Isn't the key to success being forward-looking, using attitudes and methods that are shown to bring success?

Cos is merely pointing out that so many are on paths that are predictably prone to failure, but refuse to see (or acknowledge) the poverty in their future. If that is "blaming the poor", may I submit it's also recognizing self-destructive behavior.

Sent by True_Liberal | 9:05 PM ET | 10-16-2007

If the news isn't really as bad as Mr. Cosby seems to think it is, and if the examples given by Mr Dyson and Mr. Merida of active dialogue(churches, barbershops) and academic success and personal satisfaction are accurate, it seems to beg the question of why black people need special assistance. Can we have it both ways?

Sent by Jay Rice | 9:22 PM ET | 10-16-2007

Hey Michel - I should identify as a white mom at the beginning of this so my context is clear. I have two thoughts. First, I get worried on the one hand about Dr. Cosby and other experts' "call outs" because I know some, how does one say, unenlightened white person out there is gonna say, but see, even Black folk are calling themselves stupid/lazy/whatever, and then said unenlightened white person is feeling justified in his/her prejudice. But I worry also that Dr. Dyson's issue with Dr. Cosby's words are stuck on the trees of the words and not seeing the forest of what Cosby says. I listen to Dr. Dyson saying Dr. Cosby needs to be willing to air his own laundry, and I agree with that, to come at this issue more humbly perhaps than he has done. But let's imagine that he did come at it humbly - would a new attitude change the veracity of Dr. Cosby's message, alarmist though it may be? Doesn't a movement sometimes need a dynamite explosion to get it going?
But even as I type those things, I am uncomfortable with saying them. I don't know what the role of a white woman IS in this conversation. I have no desire to be patronizing to my black friends, and I know that the same issues of crime and drug use and group violence threaten my 7 year old blue-eyed fair-skinned boy, but I do think the historic context makes our experiences and how we deal with them significantly different. I want to help, and I want to BE helped, because I'm a human and a parent and I live in this broken system too and I want to fix it. But how do I do that without seeming patronizing or, at best, politically correct? I don't do these things to look good - I do them because that's what Jesus says I should do, and I'm doing my best to stay on that path with him. I also do them because I love my son.
Maybe that's the place we would have to start - finding a common ground that allows folks of all races to see each other as sisters and brothers, or at least close cousins. Religion, parenthood - something that could bring us to a common table and line us up shoulder to shoulder in a defensive line against the real enemy, which must be called its name: hate.

Sent by Sarah | 11:41 PM ET | 10-16-2007

Hi Michel - Love your show. It's my NPR favorite. As a white guy, I sometimes have to work hard to try to understand why there is so much anger in the African-American community. I was in Baltimore last week, in a kind of racially and economically mixed neighborhood (Cross Street Market) at a time when a lot of teenage students were gathering before school in the morning. I was lost and confused, and I guess I looked somewhat scared. As I checked my map and started down the sidewalk, a black teenager passed by and without looking at me, hurled some of the most hateful language I have ever heard in my direction as he passed. It was so unexpected it took me a few minutes to realize he was directing that at me. I started thinking, perhaps he thought I made negative judgments and assumptions about the neighborhood and its people, based on skin color. However, in no way does that excuse such an outburst, and this is the kind of thing the African-American community has to take responsibility for - their own prejudices and preconceptions. A little later that day, I was listening to your show as I drove back to the airport, and I heard you talk about how a group of young boys ran out in front of your car, then started hurling the "b" word at you before you could even make sure they are OK. I'm not sure what the point of this post is, only that there seems to be so much anger in black community, especially among young males, that they lash out at their own as well as those outside the race.

Sent by Damon | 10:59 AM ET | 10-17-2007

I love your show...I listen via podcast daily..I think we need to recognize that the problems in our community are multi-faceted and require different methods of problem solving. We need to provide a space where both Cosby and Dyson can be heard without one or the other being villified. My personal compass and perspective are more in line with the Cosby approach. And I believe that only pointing to "causes" is like rearranging deck chairs while the Titanic is sinking. The fact of the matter is that the "blame the white man" coddling IS NOT WORKING and comparing out pathologies to the greater white community as if sharing the same social ills makes ours not seem so bad. We have bigger problems if that is the standard. According to Mr. Dyson, "things are not all bad". What country is he living in? I believe that most of the solutions to our problems are simple. Sure, we will all run up against hardships and obstacles and those that will try to throw us off of our game. That's life. But when the battle comes and we are not properly equipped (lack of education, poor communication skills, no family or community support, no confidence, poor health, prison record..) we are defeated before we start. All Cosby is saying is "we have to go back and cover the basics" and the basics are in our control - not the "white man". It is just that simple.

