Don't Hold Your Breath!

[AKAtude]

***I found this on eurweb. Puffy, P. Diddy, whoever...he isn't the only one guilty of such lyrics. ***

PROJECT ISLAMIC HOPE CALLS FOR BOYCOTT AGAINST P. DIDDY
Group says he owes black women apology, just like Asian women


Sean "Puffy-P.Diddy" Combs
(Sep. 28, 2001) WHAT? The Los Angeles civil rights group Project Islamic Hope is demanding an apology from rapper/producer Sean "Puffy" Combs or they will encourage Black women to launch a national boycott.

WHEN? Monday -- OCT 1, 2001

TIME? 11:00 AM

LOCATION: Leimert Park -- 3415 W. 43rd Place, Los Angeles Ca 90008 - by the water fountain (Crenshaw & Vernon)

WHY? Sean Combs, AKA P. Diddy, recently issued an apology to Asian women for some ill advised lyrics on his latest single "The Tune." P. Diddy included the line "Got Asian women / that will change my linen after I done blazed and hit 'em ..."

"P. Diddy is the biggest hypocrite in hip hop. He has made millions off the denigration of Black women nationwide with his sexist, and misogynistic lyrics, yet when the Asian community complains about his latest release, he immediately issues an apology to their women," stated Najee Ali Director of Project Islamic HOPE. "Where is the apology to black women for their years of being disrespected in his music?"

"In his latest CD 'The Saga Continues,' his artists even go as far as ejaculating in sister's faces, yet Puffy, through his label, issues an apology only for the Asian community ... begging for their continued to support; he has once again slapped black women in the face, nationwide," says Ali.

Contact info: 323-292-3632, 323-769-5267 / najeeali@aol.com

[Reds6]

Ok, he isn't doing anything that any over rapper isn't doing. we need to stop focusing on these artist and focus on the issues that our own men have at home. No matter black, white, etc. Many women put up with their own husbands and boyfriends disrespecting them everyday, so why do we expect so much more from these artist. Let's get our own homes in order first.

[Steeltrap]

I agree with Reds6. We need to deemphasize this glorification of outside figures and pay attention to our own internal issues. It actually hooks in with the idea that role models should be parents and everyday figures, not entertainers, athletes or political figures.

[AKAtude]

Originally posted by Steeltrap
It actually hooks in with the idea that role models should be parents and everyday figures, not entertainers, athletes or political figures.

I remember applauding Charles Barkley for saying something similar years ago. Our role models should be in our homes, not on tv/movie screens, on stage, or on a court or field.

[Steeltrap]

Soror, my role models were mom, dad and older sister, along with teachers and professors.
These are real people who worked and made a life for themselves and taught me how to live.
I enjoy professional sports and entertainment, but those figures aren't in our homes, growing up with our kids.

[prayerfull]

I will respond to this just as I do to anyone who speaks out against rap music...

Music artists have Freedom of Speech. They may express themselves verbally as they choose. If you don't like it, don't listen to it. If you are a parent, you have a duty to monitor everything that your child listens to and watches. Whether it's rap music, rock, heavy metal, pop or even country. If you don't want your kids listening to it or watching the videos, I suggest you asert your parental authority. However, be mindful that if your children aren't allowed to watch it at home, there's a good chance they'll watch it or listen to it somewhere else. I would suggest strongly that you regularly talk with your children and instill values in them so that when they hear lyrics like that, they don't think that is the correct way to act. The same goes for movies, video games, etc.

In my house, our children are allowed to only listen to Gospel Music and I monitor the movies and cartoon shows that they watch. (They're only 3 and 5, but that's when you have to instill those values. You can't wait until they're 15). Certainly, from time to time, they catch in on Daddy watching a Jay-Z video or Beyonce shakin' her tail to Bootylicous. But I deal with that accordingly and talk with them about it.

I don't think that P Diddy needs to apologize to anyone. I'm not offended by anything he or any rapper says. All he's doing is making the music that he wants to make. It sells and he's making bank. Whether or not you and I choose to purchase his CD's and contribute to his wealth is a personal choice. For me, personally, I choose NOT to.

[ClassyLady]

I don't think that Puffy is the real issue here. He isn't doing anything that isn't already being done. Why did this group choose Puffy to boycott? Why not all of the other rappers who say the same thing?

What we need to focus on is why these types of lyrics and messages in music are accepted by our community. Instead of boycotting, why don't we as a people try to focus on raising our level of consciousness to the point where we won't accept this type of music. It seems to me that we always focus on small distractions rather than the big picture.

[KnowledgeEternal]

While we are at it let's boycott Hardcore Heavy Metal. Its offensive to christians and Gospel is offensive to Atheists. Let's boycott that too. This country is WAY too PC.

Another thing, They announce a boycott over some of his lyrics. Won't that make more people go out to buy the album? Just to see what all the fuss is.

[AKAtude]

Originally posted by KnowledgeEternal
Another thing, They announce a boycott over some of his lyrics. Won't that make more people go out to buy the album? Just to see what all the fuss is.

Yep! It seems to happen every time.

[1906]

I think what the group was trying to say is why is it that puffy can or feels the need to apologize to Asian women, but he doesn't feel the same need to apologize to black women. Is puffy right in his opinion that black women don't care as much as Asian women about how he portrays them in Music.

[novella000]

The sad thing about all of the Lyric Wars, is that a lot of what they are saying is true. Things that don't fit every woman, but many. I don't get upset over lyrics like that because they don't fit me, so WTF? But I definitely understand why people get upset.

Those who say that "this" is what our kids look up to, need to look into the lives of their children, cousins, brothers, sisters, nephews, neices, and god-children. Get a grip on your family and community. It's the duty of some people to police artists and public "role models" (as they are called).... But personally, I police my own actions and work on influencing everyone I come into contact with the good stuff. I am a role model. We all are.

I just want to be a good role model.

[tickledpink]

My whole problem with this is why do we have to be so reactive, rather than proactive? Why weren't we screaming for apologies before he apologized to Asian women? ***tickledpink shakes her head***