Blind I | The Boutique Music Blog | Quality Over Quantity.

REALLY, JESSE?

Unlike a lot of folks in my generation, I am not a hater of Jesse Jackson. I respect him first as an elder and second, for the many things he has done to help disenfranchised people across the globe. Now, there are some *other* things about him I take issue with or have questions about. But you’ll never catch me out her saying “f*ck Jesse Jackson.” He’s part national treasure, part symbolic ruins of days past, grasping for a place in an era which has rendered his modus operandi outmoded.

When I heard his comments about the Lebron James situation in Cleveland, I must say I was disappointed. Not in his assessment; there was an air of entitlement and possession in Cavs coach Dan Gilbert’s remarks about his former star player. While I can appreciate the pain that both the franchise and the city are feeling, it’s laughable to act like Lebron wouldn’t be Lebron if it weren’t for their nurturing. The league has changed and you won’t probably wont see another Patrick Ewing loyalty story again today.

But the Lebronathon and the coach’s bitter response came the same day as the Oscar Grant verdict. You mean to tell me that on the same day another cop was practically exonerated for cutting down yet another Black man’s life, the most important thing Jackson could comment on was Lebron freaking James? That’s one thing for a writer, but for a civil-rights activist who, despite his detractors and controversies, still has a broad national platform?

The “I marched with King” leg that Jackson has stood on for so many years is worn out. While Al Sharpton has become more synonymous with exposure vs. importance when it comes to Black issues (and the occasional non-issue), Jesse is right behind him compromising his own legacy with each poorly selected and/or self-serving cause. His statement on James seemed like a cry for attention, but if he truly wants relevance, he should use his considerable influence for something worthwhile.

We don’t need Jackson to do pop culture commentary; there are plenty of writers who are more than capable of reading Dan Snyder the riot act. Jackson could have used his name to get Oscar Grant’s story the national attention it deserved. Instead, he chose to go with the big story, leading me to ask…”Why”? Jackson commenting on Lebron is like Aretha Frankin hopping on a track with Cassie. If this is the best you have in 2010, Brother Jesse, go on take that complimentary watch and be OUT.

DROPPED BY SisterToldja

Friendly Link

4 Comments to REALLY, JESSE?

1. 

   Real.
g on July 13th, 2010
2. 

   I couldn’t agree more, with this!
Madame on July 13th, 2010
3. 

   Through and through, you know I love you & your writing Toldja. I struggle with my allegiance to Rev. Jesse Jackson, but of course, I too see him as an elder. I wish we weren’t discussing his comments so much. A few points:
   1) although I have not heard it myself, I’ve been told that Jesse Jackson discussed the Mehserle verdict on Keep Hope Alive (his radio show).

   2) The Root interviewed Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton on July 9, 2010 http://www.theroot.com/views/oscar-grant

   3) Please correct me if I’m wrong – I thought Rev. Jesse Jackson was asked his opinion on Dan Gilbert’s letter.

   4) a google news search for Jesse Jackson turns up his comments on Dan Gilbert as the second entry, so it would appear we are giving his comments on Dan Gilbert far more credit than necessary.
aisha1908 on July 13th, 2010
4. 

   Thank you.. I was wondering if anybody out there thought this same thing or noticed this.. When I saw what Jessie was commenting on and trying to bring attention to, I was like huh??? Da hell?? I have much respect for Jessie and all that he’s done from civil rights to his importance in getting hostages freed back in the day but I dont think he needs to add to his resume, protecting poor Lebron James during a time when so many in this country are hurting and suffering a whole lot of injustice on many levels….still.. Leader?
Anthony on July 14th, 2010

Leave a comment