos, that demean women, glorify drugs, and thugging and inappropriate language and poor sexual conduct are in my opinion unacceptable especially when they are designed to send messages to our children.

But since so many of us accept degrading issues like this, the fight is that much harder. We absolutely don't stand as a people for nothing therefore its so easy for us to fall for this mess. And its very sad to know that so many of us don't want to change. I'm not upset the Bomani said read a book, but we are a sad group of people when the best we can do to make a statement is confirm the opinions of other races that we are ignorant, and promiscuous, thugs, and a useless group of people. We can't think of any better way to relay a positive message, we've lost the fight and the battle. No wonder racism is still alive, we still haven't taken a stand!

[apoet4u65]

I am a 41 year old African American mother of 3 young adults ages 21, 19, 17 years of age in Los Angeles, California. I am outraged that someone would even attempt to make a song out of something that could be so positve to our youth. I have always taught my children to do the same things this young man is saying without the filth. To BET:SHAME, SHAME,SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is your discretion? I have children that are in college and one in high school and they don't need nor appreciate some MONEY HUNGRY artist trying to make a dollar off of them with this TRASH. I think it is time that the African American people stand up and stop letting MESS like this infiltrate our communities while someone is calling this music and freedom of speech.
This is a SLAP in the face to all the real musicians that have made songs that make you think, feel and associate with something that really impact life.
Personally this is gut-wrenching to me and I think if this is all this SO CALLED ARTIST have to sing about, LET'S SHUT HIM DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[misstudy]

those lyrics are horrible, but that really what WE have allowed as a people,
we heard these lyrics changing over the years and we as a people set back with no action, no we are totally appauled by this lyrics, we have lost the true spirit of out forefather/mothers/sisters/brother, they literally died in order for us a a people could speak freely and they hopes with some type of respect,morals but we haven't. So now we are asking ourselves why these brotha are writting and singing such things. I heard george say today on the MB show that he not mad at this brothas making money and me neither but I am mad us allowing them to make money and making us look like idots at the same time. We shall overcome but when. I will not blame no one but me, us, myself for allowing this to get out of hand.

The bottom line is parents start to be accountable for what your child say, see and listen to.

[apoet4u65]

I am a 41 year old African American mother of 3 young adults ages 21, 19, 17 years of age in Los Angeles, California. I am outraged that someone would even attempt to make a detrimental song out of something that could be so positve to our youth. I have always taught my children to do the same things this young man is saying without the filth.
To BET:SHAME, SHAME,SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is your discretion? I have young adults that are in college and one in high school and they don't need nor appreciate some MONEY HUNGRY artist trying to make a dollar off of them with this TRASH. I think it is time that the African American people stand up and stop letting MESS like this infiltrate our communities while someone is calling this music and freedom of speech.
This is a SLAP in the face to all the real musicians that have made songs that make you think, feel and associate with something that really impact life.
Personally this is gut-wrenching to me and I think if this is all this SO CALLED ARTIST have to sing about, LET'S SHUT HIM DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shine]

I think I speak for everyone, when I say WOW.

[aquapromos]

I was appalled at the reaction of Michael Baisden to the Read A Book Video. Usually you are right on, but it seems that you are more embarrased for the ignorance of our community to be seen by "whites" instead of addressing the core issue. BOTTEM LINE IS... This video is not why we should be up in arms and I can't believe all these people on your site talking about they won't let their children watch the video, but no one is up in arms with 50 cent or these other derogatory rappers who are blowing up talking about drugs with kiddie jingles for background music (coffee shop) or how a woman needs to be on a pole. I CHALLENGE YOU MR. BAISDEN TO TURN ON WKYS 93.9 IN WASHINGTON DC FOR JUST 20 MINS AND HEAR THE REDICULOUS MUSIC OUR KIDS ARE BEING EXPOSED TO EVERYDAY, BUT NO ONE IS UP IN ARMS - PUBLICIZING THAT!

Furthermore, you disappointed me even further when you and Rev. Al Sharpton whom I have much respect for BLATANTLY said that this gentleman wasn't a leader and us "young heads" need to allow you guys (40 AND UP CLUB) to lead, as if to say that we are too naive and immature to lead/ENCOURAGE our youth. My question is WHERE WERE ALL YOU SO-CALLED LEADERS WHEN OUR YOUTH WAS ON THEIR PATH TO BECOMING THIS WAY?
DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED OVERNIGHT? DO YOU SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT OUR PEOPLE JUST ARRIVED AT THIS PLACE? IT'S YOUR GENERATION AND MR. SHARPTONS GENERATION THAT PERPETUATED THE WORD NIGGA THROUGH MOVIES, COMEDY, AND THE LIKE.
IT'S YOURS AND THE REV'S GENERATION THAT FELL TO THE CRACK EPIDEMIC AND FORCED FAMILIES TO LIVE IN POVERTY WITH THE IDEA THAT CRACK SALES EQUAL FAST MONEY CAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS A CRACKHEAD SOMEWHERE WILLING TO SELL THEIR WHOLE FAMILY FOR A HIT!
IT'S YOUR GENERATION THE EARLY 40'S AND ON TO THE 50'S THAT DROPPED THE BALL FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TO LEAVE OUR CHILDREN WITHOUT A CAUSE - WITHOUT A REASON TO BE PROUD!

