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Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed hosted by Bill Cosby


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Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed [1968] host Bill Cosby shares several accomplishments that have not always been fully or properly covered in the history books. The achievements of important historical figures are discussed. (54 minutes)

 

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“It’s 300 years we’ve been in this American melting pot, and we haven’t been able to melt in yet, and it’s a long wait. Listen, we’ve been trying all kinds of parts to make the American scene.  We've been trying to play it straight and white, but it’s been just bit parts. Now from now on, we’re going to play it Black AND American, because we are proud of both, hubris.” —Bill Cosby

 

 

Notice the subdued anger Cosby shows as he narrates this film.  This flick would be powerful today, as I'm willing to wager many Black folks today are unaware of the information related in the film.  I can only imagine the reaction back in 1968.

 

What is most surprising to me as the I was completely unaware of this film until yesterday, when I learned about it during the debate about Bill Cosby being lynched in reaction to his numerous rape allegations.

 

This DVD is available from Amazon.

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Well, guys, none of this was entirely new to me; either what the video reports or that 47 years ago, Cosby released a clip to primarily educate Whites about  things which were taught in black history classes and only brought up during black history month. Nobody is saying that Cosby didn't have race pride or didn't make well-publicized generous contributions to good causes. What do you suggest the black community do in regard to the accusations against him?  Since none of them have been proven -  or disproven, he's at the mercy of his reputation which has a good and bad side. 

 

Blacks are apparently more caught up in the glamorous escapism provided by EMPIRE, busy discussing what they can look forward to when it returns.  It's obvious that they don't identity with the woes of a real-life black millionaire who probably hates this hit series because it represents a type of culture that he rejected in his public criticism that reeked with a "do as I say do, not as I do" attitude.  

 

IMO, I don't think Blacks are obliviovus to what a villain the media is.  It is their second favorite favorite scapegoat. But they've simply resorted to taking its output with a grain of salt since they are helpless to do anything else.  It should be noted however, that everybody is victimized by the vague nebulous sinister media that feeds the appetitie of the blood thirsty massses, giving them what they want...   

 

Society has gotten it all wrong, and in a perfect world, it would go back to square one.  Time for a reality check.

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No amount of philanthropic goodwill balances rape. I believe he did it, for a couple of reasons. Yet I don't know. Even if every woman recanted or he admitted some infidelities the questions would remain unless the testimony of the accussed and the accusers corresponded. And even then I would have to question their motivation.

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Del your position on Cosby is clear. While the media is pilling on about how Cosby is a serial rapist I'd figure I do my small part to balance the perspective.  

 

Of course you are right.  "If it bleeds it leads," as far as the so called news is concerned. Just keep in mind that mentality have never served anyone well except the media conglomerates--least of all Black people.

 

Cynique, actually I do not think the general public truly understands how easily we are manipulated by the media.  They not only mis-inform us they tell us what to think.

 

Even when we are presented with amazing truths, like some of the revelations made public by Eric Snowden, we still don't seem to care.  I guess as long as we are not staving, and have Empire to watch we are pretty much placated, 

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People are easily manipulated by every institution in Society: the government, law enforcement, politics, churchs, schools, the work place, marriage, the family ciricle.  We are all encouraged to accept what others tell us, all manipulated by those with personal agendas. Misinformation is rampant and the truth is not only elusive, but it's relative. You, yourself, tell us what to think, when you tell us that the media is lying to us.

 

The trick is to rely on your own personal experiences, find your own truth, and come to terms with reality. Survival is the name of the game and getting your priorities in order enables this. 

 

The alternative is to go live on a desert island and create your own media-free world. 

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Yes, it is true that we are being manipulated in many aspects of our daily lives.  My focus on the media is that we are being lied to by the media, that really is the form of manipulation I'm concerned about.  

 

If I inform someone that they have been lied to, that is not telling them what to think, or an attempt to manipulate them. It is an attempt to help them.  Of course this is not for purely altruistic reasons.  I think Black people would be better off understanding we are being manipulated.  Indeed if White people were aware of this too, perhaps they could get past thinking Black people are inherently inferior.

 

The things Bill Cosby spoke about in the video above have not changed.  I think I can make a good argument that things have gotten worse since that video was made almost 50 years ago.  

 

Interestingly, the intended target for this video was children.  The video does not talk down to them.  I guess today you'd need to craft the message as a music video...

 

But as you know Cosby has dedicated his life to helping children learn more about their history and to do well in life.  His decades long collaboration with Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D. is one such example.

 

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In this book, we look at the issues with an eye on what we need to do to help our youth and re-energize our neighborhoods to move in positive directions' We can change things we have control over if we accept personal responsibility and embrace self-help." --Bill Cosby
 
We need more people with resources doing this work, not fewer...
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People are complex. The ability to think critically and formulate a valid argument, even if false, is of prime importance to me. Which is partially why I say knowledge is the most important thing to me. If you enslave a mind the prison becomes portable.

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