Jayson Williams and OJ Simpson black role models?

NUPE4LIFE · #1 05-22-2004, 10:58 AM

Rosie O'Donnell was recently on the view and she said some really controversial things. I don't know if many of you have heard about it. She was statement on how we all should support Martha Stewart, especially women. Her rationale was that there are too few female role models and that Martha is such. And now that she has been torn down, women especially must rally behind her. Then she goes on to say, that's why African Americans support Jayson Williams and OJ Simpson because they don't too many Black role models that the few they do have, Williams and Simpson included, they won't them taken away. What kinda bull ish is that? Why do AA need role models? You never hear people talk about White role models!

Steeltrap · #2 05-22-2004, 11:20 AM

Rosie O'Fat is full of it.

I want to respond more, but I'm on my way out to a chapter workshop. Will be back later.

msn4med1975 · #3 05-22-2004, 03:45 PM

I think Rosie must have been sleep deprived from all them kids cause that doesn't even make sense. If she HAD to use someone, why pick out two alleged (well one actual) murderers? I loved Jayson as a player but I wasn't rallying for his release. And OJ well he didn't remember he was Black till the trial so he got no love. I was impressed, I'll admit it, that they got him off but I wasn't praying for his release either. I have heard Rosie say that about Martha before but really if you gonna be GREEDY, cause honestly she only saved a few thousand dollars (relative to what she was already making) by selling the stock when she did then if you get caught I have no sympathy for you. Oh well, Rosie needs to stay home and relax.

Senusret I · #4 05-22-2004, 07:01 PM

I understand her point, but she could have used better examples.

Steeltrap · #5 05-23-2004, 10:45 AM

Now I hardly think that Jayson Williams and Ohhhjjenthal are "role models," especially Ohhhjjj. To this day, I'm still stunned that Ohhhjjj got off, and I think that his attempts to give off a "race-neutral" image rubbed many the wrong way, not to mention his leaving Marguerite Whitley Simpson for Nicole Brown.

You never hear people talk about white role models or "leaders" because that community is seen as dominant, multi-faceted, not needing to rally around one person. By contrast, because of the prominent role of people like Dr. King, etc., during the movement's heyday, there's a perception that we need "leaders."

Now I also think that that relates to the (inaccurate, IMO) perception of us being a monolith. If we must have "leaders," we should have them across the spectrum.

But better question is why? My best role models were my folks.

abaici · #6 05-23-2004, 01:07 PM

I stopped watching that episode because I felt her ranting was insane (Rosie ALWAYS gets on my nerves, so I was not surprised). She pointed her finger at the women of the view for not sticking up/supporting Martha more/not talking about the case. However, they have talked about the case. But, alas, there are more things going on in the world and they cannot harp on one person's case. I believe Soror Star responded to her fairly well. First of all, I believe that having role models goes across the board. A role model is not the same as a leader. People of all races have role models, it's an individual thing. But, I digress. Soror Star went on to say that the Black community is not hurting for role models. Just because ROSIE doesn't see them doesn't mean they do not exist. She stated that there are many people doing great thinkgs in their respective communities and THOSE people are serving as role models to countless numbers of youth in their community.

mccoyred · #7 05-23-2004, 07:50 PM

I agree that OJ and Jason are role models...of what NOT to do!

33girl · #8 05-23-2004, 09:52 PM

A, I do believe that Martha has gotten unfairly pooped on because she's a powerful woman, but I certainly would never consider her a "role model" before or after the whole scandal;

B, what does Rosie know about anything females do? LOL

I mean, if I see something in KMart that has Martha's name on it, if it's something I want I'm not going to buy it or not buy it because of whatever my opinion is about her. I'm going to buy it if the price is right and it's something I need. I would guess the vast majority of people shopping there agree. How exactly are women supposed to "rally" behind her?

As for her bringing up Jayson Williams and OJ....

I can just imagine her reaction if someone brought up Aileen Wournos as a lesbian "role model."