YOU CAN'T EXPECT PEOPLE TO JUST LIFT THEMSELVES UP BY THEMSELVES, SURE THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU OR I THAT HAVE EDUCATION/PROFESSIONS/WAS RAISED RIGHT, ETC THAT WILL SHARE THAT WITH THEIR CHILDREN, BUT WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER FOLKS THAT DON'T REALLY KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG OR CARE NOT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT, AND THE ONLY WAY TO REACH THEM IS IN THEIR ELEMENT. BY MAKING A FOOL OF THEM AND THEIR WAYS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT THE BLACK RACE WILL MOVE FORWARD - NONE OF YOU SO CALLED LEADERS WAYS HAVE WORKED THUS FAR. WHAT'S YOUR SOLUTION???????

8 OUT OF 10 BLACK MALE STUDENTS ARE READING BELOW THEIR GRADE LEVEL
MORE THAN HALF OF THE BLACK MALES YOUR DAUGHTERS AGE WILL HAVE SOME BRUSH WITH THE LAW, ETC.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND I CONGRATULATE THAT YOUNG MAN FOR CREATING THAT VIDEO, SOMETIMES PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THE ERROR IN THEIR WAYS TO REALIZE THEY CAN DO BETTER - AND SO WHAT IF "WHITE" PEOPLE ARE TOASTING THEIR CHAMPAGNE GLASSES, THEY'VE BEEN DOING THAT WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR MONEY OFF SIGNING LOW CLASS ARTISTS THAT PUMP TRASH INTO YOUR KIDS EARS EVERYDAY.

GUARANTEED IF THAT VIDEO DIDN'T HAVE CURSE WORDS IN IT YOU WOULDN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOUNG MAN, NEITHER WOULD BET WITH THEIR FAKE SELVES. THAT STATION IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR BLACK PEOPLE : THEY SHOULD HAVE EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING MATERIAL, NOT JUST FOR THE ADULTS BUT FOR THE KIDS THAT WATCH IT ALL DAY AFTER SCHOOL.

IF OUR KIDS PUT AS MUCH EMPHASIS INTO SCHOOL AS THEY DO MUSIC/VIDEOS AND TRENDS THEY WOULD BE THE SMARTEST THINGS AROUND, BUT THEIR PARENTS DON'T CARE AND THEY WON'T EITHER,

MIKE YOU SHOULD PUT PARENTS ON BLAST AND COMMEND THAT YOUNG MAN FOR TAKING TIME OUT TO TALK TO YOUNG KIDS IN HIS DAILY LIFE INSTEAD OF SHUNNING HIM BECAUSE HE COULD BE DOING JUST THE OPPOSITE AND PARTICIPATING IN THE MADNESS!

MY GENERATION ARE THE NEXT LEADERS IN THIS THING AND IM TALKING ABOUT THE 25'S AND UP, WE ARE THE ONESTHAT CAN ACCURATELY SEE THE PROBLEM/ASSESS IT AND COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

I DARE YOU TO COMMENT ON MY LETTER MIKE, I CHALLENGE YOU AND YOUR LISTENERS TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMIT THAT IS GOING ON IN WASHINGTON DC IN 2008 DESIGNED JUST FOR BLACK MEN - THE BLACK MEN'S SUMMIT
APRIL 26, 2008 WWW.BLACKMENSSUMMIT.COM AND ON MYSPACE AT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BLACKMENSSUMMIT

LOVE YA THOUGH....BUT I STILL DARE YOU!!!:cool:

CRYSTAL PARSLEY
LOYAL LISTENER
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CRYSTALPARSLEY

[DSTPrincess21]

There are several groups that speak out against BET's videos and when there is an open panel I like to voice my opinion as well. The problem with the black community is we just dont know whats appropriate. And we call lyrics such as Bomani's "Read a Book", art. Because we as a people cannot agree on whats respectable behavior we will continue to have the ills in our community. Ask yourself, will you be willing to defend this track before the Lord?

