Charles Barkley rants about Russell Wilson being called ‘not black enough’

[snooper2]

big discussion on sports talk radio right now-

I've had this discussion in the past with one of my co-workers who is well off now but wasn't when growing up. When he goes back to his old neighborhood he still has old friends from growing up who call him "whiteified" whatever that means.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=&w=1484
Russell Wilson tunes out the noise as he warms up for the Seahawks game against the Carolina Panthers. (Bob Leverone / AP)


"Charles Barkley weighed in on a report that the Seattle Seahawks’ locker room is divided because quarterback Russell Wilson isn’t “black enough,” saying that blacks are “brainwashed to think, if you’re not a thug or an idiot, you’re not black enough.”

snip

"“We as black people are never going to be successful, not because of you white people, but because of other black people. When you are black, you have to deal with so much crap in your life from other black people,” Barkley said in a CBS Philly radio interview on “Afternoons with Anthony Gargano and Rob Ellis.”

Barkley wasn’t finished.

“For some reason we are brainwashed to think, if you’re not a thug or an idiot, you’re not black enough. If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent, and don’t break the law, you’re not a good black person. It’s a dirty, dark secret in the black community.

“There are a lot of black people who are unintelligent, who don’t have success. It’s best to knock a successful black person down because they’re intelligent, they speak well, they do well in school, and they’re successful. It’s just typical BS that goes on when you’re black, man."


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/10/26/charles-barkley-rants-about-russell-wilson-being-called-not-black-enough/

[JustAnotherGen]

1. I don't think it's as prevalent as he makes it out to be

This is colorism and a whole host of other "inner" black community issues . . . but it's just one piece of the puzzle.

And it is not that big of a piece of the puzzle. The 'you speak white' nonsense really started to taper off about 10/15 years ago. Just doesn't happen like that anymore. Perhaps he's too far removed from the black low income culture for too long . . .

[RadicalGeek]

3. I Think It Is

And I'm wondering if the Black Community is going to attack the messenger since they may not like the message.

The quote about "Street Cred" I think does have some credence. . .

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

5. Why do you wonder? It shouldn't be white folks' concern. We have these discussions

all the time in the black community amongst ourselves. It is an issue, though it's becoming less of an issue. Charles is making it out to be much more of an issue now than it used to be.

Bottom line is that there are many successful blacks. And while I appreciate his defense of Russell Wilson--who I really like--the way Sir Charles put it, you'd think the black community is nothing but a bunch of dumb, ignorant thugs, hoodlums and welfare queens, and that's just not true.

Really, Charles hasn't said anything new here. But since he's chastising blacks, that always gets the attention of mainstream media. White folk love it when black public figures publicly chastise their own.

[JustAnotherGen]

10. True -

Re black public figures chastising their own.

There was a thread in GD on Friday - about five black American men you respect (search reddread posts). Anyways - I saw a few people put Bill Cosby on there. I'm not saying that THIS is their reason for 'respecting him' - but I tend to believe the 'whispers' about Cosby. I was kind of stunned at the level of respect given him - but not Paul Mooney. Of the same era yet of a higher level of HONESTY and integrity. Both comedians as how they started out . . .

[hfojvt]

49. Who the heck is Paul Mooney?

Okay, that is funny, I was just reading about Mooney and Richard Pryor on SNL.

But still Pryor and Cosby are famous, Mooney far less so.

I, for one (or four) grew up with Bill Cosby, listening to the record "Bill Cosby is a very funny fellow" in the late 1960s. Practically have the Noah skits memorized. "Right. What's a cubit?"

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

51. Paul Mooney is another comedic genius! He and Dick Gregory, who, by the way...

Since the OP is so concerned about us black folk "checking each other" is another black public figure who uses social commentary in comedic fashion to speak to our issues and--in a way--chastise us.

Everyone should know who Dick Gregory is. Look him up on YouTube. He and Paul Mooney.

Dick still thrives and is living well here in Washington, D.C.

[BronxBoy]

58. Paul Mooney is a God among Black comedians.....

and many White ones as well

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

85. Yeah because he gives whites permission to call us "niggers"--in context, of course.

This is truth.

[JustAnotherGen]

60. They also wrote

A great deal for Sanford and Son - and Saturday Night Live.

I was born in 1973 - I remember laughing at Silver Streak and my dad telling me -you think that guy is funny? Ooooh boy. Let me tell ya about Paul Mooney!

Years late - the guy shows up on Chappelle. Negrodamus is a classic!

