Though the story is fading from the headlines, Don Imus’ words continue resonate. Long after they’re muttered, their shelflife lives on in communities, in conversations and in music. The important thing is, that the dialogue continues between all people, of all races and in all walks of life. The initial series of radio comments by Imus and the subsequent Sharpton interview that followed, is the backdrop for this viral video remix featuring a track called “Colorblind” from new artist Emily King.
The larger issues of misogyny and racism have fingers being pointed at Hip Hop now more than ever…and to be sure, there is a lot in music that can/should easily be opened to scrutiny. But is the answer censorship? Saul Williams may have said it best in this excerpt from his open letter to Oprah that circulated Friday:
“Name calling, racist generalizations, sexist perceptions, are all rooted in something much deeper than an uncensored music. Like the rest of the world, I watched footage on AOL of you dancing mindlessly to 50 Cent on your fiftieth birthday as he proclaimed, “I got the ex/if you’re into taking drugs/ I’m into having sex/ I ain’t into making love” and you looked like you were having a great time. No judgment. I like that song too. Just as I do, James Brown’s Sex Machine or Grand Master Flashes “White Lines”. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll is how the story goes. Censorship will never solve our problems. It will only foster the sub-cultures of the underground, which inevitably inhabit the mainstream.”
Music for thought. Thank you Saul.
Leave a Reply