I truly can't stand, or better yet I despise, the Rev. Al Sharpton. Out of respect, I will refrain from referring to him as "Big Perm" as I've been known to in the past. He's an utter embarrassment to me as a Black person and he does not represent me nor anything that I stand for.
As I sat and watched the memorial service held for Michael Jackson yesterday, I felt sick to my stomach when ole Al got up to speak. All I could think was what foolishness is he going to spew from his mouth today. So as I sat there thinking, wait for it...he dropped the bomb. He looks towards Michael Jackson's children and says "I want you three children to know, what’n nuttin strange about your Daddy.” (You can see the Video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MAKLq865bk, he makes the comment at 5:21)
Really Al? Everyone was sensitive to the family and did their best to keep the mood light and positive. But there he goes with his controversial commentary. Maybe I’m being critical because I can longer see past his ignorance or need for self-promotion but he really could’ve worded what was supposed to be positive message to make his point sound less harsh. Instead, he made a point of drawing a reaction from the crowd in usual Al Sharpton-fashion.
Seriously, did he really think that was appropriate to say to someone's grieving children? Did he think it was appropriate to make a comment like that which would be heard by millions, if not billions, of people all over the world?
Why do people keep encouraging him? Why do people call on him to speak at any event where there’s going to be media scrutinizing his every word and action? I just hope “others” realize that he does not speak for all Black people. In all respect, I know he’s done his part in bringing discrimination issues to the media (i.e. Jena 6 and any other racial injustice that would allow him to stand on his pulpit to have his 30 seconds of fame). Will someone please tell Al Sharpton it’s someone else’s turn to be in the spotlight and hopefully someone who’s a little more articulate and is more representative of the black community as a whole! To the Rev. Al Sharpton, I wish you’d just go sit down somewhere and be quiet for a change!
You have a valid point-When I saw that clip, my heart sank! LOL He is something else. My husband and I say the same thing everytime we see Al Sharpton on TV.
ReplyDelete"How is he a reverend? I've never seen him preach. I've never even heard him say JESUS." This is a true statement.
I've never been a fan of Al Sharpton but I think if we move pass his personality, his message that day was probably the most poignant. I think this is a perfect time to say maybe we shouldn't hate the messenger. Al doesn't always use 5 dollar words and at times his delivery can be viewed as grandstanding but he is a voice of truth. Nothing about his speech that day was not the truth.
ReplyDeleteI'm with CareyCarey,
ReplyDeleteWhen he speaks, I always feel like he's some southern baptist reverend, but Im usually in agreeance with what he says.
I didn't think it was inappropriate what he said, because there were others before him who mentioned the tough times that MJ went through. And I think it was perfect for everyone to hear the message:
"It was strange what your daddy had to deal with... he dealt with it anyway... he dealt with it for us!"
That is so powerful, because he goes on to thank MJ for all the barriers he broke down through his music and in the midst of all the trials he never gave up.
I feel this was more important than anything and that people are going to ignore the strength of this message because it was Al Sharpton, not someone else.