He's got a book - Black Is The New White. If you can catch a copy of it - it's funny as hell. They way he rags on that original SNL cast is sooooo funny.

He INSISTS that Chevy Chase was running around asking everyone else - Why doesn't Paul like meeeeeeeeeeeee?



Link to his book - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-is-the-new-white-paul-mooney/1100334158?ean=9781416587965

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

41. That's bullshit! Straight up bullshit. Are you black? If not, you need to check yourself.

You have no right to speak on these issues, really. You don't.

Whether you hear it from public figures or not, we--black people ourselves--speak amongst ourselves about a host of issues. Whether in our churches, barber shops or hair salons, schools, living rooms, diners, within the confines of our professional establishments, on blogs and discussion forums that are dedicated to OUR issues!!!

How dare you! You don't get to tell us what we should and should not do; or who should and should not speak for us.

Who the hell do you think you are!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

45. I have to agree with you

Sometimes things are pretty obvious - huh?

[backwoodsbob]

71. so whites do not have the right to talk about African American issues

but African Americans can talk about white issues.

Got it

[Number23]

73. What are these "white issues" you're talking about?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

81. Whites do not get to tell blacks how to deal with issues specific to them, no!

They DO NOT get to talk down or condescend blacks, fuck no!!!

[AgingAmerican]

84. And it goes both ways

At which time we will have evolved out of this racist nonsense.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

44. Actually your post is not only highly offensive, it is borderline racist.

You need to watch what you say or you will be alerted. Seriously.

Tread lightly.

I don't play this racist shit around here.

Tread lightly.

[AgingAmerican]

40. It isn't an issue with the Seahawks

Richard Sherman: Russell Wilson 'black enough' story is 'made up'

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24769696/richard-sherman-russell-wilson-black-enough-story-is-made-up

[JustAnotherGen]

8. I'm not attacking the messenger at all

And I tend to agree with Liberal Stalwart on this.


Even more so - I guess I don't understand why this would matter to white Americans?

This is really an old way of thinking on his part. I look at my nephews in particular - and this just isn't something you hear among their set.

[snooper2]

27. this is from just a couple years ago

Black men dealing with acting white label

[JustAnotherGen]

28. Can you show me an article

Can't watch video right now.


Ask yourself this snooper -


Do you really want this to be true?

And then ask - how do white men denigrate each other when one is successful and doing the right thing?


I think if you asked either of my nephews - getting shot for walking while black in their own upper middle class neighborhood by a non black person is more of a concern for them.

[snooper2]

31. do I want it to be true? odd question, it exists denying it is stupid

How do white men denigrate each other?

Well,

You have been on DU for a while- Calling folks white trash and from the backwoods and ignorant rednecks is pretty common. Now looking at it from the other perspective since one could say I grew up "trashy", we used the words yuppie/uptight/prick.

This dude grew up "poor/country" and as soon as he started making it now he is a sell-out, forgot his roots, etc.- Yes, it happens in multiple cultures.

[JustAnotherGen]

35. I'm not stupid

I have the reality of first hand experience.

I deny that this is the GREATEST issue on the plates of black folks - and it needs to be discussed ad nauseum at the level of unfair lending practices to the black community . . . amongst the dominant culture.

It's not a funny question at all.


Is this more important? Or are the financial policies and practices of a good 50 years more important?

Ask a black chick!

(Pssst - that last sentence is a reference to a Chappelle skit - Ask A Black Dude.)

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

32. Why do you care so much about this?

I mean, Richard Sherman graduated at the top of his high school class. He attended Stanford, was drafted, but went back to earn his degree. He then returned years later to earn a Master's degree.

He's on the Seattle Seahawks' team as well. Why hasn't he faced these issues as Russell has? Both Russell and Richard both said that it wasn't about race. This is Sir Charles' take on locker room banter. I'm assuming that was goes on in football locker rooms is normal--immature men behaving badly. Russell seems to be very subdued and very mature. I believe Troy Aikman had this issue as well. There were rumors that he was gay. No, he wasn't gay. He was just very mature and didn't objectify women like the other immature guys did in the locker room.

And again, since it's so prevalent as you and Sir Charles say, why do you care so much?

Why is it so important that you prove his point?

[cilla4progress]

53. Richard Sherman - another leader

and all-around awesome guy.

Got to google - what is he studying?

Ahh, my Seahawks - <sigh> ...

PS Also, Hauschka, John Ryan, LUKE WILLSON, WHAT ABOUT DOUG BALDWIN? Another Stanford grad.

