Ok, so since some here some here (some international orgers) who many not have understood the the reason many were holding their hands up, during the grammys on stage during some artists' performance. It was a representation of protest against police brutality and racial profiling, it was in relation to the police brutality/racial profiling protests that took place in America, and in solidarity in some countries around the globe. The protests is to force change and improvement within police depts and how they police many communities of color. Many celebbs during the grammys were in solidarity of these protests and societal concerns, and part of the protest movement of 'Black Lives Matter', which is a term/phrase many have stated in support of these protests. The FBI Director pretty much discusses racial injustice towards Black Americans in this country, and explains that these specific issues, need to improve . Also, states there has to be better policing, and that both the police and Black community have to find solutions to build trust and respect among one another, and that changes have to take place for us to move forward in a progressive and positive manner. The grammys this year focused on raising awareness of these particular societal ills, as many represented on stage with their 'hands up' in silence, in protest. I hope this sort of explains the many inquiries and curiosity of the reference to 'Black Lives Matter', expressed by many celebs, citizens, musicians/artists, activists from all racial groups and walks of life.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/0...mes-comey/

[Edited 2/12/15 17:29pm]

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

babynoz said: Absolutely agree with you. I really think some folks missed the point of his comment.

But that is actually where I'm focusing on.

No one know what the point of his comment is...

For us to make it the word of God (OH Prince said it so that validates 'my' arguement' or to make it a comment of division, should be neither (Prince shouldn't have said it destroys his fan base)
it just shouldn't be from either side

.

When Prince said women in Muslim societies were happy being covered head to toe and not having a choice. What do we do with that. Do we know what he means? And should we disect his words. Because in that case if I did, I would look at Prince differently.

His point was clear, and no one is making it personal or changing his comments or making it the word of God, as you are implied. So you shouldn't take it that way, let people express their opinions on it, whether any of us agree with each other or not. He plainly said, "Like books and Black lives, albums still matter", so who is changing what he said? Lol. Now can you argue that Prince didn't mean what he said when he clearly stated that? The comment speaks for itself. He would have no reason to mention 'Black lives' in that sentence if he didn't have a clever reason for stating it that way. Read between the lines. Come on now OF4S, you are a lot smarter than that. I am not putting words in Prince's mouth that he said himself, so really no need to imply that. Again, we are all entitled to express our opinions about his comments, whether you or anyone else, including myself, agrees with each other or not.

The discussion on this thread also included that the Grammys'focus this year , was about raising social awareness on specific societal ills - police brutality/racial profiling/domestic violence. Now it is was clear when you saw the people on stage in some of the artists' performance, with their 'hands up' symbolic to one in surrender mode, are you going to tell me you had no idea who and what that was in reference too? Come on now. Also, why would Prince even mention Black lives in the same sentence, as saying 'books and albums' still matter, if he wasn't cleverly trying to send the message that Black lives matter? Of course some fans didn't like hearing that coming from Prince, which quite honestly, the reaction from some fans was no surprise. If you missed the point of his message, well, what can I say? I didn't say it, Prince did. Lol.

[Edited 2/13/15 1:05am]

[Edited 2/13/15 1:15am]

--double post.

[Edited 2/12/15 17:01pm]

babynoz said:

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said: Lol.... Actually what really needs to be explained to the ones 'angry' over what Prince said, is that there is no reason to be angry. Furthermore did I say those were his words? I basically explained that he related Black Lives matter as they are viewed by some as having less value, just as books and albums that he mentioned, are valued less today. I went further with another orger who said Prince should have said 'all lives'instead of saying 'like books and Black lives'. My question is, why should he have changed what he meant to say, because some are uncomfortable with what he said? Why are they really angry is really the question. Why not ask those orgers why they are angry? I am correct in stating it was clear why he equated Black lives as having value like books and albums. Nothing else needs to be explained about that. His statement was pretty clear. I'm comfortable with it. How about you? Lol. When I mentioned in an earlier post that the Grammys focus was in regards to raising social awareness. It was pretty clear with many artists, displaying 'hands up' to symbolize the recent shootings of unarmed, Black males, what that represented in their performances, and Prince would have had no other reason to equate Black lives being of value as books and albums, if it was not also in regards to the current atmosphere of police brutality or racial profiling. Seriously, do you really think the 'hands up' reference displayed behind many of the performers was just some form of news choreography or in regards to exactly what I said it was symbolizing? Lol [Edited 2/12/15 8:46am]

What's even more amusing is when people who hang on and post every lyric that Prince wrote in the eighties all of a sudden ain't too crazy about what he has to say these days. It was like that during the WB fight, it was like that in the Rainbow Children era, too. JW conversion, etc.

Suddenly everybody wanna cherry pick, diminish, dismiss and devalue what they don't happen to agree with. SSDD.

I am so glad that Prince follows his own mind and don't give a damn who don't like it.

I love and appreciate you two so much always the voice reason. just wanna say that...Carry on.

Thebigpill said:

2elijah said:

[Edited 2/12/15 17:29pm]

Whoa.............someone dealing with this on a REAL level?

Maybe some progress is being made.

free2bfreeda said:

kpowers said:

Green lives matter

right! all "green lives matter." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>^^^^^^^^^she's a super cool green being^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well maybe not her, she is the Kanye West of the green people

[Edited 2/13/15 6:59am]

Graycap23 said:

babynoz said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

But that is actually where I'm focusing on.

No one know what the point of his comment is...

For us to make it the word of God (OH Prince said it so that validates 'my' arguement' or to make it a comment of division, should be neither (Prince shouldn't have said it destroys his fan base)
it just shouldn't be from either side

.

When Prince said women in Muslim societies were happy being covered head to toe and not having a choice. What do we do with that. Do we know what he means? And should we disect his words. Because in that case if I did, I would look at Prince differently.

Except that you personally spend a huge amount of time posting articles, lyrics and various statements Prince has made in the past that YOU agree with alllll the time and nobody every accuses you of treating it as if it's the word of God, do they?

What he says only has meaning when you agree but if he says something that has meaning to others then you feel some intense need to diminish it?

You not caring for or claiming not know what the point of his comment is means that NOBODY does???


Alllrighty then......

If this or that comment bothers you it's fine to say so but let's not have double standards.

Oh getattahere

2 Elijah can speak for herself and has

.

I'm saying no one should make a big deal about it either way, I said I'm saying and I'll say it again

If you bothered to read what I've already said I'm addressing BOTH sides. It's Prince saying something and it is what it is. To make it out like Prince originated it and that validates or negates anything is pointless. He said it it is what it is. In ALL that I've quoted from Prince was to say you take it with a grain of sugar.

1.) post #250 Not trying to over/understate his line, but I think too many people are putting too much onto Prince's words that night.

2.) post # 239

I don't think anyone needs to be up in arms about this, nor act like Prince just came down from the mountain that burnt, with Gods law written in tablets of stone

I think u said it, the airs of the Grammy's was Social awareness

3.) post # 236

I don't think anyone needs to get upset over it, up in arms

nor does anyone need to praise it as the word of god

2elijah said:

Graycap23 said:

Whoa.............someone dealing with this on a REAL level?

Maybe some progress is being made.

Lol...it's about time. Someone had to say it, especially when others do everything possible to overshadow, sugarcoat, dismiss/avoid talking about it. He should have been at the Grammys with that speech. What he says definitely would have fit the Grammys' focus on raising social awareness to the issues he speaks of. [Edited 2/13/15 7:32am]

I'm bored with all of the TALK though.

Time is up with the TALKING.

JoshuaWho said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I remeber Prince also said in 2011:

"It's fun being in Islamic countries, to know there's only one religion.

There's order.

You wear a burqa.

There's no choice.

People are happy with that."

What does that or the lyrics from Controversy have to do with anything on this thread?

Hey,

Maybe I missed your reply, but I'll ask again.

Do you really not know that those are not the lyrics to Controversy?

