Stephen Cobert may have went way over the top to then soften the controversy of guest Joe Biden, but I am disturbed by the disregard for fact.
I watched stephen cobert on comedy central 2/1/2007 and was totally floored by the lack of consideration for the facts. Cobert (like he usually does), cut into the last minute of the Daily show to accentuate his segment that follows.
During their exchange, Cobert was typically hyper and over-the-top; but maybe because I am of African Lineage, his rants about Black History Month were abrassive.
My first inclination was to verify that there was an uncomfortable feeling present, and then to do a system check. It didn't take long for me to figure out that my disdain for Coberts' skit, was the 'the skit'.
He and/or his writers are either extremely intelligent, and so by disrespecting the whole idea of or need for,a Black History Month; somehow the negative dialogue could promote a "deeper" look at the topic itself.
OR
The intention was a passive-aggressive attack, on a culture and a people that have been suppressed, victimized, and purposefully misrepresented.
An example;
Cobert was intent on convincing Jon Stewart that there was no need for a month for Black people, especially since their only contribution to American society has been Harriet Tubman and George Washington Carver.
Cobert even insisted that after the first week of February, 'we' (society)
would have to start looking for 'icons' to represent the remainder of the month.
This letter is inspired by the lack of representation and acknowledgement of the contributions that Africans have made to this properous country.
Instead of slewing out a impassioned rebuttle to Coberts' irresponsible programming; I want to challenge my fellow countrymen and women to seek
(google) some of these "rumored" contributions and wether or not we should have been taught this facts in school.
The filament for the light bulb was created/designed by whom?
The inventor of the elevator. The inventor of the washing machine.
The creator of the railroad box car connectors. The first person to design, create and sell shoes with the sole connected. The first successful heart surgeon. The inventor of the cotton gin.
etc etc.. the list is extensive and quite remarkeable really, since education and other services were not available to them.
The fact that these inventors were able to create substantial items or perform ground-breaking feats, is remarkable.
What would they or others' suppressed or at the very list, discouraged, be able to contribute to this country if they were given an equal opportunity ?
Even though these inventors were acknowledged, most of them had their ideas stolen, replicated or falsely patented.
What would their lives have been like if they had recieved the monetary compensation and profits form their inventions?
How different would the lives of their decendants be?
How have major past and present companies benefited from their inventions?
Do they at least deserve a place in histroy? An accurate representation would be a nice start. Reperations is a whole other topic.