Sorry if I'm sabotaging the thread. Just ignore me, if so. It's fun for me to see our team members being discussed here on DU, though.

[randys1]

29. Yes you do know why white Americans care so much about this

Some folks live for the chance to hear a Black person say something bad about the Black community so they can pile on, I call it the O'Reilly syndrome

That stupid god damn racist and bigot Bill O'Reilly actually represents exactly the thinking of millions of older white folk in this country.

Imagine that, Martha, these Black people actually can run a restaurant without screaming and running around doing rain dances!




wait, rain dances, how about fire dances...i figure he can insult two communities at once

I think that dipshit believes most Black folk go to spear throwing practice on the weekend...

[cilla4progress]

33. I hear you.

Even when we aren't downing Black folks in this country, we are stereotyping them. Voice tone, physical actions - look at a lot of TV shows and commercials.

Anyone seen the latest one with former NFL pro, Icky Woods? I rest my case.

Not that there is anything wrong with exulting in caricatures, necessarily, but how about some equal time for ALL the diversity within EVERY racial / ethnic / gender group?

Also, diehard Russell Wilson fan (I'm a Seahawk fan who actually LIVES in Washington state), and we love the guy! I hope he'll run for political office some day (I know, bad me). He has leadership ability oozing out his pores. I'm afraid he might be a Republican, though!

Here's a faux pas for you: national media yesterday talking about putting Marshawn Lynch on the "trading block". Maybe I'm too PC, and I'm not straight up criticizing the terminology, but it brings to mind how these young men are in fact seen and handled by the NFL - some links to commercial transactions of old (and yes, in some sense, I am referring to slavery). If nothing more, a poor choice of words.

Don't you just love thinking about all the Bubbas out there who stare at teevee football all day every Sunday? What are they thinking? This - and only this - is the right venue for Black men?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

39. Yep! Everyone was going in on Marshawn Lynch, too. I noticed that.

[randys1]

70. Kevin Costner film "Draft Day" is very good if you are NFL fan, I am not a fan anymore

but I was a RAIDER fanatic back when Stabler and Plunkett were kicking ass, and then of course Montana and Rice, etc. (had to switch to Niner fan right about the time of "The Catch" as the Raiders sucked way more often than not)


But this is a good movie if the way the NFL treats these men interests you...

[cilla4progress]

82. I'll put it on my list!

Any Given Sunday is my favorite football movie. Full of stereotypes ... oy!

[Drahthaardogs]

80. The media stereotypes EVERYONE in this country.

How about the Jimmy John's commercial with the Mexican-American lady with five unruly kids and a messy house?

When was the last time you saw an Italian American portrayed on TV that was not mobbed up or have a Brooklyn accent?

How about a Jewish person who was not a doctor, lawyer, or investment banker?

Everyone is reduced to a stereotype. I have no idea why, but they do it....

As for the whole "not black enough", what a stupid, stupid, statement. Every black person I know is a highly skilled professional. I think their kids kind of buy into the hip hop genre and rap scene (as do a lot of white kids) but seriously, when I was in high school girls used aquanet to make their bangs 8-inches tall to look like Metal Rockers.

[cilla4progress]

83. Good points all.

I hear you!

So much easier to stereotype, than to directly and individually discern.

[JustAnotherGen]

37. I think you are right!

I bet O'Reilly DOES believe that!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

52. It is clear that you are 100% right about the OP.

[snooper2]

59. yeah, you read me like a book

[Number23]

74. Yeah, it's kind of obvious what's going on in this thread. Shameful and stupid too, but also

incredibly obvious.

I think Charles Barkley's comments are some of the stupidest things I've read in a long time. He needs to get out more and hang out with lots of different types of black people and stop with the Bullshit that we are all the same, which is what way too many clueless white people think too. Proves that there are lots of black people that revel in stereotyping their own people and are just as dumb about them as any Tea Bagger.

I grew up in an all black environment from the time I was born until I started college and saw absolutely nothing but black doctors, lawyers, mayors and I'm not even talking about the Huxtables. In my real life. Everyone in my family (older than me) has a college degree, and many of us have traveled the world and we are still some of the "blackest" black folks out there, whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean.

[randys1]

77. Just seems to be so many white experts about Black people, all it takes is one Black

person to say anything negative, at all, about the AA community and they are all off to the races.


