Will WE get the hook up?

June 8th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

Young Black Professional GuideIs wealth the really only real cure all in America?

Despite our eventual professional accolades, will we as black people ever be privileged enough where if we’re in trouble, our connections and influences will be able to alter OUR jail sentences? Or will our blackness and lack of wealth keep us “bound”? If so, then what is our motivation? What is our hope? Why do we trust the law? Why do we go into law?

Well one could argue that the privileges enjoyed by Paris Hilton this week aren’t limited to rich, white women. The system has seemed to benefit R. Kelly despite his race. Would a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc. been given the same privilege? Do we have a problem with this? Is the system even trying to hide it’s injustice and prejudices anymore? What are we doing about it? Is there anything we can do?

When we encourage youth to go to school instead of into entertainment, what can we say? Can we really talk about an improved quality of life? These two rich, sex tape-making entertainers - neither of who finished high school - have proven something. But what exactly? And do we have anything to counter that.

Viewing 4 Comments

    • ^
    • v
    Like many others, I am put off by Paris Hilton being allowed to go home only after serving 3 days of her sentence. It is a terrible message that is being shared - justice isn't necessarily just or fair.

    But, I caution anyone to not jump to conclusions that her pre-mature release is a statement about Black Americans failure to get equality. The truth is, I don't think 'equality' is defined by one person's/population's ability to get the hook up. No, that's exploiting the system, taking advantage of the system. A better question is "When will all people be treated fairly and equally regardless of their status?"

    What is out motivation to succeed adn be responsible citizens? I can't speak for everyone, but my motivation is based on my interest to create a fair and more egalatarian society. The problem is, most Americans are sheep and are easily impressed. Hilton's & Kelley's fame has so much to do with what they were allowed to get away with BEFORE being officially caught. Celebrities get too many passes. And this pass is just insulting.

    Finally, the fact these 2 people were able to get away with something isn't proof at all. It's jsut 2 widely exposed examples. That's another hasty generalization. A sample size of 2 is nothing. But if you perceive that those two incidences are more important that the millions of legal trials then you're too easily persuaded by sensationalism.
    • ^
    • v
    This narrative sends me into a whirlwind of thoughts: 1) why aren't Paris, R.Kelly, and others considered the classiest of people (at least by income class) not living as if? 2) why do so many others who are not afforded the luxuries of the wealthy aspire to live like them? I can't speak for Paris because I don't know anything about growing up white, female and rich beyond any stretch of the imagination. But I can identify a little more with R. In both cases though, maybe celebrities are acting out to let us know they don’t want to be thought of as any different than anyone else. That could be far-fetched, but I think if a Joe or Jane traded places with Paris or R., they would soak up all the luxuries of the fabulous life. Maybe Paris, R. and others have grown tired of that and want to be more like us. But who are we, since we try so hard to be like them?
    • ^
    • v

    dah well. that was quick.


    she's back in jail

    • ^
    • v
    I don't understand how these examples - and others that haven't been highlighted - don't serve as enough "proof" that the system is flawed. Is just one not enough? How much is "enough" to prove inequality.

    I seriously doubt that Paris, R or all the other privileged want to be treated like everyone else in these situations. I seriously doubt it.
close Reblog this comment
Powered by Disqus · Learn more
blog comments powered by Disqus