Common Sense

Chicago rapper Common has fallen to criticism when he made a statement regarding race relations in America. Common is mostly known for being a conscious M.C, rapping about everything our society has gone through. He recently made an appearance on the Daily Show where he made the following statement… “If we've been bullied, we've been beat down and we don't want it anymore. We are not extending a fist and we are not saying, 'You did us wrong.' It's more like, 'Hey, I'm extending my hand in love,'” he said to host Jon Stewart. “Let’s forget about the past as much as we can and let’s move from where we are now. How can we help each other? Can you try to help us because we are going to try to help ourselves, too." Some people viewed this comment as Common coonin, being weak and rather naive, from first read I can see why this statement may rub people the wrong way. We feel as African American people we have extend our hands only to get it slapped back, while this can make anyone feel fed up and just plain tired we must remember we are human.  When I re-read Common’s quote it made sense, when looking at how the world is it seems we are fighting a war, I feel it's more spiritual. It seems more like good vs. evil, when looking at the history of racism in America there were a lot of people involved in the civil rights movement, not just African Americans but Caucasians, Native Americans etc. What Common is suggesting is extending our hand in helping to fight racism, because in the past that is what it was all about, different people fighting for the same cause. I feel as though some of us are overreacting to his comments, where is this passion when it comes down to our community, education and children? I don't believe Common's opinion set us back nor caused us any harm, in fact I think we need to take a hard look into what Common is saying. We need to look at ourselves first then work outward. Let's Talk About It !