If Rush Limbaugh was Black

Me: I don't understand why we (Blacks) can get outraged at Rush's sexist comments and ignore even more sexist comments by Black entertainers
Friend: "I don't really listen to the lyrics.  I mean, Young Jeezy is way different than Rush Limbaugh. Its just fun"


This past week, Conservative columnist Rush Limbaugh called a female law student a "slut".  The reaction was swift and decisive as his show has lost sponsorships and numerous people from an wide spectrum of poltical backgrounds have condemned his words.

I have never been a Rush Limbaugh fan, and find his show polarizing and condescending.  I believe that his characterization of the Law student who was discussing the importance of contraceptive accessibility, revealed an simmering sexist sentiment that is often assumed, but rarely stated.

However, I think we wouldn't being having the discussion, the outrage, or the moral indignation if we could simply change one thing.

If Rush Limbaugh was Black, we would not only accept what he said, but possibly defend his right to say it.  

If Rush Limbaugh was a Black entertainer, instead of a White entertainer, we would be "shuck and jiving", laughing and dancing to what he said.

Why would I say such a thing?  Because we do it every day by supporting, defending, and enjoying Black rappers, comedians, and entertainers who say significantly worse things about women.  Last week, I wrote a blog entry on Young Jeezy and his lyrics, and he has won numerous Grammy awards for use of all kinds of words of denigration.

Is Rush Limbaugh's declaration substantially different than rappers calling women B****hes, hoes, or by their genitalia?  Worse yet, do Rush's sexist rants infiltrate and impact the mindset of our developing youth in a way that even approaches that of today's popular explicit rappers?  The answer for the Black community is that Rush's statements are just supporting what our young men and women have already have thumped into their psyche a hundred times every day by Black entertainers.

Its time to feel outrage.  Not just  against the Rush's of the world, but the entertainers who do far more damage, regardless of ethnicity.  When I was growing up, we, in the Black community, did not expose our dirty laundry or confront one another publicly in order to maintain respect.  I contend, that respect has been lost, honor has been shattered, and dignity has been destroyed due to our silence and complicity.

Join me in speaking out, acting out, and looking out!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor