OldFriends4Sale said:

I'll go with his statement reflected the Grammys' focus on social awareness this year, which is why there is no need for anyone to be upset over what he said. He said what he said, and that is all there is to it, I am fine with it. Hopefully others will realize what the focus of the Grammys was this year, despite some of the madness over what he said, lol, and with that being said, life continues.
[Edited 2/11/15 9:37am]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

With an understand of the Purple Laws

I'll go about doing the Work

.

.

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

.

Prince says he also thougth it was Muslim society is fun with women wear burqa's(which is a very misogenystic article of clothing) that there isn't any choice and people are happy with that.
It's Prince, I'm more appreciative of the standing ovations he receives

And all those things do matter
Now act like it Prince and promote your 2 current albums lol

I'll go with his statement reflected the Grammys' focus on social awareness this year, which is why there is no need for anyone to be upset over what he said. He said what he said, and that is all there is to it, I am fine with it. Hopefully others will realize what the focus of the Grammys was this year, despite some of the madness over what he said, lol, and with that being said, life continues. [Edited 2/11/15 9:37am]

lol yep, that's why I said no reason to up in arms about it

I thought for a minute Prince fans were grabbing onto this in a frenzy because we expected more lol

We were expecting some kind of surprise any kind

lezama said:

I am not familiar with that story. However, there is a BIG difference in being killed simply because you are a certain race and being killed because you brought on a conflict, no matter the race.

OldFriends4Sale said:

You would think that's what the frenzy would be about, but given the history of some fans when Prince mentions a certain word... Well sadly, the negative reaction from some, has become all too common.

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

lol yep, that's why I said no reason to up in arms about it

I thought for a minute Prince fans were grabbing onto this in a frenzy because we expected more lol

We were expecting some kind of surprise any kind

You would think that's what the frenzy would be about, but given the history of some fans when Prince mentions a certain word... Well sadly, the negative reaction from some, has become all too common.

I also feel the same when people go out of their way to minimize, trivialize or otherwise be dismissive of any and every socially conscious thing he says or does.

It's uncalled for.

free2bfreeda said:

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said: But what is some fans' problem with his show of support for the Black community? He has always made donations in support of music and education for many Black students, so despite some fans bringing up comments he made in the past, and twisting it in their favor, doesn't dismiss the fact that the support and concern was always there, in many ways. His statement at the Grammys apparently shows he supports those who are in protest against police brutality and racial profiling given the current atmosphere and recent shootings of unarmed, Black males by cops. I think many of his non-black fans, not all, who don't understand that should at least try, instead of being angry over it. [Edited 2/10/15 15:59pm]

unfortunantly it's like a thing that mick jagger said in an interview about Jimi Hendrix, he stated that well "Jimi was ours."

i'm feeling a lot of prince fans think that prince is theirs and for him to say "black lives matter," is like he's committed a mutiny to his total fan base.

prince is a multi culturalist IMO.

That's an unfortunate attutude that suggests people being way too arrogant in their feeling that another person could "belong" them to the point where they think they have the right to dictate the terms of their existence.

It's the JW thing all over again as though a grown man doesn't have the right to practice whatever faith they see fit to practice.

From what I have read of Jimi he was much too naive and trusting of the wrong people. I'm glad that Prince is ornery enough to establish his boundaries when people need to be reminded that they dont own him.

babynoz said:

free2bfreeda said:

unfortunantly it's like a thing that mick jagger said in an interview about Jimi Hendrix, he stated that well "Jimi was ours."

i'm feeling a lot of prince fans think that prince is theirs and for him to say "black lives matter," is like he's committed a mutiny to his total fan base.

prince is a multi culturalist IMO.

That's an unfortunate attutude that suggests people being way too arrogant in their feeling that another person could "belong" them to the point where they think they have the right to dictate the terms of their existence.

It's the JW thing all over again as though a grown man doesn't have the right to practice whatever faith they see fit to practice.

From what I have read of Jimi he was much too naive and trusting of the wrong people. I'm glad that Prince is ornery enough to establish his boundaries when people need to be reminded that they dont own him.

Bingo.

babynoz said:

1contessa said:

He wasn't "trying" to say anything, he said it as he meant it......that Black lives matter, and maybe not to you, but to some, books and albums matter also.

Very much so.