All videos, that demean women, glorify drugs, and thugging and inappropriate language and poor sexual conduct are in my opinion unacceptable especially when they are designed to send messages to our children.

But since so many of us accept degrading issues like this, the fight is that much harder. We absolutely don't stand as a people for nothing therefore its so easy for us to fall for this mess. And its very sad to know that so many of us don't want to change. I'm not upset the Bomani said read a book, but we are a sad group of people when the best we can do to make a statement is confirm the opinions of other races that we are ignorant, and promiscuous, thugs, and a useless group of people. We can't think of any better way to relay a positive message, we've lost the fight and the battle. No wonder racism is still alive, we still haven't taken a stand!


Would I fight for this brothers voice. Yes! I'd fight to the death. Because this brother is talking about the same thing you are talking about. We are so busy degrading we are missing the ISSUE. This video is a PARODY and SATIRE. I'm into HIP HOP so I don't know if any of you remember 'THE ROOT's did a video poping champagne, driving rented cars, and in a huge mansion as a PARODY... it was SATIRE! Just as this young brother has.

What's sad to me is, I grew up listening to MUSIC, all types. As an ADULT I love any and everything NeoSouL and Hip HOp... COmmon, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Hi-Tek, The Roots... and the list goes on. However, I had a REAL momma and daddy. So, despite the images on TV, My parents were my inspiration. I read Malcolm X in the 7th GRADE... I re-read passages of ASSATA's book everyday!!! I read 100 years of lynching... everyday.

So, I fully understand the fight my people have to fight. This SONG is not it. We have to fight because PARENTS are extinct, because Grandma's are 35, because 4yr old Ray Ray can't read but he can sing 'Superman dat Hoe', and because more black men are in JAIL and not in school. This song is not why we have to fight!

I'm not a fan of all artist but I appreciate the ART form and it is ART. But there is no balance. Every rapper is 'making it rain' and throwing dollars over girls shaking their butts. My problem the argument over this song and video is that of all the music and all the videos out THIS is what we are posting a forum over? This is what we are 'up in arms' about... READ a BOOK? This isn't the ONLY way to relay a positive message but it was HIS way... what's yours? What have you done? Instead of putting HIM down, promote what YOU do? Promote your POSITIVE artist... who are they?

To all the parents... what was the last book YOU read with your child? What was the last CD you bought your child? What music do you listen to with your child?

[tiffariffic]

I was listening to the radio this afternoon and I just had to respond to the "Read a Book" video controversy. Of course this song has some offensive lyrical content, i.e. the profanity and the use of the n-word. And I think that the offensive lyrics are overshadowing the basic essence of this song.

This song is attempting, in a satirical way, to exhibit our youth's poor state of affairs and the misguided priorities that they are plagued with. So many young people are enamored with what’s hot and flashy, and are being fooled by a misperception of what true wealth is. Michelle Singeltary, a financial author, wrote perhaps one of the best words of fiscal wisdom "if its on your ass its not an asset." This is the message I believe D'mite is trying to convey in his line:
Buy some land, buy some land (what) F*CK SPINNIN RIMS

Solid financial wealth is built with assets that appreciate with value like real-estate, stocks, bonds, ect. It is not created with temporary depreciating items like a cars and clothes. John Singleton pointed this out so poignantly in his movie 'Baby Boy' during a conversation between Jody and Melvin (review the screen titled Guns and Butter on your dvd).

For so long, it has been said that if you don't want a black person to know anything, that you should put it in a book because they don't read. It has been rumored that slave owners wrote complete instructions on how a slave could obtain his/her freedom, but because it was illegal to read our people to read, our ancestors went on for years suffering in bondage. Possessing knowledge arms you with a priceless advantage.

We now have every freedom before us, and we need to maximize our advantages that are now available. But yet in this day and time there are still a great number of us that remain illiterate on so many levels. And this is so unfortunate.

It should not take a catchy rap song to put in our faces the things that are so basic and should be standard such as good hygiene, raising your own kids (not grandma or the Division of Family Services) and taking care of your body (Your body needs water - so DRINK THAT SH*T). We have no problems pouring the Alize, malt liquor, and Seagram’s down our throat; or ingesting other illicit substances inside our bodies.

Let’s take this opportunity to fully address the painful issues and deep concerns of our community and unify to correct them.

Let’s end this cycle of ridicule that our people have been subjected to for so long.

Let’s elevate our status with more dignity and stateliness by improving the way we carry and present ourselves

We have soooo much talent, ingenuity, and flair at our fingertips, we can collectively make such a difference, and impact our lives for the better.

