[TheBlueMarvel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor Laserpunch

Cube has a history of anti-semitic/homophobic/anti-white lyrics and involvement with the Nation of Islam (via Chuck D, who has similar issues). He’s harder to “cancel” than bruiser lady but it’s not as if he’s getting away with anything.

When I was a teenager starting college I was a ball of anxious intellectual energy; learning so much more about the world than what had been made available through traditional schooling. As a marginalized African American male, many of the conspiracies that influenced Cube found resonance within me and while he wasn't my favorite rapper (KRS still holds that spot - similar messaging, albeit with a more succinct and cerebral Pan-African bent) I appreciated and liked his music if only for its open challenge to status quo. While Cube went on to become a multi-millionaire celebrity insulating himself in an echo-chamber right off the bat by allowing the NOI (Nation of Islam) to manipulate him (to an extent, Cube definitely possesses a mind of his own), I on the other hand was working towards a political science degree with intentions of going to law school (changed that up when I got a feel for the field and its pitfalls). There's no value judgement here and the only distinction I'm making is that despite his millions and the fame, I may have had an advantage in untethering myself from the conspiracies targeted at both of us as black males of a similar age and demographic.

I understand how people who lack access to knowledge of how systems (i.e. governance, finance, law, medicine, etc) work can become susceptible to taking shortcuts to understanding. Been there, done that shit.. It can be quite intimidating when attempting to self-educate on the numerous topics underneath the sun impacting our lives and most would prefer to find some personality or guru who can make sense of life for them. However, this cult of personality approach is incredibly dangerous especially with the contents of Pandora's Box spilling out in every direction via the intertubes. I admonish everyone to talk to each other, directly if you can, but always think for yourself and litmus test ideas others foist upon you.

You are completely correct in your criticisms of both Chuck D and Cube. I won't challenge or be an apologist for either, even though the former (Chuck) of the two was a very important musical icon to me for a long stretch of my life. We're all humans, prone to the same failings with similar potential for enlightenment. Just as I was able to pull away from toxic beliefs, I have to believe others are capable of the same movement in philosophy, especially when provided with the tools (truth/objective and accurate historical reference and lived experience) to see through lies and manipulations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor Laserpunch

Tropes indeed. Can such clichéd crap still qualify as art? It toes the line of racist propaganda.

Yeah, to me, that piece is painfully and obviously racist. That person could benefit from examining themselves a bit more closely.