JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Unjustified Co-Host of Motown Special
by Tanya Kersey
Taken from: http://www.eurweb.com/art...182004.cfm

News that Justin Timberlake will co-host the ABC-TV special "Motown 45" hit many in the black community like a ton of bricks and outraged black civic and civil rights leaders. The "Breastgate" co-conspirator is scheduled to co-host (with singer Lionel Richie) the ABC celebration of the legendary Motown label which will be taped live at the Shrine Auditorium on April 4. But it just doesn't sound right, or feel right.

There are two obvious problems here. First, pandering to the ratings game in the pursuit of a crossover audience, ABC is compromising the legacy of this cultural and musical institution. With his neatly constructed image as 'the New King of Pop.' Timberlake's participation is an obvious attempt to dilute the show and make it attractive for mass consumption. It also reflects a dangerous trend towards homogenizing the historical contributions of African Americans and marginalizing Black culture.

Motown has become the symbol of R&B and soul music around the world. Once the most commercially successful and culturally influential black-owned record company, the Motown machinery produced a slew of popular acts including Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. While Timberlake has always credited black music as the source for his own musical style, certainly ABC can find a singer who more closely represents the very people the Motown legacy was built on.

Then there's "Breastgate," the provocative bump-and-grind Super Bowl halftime performance between Timberlake and Janet Jackson which turned R-rated when Timberlake reached across Jackson's black leather bustier, ripped it off, and flashed her bare breast to 100 million TV viewers. Janet apologized twice and took full responsibility for the "wardrobe malfunction." Timberlake punked out and played the victim, taking no responsibility for the "reveal" gone bad.

Before the Super Bowl scandal Timberlake had gotten a "Black folks pass." Black America embraced him and his music and he sang R&B-style music and dressed in hip-hop gear. He walked the walk and talked the talk. But then he sold out Janet to save his own skin, showing his true colors in the process. It's a classic case of profiting from black culture, but jumping ship when things get hot. In other words, he's okay with being identified as an 'honorary brotha,' as long as it doesn't cost him anything.

And now Timberlake plans to co-host the "Motown 45" television special? I think not! As African Americans we should not support this obviously contrived attempt to boost ratings and attract a wide White audience. It is thoughtless and an insult. If we allow it to happen, we will be just as guilty as them for pimping black culture to appeal to the mainstream.

ABC is sending a racially-tinged message of corporate insensitivity and cultural indifference. They should do the right thing and hire a co-host that respectfully symbolizes the rich legacy of the Motown label. Is Usher available?

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Entertainment journalist Tanya Kersey is the editor-in-chief of Black Talent News, a contributing editor and columnist for several other media outlets including EUR, Target Market News, Radio Facts and Raw Story. Email: tanya@tanyakersey.com.

Race is not an issue, nor should it be. Again; it leads to the assumption or stereotype than a "white artist" can't have 'soul'.

It's just repulsive that Justin Timberlake is considered to have some. He has no business being on that stage or any other stage for that matter.

JANFAN4L said:

WOW! Racism is still alive and well in the USA!

So now sound has a colour? Lets indroduce rasism wherever we can!!

I can't believe this article. If the writer wants to claim that colour "ownership" is a ligitimate, then she is on a very slippery slope.

Did she type it on a computer? Is that an insult to the white man that invented it?



.
[This message was edited Wed Feb 18 17:27:29 2004 by SquirrelMeat]

Chico319 said:

It shouldn't be a race issue. It should be a credibility issue! Motown 45 hosted by someone who ain't even 25! What a joke. Make all the respect and clout that Justin Timberlake has go away. Keep in mind I'm not one of those people that wanted the boy bands nor did I buy any of their CDs but this is just too much!

JANFAN4L said:

: *wonders what would happen if Caucasians got all antsy and pissed off if they hired Bernie Mac to host the CMA's.*

This article also neglects the fact that Gordy's mission with Motown WAS TO appeal to a wider "white" pop audience. For decades, people have been pissed off that groups such as The Supremes were not recording more "gritty" work (even though Motown's music is so good it renders the argument between soul and pop moot). Gordy even hired Barbara McNair as his AC crossover princess (didn't work out, but she has a ton of great stuff in the vaults).

I still can't believe that we're having this argument. I don't think Timberlake should be disqualified from hosting this event simply because he's WHITE (sounds like reverse racism to me). Isn't it a good enough reason that he just doesn't DESERVE to host it because - well, because he just isn't good enough?

Music is music. Should Justin be denied the right to record "black" music? Should blacks be forced into R&B in hip-hop merely because of their skin colour? I don't think so.

And one more thing:

Before the Super Bowl scandal Timberlake had gotten a "Black folks pass." Black America embraced him and his music and he sang R&B-style music and dressed in hip-hop gear. He walked the walk and talked the talk.

I'm sorry, but you have to be pretty stupid to write something like that.
[This message was edited Wed Feb 18 17:32:59 2004 by VoicesCarry]

Get the surviving Funk Brothers to host it. Black and white is not the issue. It's an issue that just has his ass kiss way too much!

VinnyM27 said:

But...

I bet if Beyonce presented, there would not be a "credibility" issue.

SquirrelMeat said:

Yeah, there would be, actually.

She hasn't been around long enough. She hasn't stood the test of time yet. Specials like these should NOT pander to what is popular "in the moment". This is about honouring classics, not It Girls and mickey mouse pop stars.

I think it's strange to have someone so young and who started out singing bubblegum pop hosting. Justin Timberlake has only been singing so called "black music" for like what? a year or two? He's just a baby in the industry and i think it would make more sense for someone who's older and more established/respected.



