Professor Marc Lamont Hill Responds to Slim Thug's “Opinion” On Black Women...Talib Kweli Weighs In Too

NEWS

» by tffhthewriter June 8, 2010, 18:04pm

It seems that Slim Thug rubbed more than Black women the wrong way with the controversial statements that he made in a recent interview with VIBE magazine.

As previously reported, Slim Thug was quoted stating that Black women needed to lower their standard in an effort to become more “down” for their men. It seems that Professor Marc Lamont Hill decided to respond and defend the seeming attack on Black women, by penning a letter to Slim Thug.

In the letter, which is posted on Professor Hill's blog, Hill breaks down the misconception of Black women not being down by writing:

“Even more disturbing was your comment that “Black women gotta start being down for their man more.” Since slavery, Black women have had to withstand rape, torture, and humiliation (from both white and Black men) in order to sustain their families. Now, in 2010, 1 in 3 Black men between 20 and 29 years old are incarcerated or otherwise under criminal supervision. Every day, Black women are raising children without men in the house, working multiple jobs (for less pay!), and supporting brothers as they finish their prison bids.

With Black male unemployment as high as 50 percent in some cities, sisters are often holding down households without child support or other financial assistance. Black female incarceration rates are skyrocketing, partly because Black women are “riding” for their men, hiding guns and drugs, operating as mules, and refusing to snitch to authorities.

In addition, Black women are the group most likely to be victims of domestic violence and the least likely to be married. Still, in spite of all this bad news, Black women are less likely to date outside their race than Black men.

How much more “down” do you want Black women to be?”

Slim Thug, who at first seemed to gloat off of the fact he was “keeping it real,” quickly turned the agenda and focus of the interview stating that the comments he made regarding Black women were said in jest.

On his Twitter page, Slim Thug decided to combat the letter that was written in response to the interview stating:

“First for the record I did NOT write that blog I was being interviewed on the phone by Vibe so they didn't put all I said In the blog. 2nd we started out doing a interview about a skit I did on comedy central so I was in a joking mood.”

Thugga also states that many people are not getting the idea of the whole interview:

“They not putting my whole blog on these other sites. The reason I said Black  women  have to lower their standards is because while Black  successful woman or a majority Black successful men are a minority so if u want a Black  successful man u have to work harder to find one and keep one.  I'm not a professor,  I'm a rapper so the women  I meet and the women u meet are different. “

Slim Thug also insists that the views he had on interracial dating merely come from his brother teasing him. He states that he prefers to only date Black women and that is all he has ever dated.

“It's my blog so I gave ya'll my story of my life and the women  I meet.  I NEVER been in a relationship with a white woman, If u go back and read my blog, [it says] my BROTHER dates a white woman and teases me about the drama I go thru with my Black women. So [if that is what I said, then] how did I put white women  over Black women? I said this is what he jokes with me and says.”

Although many are accusing Slim Thug of being irresponsible with his comments, he states that he never signed up to be a role model. Although that comes with fame as Professor Hill points out in his letter.

“As an artist who is respected by millions of fans, particularly young ones, I found your comments to be hurtful and irresponsible. For good or for bad, our children follow the lead of you and other artists for everything from fashion and slang to self-esteem, body image and relationships.

Imagine how a young Back girl feels to hear from you, her role model, that her “standards are too high” and that she should “bow down” and “settle for less.” Consider the pain that our beautiful brown skinned babies feel when Yung Berg says he doesn't date “dark butts.” Think about the self-esteem of our community when Nelly refers to our mothers, sisters, and daughters as “Tip Drills.”

As celebrities, your public comments are not just your own. Instead they influence the choices, beliefs, and lives of an entire generation of young people who look to you for direction.”

Slim Thug responded stating that he never asked to be a role model nor is he willing to take on the responsibility of being one to kids.

“I never signed up to be nobody role model and u can't make me be one and if kids listen to me over their parents that's A sign of bad parenting. Ya'll can't blame me or Nelly for what yo kids do. I never told no girl to be a stripper But however I do enjoy them so what I think everybody needs to do is stay in they lane I rep for the streets u rep.