I tend to express opinions about what I know about, and lately that is how much I cant stand rightwingers

I am not much of expect on anything else

[Number23]

79. White people have always been excellent at telling everybody else about themselves

while blithely ignoring all discussions about their own fuckups and issues. That's as American as apple pie.

[brush]

30. Barkeley's mistake is implying that "all" black people practice that crap

There' a minority of people in the black community that haven't been exposed to much outside of the "hood" and expect everyone to speak ebonics and not try to gain marketable skills in school.

It's not everyone, not my family and not my friends.

It's a minority in the black community and Charles knows that, or he should, because he came from a black neighborhood in the South and he's done ok.

Guess he forgot he wasn't the only one that got out of his "hood".

[Quayblue]

46. How many black people do you know?

[Quayblue]

7. I agree with you.

He really is too far removed, especially with the Millenials. They have a mindset I am quite proud to see, not afraid to be different and not afraid to strike out and try new things.

[JustAnotherGen]

14. That makes sense

I just don't see this when I'm around my nephews and their friends - and their friends are of all socio economic backgrounds - though they tend to be mostly minority . . . i.e. Nephews are black but friends who are also black, latino/hispanic, Asian Indian, Asian, etc. etc.

I just don't see this being a topic of discussion. If anything - there is this massive denigration if you are a 'loser' by their standards. I.E. Not out there shaking things up and making things happen for yourself.

My older nephew is now 21 - and the doubling down to 'Win win win' after their summer internships on Wall Street is really frightening.

[JI7]

72. i agree, if anything black people (and other minorities) are often more

critical of the faults of their own communities when they are talking among each other.

this is true with blacks, hispanics, asians etc. gays and women also.

if you attend any business, party etc which is mostly dominated by one group you will often hear this.

[randys1]

78. When is the last time we saw a teapartier criticize another teapartier for being the moron

he or she surely is...never

[YarnAddict]

2. I'm from Wisconsin

and so have followed Wilson's career a bit. He seems to be a great guy, unlike so many other pro athetes (of all races) who are better known for their poor choices than their prowess on the field.

[LittleBlue]

4. Such BS

Unfair criticism of Russ. He's a genuinely nice guy. Glad to see Sir Charles defending him.

[yeoman6987]

6. I agree

The only thing I can't believe is the crap that young African Americans get from their peers when trying to get the best grades possible especially the males. I wish there was a way to stop that type of thinking.

[JustAnotherGen]

9. Are there any statistics surrounding this?

That shows that this is happening and that's why young black males are not successful in academics?

I don't think there is . . .

[yeoman6987]

11. I don't think so either

I hope having an African American President has stopped it as much and hopefully completely.

[JustAnotherGen]

18. I don't think Obama stopped it

I think this 'phased out' in the early 1990's as the men who were able to use Affirmative Action to punch through previously closed doors had children leaving high school/ attending university. Their older grandchildren just don't engage this nonsense.

Generation X black folks - was the beginning of the phase out of this mind set.


If anything I've seen a win at all costs mentality take over - and considering the racial climate of America -

It's not a bad thing among young black Americans.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

16. You're from Maryland, right? I used to teach college at Maryland, and let me tell you...

The kids these days--ALL OF THEM--get grief (particularly the males) for getting good grades. It's no longer cool to be too much of a nerd. It ain't cool to be smart like it was when I was a kid.

And this phenomenon that white people think is prevalent in the black community? That is a fairly recent thing--maybe started out in the late 80s, through the 90s but has leveled off pretty much and is not that big of a problem. Well, is not any bigger of a problem than it is for the larger society. As I said before, there has been a systematic dumbing down of the entire society, so much so that to be smart is not cool--and that's typically among ALL races. Most schools do not teach critical thinking skills; most do not teach "life skills" anymore. A lot of these kids, when they get to college, can't read well and are horrible writers, but can take a damn test. They can't think their way out of paper bag, though.

One of the reasons why I gave up teaching is because I lost passion for it because the students lacked the love of learning. And the culture of learning has become all about teaching to a test. Who wants to do that.

So, while Sir Charles is half right, making it about race makes him an idiot. And Charles is not the most articulate guy I've ever heard, either, so he needs to take a seat.

Oh, but white people will love and applaud him because he's yet another highly accomplished black person who excuses racism and claims that it's blacks who are contributing to their own demise.

It's bullshit. Pure bullshit.

[JustAnotherGen]

19. Excellent point on him not being very articulate himself

A Tale of Two Entertainers -


Compare Jay Z in an interview -


to Barkley.

Marked difference in the way in which they express themselves.

