How does the African American community feel about Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson speaking for them?

Question

Do you feel like you are being misrepresented in the media by letting someone as large as life speaking for you?

Answer 1

Do George and Dick speak for all white people? Come on. NO two individuals speak for the entire race. The media created those two. It's easy for the media to call on Al and Jesse when a situation such as the Imus "nappy headed hos" incident takes place. The media turns to Al and JEsse for their opinions because they are there and have spoken out before. Most people - whites, as well as Blacks, Asians, and Latinos choose for themselves who best articulates their ideas and beliefs. The whole Imus thing was a media circus. Haven't you noticed that if it's a slow news day that we get bombarded with the likes of Anna Nicole, Dannielynn, Birkhead and Stern? Or Duke Lacrosse team? If people aren't focused on the news of the day, then sponsors can't earn their money. Everything is commercialized.

Answer 2

I agree with you on that. . there are many people, myself included who don't think that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson speak on behalf of the AA community. But do realize that I am (and I'm sure other people are too) tired of hearing the race card being pulled for every little thing that happens. I happen to believe the Sharpton is one of the most prejudiced person I have ever seen.

Answer 3

Although I am not African American- I know my opinion is shared by many. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are concerned only with Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson- Period.

Answer 4

I am actually glad that someone finally asked this question instead of assuming that every black person agrees with everything the two of them say. First of all, they have a few skeletons in thier closet so the cannot accurately represent me because I cannot relate. The two of them are radicals. I personally find others more to my liking.

I admire the fact that they are quick to stand up for the race, they have done some positive things I can give them that. Yet, sometimes it seems that thier motives can be more political than done to benefit the race.

We cannot stop them from speaking. They are going to say what they want to say regardless. I agree that Imus for one should have been terminated. Why? Because of the position that I hold; anyone on my staff, black, white, purple, or green would have been fired if they made the comments that Imus made. Especially over time as he had done.

Yet, it is over and they should leave it alone and concentrate on some of the other issues. There are some pressing issues in our community that need to be addressed instead of beating a dead horse.

Misrepresentation...I do not know about that. Most of the people that I know really do not pay them that much attention. At first, they seemed okay, but now it seems like much is for political gain and a little celebrity to polish it all off.

Answer 5

I've answered this a few times, but I guess I could once more. Anyway, no I don't feel Al Sharton or Jesse Jackson speak for me, but I see this is getting to another diss on Black Americans. All bad leaders aren't Black, and those two are just part of a very demeaning part of society and media. Not every voice is great like George Bush. What people say on television or to the public shouldn't effect how others feel.



Krazy Libra

Answer 6

i feel that the two gent just try to open the door door and allow people to speak for them selves but as e know some people do not have the ability to advocate for them selves as well as other and some times you need people like Al and Jesse so that way the ones u are trying to speak to will hear you better, and it also let them know that you are serious about making the wrong right , its sad that we have to do through all of this and fight so hard for the respect we deserve, I thank god for the both of them we need more people in our black-community that have knowledge and power to make things happen In a positive way with out violence

Answer 7

As a women, who is gay and white, ,I would just love to see people who parade around as leaders or spokepersons, black or white, to just represent EVERYONE who lives in their geographical area. Most "communities" are mixed bags of people who are just trying to make the best with what is on their plate. Some Plates are fuller than others, yes, but we need to examine what are the real reasons some of those from the same block in that community, are excelling, and some are not. People make choices in their lives, and sometimes when things go wrong they do not want to assume the responsibilities of a bad choice. SOME TIMES we bring on our own ills. Self accountability is huge in a person with a good character, and respectability, poor, mid class or even wealthy.

Answer 8

Not africian americian but feel that the way they get thier money is by keeping the racial stuff going. If it wre not for them finding something racial to yell about they would be out of a job. The are not like MLK looking for equal rights. But this is just my opinion. Most of my friends can make racial jokes to one another and accept some of the jokes my hurt anothers feelings or just not be funny and another will be on the other person.

Answer 9

I get that someone had to speak for us, but those two should not have spoke for the black community. They have done some things that as a person of color, it's disheartening to hear. I haven't seen them apologize for what they have said to the many people their words affected.

While I don't speak with hatred, I feel it is however, time we do talk about this very subject and get the conversation juices flowing.

Answer 10

They speak for themselves, most of the black community doesn't buy into what they have to say. It's like Jesse Jackson has performed miracles, like retrieving hostages and righting social wrongs, but you have to pay him big bucks to get off his @ss which I think is wrong.