Why the hell is Puffy Combs on Larry King Live?

[Ecumenist]

Why do people think that if someone is a rapper, they automatically speak for black folks?

[varkam]

1. Who would you suggest speaks for black folks?

[Tangerine LaBamba]

3. Me?

[4 t 4]

54. Love That, Too Funny!!

[rpannier]

5. A few that might be nice

Someone who's a

University Professor
School Teacher
Owns his own business
a doctor, a dentist or a lawyer

Someone who's not an athlete, entertainer or politician

[varkam]

12. Didn't Combs do a lot for the Democratic party? eom

[rpannier]

21. I have nothing against Combs

It's just it seems that the vast majority of African-Americans being interviewed are entertainers and athletes.

I'd like to see a broader section of the AA community represented.

Why does Charles Barkley get invited to talk about race issues on a panel with a white sociologist.

Why not Peyton Manning and a black sociologist?

on note: I happen to like Charles Barkley. As I said "I'd like to see a broader section of the AA community represented." That's all

[Ecumenist]

45. EXACTLY, RPANNIER! Thats the oint I'm trying to make.

As a Black woman, I'm tired ot this sort of representation which has nothing in common with me other than my being of African descent, being human and American.

[awoke_in_2003]

25. "Owns his own business"

Well, he is a successful business man who has his hands in a lot of successful ventures. He may not have a business degree, but he does know how to run them.

[rpannier]

28. I am talking about people who are NOT in the entertainment business

It would be nice to hear from people who did not make their fortunes as entertainers

[awoke_in_2003]

30. He is in to clothing...

restaurants, fragrance, adult beverages, and probably a thing or two I don't know about.

[4 t 4]

55. thats all I think

he's a multi talent like a non ending surprise I find that very interesting. A person that just keeps coming up with new things and reinventing themselves. Not a huge corporation but a person That's Diddy right ? But you guys will set me straight - no doubt.

[Ecumenist]

7. Someone who is not as shallow and who has something under his belt

other than rapping, hip-hop and tacky ghetto-fabulous clothes, masquerading as haute couture. There any number of countless millions that could better represent us than a psuedo-articulate idiot who has made babies everywhere and has a problem keeping it in his pants.

[varkam]

10. Don't you think it is a bit presumptious that someone speaks for all black folks?

[Ecumenist]

14. Exactly, which is why I can't understand the reason for these gatherings

of AA people who presume to speak for me. I am pointing out that if someone attempts to have someone speak on my behalf and on the behalf of the rest of the people who look like me, there are much better choices. PERIOD.

[varkam]

16. Couldn't it be that Combs in on LKL because he's a popular entertainer...

and did a lot to get out the vote - not that he's speaking for an entire race?

[Ecumenist]

33. I'm curious, Varkam.... Are you black? I'm just asking out of genuine curiousity..

[varkam]

37. Why are you genuinely curious?

Does the color of my skin strengthen or weaken anything that I have said?

[Ecumenist]

38. The reason I ask is because we seem to be represented by entertainers

more so than other groups of people. It something that seems to be unique to us. I.m just tired of be represented by people who don't speak clear and understandable english, who spread their genes thither and yon WITHOUT marrying woman the first; dress in Buckwheat Chic and Ghetto fabulous clothing styles that have NO MORE CONNECTION TO ME than they would to the man on the moon.

I majored in Molecular Biology, my brother is pursuing his graduate degree in astrophysics and quantum mechanics, I come from a family that is choc full of scientists, teachers. etc. AND GUESS WHAT> My family isn't that unusual but when these types stand up as representatives of my people, it gives the impression that we are a homogenous, monolithic group of pimping idiots.

That's why I ask a very logical and honest question about your background.

[varkam]

40. And again, I ask...

does the color of my skin strengthen or weaken anything that I have said? Let's say that we're talking about Kenny Chesney, and I ask whether or not you're white - would your opinion become less valuable because you're black? Doesn't that sound kind of...racist to you?

I understand your frustrations, but I don't think it's relegated to just race. I think it's part of a bigger problem of celebrity worship. I don't pretend that any of these people speak for the whole race or gender of which they happen to be a member. For the most part, I think they represent a self-indulgent media-spawned celebrianity that has about as much connection to reality as the tooth fairy.

[Ecumenist]

44. It has much more to do with the your experience, hence the color, my dear.

It has nothing to do with racism at all. It's the entire reason that many folks like me get sick and tired of modern versions of minstrels show purporting to represent me and mine.

BTW, Please read RPannier's post , #21. This is EXACTLY what I'm talking about and which is why I asked you about your background.

[4 t 4]

57. I really had no idea doe's he have babies everywhere? yuck!

[Ecumenist]

60. Here ya go...

Combs has never married but is the biological father of four children and one through association. Combs' first biological child was Justin Dior Combs (December 1993), his son from a relationship with high school sweetheart, designer Misa Hylton-Brim. His second child is son Christian Casey Combs (April 1998) with Kim Porter. Porter also had Combs' twin daughters, D'Lila Star Combs and Jessie James Combs, in December 2006.<40> In July 2007 Combs and Porter ended their relationship.

[varkam]

63. I'm as white as the driven snow.

I don't see how my experience of being white or black has anything to do with media intake, but perhaps you can enlighten me.

:popcorn:

[HamdenRice]

64. "does the color of my skin strengthen or weaken anything that I have said?" - Yes, it does

Because she is saying how it feels as a black person to constantly be represented by entertainers and athletes.

Or do you think that you are better positioned to tell us how we should feel as African Americans being constantly represented by athletes and entertainers?

Apparently you do.

[varkam]

66. Not you.

I wasn't saying anything about how it felt to be represented by entertainers and athletes, I was merely challenging the proposition that Combs was some kind of emissary for an entire race (or that he was meant to be).

And you know damn well that I wasn't doing anything of the sort that you suggest, but that wouldn't make for good hyperbole. My position is rather that it's an issue with the media in general and a culture of celebrity-worship. Why should we care what Combs thinks about anything? I don't think we should care what Combs thinks, but he's rich and an entertainer and so he's on television. Ditto for airheads like Jenny McCarthy and Tom Cruise.

[4 t 4]

56. Oh No Varkam

is on a role tonight. Varkam I gave you three chances you are pissed about something, now your pissing others off not good. Tell us what the problem really is.

[varkam]

62. Are you stalking me now?

I can't even understand what you're trying to say.

[cherokeeprogressive]

31. Kanye West?

Didn't he recently claim to be "the voice of a new genearation"?

And besides, he DID sell a lot of CD's after saying that "Bush hates blacks".

[BlooInBloo]

47. Whoa. Hardcore.

[MrModerate]

2. More to the point, why is he even on the planet?

From an artistic viewpoint, the guy is like fingernails down a blackboard.

[Ecumenist]

8. Amen Senior Moderate!!

I just don't get it.

[CatWoman]

36. I have to agree with you there......

[DS1]

4. I can't wait until he's broker than MC Hammer

[awoke_in_2003]

26. Unless he suddenly gets stupid...

it ain't gonna happen. The man knows how to handle his money.

[JI7]

41. yeah, he is more of a business guy than artist

[bullwinkle428]

43. P. Diddy...why are you famous, still?

I didn't know wearing a suit was a skill!



I KEED! I KEED! I JOKE WITH YOU!

[4 t 4]

58. I Love You Triumph

[muntrv]

6. Actor Hill Harper is on the panel. He was Obama's classmate at law school.

Kevin Johnson, newly elected mayor of Sacramento, is on the panel too.

[ecstatic]

9. Haven't tuned in yet but Combs is a very successful

businessman who happens to be black. He started with almost nothing and now is a megamillionaire. He reached the American dream, just as PE Obama has in a different field.

[varkam]

13. Nuh-uh. He's a thug and a pervert.

Apparently.

[awoke_in_2003]

27. He is a success story...

like you say. And he isn't just involved in music, he has some diversity. He, and a lot of the newer stars, have learned from the mistakes of their predecessors (Like MC Hammer)

[AndrewP]

11. It's just Mainstream Media masterbating over celebrity

[Dukkha]

15. what's he calling himself this week?

he should just cut to the chase and name himself "Poser"

[Ecumenist]

34. Amen Neo. We're more than just rapper of the week.

[Sebastian Doyle]

17. He's got a new movie to plug

Still trying to cash in on the corpse of his so-called "best friend" Biggie Smalls.

