What's The Matter, Black Folks? Can't Take a Compliment

The Reverend Al Sharton had dinner with a radio talk host- I'll reveal his name in a moment- at Sylvia's in Harlem. This talk show host made a comment that Sylvia's is no different than any restaurant in Little Italy. This host commented that the people were respectful, and no one caused so much of a stir (other than their entrance).

This same talk show host made a point that a lot of black people are beginning to think for themselves, and are "steering away from the Jessie Jacksons and Al Sharptons." Which sounds like a complement to me, given that both Jackson and Sharpton are pretty much hate and fear mongerers.

The talk show host is none other than Bill O'Reilly, of The Radio Factor and Fox News' O'Reilly Factor.

And now his comments are drawing criticism from liberal radio powerhouse Air America and some in the black press. Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group called the comments ignorant and racially charged.

Ignorant and racially charged? Wait a sec. You mean to tell me that Mr. O'Reilly's comments on the civility of his visit to Sylvia's, and his going to a recent Anita Baker concert was racially charged?

Hmmm.

Sure, O'Reilly criticizes hip hop and gangsta rap- and he has a right to his opinions. But O'Reilly was saying that black folks are pretty much making progress in society. Of course, not everything's hunky-dory, but at least he's saying that the African-American segment- at least the majority of them- are doing quite fine.

Be happy, guys.

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.