Word

Javi said:

No, not really. It's only that I find it interesting that he has spoken in favour of books and albums, which are culture and are frequently despised in our society. I wish this was discussed too, and not only the racial issue, which I, of course, approve as well.

[Edited 2/11/15 6:14am]

We chatted briefly about books on page 5 of the thread but the org prefers manufacturing drama to any talk of books or albums.

I remember several years ago when Prince regularly referred to books he liked. It may have been in the L4OA era.

You make an important observation.

lezama said:

Revolution said:

Sig says it all. Prince used to be a leader. He is now a follower, even of racist movements.

Let's change the scenario, and see that 3 muslims were killed just for being muslim by an islamophobe (as just happened in North Carolina), and I tell you and everyone who ignores this event and refuse to cover it that #MuslimLivesMatter, is it racist? Or is it a completely rational response to a situation of injustice, indifference and apathy by the masses? The only thing racist in that context is the idea that muslim lives aren't worthy of the masses attention. Context is everything. If you chose not to try to understand the context or a person's statement, that says everything about you, not the person uttering the comments you're standing in judgment of.

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

LotusMama said:

lezama said:

Let's change the scenario, and see that 3 muslims were killed just for being muslim by an islamophobe (as just happened in North Carolina), and I tell you and everyone who ignores this event and refuse to cover it that #MuslimLivesMatter, is it racist? Or is it a completely rational response to a situation of injustice, indifference and apathy by the masses? The only thing racist in that context is the idea that muslim lives aren't worthy of the masses attention. Context is everything. If you chose not to try to understand the context or a person's statement, that says everything about you, not the person uttering the comments you're standing in judgment of.

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

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

.

But you said something that caught my attention, when I was chatting with a woman about the rioting in Ferguson, I said "what about the business/home owners (black or otherwise) whose places are being destroyed, who might not be able to rebuild, who's individual or family lives depend on that. And the response I got was 'well in the revolution sometimes that happens sometimes people have to get the hard end for the cause' I just couldn't believe what I was reading. -that is the seed planted of a criminal.

OldFriends4Sale said:

I was chatting with a woman about the rioting in Ferguson, I said "what about the business/home owners (black or otherwise) whose places are being destroyed, who might not be able to rebuild, who's individual or family lives depend on that. And the response I got was 'well in the revolution sometimes that happens sometimes people have to get the hard end for the cause' I just couldn't believe what I was reading. -that is the seed planted of a criminal.

That's the exact same response terrorists and their sympathizers give when they try to justify their murdering of innocent men, women and children.

LotusMama said:

lezama said:

Let's change the scenario, and see that 3 muslims were killed just for being muslim by an islamophobe (as just happened in North Carolina), and I tell you and everyone who ignores this event and refuse to cover it that #MuslimLivesMatter, is it racist? Or is it a completely rational response to a situation of injustice, indifference and apathy by the masses? The only thing racist in that context is the idea that muslim lives aren't worthy of the masses attention. Context is everything. If you chose not to try to understand the context or a person's statement, that says everything about you, not the person uttering the comments you're standing in judgment of.

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

Wow, that could be the idiotic post of the year. Who said that black lives don't matter? Who said that no other lives matter? Those are the only two options that you gave. If you bother to read what is posted you will see that I said ALL LIVES MATTER, so why embrace a movement that is (1) racist at the core and (2) based on current events where the black lives were wrong to begin with? I'm not blind to the fact that racism exists for all ethnicities, however, racism was NOT the cause of these recent deaths. Believe me when I say that I and the majority on this thread want the same thing in the end. Also believe me when I say that the majority don't want to hear the solutions. It's easier to rant n rave instead of putting in the work for real change.

OldFriends4Sale said:

LotusMama said:

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

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

.

But you said something that caught my attention, when I was chatting with a woman about the rioting in Ferguson, I said "what about the business/home owners (black or otherwise) whose places are being destroyed, who might not be able to rebuild, who's individual or family lives depend on that. And the response I got was 'well in the revolution sometimes that happens sometimes people have to get the hard end for the cause' I just couldn't believe what I was reading. -that is the seed planted of a criminal.

I'll agree to that in regards to people not understanding what he said and what it meant. It was a very straight forward statement that has NATIONWIDE/WORLDWIDE impact. In fact it was moving to know that many countries and cultures during and after the protest (and even still) fully understand the meaning of those words and the struggle of not only just Black People but OPPRESSED PEOPLE around the world. Beautiful

Not to hijake this tread...but rioting in protest to injustice is nothing new nor is it just isolated to the Black Community. EVERYONE READ THIS WITH OPENED EYES...I do not condone violence of any kind...but in regards to Watts, Ferguson, Turkey etc I do understand it. Sometimes those oppressed to the limit have to get full attention to the severity of the issues they face.

Just when you thought Prince has lost his edge and had become a follower....

http://www.salon.com/2015/02/11/americas_prince_problem_how_black_people_and_art_became_devalued/

Revolution said:

LotusMama said:

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

Wow, that could be the idiotic post of the year. Who said that black lives don't matter? Who said that no other lives matter? Those are the only two options that you gave. If you bother to read what is posted you will see that I said ALL LIVES MATTER, so why embrace a movement that is (1) racist at the core and (2) based on current events where the black lives were wrong to begin with? I'm not blind to the fact that racism exists for all ethnicities, however, racism was NOT the cause of these recent deaths. Believe me when I say that I and the majority on this thread want the same thing in the end. Also believe me when I say that the majority don't want to hear the solutions. It's easier to rant n rave instead of putting in the work for real change.

Saying black lives matter does not make any commentary on non black lives. The comment is related directly to a specific dynamic that impacts black lives more than all others. Black men are 21 times more likely to be killed by cops. The context of the phrase is related to recently publicized - but hardly new - trend of young black male lives being snuffed out with no repercussions to the killers. Do some homework and look at the facts. Arguing Trayvon Martin's race had anything to do with Zimmerman's choice to call police and approach him with a gun is not worth the time of anyone who knows that racism was the root cause. Black people know this is a reality of their lives that no other race has had to endure to the same extent.

ON most any measure or index, blacks are far below whites in this world. This is the basis for the necessity for such rhetoric - from Black is Beautiful to Black Lives Matter. IN America, there is a difference in these lives that is undeniable. Someone has to stand up for say something. I count Prince among those with the insight and courage to do so.

LotusMama said:

Again if social injustices did not exist, there would be no need for protests. I am so glad many are not falling for the bs that some are trying to sell, and glad Prince said what he said, because it sure ruffled some feathers and made some people question their conscience. Thank goodness for the people who get it. Those are the ones who will be the ones to enforce change, not those who hold racist and generalized and negative views of a specific group.

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]

babynoz said:

Exactly!!

Were some fans sleeping when Prince wrote 'Dreamer?'

He was way ahead in stating what a shame that 'Race still matters', in this country and in this century, years after MLK Jr. was killed. We're still fighting the same fight against racial inequality and injustice, that MLK Jr, and many others fought and died for. Prince even mentioned racial profiling further down in the lyrics.

So how much have we really learned since then, especially since racial profiling/police brutality/unfair/unequal treatment against specific groups still exists in present day? Prince's words at the Grammys, no matter how few, was enough to tap into the conscience of many and question if we're moving backwards instead of forward.


Dreamer - Lyrics/song by Prince

I was born, raised on a slave plantation
In the United States, of the red, white and blue
Never knew that I was different, till Dr. King was on a balcony
Lyin' in a bloody pool
I expected so much more from a loving
A loving, loving society
A truthful explanation, you know what
I got another, another conspiracy

If it was just a dream, listen, call me, call me a dreamer too

With more rewards and accolades, then anyone before or after
21st century, oh what a shame, what a shame
Race, race still matters
race to what, and where we going
We in the same boat, but I'm the only one rowing
Last time I checked, you were sleeping, but you can call me a dreamer too

Peanut butter logic, served on a bed of lies
Don't go down too easy, when you've seen your father cry
Have you ever clutched the steering wheel in your car too tight
Praying that police sirens just pass you by that night
While the helicopter circles us, this theory's getting deep
Think they're spraying chemicals over the city
While we sleep

Come on, I'm staying awake
you can call me a dreamer too
(Ahhh, I got one eye open for these devils)

(Wake up, wake up)

(I pledge allegiance, to..)
[Edited 2/11/15 17:18pm]

2elijah said:

Okay, like I said, that's just what I read...not saying anybody is right or wrong here. Let's see where this leads... Anyway, a pretty sad thing to happen...