I also find it hilarious that Justin is dry-humping black culture so much. next thing you know Justin's going to turn black the way that micheal turned white!

SquirrelMeat said:

What did I spell credibility wrong?

I, along with Voices, think there still would be a credibility issue. It's no big deal but I think someone like the Funk Brohters represent Motown better than some walking publicity stunt! That goes for Both Beyonce and Justin (sans Janet's boob...he always been about the PR).

VoicesCarry said:

The problem is, when does "test of time" kick in?

Beyonce and Justin grew up listening to soul and pop.

but...

If Beyonce presented, the issue could be, she hasn't been around long enough.

If Justin presents, the problem it not about that fact that he's been around longer, its because he is white.

As you said so brilliantly earlier, wasn't Mowtown all about apealling to the masses?

VinnyM27 said:

Problem is, the whole credibility thing is subject to personal opinion. Ray Charles may carry the cred to present, but if he is a crap presenter, does that acheive what Motown was about?

SquirrelMeat said:

The first question is something no one can answer. It is not quantifiable. But it is a certainty that Justin and Beyonce would not qualify if it was. Just think about it. Patti Labelle or Beyonce? I think we know who stands the test of time right now.

If Beyonce or Justin presented, the issue for me that BOTH of them hadn't been around long enough to merit the honour of presenting on such a special. Not that one is black and one is white. Maybe for other people it's different, but I'm only speaking for myself.

I don't mind younger acts on stage. I think that's great to combine the both. My problem with the article and situation is that 1. The writer brought up the race card. 2. The person in question. I'd rather someone like Christina Aguilera or better yet Remy Shand. Shit even Joss Stone would do. But Timberlake??? LOL Please.

Chico319 said:

I'd like to see Daryl Hall up there. Not hosting, but presenting.
[This message was edited Wed Feb 18 18:11:36 2004 by VoicesCarry]

Let's look at it from a LABEL PERSPECT(VE FIRST.

If MOTOWN truly wanted a MOTOWN ARTIST out front, it could have suggested a youngster like Donnie, Erykah Badu, or even Remy Shand, all of whom are young deserving artists on their label.

The fact that a Jive artist is co-hosting a Motown special is wrong, especially when Motown has young artists of its own to promote.

But they need a hot young face to get folk to watch.

Chico319 said:

Sorry I repeated what you said about Remy, Chico!!!

namepeace said:

Let's just thank god it isn't Macy Gray! Imagine 90 minutes of that on stage, lol.

Actually, it would probably be better than any sitcom. So on second though, bring it on!

namepeace said:

Aren't India.Arie and Queen Latifah Motown artists? I would much rather see those two possibly hosting the show over anyone from the Jive Records camp.

There are white folks who do some pretty damn decent soul. Groups&Artists like Simply Red, Hall & Oates, Taylor Dayne, etc...

Justin Timberlake just sucks so damn bad, even if his skin was 10 shades darker, he still shouldnt be hosting it.

namepeace said:

No problem! I forgot he was on the Motown label.

I think Lionel should whip out Justin's dick and then him and Janet would be even. I love Justin, I think Justin deserves all the attention he gets and him a Janet are probably hanging out somewhere while all you people cry over the injustice.

VoicesCarry said:

So does Eminem have to return his "Black folks pass" for " "Blacks and whites, they sometimes mix/ But black girls only want your money, 'cause they dumb chicks"???? That whole thing kind of just went away didn't it?? People just couldn't wait to find a reason to hate Justin.
[This message was edited Wed Feb 18 19:41:25 2004 by EverlastingNow]

its bad enuff the boy was in a boy pop band and then now hes hosting MOTOWN??? FUCK THAT!

Ok, ok... I have to realize what this article is about. I don't think this is about racism. Flashback '97: Justin Timberlake is a fake of a fake group called Backstreet Boys. Two groups who are obviously created by someone who has indeed a racial problem. They are pop gum with no depth at all.

Seven years later just one of them has survived on radio and televison, because he uses black lifestyle as marketing tool. He just copies great motown artist like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and now as partner host Lionel Richie.

It is wrong because there are motown artists who really deserve to get a bit of attention again, someone who did something for motown and the black community. It is just so wrong. If they need a white host, call Woody!

BlueNote

There are plenty of other artists who could host this show with Lionel Ritchie...


Diana Ross
Smokey Robinson
Teena Marie
Thelma Houston
Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson)
El DeBarge



These are artists who actually recorded for Motown in the past,so they at least have a real CONNECTION to the label and it's music.No offense to Justin,but he's not really a suitable host.

DavidEye said:

Co-sign! & they should invite
The Funk Brothers 2 play & welcome them back home after 30 years.
/peace Manki

I think it became a "color" issue when Justin "turned his back" on Janet. I think the black community viewed Justin as a white man willing to let a black woman take the fall (get lynched as I read in one article). I think some of you really don't get the history of race and racism in this country. Its interesting that the "black" race isn't considered a "culture". We are talking about the culture of black music. No different than latin music.

Justin messed up. I don't think it really is about race and yet it is about race.

Justin is the wrong person PERIOD. He has had ONE cd out. I would rather see some of the oldies up there hosting the show and let some of the youngsters perform.

Justin needs just to be in the audience.
[This message was edited Thu Feb 19 5:14:07 2004 by Rhondab]

I think Smokey Robinson as he is a true elder statesman of the whole Motown thing. He was there when it all went down and he is an amazing storyteller and narrator...I always like to hear him tell those stories of how Motown's most famous songs were recorded.

Yea....sorry folks I can't get with Justin hosting this show!!!!

It loses all credibility from this point on.....
[This message was edited Thu Feb 19 6:00:54 2004 by BRO915]

manki said: