Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Thanks for Your Support?


I recently read an article about whether or not the overt support of Obama from the hip hop community was actually going to hurt his quest for the presidency. Artists such as Jay-z, Nas, Ludacris, Kanye West and a host of others were mentioned. The underlying focus of the report was on how comments from the artists can be attached to Obama similarly to "Crab In a Barrel Wright." But the piece also took a different angle and subtly begged the question, is it wrong that Obama does not transparently support hip-hop?
Musician Scarface insisted that it may be best right now for artists to support Obama quietly. Citing Luda's mixtape reference to McCain and Clinton he urged the people to look at how far that got blown out of proportion - and that was on a mixtape! South Carolina mixtape master Chuck T took a totally different perspective on the potential president, calling Obama a traitor and says that he has no plans to vote for him. His explanation was because Obama keeps turning his back on everyone that he knows, i.e. Wright, Ludacris, and Bernie Mac. He pointed out that Obama invited Bernie Mac to the roast knowing completely well who he was, suggesting that the two already had a relationship.

America appears to have a perspective issue as it clearly makes no sense to attach another man's words to someone else, only you can speak for you. I perceive that a lot of media strictly looks to separate and create dissension among a cohesive group. And if you think about it this way, perhaps Ludacris was his cousin, would they want Obama to denounce his relationship with a family member because of something the guy said (and black folk know they all cousins)? As a leader it is important to understand the importance of helping people, it would be wisest for any leader to unite as many people as he can and accept their support graciously, then and only then can you sit down and dialogue about the differences in perspectives and hopefully someone is enlightened because of that. If you straight cut away from them then what good does that do any of the parties involved.

America is an extremely polarizing culture and im aware that some people will say that's just the way it is. But here on the sofa that's not how we operate, we don't just accept the status quo. As a matter of fact this is about Obama and he is fundamentally a symbol of change. As far as the artists impact if any on the campaign, the jury is still out.

That's just my interpretation of the situation.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Family members can disagree, friends can disagree.... ALL PEOPLE WILL NOT AGREE!

I'm sick of people immature arguements about Obama turning his back. If these people who want him to win keep expressing their "Fredom of Speech" and making everything personal i.e. Chuck T, Pastor Wright, and Ludacris then he's not going to win, no other minority candidate for that matter... Obama can listen to Ludacris CD and watch a Bernie Mac comedy show... he does not have to agree with some of things that either one of them say but he can still like them as a people. People in general need to stop making stuff so personal! It's irritating because now "Hip Hop" (and i say that in quotations)is saying he's a "Traitor" but can somebody please name the last presidential candidate that did support hip hop? (Crickets) I thought so. Shut up for now and let'em win! We're playing it safe for now, we will go full force when its time.

AutumnJones said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AutumnJones said...

Honestly i agree with Chris Lighty (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-lighty/politics-unusual-hip-hops_b_118270.html)Great article by the way, that Obama "Shouldn't lower himself to speak to rappers." Everyday i hear a rapper say something about Obama in terms is kind of pisses me off because like Jay-z and David Banner have made very clear what you say about this man in the public will stcik simply because he's trying to do something thats never been done on this level. What a lot of rapper who are not as intelligent as Banner and Jay dont realize the littlest thing that they say could hurt him. Even if it's nothing in their eyes.

It would be very nice to say that what these public figures say whether it be rapper, pastor, comedian whomever, would not stick to the person himslef. However this is America a country thats know for constantly taking other people actions or phrases and generalizing a whole culture.

Its not that Obama is denouncing anyone, however even God makes clear in the bible that sometimes you have to break free of people or things that will hold you back from accomplishing the very thing that he has in store for you. which means in no way should pastor Wright, luda or anyone feel like Obama is denoucing them as people, he's denounce the imagaes or views of who he is because he is who is is.. If that makes sense?? a lot of entertainers/people is because dont know his struggle to be where he is. A lot of people are voting for him just because he's a black man. for that alone he has to break free..

Man people if you wanna educate yourslef on Obama and get what he's about please go and buy the new issue of Vibe and read the article that was written as well as jay'z interview. Greatness!!!

obama has no obligation to anyone but this country, his family and his self respect.

another things in the luda sing there was some things that should have not been said...