Let’s stop this frame of mind of just getting by and start getting beyond…beyond our hurts, misconceptions, and educate ourselves to uplift ourselves.

[D_bkny]

I know everybody is "up in arms" but for that young generation of hip-hoppers and "thugs" and "knuckleheads" this might be the only way to reach them!!!! They don't understand "regular" English so maybe putting it(the message) into a rap and coming at them "hard" might jar their brains into doing something!!!!!!!

When in Rome, act like the Romans!!!!! When in the hood, act like the hood!

Are you seriously telling me you would let your child, or any child for that matter, watch that video?!? Really, ARE YOU SERIOUS! Are you saying the problem is "regular" English? (proper English) WHY?!? Why do you have to stoop to their level and not lift them up to ours. We, as a people, have to get rid of that mentality and stop praising our youth when they're wrong....period.

[saleemjurnee]

instead of being mad at the video or the creater of the video... i encourage you all to look at yourselves.

how in the world are you all so very " appauled, saddened, shocked " when this man did nothing but spit the truth of ignorance right in the faces of your living rooms where your tv is baby sitting your child instead of you reading a MFing book to him?

did you see the video before read a MFing book? you know the one with the video vixen on her knees gyrating in from of the lil' rapper dude with gold fangs hanging out of his dome?

or better yet the one that had the B-word & N-word all up and thru that joint a total of elebin fifteen hundred times?

what crime did this man really do but bring us the pathetic pitiful truth about ourselves.... which is we as a community have not taken our leadership seriously, we as a communitiy do no have positive male/female role models in the home.... and we as a community have just about no get up & go about our children who have got up and LEFT a long time ago...

open your eyes folx.... the man did nothing but animated what your children see on BET, VH1, MTV & every other ENTERTAINMNET outlet that YOU the parent don't monitor.

you pick a piss poor time to get bent outtah shape about what message your children are getting out of these video's.... hell... i commend the man for bringing it to your children to bring to you at your dinner table. now you have something to talk about other than " look at bookie boo over there girl... he look so CUTE doing that soldier boy dance in his new Jordans... "

YOU mad black america? then do something about it.... FIX IT.... start with your home first then make it infectious to your neighbors, your sisters, brothers.... church... and then guess what ... maybe we might even be lucky and have a " Village " once again....

[koolwerks]

I'm a DJ, have been a DJ for over 15 yrs, in the music biz for 11 yrs, and I TOTALLY understand this is satire. When me and my friends heard it months before BET played it, we knew what he was doing, and went to his site to find out who he is....notarapper.com Please go to his site, listen to his work and you will see the brother is a positive artist, that took an approach to: 1) get you to talk and pay attention, and 2) reach a particular "material" mentality that us between 15-35 yrs are in. He's talking to those that aren't as "established" as everyone on this message board. How many of us have girlfriends/homeboys that DO NOT raise their kids? DO NOT know what their kids have in the iPods, or ringtones on their cell phones??? Folks that can't tell you the name of the school their kids go to, names of their kid's friends, etc. These kids see naked women everywhere, hear cuss works everywhere, see us adults being hypocritical everywhere. This song is not intended for Mike's/George's kids/the main audience listening to Michael Baisden's show. This is meant for those watching BET, a typical teen or young adult, that is not handling their responsibility, running to the club, chasing baby-daddy, smoking, drinking their lives away. And he's actually "clowning" (making major mockery) of all the artists your kids listen to (i.e. Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, Three 6 Mafia, Yung Joc, Young Jeezy, Baby and Lil Wayne, etc) Some of you hum lyrics to songs by these artists and don't realize they're talking about cooking up drugs, oversexing women, and more. Michael asked where are the positive artists. THERE ARE PLENTY OF POSITIVE ARTISTS. Trust me, I see/hear them all the time. Email me if you wanna know some, koolwerks@gmail.com If everyone on this board would buy Common's CD as quick as we buy 50 Cent, you'd hear a few more positive messages to balance it all. I witness it with my own eyes, everytime in the club, in retail, in radio, everyone complains that all the hip hop is bad, BUT YOU DON'T SUPPORT THE GOOD. Do you watch Andre 3000's (Outkast) cartoon with your kids?? Have you bought any of the children books by Queen Latifah, LL Cool J or Melle Mel?? People this video is satire. Just like "In living color" made parodies of people, just like Dave Chappelle made parodies, it's satire. He took an extreme approach, went "outside the box" (like Michael says) but in the language of those that need to pay attention. I think the brother is getting a bad rap.

PS The Roots' video they made in the mid-90's that is just the same message, being satirical is on youtube as well. Roots w/Raphael Saadiq-"What they Do"