For the more positive crowd once again I NEVER been in relationship with nothing but Black women.  And while I respect where u[are] com[ing] from and your opinion, u must respect mine. If u and your followers don't like it don't buy my CDs dont read my blog I not tryna tell yall how to live yall life.”

Talib Kweli & Wife DJ Eque

Talib Kweli also got into the discussion  and kind of defended Slim Thug's point of view.  Talib tweeted,

“We all generalize in convos its human nature. But when u generalize in print the ppl u generalizing about are coming for you. He made some valid points but he was generalizing too much for his points to come across.

I know what he was tryin to say. every black man can relate to what he was saying. His justifications, reasons were off, but not his feelings. he's a rapper who was asked to blog for vibe. He's never done it he's out of his element and it showed. He was blindsided.”

Comment Comments 36 Tags Tags: , , , ,
  • aleximaq

    I am so glad he wrote this letter to Slim thug...he needs to be held accountable for talking such shyt....I always say, if you want a good woman...you have t first be a good man...

  • Common sense

    What kid of slow ignorant woman involve themselves with a fool like this boy? That's the real question.

  • Boycott Black Men!!!

    He's a liar and Talib Kwali is a weak pu**y for agreeing with him! I will be getting a website together for BW to discuss boycotting these weak low life BM, We are 20 million strong and we need to wake up the sleeping giant. I say we stop supporting them for real, don't go to any business they own, when they get into trouble let a White chick get them out of it, don't buy any cd's by Black male artists, and don't have any babies by them..they are horrible deadbeat fathers anyway!
    Im very angry and I like many other bw feel this is the last straw..we must strike back there has just been too much insults and disrespect from bm and it has to stop. I will be back with more info.

  • angel

    It's obvious that slim thug is nothing but an ignorant a$#hol@ so why is Kweli defending him? He shows no remorse and does not seem to think anything was wrong with his comments. Also U say u don't want to be anybody's role model YET U HAVE KIDS, so sir you already are a role model, stop making excuses.

  • successfulBLACKwoman

    he obviously has an awful personality, which is probably why he attracts "birds". i couldn't help but but laugh at how willingly ignorant his blog is. he's gonna have a rude awakening when he realizes gold diggers come in all colors. it's sad what society has taught these so-called successful black men, your mother would be ashamed. I DON'T CARE HOW SUCCESSFUL YOU ARE IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOURSELF, AND HONOR YOUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS.... YOU WILL BE MISERABLE. It's bad enough white men think, black women are at the bottom of the totem pole. NOW BLACK MEN ARE CO-SIGNING?!?!? LOWER OUR STANDARDS? WHAT? I PREFER A HANDSOME, WELL DRESSED, WELL SPOKEN, EDUCATED, BLACK MAN. lol @ slim thug thinking he's the cream of the crop :) MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING ONE DAY WHEN YOUR M0NEY AND FAME FADES [which it will] YOU'LL SEE WHO NEVER LEFT AND WAS THERE FROM DAY ONE, BUT WAS OVERLOOKED. i've been riding with my black husband since high school..... we've been broke, we've had children, we've made money. NO DRAMA NO GOLD DIGGING....

    love, respect, and trust.

    BY THE WAY... I DON'T TREAT MY MAN LIKE A KING. HE IS A KING. HE NEVER EXPECTS ANYTHING FROM ME, SO I GIVE HIM EVERYTHING.

    i'm a wonderful mother. i cook, clean, and satisfy. very independent.

    i don't need a man for money.

    I HONESTLY WOULDN'T LOOK TWICE AT A SLIM THUG.

    PEACE and love

  • C

    Talib, you are just as ignorant as Slim Thug with your "every black man can relate to what he was saying" . I hope your Black wife gets rid of your sorry self. Shut the heck up!

  • kita

    Okay shut up slim thug, and talib damn man i use to respect u!! Now thats gone!!

  • Annoula Hopson

    As a black woman without an identity crisis I am not even ***** off at “slim thug” comments. I pity him. His moniker is “slim thug”…. he is hardly slim (as far as I can see), probably due to eating all that pasta tsk ... tsk. His claim to fame is being an aggressive and violent young criminal – the definition of a “thug” a name he chose for himself. Who wouldn't pity such a lost soul, POOR young man.
    Who am I *****ED of with? – VIBE magazine. If, as I've read .... and, if it's true that Vibe magazine both interviewed him and printed this hateful trite, it's at their feet all this anger should lay. This magazine once represented the voice of our music, full of insight, and inspiration. WTF happened? Is the pull of the golden idol so strong that we will sell selfhate for a buck? Whatever it is, I hope that in the future Vibe will tell these lost souls to take a hike.
    p.s In your anger do not sin – options you can start with: write to vibe magazine and let them know why articles like this is not okay. Also let them know that you will stop buying their mag. or visting their site (it's all about their bottom dollar)/ stop buying&listening to “thug's” music. Finally, encourage other to do the same.
    Peace and love

  • Keisha

    Dr. Marc Lamont Hill has an excellent website as well, check it out.....

  • Wow

    Dark butts??? C'mon bergie...that's damn near racist dawg

  • Jamichael

    As a young black professional, I truly understand where Slim is coming from. I think the professor is too engulfed in historic black women struggles as he doesn't understand the new age of black women. Most black women EXPECT to have a "big baller" as a man at some point. They set their standards so high to the point where it's ridiculous. This makes it understandable why some black men date outside their race. The crazy part is that most single black women have a ton of baggage supported by high standards. It makes it hard for good black men to deal with this foolishness when most black women have bad attitudes, expect for you to pay their bills and take care of their kids while Beyonce promotes the famous "if you like, put a ring on it" mentality. Slim's point is valid for today's average black woman, yet I agree it was not well put. It's sad when you tell the truth about things you see every day and people jump on you with the intent to make your comments controversial or offensive. Bottom line, black women need to come back to reality while black men need to become real men.

  • Ak

    Well said. Very well said. I especially like the part where you say "Just because you caught a financial break you think you have gained some common sense" I love it!
    However, once you become famous you become a role model. "Role model" isn't a good or negative thing, it is just what happens. You are spotlighted, and yes it is up to us to dodge idiocy and teach our kids how to as well.

  • Dolly $ents

    This is the first time I've ever disagreed with Talib. I understand that he is trying to give a fellow rapper (one of a far lesser calibre) the benefit of the doubt, but he was not blindsided. He thought he was being clever, but his ignorance was exposed. How about Slim Thug dreams about going platinum or being on a successful tour or having fans outside of the Houston area and someone telling him to lower his standards/expectations. Does anyone think he would? Does he lower his standards now with minimal fame and talent?
    He has a right to his opinions and he also has a right not to be a role model, but should be held accountable for what he says. He is a grown man and doesn't need Talib Kweli , or anyone, making excuses for him. Why should we, as Black men and women, tolerate the divisive words of one rapper when we have enough in this country working against us?

    Ignorance, like AIDS, is an epidemic in the Black community. There is a cure for ignorance though. Spread knowledge, don't make excuses for ignorance.

  • HappilyMarriedBlackWoman(to a Black Man)Under30

    There is no "new age of black women." Anyone who thinks black women are so peculiar that we can be separated from other ethnicities of women based on our values and behavior is just delusional. My advice is to get yourself in check and step outside of your norm, because these fake stats about the "average" and "most" black women are foolish. What you go through in your relationship struggles is personal - it doesn't transcend to every black woman in America. What you see everyday is so different from what I see, so do not generalize and tell all black women what they need to do. And yes, if you love her you should "Put a Ring On It." Marriage and commitment is something white women (gasp!) relate to as well - not just us "new age black women."

  • http://www.pyramidoftruth.com KHEPERKARE

    Give slim thug credit for only dating Black females, not because he is doing them a favor but because he has made good decisions regarding that. And talib did himself good by marrying his Black wife. No one, man or woman should lower their standards for anyone. However stating that, man should not live by bread alone. So take into account a persons wisdom, kindness, generosity of what they do have, their devotion to the truth. Their fidelity, morality, patience, their overcoming of odds, of pain and suffering and so on.

  • Jon

    Wow...African American males or whatever you call yourselves these days are such a shame. Next time you ignorant imbeciles decide to group a black race, refer to the term African American. The rest of us do not have these ignorant issues with our women.

