I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything but I’ve been busy dealing with a lawsuit that’s attempting to take away my first amendment rights. Although I’m dealing with a lot, I’m still keeping my eye on the things going on. What compelled me to return to my Uppity Negro blog was the November cover of Ebony. I don’t know if I’m reading too much into the cover art but it bothered me. I’m amazed that Bill Cosby is being convicted in the court of public opinion without ever going to court. Seemingly, everyone is jumping on board; even Ebony. Over the years, Ebony was a black publication that was used to uplift the African-American community. I’m not sure if this recent cover story was just part of the movement to vilify Cosby or an attempt by the editors at Ebony to increase readership.
Here’s a statement that was released in response to the Ebony cover.
“This was not an easy decision but I believe with everything that our collective healing is tied to baring truths, confronting selves, and dismantling crutches. We aim to uplift. However, sometimes before you rise up, you break down. We invite each of you, mixed feelings and all to READ this issue. Ebony has a 70 year old history and you’d be surprised to know how tame this cover is in many aspects-especially when compared with some of what the magazine has addressed in the past. We won’t stop being maverick because it makes some uncomfortable. The times are calling. Too much is at stake. Informed debate is healthy and we need more of it.”
Now, I don’t really have a problem with the story but my problem is with the cover art. The fact that Ebony chose to have a picture of the cast of the Cosby Show featured with a bullet shot and shattered glass is problematic; especially during this anti-gun and #BlackLivesMatter movement. As I said earlier, I could have analyzed the cover too much, trying to place too inference on the symbolism of the cover. As a matter of fact, it’s possible that it’s not a bullet hole but just a shatter photo of what is meant to represent the perfect black family. Unfortunately, the cover is a reminder of the violence and unforgiveness that’s all too prevalent within our community. Month after month, women were coming out of the woodwork to tell the world about their encounter with Bill Cosby but no formal charges were filed and I’ve been waiting to hear about a civil case. If they want to destroy Cosby, they should go after the man but not the show many of us enjoyed throughout the 80’s and 90’s. I think it was an attempt to symbolize the shattering of a picturesque family that happened to be African-American but I just think it was a poor decision. I don’t know what happened between Cosby and all those women but I will always remember the Cosby Show like this because that image is still unshattered in my mind.
