Harry Belafonte and respect

Respect. By definition it seems to be a word that some entertainers cannot abide by when discussing their personal views. Tact also seems to be a word that has no meaning. Of course I am referring directly to the outburst by Kayne West and Mr. Harry Belafonte words recently. I first mentioned that I wanted to address Mr. Belafonte’s comments in my post Entertainment with Fox, Stern, Belafonte and other thoughts on my www.blackentertainmentblog.com site.

The outburst by Kayne was in regard to the actions of the federal government in their mishandling of the Hurricane Katrina natural disaster. It was obvious that on many levels, local state and federal, that little organization or coherent planning was in action. Sadly this caused the loss of many lives. Many entertainers banded together at various functions to raise funds for those that had lost so much. [my thoughts on events of this nature can be seen in the post Latin music, celebrity donations] At a time when various people and institutions, even governments, are reaching out to help aid those in need and asking others to do the same, personal opinions are not required. The thoughts expressed by West are rude, disrespectful to the office of the President of the United States, and in no way that I can imagine provide any benefit to those in need or the efforts to raise funds for that purpose. A bit of respect, tact and timing, are all that was needed. It’s not like, as a entertainer on a national level, he is unable to get an interview or make a statement to the press to state his views.

Mr. Belafonte though is something else all together. He is a man who is older, mature and experienced. One would expect that his knowledge of the media and his own ability to provide press coverage to issues he has strong convictions for, would allow him to act with more respect and tact than a youthful and inexperienced upstart. Sadly this appears to not be the case.

When I say Mr. Harry Belafonte is experienced in matters of politics, I refer to his work with the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King. On a more satirical note is his television appearance in 1968 on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Since his 1956 Calypso album he has had numerous opportunities to express his views, just from the attention he receives as an entertainer. Again I say that his ability to call a press conference or release a statement to the press would not go unheeded.

Yet Mr. Belafonte has chosen to also disrespect the President of the United States. While I understand and honor the Freedom of Speech entitled to any citizen under the 1st Amendment, tact respect and an understanding of the implications of actions is warranted. Much like the personal attack that Mr. Belafonte launched against former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell where he lashed out because someone held separate views than his own, which I find hurtful and malicious. In calling President Bush “the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world” he does more than just express a personal view. Mr. Belafonte should realize that he is also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, and AARP 2006 Impact Award recipient. [It should be noted that both UNICEF and AARP have distanced themselves from the comments made] His words affect millions internationally. The weakening of the United States, and the direct statement that America is a terrorist nation, via the leader of this nation does not bode well for the interests of any American at home or abroad. These statements, or accusations if you prefer, give justification do deny aid or support from those we seek to ally ourselves with in removing the threat to ourselves and the world of true terrorism. These statements give support and credence to the allegations made by those who have stated their only purpose is to destroy our lives and nation. These statement help to reinforce the desire to maintain conflict against our troops, wherever they may be. Renown entertainers and Goodwill Ambassador’s words travel not just nationally but internationally, and affect the efforts of millions.

Additionally I am brought to the point to wonder what has happened in America. While there has never been a lack of dissension to the goals of this President or that, there used to be a general sense of respect. Many of the greatest political figures, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Alan Dershowitz, and many others have always maintained at least the pretense of respect even when describing their adversaries. On a more recent level, smear campaigns that are not only political but personal in nature are more prevalent than ever before. Since when has America been a country that takes the easiest, lowest common denominator approach to anything (besides some television programs/commercials in my opinion). Has the ease of using sound bites and bashing an opponent on items not related to issues been so appealing that it has supplanted the pride in standing tall and presenting an actual position on a view? Are we destined to only have candidates, like Sen. John Kerry and Sen. Hilary Clinton and regardless of who is in office a general disinterest or respect in our government? If we do then I will not be surprised that another government will seize that time as the opportunity to claim this nation and all the freedoms we enjoy will be gone faster that a commercial. And we should never be so obtuse as to believe that our way of life cannot be changed to the worse from within. Without care, or attention, for those in power corruption will happen. Corruption in any form is bad, but as a nation and in particular this nation, such a thought is something I would not care to do.

I do believe that unthinking and potentially slanderous statements, against the institution that is the government of the United States is wrong. Comments against a political figure or the general direction of the nation are always welcome. That is the nature and a great asset of this nation. But actions that actively weaken and diminish the nations ability to function are not. Sowing seeds that will grow to create a field of dissension and animosity towards the institution, and in effect against the actual government, are serious offenses and should be treated as such. I am offended by Mr. Harry Belafonte, and Kayne West, not because they have feelings and strong convictions that go counter to those of this President and via him this nation, but in their selfish unthinking and immature manner in which they express themselves.

This is what I think, what do you think?