LotusMama said:

lezama said:

Let's change the scenario, and see that 3 muslims were killed just for being muslim by an islamophobe (as just happened in North Carolina), and I tell you and everyone who ignores this event and refuse to cover it that #MuslimLivesMatter, is it racist? Or is it a completely rational response to a situation of injustice, indifference and apathy by the masses? The only thing racist in that context is the idea that muslim lives aren't worthy of the masses attention. Context is everything. If you chose not to try to understand the context or a person's statement, that says everything about you, not the person uttering the comments you're standing in judgment of.

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

Yes...
This is why I can't stand 'all lives matter' ....it's a way to NOT SAY, and way to trivialize Black Lives Matter, because for some f'd up reason....it PAINS people to no end to acknowldge that BLACK LIVES MATTER.....and it shows the lengths people will go to to to avoid facing the issue of police brutailty and the black community, specifically.

Its REAL, and the push back with something like all lives matter is subtle but when you really think about it, its not so subtle. Its avoidance.

2elijah said:

Revolution said:

No one said he shouldn't be proud of his race. He needs to do more research on the black lives matter movement, which is based on recent occurances where black men were proven to be wrong in a court of law and by grand juries. Read a report prince. This is chemtrails all over again. The definition of racism is ALWAYS thinking that your race is right or that one race is ALWAYS wrong.

That's bs. Those grand juries were setups, just like the one in the Mike Brown case. You are using your own personal prejudices regarding the protests against the shootings of unarmed and innocent Black men, to paint the whole movement as wrong. There is a reason why masses of people protest against excessive force/police brutataity and racial profiling, which is a major problem in the U.S. I am sure Prince who has nephews that reflect the image of Trayvon and Tamir, both unjustly murdered, would understand why it is important to show support against these types of abuses. These recent shootings and disregard for life by some badly trained and some prejudice cops, who shoot to kill as they see a black face, and not use any alternate methods, to preserve the life they immediately point their guns at unarmed Black children and adults, is equivalent to the lynching of Black men and women with no regard for their livesbbecsuse if who they are. Perhaps you do not care how some young, Hispanic males are treated within your racial group, who also face this type of treatment by bad cops, such as what happened to the late Anthony Baez, but thank goodness there are others who do care. You shouldn't use your personal prejudices against those protesting to prevent bad cops from abusing their authority, and using their bad attitudes and prejudices to murder unarmed and innocent Blacks, including children. [Edited 2/11/15 8:45am]

Nah.

I do believe Trayvon and Tamir were victims and there should be more action taken but mike brown doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with them.

-

You're defending punk mike brown because of the color of his skin while people with their eyes open are condemning him for his actions.

If you want to punk-out like then then how can you expect those of non-black color to support your cause?

EroticDreamer said:

2elijah said:

Revolution said: That's bs. Those grand juries were setups, just like the one in the Mike Brown case. You are using your own personal prejudices regarding the protests against the shootings of unarmed and innocent Black men, to paint the whole movement as wrong. There is a reason why masses of people protest against excessive force/police brutataity and racial profiling, which is a major problem in the U.S. I am sure Prince who has nephews that reflect the image of Trayvon and Tamir, both unjustly murdered, would understand why it is important to show support against these types of abuses. These recent shootings and disregard for life by some badly trained and some prejudice cops, who shoot to kill as they see a black face, and not use any alternate methods, to preserve the life they immediately point their guns at unarmed Black children and adults, is equivalent to the lynching of Black men and women with no regard for their livesbbecsuse if who they are. Perhaps you do not care how some young, Hispanic males are treated within your racial group, who also face this type of treatment by bad cops, such as what happened to the late Anthony Baez, but thank goodness there are others who do care. You shouldn't use your personal prejudices against those protesting to prevent bad cops from abusing their authority, and using their bad attitudes and prejudices to murder unarmed and innocent Blacks, including children. [Edited 2/11/15 8:45am]

Nah.

I do believe Trayvon and Tamir were victims and there should be more action taken but mike brown doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with them.

-

You're defending punk mike brown because of the color of his skin while people with their eyes open are condemning him for his actions.

If you want to punk-out like then then how can you expect those of non-black color to support your cause?