[KharmaTrain]

18. Larry King Secretly Touches Negroes...

:rofl:

It's like the corporate media has discovered the black experience...and examining it like they look at the social habits of dolphins on Animal Planet.

[misanthrope]

49. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

...I can't breathe!

[FrenchieCat]

19. I have yet to hear anything coming out of PDittie or whatever he calls himself now.....

saying anything profound or intelligent.

[no_hypocrisy]

20. B/c he's a jock-sniffer.

[4 t 4]

22. I once again agree with very few

and I don't do it on purpose, I think I like him.

[Blue_Tires]

23. he did have his "vote or die" campaign

and while i'm not a fan, he is a successful businessman and a tony award-winning actor

[4 t 4]

24. That's right and he is

a good role model for small ones everywhere. IMHO

[Ecumenist]

39. Not my small ones or any of those I know.

I wouldnt want my kids to models themselves after a "man" who impregnates and disrepects women BECAUSE HE CAN. Although the women had some say so in their predicaments, I would hardly say that it makes him a role model for any little one except perhaps, a small man.

[4 t 4]

52. Links please

who has he disrespected and inpregnated I will recoil. Links Please

[4 t 4]

59. Give me the links

where are the links he impregnates women. Where are the links? The women that are in his videos are disgusting but you can't just say he has a ton of babies. DU use to insist on links for anything anyone claimed I think we need to go back to that. Links please He who impregnates women. Like you said" BECAUSE HE CAN" you can't just say that without anything to back it up with I will concede if you back it up with something.

[4 t 4]

61. You can't just say things like that

Do you have Anything to back it up with ? I am not a p diddy advocate I just don't want to repeat lies I want the truth only with facts that is the only way we will get out of this era with the truth Only

[RadicalTexan]

29. I find him offensive and pretty much the opposite of a good role model

He's all about conspicuous consumption, not to mention misogyny. Just because he's "successful" if we measure success in dollars and Bentleys does not mean he's a good role model, for black kids or anyone else. He's repulsive, and, along with, say, Donald Trump, what's wrong with American, in my opinion. As a white woman, I found his inclusion insulting.

[Ecumenist]

35. Thanks Radical Texan!! I'm a black woman...not Texan but married to one

and the daughter and granddaughter of Texans. I agree completely. Hubby's a Bohemian Czech. BTW, belated welcome to DU!! Right glad to meetcha!! :hi:

[4 t 4]

53. Unlike Trump

I know nothing about his personal life but i guess you do so please tell me what is his life like that makes you think he is the opposite of a role model I'm not being snarky I thought he was living a good man's life. Have I been sold and am i to stupid to know it? Is he a pig?

[HamdenRice]

65. He wasn't even a talented rapper, and was repulsive and corrupt as a businessman/producer

Combs is famous for getting his start by intimidating and ripping off the artists he produced. He isn't even a roll model as a rapper/record producer.

[UTUSN]

32. Because media whoreism is what it IS?!1 Like J-lo & Marc Antony ?!1

To answer somebody's question from yesterday, HOW did J-Lo & Marc CASH in from NOT endorsing OBAMA during the campaign YET showing up at the inaugural festivities equate with CASHING IN?!1

Any publicity for celeb/media whores is GOLD!1

[Horse with no Name]

42. Because Combs was instrumental in getting the Youth out to vote

and pssst...he started this during the Kerry campaign so it isn't racially motivated.

[Hanse]

46. As much as I dislike his music...

he's one of the major forces in the industry.

Probably one of the most skilled self-promoters of the 20th-21st century.

Right up there with P.T. Barnum, and Walt Disney.

So why wouldn't he be on Larry King?

[firedupdem]

48. Not all, but he helps get out a substantial youth vote. There is some

value in that.

[misanthrope]

50. It's Larry King. About a step above Ricky Lake**nm

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[misanthrope]

51. self delete**nm

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