OldFriends4Sale said:

babynoz said:

Except that you personally spend a huge amount of time posting articles, lyrics and various statements Prince has made in the past that YOU agree with alllll the time and nobody every accuses you of treating it as if it's the word of God, do they?

What he says only has meaning when you agree but if he says something that has meaning to others then you feel some intense need to diminish it?

You not caring for or claiming not know what the point of his comment is means that NOBODY does???


Alllrighty then......

If this or that comment bothers you it's fine to say so but let's not have double standards.

Oh getattahere

2 Elijah can speak for herself and has

.

I'm saying no one should make a big deal about it either way, I said I'm saying and I'll say it again

If you bothered to read what I've already said I'm addressing BOTH sides. It's Prince saying something and it is what it is. To make it out like Prince originated it and that validates or negates anything is pointless. He said it it is what it is. In ALL that I've quoted from Prince was to say you take it with a grain of sugar.

1.) post #250 Not trying to over/understate his line, but I think too many people are putting too much onto Prince's words that night.

2.) post # 239

I don't think anyone needs to be up in arms about this, nor act like Prince just came down from the mountain that burnt, with Gods law written in tablets of stone

I think u said it, the airs of the Grammy's was Social awareness

3.) post # 236

I don't think anyone needs to get upset over it, up in arms

nor does anyone need to praise it as the word of god

And I'm speaking for myself as is my right.


Just to clarify, the bolded is what I'm talking about. Who here is acting like Prince is speaking the word of God? Do you not realize that is insulting and condescending?

What I am saying is people are not doing that. It is no different than when you yourself post and discuss various things that Prince has said.

I'm not sure you have the right to dictate that we should all take Prince's words with a grain of sugar or claim that nobody knows what he meant....nobody does that to you, right?

2elijah said:

Thebigpill said:

I love and appreciate you two so much always the voice reason. just wanna say that...Carry on.

Thanks, appreciate that.

Me too.

I think that one aspect of Prince's words at the Grammy award for me that in just a few words he has added to and stimulated debate to such a large extent. Obviously the injustices are many and wide and a whole movement is struggling to articulate a way to move forward.

Whilst Prince may be one among many entering this arena the spotlight on hims allows him to throw the spotlight onto particular issues. It has allowed me to look into the issues to a greater extent as they do not have the same level of media attention in my country. Sadly, I feel a great deal of ignorance regarding the issues and this thread and other sources have started to begin my education in these matters.

Prince could simply have strolled onto the stage, delivered the award and sauntered off but instead in a very efficient way he provoked debate across the internet. He seems to have used this event in a very productive way.

2elijah said:

SuperSoulFighter said:

I just read they were killed in a fight over a parking lot, not because of religion. Not saying that makes it a bigger or lesser crime, just updating the news.

Nope, CNN just reported it is a hate crime. The shooter apparently made anti-religious and anti-Muslim comments on Facebook. Let's see who gives this shooter a pass and if they blame the victims for their own death. [Edited 2/11/15 16:01pm]

If these reports are correct, I do believe we may agree on this one. These 3 kids seem to have been shot for no other reason than their religious beliefs. Sad.

The problem is when people like you, who think like you, equate the Trayvon's and Mike Brown's with these 3 kids. Polar opposite situations. TM and MB both attacked their shooters. But, you dismiss that notion, and when you do, you do an injustice to these 3 kids and everyone in their situation, including black kids.

I think it's incredible that he utters 14 words and people, who otherwise may not have even thought about the subject, are now debating it. No grandstanding, no pretense; he just said them, opened the envelope, and presented the award to Beck.

Reading through this thread, it's sad that some people simply cannot remove Prince from the equation and allow themselves to think about those 14 words.

BlackandRising said:

I think it's incredible that he utters 14 words and people, who otherwise may not have even thought about the subject, are now debating it. No grandstanding, no pretense; he just said them, opened the envelope, and presented the award to Beck.

Reading through this thread, it's sad that some people simply cannot remove Prince from the equation and allow themselves to think about those 14 words.

I think you make a really good point and it has encouraged me, see post above, to look into the subject more closely and to try to understand it more. The presenting of an award could simply be that but Prince made an impacting statement which created debate. Obviously he is not alone in that but as award-presenting goes, this one was notable.

Revolution said:

Revolution said:

2elijah said:

SuperSoulFighter said: Nope, CNN just reported it is a hate crime. The shooter apparently made anti-religious and anti-Muslim comments on Facebook. Let's see who gives this shooter a pass and if they blame the victims for their own death. [Edited 2/11/15 16:01pm]

If these reports are correct, I do believe we may agree on this one. These 3 kids seem to have been shot for no other reason than their religious beliefs. Sad.

The problem is when people like you, who think like you, equate the Trayvon's and Mike Brown's with these 3 kids. Polar opposite situations. TM and MB both attacked their shooters. But, you dismiss that notion, and when you do, you do an injustice to these 3 kids and everyone in their situation, including black kids.

Mike Brown might noe be an apt comparison, but Trayvon Martin damn sure is. The kid was minding his own business, walking home from the store, and was killed for it. Who would't be suspect of someone following them around? He did what any sane person would do if he feared he was in danger and confronted with that perceived danger...fought back. Just so happens that we only have one side of the story. And it's turning out that Zimmerman, is, in fact, a loose cannon who should never have had a gun in the first place.

BlackandRising said:

I think it's incredible that he utters 14 words and people, who otherwise may not have even thought about the subject, are now debating it. No grandstanding, no pretense; he just said them, opened the envelope, and presented the award to Beck.

Reading through this thread, it's sad that some people simply cannot remove Prince from the equation and allow themselves to think about those 14 words.

Yes, let's bring it back to the subject of this thread.

Outside of Princeland, the org, do you really think that Prince started people debating this subject?

It's been the topic of threads for many years now, not to mention national news. The grammy's viewership was very low. Outside of the Org, Prince has very little impact.

Revolution said:

BlackandRising said:

I think it's incredible that he utters 14 words and people, who otherwise may not have even thought about the subject, are now debating it. No grandstanding, no pretense; he just said them, opened the envelope, and presented the award to Beck.

Reading through this thread, it's sad that some people simply cannot remove Prince from the equation and allow themselves to think about those 14 words.

Yes, let's bring it back to the subject of this thread.

Outside of Princeland, the org, do you really think that Prince started people debating this subject?

It's been the topic of threads for many years now, not to mention national news. The grammy's viewership was very low. Outside of the Org, Prince has very little impact.

I didn't say he caught the world on fire with what he said, just that he said what he did in a very simple, matter-of-fact manner with no pretense or fanfare, and it was being discussed afterwards, in a positive light, more than I had seen previously on twitter and other social media sites. But beyond that, I think the way he said what he said, with very few words, was very impactful and nuanced enough that it wasn't threatening, biased, etc. He simply called it out, stepped back from the spotlight, and let the words speak for themselves.

2elijah said:

Thebigpill said:

I love and appreciate you two so much always the voice reason. just wanna say that...Carry on.

Thanks, appreciate that.

Thebigpill, I totally agree. I love the way 2elijah and babynoz among others that keep it real with there feed-back on this topic. A Lot of these fans defiantly need checking. Can’t believe so much negative comments from his fans

pennylover said:

2elijah said:

Thebigpill said: Thanks, appreciate that.

Thebigpill, I totally agree. I love the way 2elijah and babynoz among others that keep it real with there feed-back on this topic. A Lot of these fans defiantly need checking. Can’t believe so much negative comments from his fans

co sign!

free2bfreeda said:

I loveeeee Prince but why does he continue to go on these award shows that don't support real artists and real music? If I was him I would pay them dust. Its nice to see him though but just saying.

Grammys 2015: Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Prince Pay Tribute to Black Lives Matter Movement

: http://www.billboard.com/...dont-shoot

Sprinkled through out the 57th Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 8 were tributes to the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which is a call to action and response to anti-Black racism created after unjust deaths of young black men.

Pharrell Williams -- who won three Grammy awards (Best Urban Contemporary Album, Best Pop Performance) -- led a "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" demonstration during his performance of "Happy." Williams payed homage to late 18-year old, unarmed Michael Brown who was killed by a police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo. The "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture originates from Brown's shooting and was seen during protests that proceeded the Ferguson grand jury's decision to not indict the Wilson.

Williams' backup dancers wore black hoodies, such as Trayvon Martin did when killed at 17-years old 2012 by George Zimmerman.

Before presenting Beck with the Album of the Year award, Prince reminded the audience of the influential movement: "Albums still matter. Like books and black lives, they still matter."

During Beyoncé's spectacular gospel performance of "Precious Lord Take My Hand" -- written by Gospel legend Thomas A. Dorsey -- the all male choir behind her raised their hands, also acting out the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture.

seems the one that keeps putting prince down so vehemently for the words sponken at the grammys just might be suffering from a subconcious racial ego trip. like how dare someone speak out on injustices in front of the whole (television) world.

for any person to percieve PRINCE as coming off as "pro black" in his words spoken "Albums — remember those?" "Albums still matter. Albums, like books and black lives, still matter," is being a bit of a (seemingly) racist cry baby.

get it straight: after all one of prince' bands was called 'the revolution' which (might) means he is pro positive change for our collective futures as the human race.

also: brook axell spoke out on domestic violence. does anyone think her po

(note: maybe a certain orger should change his/her avatar name since that person seems to constantly put prince down.)

ANYWAY, BACK ON TOPIC.

"all lives matter."

[Edited 2/15/15 7:06am]

2elijah said:

Black lives do matter. Margaret Sanger, progressive hero and founder of Planned Parenthood, said she wanted to "exterminate the Negro population." Most PP's are located in or near minority communities. Does that matter to you? But I digress...

.

I'm all about truth, stats, numbers. If Prince had said "Black lives matter...so let's stop killing each other in places like Chicago and Detroit," that would have made more sense based on actual, real facts. But that's not as politically sexy in our unhinged PC society, is it? There is an epidemic of black-on-black murders. And it's tragic. But there is not an epidemic of cops killing black people. That being said, even one instance of police brutality is one too many. Like what happened to Dillon Taylor. (And if you have to google Dillon Taylor then I've made my point like a motha furtha.) But when so-called black leaders like Sharpton and celebrities like Prince perpetuate a skewed reality while at the same time ignore what's happening in their own communities, then what Prince said is overall more polarizing than helpful. Did you know there are many black-mob-on-white attacks in the U.S. that are ignored by the media? Straight up hate crimes being unreported every year. Gee, I wonder why. Where's the justice? But it's all about the feels -- amiright, social justice warriors? Speaking the truth these days has become akin to hate speech. For example, watch how I get flamed for this post.

.

DOJ stats show that overwhelmingly blacks commit more violent crimes against whites than the reverse (by pop. %). But I wouldn't get on a stage and say "white lives matter." It doesn't help the situation and it's just bad taste. It would just piss off black people who were trying to do something about it.

.

And this "hands up, don't shoot" thing is insanity. That did not happen. Even several black witnesses said so. But again, anything to polarize. It's reckless and irresponsible. And just maybe it motivated the POS who executed those two NYPD cops in their car. (Which was then celebrated on social media.) This perpetuation of lies really only benefits -- with power, money and votes -- certain black leaders and politicians by keeping us divided. Think about it.

.

I get so tired of people trashing this country; people who see racism around every corner. Instead of healing it's opening up old wounds. We've made amazing progress in a very short time. Name one other nation in history that not only went to war with itself over slavery, but came out on the right side morally -- and still went on to prosper like no other. White people killing white people over slavery. Ain't that some shit?

.

I won't be following up after this post. I can see that many on here are drinking the same koolaid and I won't waste my time engaging. Been there done that. This place is almost as bad as tumblr with all the SJW silliness. I'll just sit back and wait for that PR remastered set that will never come.

.

The truth matters.

[Edited 2/15/15 7:34am]