Sent by Two Brown Girls | 2:28 PM ET | 10-17-2007

One cannot deny the passion and love Drs. Cosby and Pouissant have for Black people.

However, my concern is the lack of attention given to the challenging plight of Black in context. What I mean is that while I am all for Black people - hell, all people - taking personal responsibility for their lives and circumstances, often the reality is lost that people must first be empowered and taught how to take personal responsibility.

The challenges being faced by those in the Black community who are Black and poor did not just start yesterday.

The generational psychological damage and the psychological abuse being imposed by those in power of our public and private education system, our system of law enforcement and political representation cannot and should not be ignored.

We have a history in this country where Black people as a community thrived and succeeded only to have U.S. government-backed assaults result in the annihilation of prosperous Black communities like Rosewood and Tulsa (a.k.a. "Black Wallstreet"). Interesting how white mainstream media never gets around to discussing these issues in the overall broader context of what has happened to successful Black communities in the past. And of course, Katrina and the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 speak for themselves.

I have been racking my brain to think of any other group representative - Jewish, Asian, or Latino - who would get on national TV for a whole hour on a Sunday Morning talk show primarily watched by white people (most Black folks are on their way to church) to talk about what's wrong with their people. The sad thing is those who need to read Cosby's book the most are not going to read it. I wonder when the publisher asked who Cosby and Pouissant's target market was who they said? Black people? White people? Or did it even matter because it was "the Cos"?

Once Black people begin to think positively about themselves and consistently and systematically tune out all the negative speak concerning them, we will be greater than anyone could ever conceive or imagine.

Sent by Val in Los Angeles | 5:03 PM ET | 10-17-2007

I can make a case for both parties: When Cosby made his controversial remarks in 2004, I had absolutely no problem with the content of his remarks; the delivery of the said remarks was another matter. However, last Sunday as I watched him and Dr. Poussaint on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert, I must say Cosby has redeemed himself on the premise behind his 2004 remarks and a better way to communicate them.

Prof. Dyson, on the other hand was right at first to take Cosby to task on those remarks and make him more accountable. But afterwards, Dyson was on Tavis Smiley show on NPR and PBS, then on the Tom Joyner show among others blasting Cosby for being elitist. I started wondering what's the motivation behind the rapping Professor's media hoopla. My answer came a year later; he was compiling a whole book on the matter. Come On! But hey who am I to knock a brother's hustle? Ride the hype anyway you can Dyson.

But I begged to differ on Dyson's comments on the program that the "acting white" remark from Cosby was archaic based on a 1986 article. Well personally, I was called that in the mid-nineties as a teen and didn't the Rev Jesse Jackson get in hot water recently (in 2007) calling Barack Obama that same phrase?

Bottomline there needs to be a continuing discussion about the state and the improvement of Black America. So Dyson pans Cosby's book as simplistic in its recommendations. I say, so what! Not everybody needs a book with $100 words that you'll need both a dictionary and thesaurus to decipher. If I remember correctly, I believe it was Agatha Christie who said "the simple answer is the most obvious one."

Sent by Moji | 5:19 PM ET | 10-17-2007

Why does the truth hurt so much? Mr. Bill Cosby has a right to speak on the growing problems all communities regardless of race. Sugar coating the truth about fatherless children, the down play on education, parenting problems, teenage pregnancy, drug dealing, inappropriate clothing on children, lack of self-respect and respect of each other, and basically not teaching children what is really important to survive. The money parents spend on video games, and other expensive things children do not need, if they are behind in their education. Teaching responsibility, respect, dignity, no, the good of education, and the history of black people who struggled to get an education to get ahead. Spending time with children outside the norm, talk to your children, get involved in their programs, and give them programs instead of video games. Get children involved in Art, Music, Writing, Reading, Nature Walks, Fishing, Skiing, Sports, and Historical Walks.

Sent by Deb | 7:43 PM ET | 10-17-2007

You can take Cosby's own marriage as an example. Despite his past adultery, Camille stood by him, and he stayed with her.

He cannot excuse, however, pressures from outside the family and the part they play in consuming the family. Like the recent release of the Furman Center at NYU showing clear racial disparity in subprime mortgages. Financial issues like this have played out differently in black neighboorhoods for years. Poor or not. And that stress destroys the foundation of financial freedom and comfort that is the true basis of 'white privilege.' Connections come from that. Exposure to better living and education come from that. And a confidence comes with that.

This financial confidence is what I see our children see. Rather than the path to getting there. Because there's no one in their media path to use as an example besides rappers and bootlegs of 'Scarface" (iconic in the street society) among other things.

We also need to shut down, not just shut off, images that seek to destroy a strong sense of self. We need to seek retribution for defamation from corporations releasing misogyny and slander. Oh wait, can't do that - too many people who won't speak up in that industry of all colors. Scratch that record.

We do need to bring black families together. I cannot see that happening without finding a new fuel for the modern black soul.

Sent by Chip | 12:20 AM ET | 10-18-2007

There are serious problems with the attitudes of black, white and hispanics in their late teens and early 20s. They act as though the world owes them and when they dont get their BMWs, Prada, or Rolexes they turn to drugs or other self destructive behavior. They should take a clue from those serving in the military. If you want something, go out and work for it. The world owes you nothing, so get off your high horse and get back to the principles and values that make this country the greatest on this planet.

Sent by Terry | 7:54 AM ET | 10-18-2007

I agree with Deb - Dr. Cosby certainly has a right to call things as he sees them - the fact that he has spent millions of HIS OWN MONEY to bring national recognition to this issue just shows how passionate and concerned he is about our people. Right now, he is the only Black leader that we have to look to. Where are the others? I don't think that he is degrading or dumping on people in a lower socioeconomic group, but the fact is that they need something to grab their attention -- sometimes harsh words will do the trick (those of us in a certain age group know it as Tough Love).

The other thing that I think Drs. Cosby and Poussaint are trying to do is reinstall a sense of Black Pride in our communities, regardless of who you are or where you live.

We should all take a cue from this and start teaching our children about this at home, instead of waiting for one week in February when the schools think it's appropriate.

Sent by mochamom626 | 11:13 AM ET | 10-18-2007

As an African Immigrant, I can tell you that I am as outraged and ashamed as Bill Cosby. There is racism, but many African Immigrants came here with nothing and managed to make the American Dream. I work as Financial analyst and all my siblings have managed to graduate from College, with no scholarship or any other form of asssitance whatsoever and some are postgraduates. We all are homeowners and are raising A and B's children. Stop the excuses and face reality, Black americans are in deep trouble and unless they wake up, they will never get any respect from any community. The girls are called b***** and w***** because that is exactely what they are. Otherwise, how do explain the sleeping around? Making babies like it's nothing. If they were decent housewives, nobody would refer to them with such derrogatory words. I have never been referred to as a b**** or a w**** and with my brain, I gained respected and admiration at my work. I am darker than your average African American, I speak with an accent, and I am even a little heavy, but I am the manager of my department and I supervise white employees. If you want respect, you need to earn it.

Sent by mame awa | 11:28 AM ET | 10-18-2007

The term "airing dirty laundry" comes up quite often in people's response to Cosby's comments and views. I think people should be more concerned about DOING laundry so no dirty laundry can be aired. Black people spend too much time worrying about what whites think. Cosby once said he cared more about the future of black people than the opinions of whites. I agree. Whites are going to think what they like no matter what. It's really irrelevant. Stop killing the messenger and listen to the message.

Sent by nicole nixon | 11:08 PM ET | 10-18-2007

I am a graduate of Norfolk State University in the heart of Norfolk, VA. Bill Cosby has brought to light many of the issues plaguing the black community as we speak, which are the same issues and social conflicts that I seen daily as I left the campus of NSU. Professor Dyson debates that Mr. Cosby is hurting his cause with his remarks and may be creating more damage than restoration. Sometimes the best approach is a direct approach. Is Bill Cosby wrong?? Our Black youth are lost in the maze of a delusional atmosphere called the streets. I now work as a site Director for Parks and Recreation in Williamsburg,VA which has a totally different social climate. Both areas contain a high amount Blacks within their populations; however, Norfolk is urban, runned down, and dangerous while Williamsburg is a suburban paradise. Working with children in both of these habitats I noticed a familiar characteristic with both groups. The young black adolescents of Williamsburg behaved no differently than those of Norfolk. Why? Is it because they're Black? No, it's because they're learning from improper outlets. These kids are eight years old and know more about Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt" album that has more than ten years of dust, but manage to fail their history test horribly. These kids are flunking english exams, but can write endless rhymes with the use of X-amount of street terms and explain their meanings. If we look at the root word of IGNORANCE, we have IGNORE. What Mr. Cosby is doing is asking parents to stop ignoring the problems, to stand up and take back our communities. I applaud Bill Cosby because someone finally said, "Black People Stop Being Ignorant!"

Sent by Corey Brown | 10:37 AM ET | 10-19-2007

IF the goal of 'COME ON, PEOPLE' is to up lift the lower economic end, then Mr. Cosby has my support.
But this book will not address a
working poor individual who gives 150% effort such as I. Being born with a very rare skill in mathematics far deeper than what is
in mainstream use, should literally open systematic doors, but it don't.
MY problem with Cosby is poor folks such as I would not get a once of support from him. IN any event, 200% of personal effort to expose this rare ability will continue despite systematic denial.

Sent by jerry a. Myers | 4:33 PM ET | 10-19-2007

Hello Michel Martin, I am an African-American living overseas in Holland. I listen to your show via podcast daily. Keep up the excellent work. I support Bill Cosby 100%. We have to be accountable for own education. Taking a passive approach and waiting for the government or someone to help us is not working for us. Self-empowerment is the key. We have to begin to love ourselves first. It is not about the clothing we wear or the car we are driving. That is external. If we truly loved ourselves, we could not commit these senseless acts of violence or take drugs into our bodies. Education and Excellence is the way out. Excellence needs to be revered in our community. Mr. Dyson, please wake up, the victim mentality is killing us literally. We can no longer afford to be victims. We know that racism exists, that's a given, but if one door closes, do not stand there and wallow. Go to the next door.

Mr. Cosby keep up the good work. Our children are worth it.

Sent by Eve | 5:55 AM ET | 10-25-2007

Statistics concerning black men in America are often not very welcoming. Most people listen to or read the statistics and then say, "they need to get it together" or "come on people!" The decline of black men in the family didn't happen overnight and neither will their involvement emerge because someone airs this dirty laundry. Parents who lack parenting skills (not to mention various other life skills) are in much more trouble than the average 2-parent households. No child comes with a users' manual. How do we expect parents to be more concerned with Hooked on Phonics than the latest fads when they themselves haven't finished any formal educational plan? I mean who really is to blame for poor parenting and when did this generation of invisible men appear? I have heard much talk praising Dr. Cosby for having the gonads to air this filthy laundry, but not many mention what he says is the solution to this problem in black communities. Let's focus on solutions and not create more problems...

Sent by kd williams | 2:47 PM ET | 10-25-2007

Hello I am one million percent supporter of Dr. Cosby. I am Arican immigrant and it's been couple of years since I came to this country. I have already joined college and work really hard to fulfill all my dreams. I belive that education is the key and I belive that good parenting is the most crucial thing in childrens' life. When I was back home I taught that blacks are dominated and hated by whites and that's why they couldn't make it. But after I came here I got a chance to see the real facts. The facts are that Blacks just blame whites for all their problems. I am black but I don't blame anyone for not being successful in life. So, instead of blaming why don't you working hard on your problems people!

Sent by Mekdes | 2:25 PM ET | 02-02-2008

I have got to get Dr. Cosby's book. I am Native American, and our tribal problems are basically the same. It is insane to leave conditions the same, there must be social change in our communities. I am tired of being a victim and welcome victory.

Sent by Ronald | 2:01 PM ET | 03-17-2008