[cilla4progress]

55. So true!

Remember all the anti-intellectual crap supporting GW? It's the same thing that goes on in the tea party now. Think Sarah Palin, mocking Pres. Obama during the campaign. When she spoke it was like vomit.

There's a strong thread of this in American politics. I think they call it "populism" now, which is too bad, because it's not real populism.

[Harmony Blue]

15. Yup

Wilson is a very good role model for kids.

[dilby]

12. There are definetly some issues with the Seahawks locker room.

They can play it however they want but Harvin getting traded and Lynch being told he is not coming back next year tells me management is doing some house cleaning. Unfortunately this is probably coming with some resentment on Wilson since the players perceive him with having a close working relationship with management. Hopefully they can all come together and do what is best for the organization and act like Super Bowl champions instead of spoiled children.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

22. Yes, there appears to be tension in the locker room, but racial tension?

Racial tension because Russell Wilson is "smart" and "got good grades"?

I'll tell you why that's offensive and why you should and the others in this thread should stop this nonsense because you're playing right into racist stereotypes that you're purporting to be fighting against:

Two words: RICHARD SHERMAN

Do you know about Richard Sherman?

Yes, THAT Richard Sherman! Yes, him! He got good grades! He was at the top of his class! He attended Stanford University, was drafted, but returned to complete his degree and went back for his Masters!

So stop!

[dilby]

25. I did not say racial tension, I send tension.

I don't know if what is being reported is correct or not. I do know that Wilson is seen as a leader and if other players feel he is too close with management that will cause problems when they see team members getting traded. Lynch was pissed when they traded Harvin and to hear this week that they were going to be getting rid of him at the end of the season probably has others not too happy.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

36. This is why I mentioned "racial tension"

Here's the article where Richard Sherman apparently responds to questions regarding racial tension and rumors about what goes on in the locker room:

www.si.com/.../Richard-Sherman-Seattle-Seahawks-racial-tension-locker

[dilby]

48. Well there are some issues there for sure though.

I like Richard Sherman a lot and Russel Wilson, both of them are class acts and pillars of their community. Hopefully whatever the issue is in the locker room can be addressed because the Seahawks are not playing like they should.

[cilla4progress]

56. Whereas I'm quite certain most of what we read it blather,

I did read yesterday that Russell Wilson fought to keep Harvin!

[KamaAina]

47. I'm hoping for the spoiled children myself

[joeglow3]

13. My brother-in-law is black and was bullied for studying in middle school & high school

Many people bullied him and his sisters and told them they were "acting white" because they studied and read.

[JustAnotherGen]

17. What years/decade was that?

What state and what region?

[joeglow3]

20. Omaha Nebraska. Late 1990s through 2006 or so.

[JustAnotherGen]

21. Interesting

I'm wondering if in those places where blacks are so few and far between - it continues? I.E. I don't think of Nebraska, Montana, places like that especially at the turn of the century has having a high density of black folks competing academically then for the highest paying jobs.

[joeglow3]

23. Actually, Omaha is not the best place, economically speaking, for minorities

I read somewhere in the last few years that Omaha had one of the largest economic gaps between blacks and whites. Maybe there is a greater sense of challenge and the contributes to it? I don't know...

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

38. I admit that I too was bullied for being smart and accused of "acting white".

And yes, this was a phenomenon when I was in school in the 80s (high school) and early 90s (college).

However, I do not think "acting white" is as prevalent of a problem today as it was 20 years ago.

In fact, it wasn't a problem when my parents were in school. They'd fight over who was the smartest in school.

I really think this problem is more of a Generation X and Y issue and not so much a Millenials phenomenon anymore.

I'm not suggesting that it doesn't exist; just saying that it's not as prevalent anymore.

[JustAnotherGen]

42. ITA on Gen X and Gen Y

I think we (X in particular) were a bridge generation.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

50. The Reagan Era/MTV Generation fucked it up for everyone. There was something about

that time--hyper-individualism, selfishness, backlash against cooperativism--the pursuit of capitalism, money...

Maybe that didn't require intellect or intelligence; it required one to be conniving and creative.

I'm not sure what happened, actually, but the late 70s, early 80s was when the black middle- and upper-classes really began to break off from the black working- and lower-classes; move to the suburbs; integrate more heavily than ever. Maybe that's where the schism occurred.

It could be an interesting sociological or anthro-sociological study for someone to take on. I think W.E.B. DuBois attempted it, but not the "acting white" phenomenon.

[JustAnotherGen]

57. I think there's some truth to that

I.E. The break relating to housing opportunities.

[NCTraveler]

24. Similar conversations were had about the SF quarterback.

Not one thing about the conversation is right.

[Blue_Tires]

26. I personally know Wilson and his family

and where they come from...Anyone saying this bullshit either:

1. Has no fucking idea what they're talking about whatsoever

2. Are intentionally smearing Wilson to the sports media out of jealousy

3. Is the type of person who equates "Not black enough" with "Able to speak/tweet coherent sentences and not get his name on the police blotter every Saturday night for gunplay, fightin' in da club, DUI, reefer smoke, punching chicks, etc."

[maced666]

68. White privilege

[Blue_Tires]

69. White privilege from Barkley?

That doesn't make any sense to me...

[Number23]

75. Thank you. This OP is probably one of the most cringe-inducing fiascos I've seen in a long

time. And that is TRULY saying something considering how cringe-worthy DU has been for so long.

I'm not sure that the OP intended this to be so revolting (or maybe he did, I don't know) but the results are fairly inducing

[Enrique]

43. this is Charles Barkley's interpretation

he might be right, that might be what is happening in which case that would be wrong. But the point he is making is political, and Barkley is a political guy so he might be skewing what is actually going on.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

54. Exactly. Charles is extrapolating. Some other guys on the team were, too.

But again, why target Russell and not, say, Richard Sherman, who exceled in school. The guy listens to classical music and is well rounded? Doesn't make sense.

I've had my own issues with Charles in the past, though. He's a recovering Republican, anyway, but that's another long story with him.

[BronxBoy]

61. This is what I posted yesterday about this....

I agree with Charles one hundred percent. And I suspect that many, probably the majority, of a lot of our people feel the same way. I think that the majority of people who might get upset with Charles will do so not because of the the substance of what he said but more because he said it "in front of company" These issues do get discussed in Black households as do "thugs", "saggy pants" and the street cred mentality. I'm sure that once my wife sees Sir Charles' comments, we'll be discussing it again.

Someone posted a thread in GD the other day about how we need to really have a national discussion about race. The day was nice and I didn't participate too much in the thread but I did post that I don't think we will ever to that point because it would mean that groups would need to take a hard look at problems in their communities and then discuss them with other groups. This is a good example of that. Not many people want to have this type of conversation in the light of day and potentially subject themselves to some very unflattering criticism.

And Black people aren't the only group that feels this way. I remember reading an article back in the 80's when the junk bond scandals were jumping off. The article had a quote from a wall streeter who was Jewish. They had just released a large collection of indictments and this person recounted the shame and dread he felt upon seeing that so many of the targets of the indictments had Jewish surnames.

So rather than being mad at Charles, I do hope that his comments lead to even more discussion about some of the pathologies within our community

[Mr Dixon]

62. SMH

In my humble opinion sir Charles has a point however dated it maybe, this is not a new subject this has been going on for a while meaning late 60’s early 70’s. There is a divide in the black community or acting or speaking white, I have been subject to this label and believe me it is not fun. One situation when I was stationed in Germany and a squad leader all me people were mixed, white guy, Latino, German and I guy from India, we got along great 1# squad because we worked together, 2nd Squad was a bunch of Black dudes some smart some not so much, the problem was they looked at me differently because I made no efforts to join their collective madness. I blaze my own trail race doesn’t dictate my actions or associations, now if we can get the police force to see that maybe I would free safer LOL

[AverageJoe90]

63. "not black enough"? Really, Barkley?

Frankly, Russell Wilson is a damn good-looking dude. And I say this as a straight guy.

Please, just STFU, okay, Charlie?

[maced666]

66. Um, he is arguing with you on this particular point.

He is arguing against the 'not black enough' line

[AverageJoe90]

67. Well, alright. If that's true, you'll forgive the misunderstanding, I hope?

[bravenak]

76. True.

He is fine as wine.

[Catherine Vincent]

64. Barkley is just trying to stir things up

And in the process, keeps his name out there which keeps the money rolling in. I don't think it's such a big deal as he makes it out to be. If that were the case, then the majority of African Americans wouldn't have voted for President Obama ... TWICE.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

65. One of my friends got the "not black enough" line from black university faculty

One of whom dubbed him "Chet Van Buren".

His crime as he perceived it was having grown up in an Orange County beach town, playing badminton, being soft spoken and not having a particularly good knowledge of the Black neighborhoods of Los Angeles he had simply never been to.