You're the one punking out in the name of humanity. Prove to me what human being, unarmed, trying to surrender, deserves to be shot down like a dog with 12 bullets to the body? Not one person condoned Mike's actions in the store, prior to his encounter with the cop, but he did not deserve to be shot down like a dog. What kind of human being would support that kind of cruelty? The cop had every chance to use alternate measures, instead of shooting to kill while the person he has his gun drawn at, shows a sign of surrender, according to witnesses. Mike had no weapon, so was not shooting back at the cop, and was no threat to the cop at that point physically. That's the point. The cop did not have to shoot to kill. He used bad judgement against someone who was not a threat..at that point. If that's the kind of thing you support,as well as the shady tactics the prosecutor used, then thank goodness we don't know each other personally. My opinion stands, but yours I don't agree with. If you're pissed because Prince showed his support for the 'value' of Black lives, which he is a part of, well, I guess that kind of truth hurts for some. No hard feelings. We just don't agree. Enjoy your evening.

[Edited 2/11/15 17:37pm]

terrig said:

LotusMama said:

Great Analogy! If there is a struggle with what Prince said and what he was actually referencing then that person is having a problem with their personal perception about #BlackLivesMatter. They either feel anyone saying Black Lives Matter means no other life matters (which is no where near true) or they don't believe that Black Lives Matter. Either one is off the mark and requires a deep examination of how that individual REALLY feels about Black Folk or maybe anyother Folk. They may not really understand how they sound...there where in their statements and protest about Prince's statement does tell more about them than they will ever realize.

Yes...
This is why I can't stand 'all lives matter' ....it's a way to NOT SAY, and way to trivialize Black Lives Matter, because for some f'd up reason....it PAINS people to no end to acknowldge that BLACK LIVES MATTER.....and it shows the lengths people will go to to to avoid facing the issue of police brutailty and the black community, specifically.

Its REAL, and the push back with something like all lives matter is subtle but when you really think about it, its not so subtle. Its avoidance.

(Bolded part) Absolutely agree with you, and many on this thread display that, and if that wasn't true, they would not react in such a negative way. Says a lot about a person with that type of reaction over a spoken truth.

[Edited 2/11/15 17:36pm]

SuperSoulFighter said:

2elijah 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]

Okay, like I said, that's just what I read...not saying anybody is right or wrong here. Let's see where this leads... Anyway, a pretty sad thing to happen...

No prob Was just updating you on the latest reports on this incident. Some people are holding a vigil for the victims. A tragedy indeed.

Revolution said:

lezama said:

Let's change the scenario, and see that 3 muslims were killed just for being muslim by an islamophobe (as just happened in North Carolina), and I tell you and everyone who ignores this event and refuse to cover it that #MuslimLivesMatter, is it racist? Or is it a completely rational response to a situation of injustice, indifference and apathy by the masses? The only thing racist in that context is the idea that muslim lives aren't worthy of the masses attention. Context is everything. If you chose not to try to understand the context or a person's statement, that says everything about you, not the person uttering the comments you're standing in judgment of.

I am not familiar with that story. However, there is a BIG difference in being killed simply because you are a certain race and being killed because you brought on a conflict, no matter the race.

Oh course, I don't disagree with that. The reaction to the events of Ferguson were larger than the one person who's incident caused the outrage. That reaction was based on something the people there felt was systematic. Anyhow, I'm not really a fan of this topic, I just wanted to point out that our perspectives on any given matter come from the context from which we're seeing them from, and if we don't take those contexts into consideration we'll never understand where other's are coming from.

.

The books and albums part of this statement are topics less beaten to death so I'd prefer to talk about them.

2elijah said:

EroticDreamer said:

Nah.

I do believe Trayvon and Tamir were victims and there should be more action taken but mike brown doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with them.

-

You're defending punk mike brown because of the color of his skin while people with their eyes open are condemning him for his actions.

If you want to punk-out like then then how can you expect those of non-black color to support your cause?

You're the one punking out in the name of humanity. Prove to me what human being, unarmed, trying to surrender, deserves to be shot down like a dog with 12 bullets to the body? Not one person condoned Mike's actions in the store, prior to his encounter with the cop, but he did not deserve to be shot down like a dog. What kind of human being would support that kind of cruelty? The cop had every chance to use alternate measures, instead of shooting to kill while the person he has his gun drawn at, shows a sign of surrender, according to witnesses. Mike had no weapon, so was not shooting back at the cop, and was no threat to the cop at that point physically. That's the point. The cop did not have to shoot to kill. He used bad judgement against someone who was not a threat..at that point. If that's the kind of thing you support,as well as the shady tactics the prosecutor used, then thank goodness we don't know each other personally. My opinion stands, but yours I don't agree with. If you're pissed because Prince showed his support for the 'value' of Black lives, which he is a part of, well, I guess that kind of truth hurts for some. No hard feelings. We just don't agree. Enjoy your evening.

