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Sharpening My Knivez
By Cyd Zeigler, Jr.
Outsports.com
Copyright 2000
"Come to me with faggot
tendencies, you be sleeping where the maggots be."
It's been a long two weeks for the
author of these lyrics, the latest NBA-star-turned-rapper, Allen
Iverson (or Jewelz, as he's also called). In a statement
released last Tuesday, Iverson apologized for any offense any women
or gay people might take from his upcoming debut album.
But, oddly, that debut album isn't
being released for months. So, why the big hoopla?
The gay media, and GLAAD
(Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in particular, have
made it their business to target people they deem homophobic and get
them to stop using words like "faggot." Their target
earlier this year was the rapper Eminem, who talked about men eloping
and people being "gay," and whom the gay media helped sell
a near-record 1.7 million albums in the first seven days. This
time around, though, they have been joined by some unimaginable
allies: the sports media.
I felt bad for that woman driving
next to me on Fountain Avenue last Wednesday morning as I heard one
talk show host blasting Allen Iverson for being homophobic, as I nearly hit
her as I swerved into her lane, stunned by what I just heard.
That afternoon, it was much of the
same, hearing another sports talking head calling for Iverson to be kicked
off the Philadelphia 76ers roster for his homophobic and sexist
remarks language in his music.
Huh? Was I hearing that
right? The bastion of heterosexuality - the same guys I hear
every day around the dial talk about the Dallas Cheerleaders' tits and rake the WNBA
across the coals - is standing up against homophobia and sexism?
Maybe it was just a dull sports story
day. Maybe their programming directors told them to.
Whatever the reason, these homophobic, sexist bastards were standing
up against Allen Iverson for spewing homophobic, sexist remarks.
Like I said, GLAAD has some
unexpected bedfellows.
Whether they believe it or not, they
seem to be on the right track. As Allen Iverson hides behind
the "art" of rap, most of America seems to be reading
through it and seeing some pretty scary lyrics in black and white.
Iverson does hold some blame for this
pre-release melee. He is refusing to talk about the album,
except to music outlets (like The Source and Vibe magazines).
He is hiding behind the Adult Advisory label, saying that the music
isn't for anyone under 21 - even though the label only protects
those under 18. And, he seems to have no clue about the power
of music, saying "it's just hip-hop" - which is arguably
the most powerful genre of music today.
For now, I'm holding my
judgment. I'm a huge rap and hip-hop fan and can actually
distinguish between a Timbaland and Puffy track. I like Eminem.
I don't find his lyrics, or his music, offensive. Eminem is
funny to me. And I rejoiced when Boy George and Elton John
defended Eminem, saying he made good music and he wasn't
homophobic.
I'm holding judgment on Iverson, but
waiting for the worst. In the few trigger-pulling,
faggot-killing lyrics I've seen released from his album, it does not
look good. Whereas Eminem had a playfulness and irreverence to
his music that softened the blow of some of his lyrics, what I have
read about Iverson's music is that it's full of anger, hate, and
gunshots.
I'm not surprised that so many
corners of the mass media are up in arms. I am, however, a
little disappointed.
None of these people have heard this
album. It's no surprise
that Iverson is refusing to talk to anyone in the sports media about
his music career - at the hint of trouble, they have surrounded him
and are already going for the jugular.
Instead of taking what is printed in
the press and running with it, I'm waiting until I hear for myself
what Jewelz has to say about who I'm sleeping with. After I
hear the album, then I'll decide whether or not to label him a
hate-mongering homophobic, sexist bastard.
But, I'm sharpening my knives.
What do you think of the Iverson
controversy? Post
your thoughts on our discussion board.
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