You know, once upon a time this face shown ABOVE was known for nothing more than smiles accompanied by life lessons and wisdom. Not only for black individuals but for everyone who watched or admired Mr. Bill Cosby across America. I myself admired Mr.Cosby simply because he was a legendary icon, a well known comedian, a activist to some extent and also didn't take the whole approach of comedy the same as everyone. He did what we call "Clean Comedy" (or to which we thought), a different approach and a more subtle approach than the raunchy Richard Pryor's of his day. I love Richard Pryor i just know that type of comedy and Bill Cosby's type of comedy were two totally different cadences. But Nevertheless both are legends still even to this day and are remembered for what they brought to the entertainment business.
BUT......... Bill Cosby has most recently been under scrutiny and legal action for allegations regarding rape that should not come as a surprise once you do your research on his stand up and interviews.Their is a video on YouTube where he discusses the use of the "Spanish Fly". Now the only thing i have heard about the "Spanish Fly" was that my dad would tell me that it basically was a date rape drug in the 60's-80's. The fact that he jokes about the use of drugs to seduce women and to have "his way" with them is really beyond me. I was always told that behind every joke their is a bit of truth to it. So you have to look closely at things of this nature especially considering the era that it was and considering the status of the individuals and what was more common. Not accepted but "COMMON". Now "Common" is a word you also have to focus on in this situation as well, because for a n example drinking promethazine with codeine cough syrup isn't "Accepted" but it is "Common" for this day and age especially among people who are influenced by the hip hop genre.
On the other hand you have situations like the prominent hip hop artist Nelly's situation then you have to acknowledge that this isn't always the case. These women aren't always truthful, some just want a "check" they want money, they see that is a trend and don't mind tarnishing not only someones name but someone's career. Just for some money to change their own life and may have had friends who it has actually happened to and worked for so they decide to take it among themselves to take legal action. The charges against Nelly were eventually dropped last year, But that doesn't take the asterisk off of his name of being a rapist now, It's a touchy subject and should not be taken lightly on either end. So to see charges being dropped among a lot of other women accusing famous and non-famous individuals gives a different perspective to a situation of such. It gives the situation some reprieve to all men, i feel because it has been a growing trend and an ongoing epidemic for so long for regular people and in the entertainment industry as a whole.
On the other hand most people who are being accused are "WHITE MEN OF POWER". By "Power" i mean that they have a huge hand in the entertainment industry and have been a staple in the industry for years. They also know the likes of many producers and have connection for promising young actors and (But for this conversation actresses mostly) actresses. These men have been under fire for rape or sexual harassment allegations and i understand that it's more accusations that will surface with even the likes of James Franco and Aziz Ansari being accused of some form of sexual misconduct. But we have to look at the history of Hollywood and it's use of the "Casting Couch". They have always lured women in with the hopes of making them stars and giving them a shot at a career. But the situation comes in when they take advantage of women and don't necessarily have general consent from the women they are having sexual relations with. This takes me to my final argument/view and perspective of the situation.
The picture is pretty much self-explanatory, but the technicalities and lines become blurred when individuals are inebriated or under the influence of their own sexually deviant agendas. Prominent people in the industry are slowly losing respect not only from me but from women in general because of these allegations. Now the validity of the allegations are yet to be brought to the forefront for further interpretation. To say that these women are just chasing a check is not always be best approach when evaluating the situation but it is one that is in the talks when you see charges dropped. But, when superstars are getting their start taken off the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" and losing Netflix specials and families are being separated it makes you feel sorry for these women. It makes you want all situations to get some justice. But in this day in age seeing how far women have come up in the industry, from demanding respect and having equal rights you have no choice but to agree with women being strong enough to come out and be honest about such a dark situation. But all in all i hope all the women are secure for their future endeavors and each suspect comes to justice either in their favor or the victims favor.