[Edited 2/11/15 17:37pm]

The disagreement is that I don't believe brown was surrendering. I believe he instigated the attack and paid the ultimate price. Officer Wilson had just come from responding to a child in distress call (a black infant child) and mike brown just committed a strongarm robbery and assault.

So we will just have to disagree on our beliefs but my eyes ain't blind.

-

Prince saying 'black lives matter' didn't offend me in the slightest, I just would have liked to him him say that all lives matter when he's sung that in various forms over the years (Controversy, Race).

-

EroticDreamer said:

Your opinion on Brown is your opinion, I just don't agree with you. Who said Prince doesn't believe all lives matter, because he expressed concern for members of his own racial group? Especially given the recent incidents by police murdering unarmed Black males, and strained relations between police and the Black community in many cities across America. Fans don't own Prince and have no authority to tell him how or when to express his concerns on social matters. I think the real reason some are angry over what he said, is because they don't like Prince identifying racially with Black Americans, because some of these negative reactions speaks for itself. If you felt Black Americans were part of the 'all' you and others mention, you would not have such a negative reaction that Prince had to remind
people in his own way, that Black lives are inclusive among the human species and have as much value as others, given the current atmosphere of continuous racial profiling and police brutality.

Again, he reminded people about that societal problem in his song 'Dreamer'. Did you not pay attention or find those lyrics to the message in that song, just as important, as you and others did with his song 'Controversy?'Or did you dismiss the message in that song as having as much value? Now who is the one being selective? I rest my case.
[Edited 2/12/15 2:44am]

2elijah said:

LotusMama said:

I'll agree to that in regards to people not understanding what he said and what it meant. It was a very straight forward statement that has NATIONWIDE/WORLDWIDE impact. In fact it was moving to know that many countries and cultures during and after the protest (and even still) fully understand the meaning of those words and the struggle of not only just Black People but OPPRESSED PEOPLE around the world. Beautiful

Not to hijake this tread...but rioting in protest to injustice is nothing new nor is it just isolated to the Black Community. EVERYONE READ THIS WITH OPENED EYES...I do not condone violence of any kind...but in regards to Watts, Ferguson, Turkey etc I do understand it. Sometimes those oppressed to the limit have to get full attention to the severity of the issues they face.

Again if social injustices did not exist, there would be no need for protests. I am so glad many are not falling for the bs that some are trying to sell, and glad Prince said what he said, because it sure ruffled some feathers and made some people question their conscience. Thank goodness for the people who get it. Those are the ones who will be the ones to enforce change, not those who hold racist and generalized and negative views of a specific group.

So True

EroticDreamer said:

2elijah said:

Revolution said: That's bs. Those grand juries were setups, just like the one in the Mike Brown case. You are using your own personal prejudices regarding the protests against the shootings of unarmed and innocent Black men, to paint the whole movement as wrong. There is a reason why masses of people protest against excessive force/police brutataity and racial profiling, which is a major problem in the U.S. I am sure Prince who has nephews that reflect the image of Trayvon and Tamir, both unjustly murdered, would understand why it is important to show support against these types of abuses. These recent shootings and disregard for life by some badly trained and some prejudice cops, who shoot to kill as they see a black face, and not use any alternate methods, to preserve the life they immediately point their guns at unarmed Black children and adults, is equivalent to the lynching of Black men and women with no regard for their livesbbecsuse if who they are. Perhaps you do not care how some young, Hispanic males are treated within your racial group, who also face this type of treatment by bad cops, such as what happened to the late Anthony Baez, but thank goodness there are others who do care. You shouldn't use your personal prejudices against those protesting to prevent bad cops from abusing their authority, and using their bad attitudes and prejudices to murder unarmed and innocent Blacks, including children. [Edited 2/11/15 8:45am]

Nah.

I do believe Trayvon and Tamir were victims and there should be more action taken but mike brown doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with them.

-

You're defending punk mike brown because of the color of his skin while people with their eyes open are condemning him for his actions.

If you want to punk-out like then then how can you expect those of non-black color to support your cause?

Are you for real?? What made him a "punk"? His size and his color???? That cop shot from fear...are you speaking from fear?