  • ken

    I would have to agree with slim thug! I am a Black american man and I have to say that I know just where he is coming from. I don't understand how black american women can deny how they are and their behavior. Black women are on television everyday proving slim thugs point. 'FLAVA OF LOVE', 'NBA WIVES', 'REAL HOUSE WIVES OF ATLANTA'. these are just some of the shows. Black american women are materialistic, and grow up thinking that being loud and out spoken is cute. Black american women have a hard time getting along with each other, let alone a man! I have to say that he was right but his delivery could have been better.

  • Sandy

    It is me or most of negative comments come from uneducated African-American men. I'm AA by birth...but my roots are West Indian. It appears to me AA men try to dog out AA women more then any other men of color (West Indian, Latino, etc).

    I really feel sorry for uneducated men or women like Slim thug or who ever you are. This is one of reason....I never really like dating some AA men.....because of this way of thinking. The problem with men like this....they don't know a really women when they meet one. Regardless if she is AA or other. Know you history fool and others as well. You will find that many other people of color mothers and fathers are dark or your term dark butt (since this is the only lanuage you understand) Your a sad person!!!!!

  • GG

    @Jamichael, you are making generalizations just as Slim Thug has done. I know some very professional black women and not one of them are looking for a baller. Many of them just want a man with a job, goals, and a little chivarly, but even that's hard to find. I think the baggage works both ways, and if you have a black momma and sisters you should know that it is not imbedded in us to be *****ody's door mat. Some brothers want to be cowboys before you even give them a rope, so we have to put our foot down, otherwise they would walk all over us. For you to imply that a white woman is better than a black woman, only implies that you hate what you see in the mirror because the same black woman you shun is the one that birthed you.

  • Jamichael

    @ GG and Dolly Sents
    I think you two should host an angry black women summit and invite me and Slim.
    And I apologize for so called "gernalizing" and using the word "most" when I referred to black women. I didn't expect for you to take it so personal. The last time I checked most did not equal all. If you feel you're not one of them, yippy for you. Like the vast majority of black men have, black women have their problems too. Don't get mad when people shine light on areas you intend to remain dark. Check out how responsive you were to other people's opinions when it obviously doesn't pertain to you. Are you begging to be part of that group? Unlike Slim, I could care less how you feel about black men or how many times you refer to the Bible. The fact of the matter remains that both sides have issues. You seem to be blind to facts. Black men and women need to get it together at some point. Stop being mad at the world and other races because you can't get your situation together. You still have time if you start today.

  • memphis jeff

    Man yall can try to defend these women out her all day if you want but this is a FACT not all but 90% of young black women are money hungry and would do anything thing to get it im sorry but you people must dont live in the real world all they care about is what can you buy them or what cant you buy them and threr is a word for that but i wont say it i have seen both sides and i can PROMISE the white women are more independent and they are more loyal thats just my experince but i honestly think its education if they had a good education and was raised right they wouldnt have to find somone to take care of them but they can go get thier own but not all are like that because i have a beautiful young black woman and everythig is 50-50 how it should but i will say agian these young black women are money hungry and instead of getting it for themselves they want somone else to do it for them andits sad but dont get me wrong its to many single mothers out here as well and thats the black mans fault either for going to jail or just because he is trifling but you black women really need to check yourself thug speaks for 90% of all young black me in this country that see this go on everyday this cant e the first time you all have heard this because i have been hearing it fo at least 10 years so it is what it is

  • Dolly $ents

    @JaMichael
    You are funny. I am far from angry nor do I take any of this personal, but I am concerned about our community.... especially literacy and overall education. Either you have a problem with reading comprehension or you didn't read what I wrote. Not once have I spoken ill of Black men (I adore them), nor am I mad at other races (ask my White and Latin family members) and I have not denied that Black women have issues (we have plenty, some of which I posted in Regina King's article).

    I wasn't interested until I saw one of my favorite lyricists (Talib Kweli) comment on the situation. Slim Thug's ignorance does not surprise me, but Talib making excuses for it did surprise me. I do not g-e-n-e-r-a-l-i-z-e , so I targeted my comments to specific people. I did not make any a-s-s-umptions about you nor your status or level of enjoyment of life. I guess I would have to care to do so.

  • Teri

    @growup - I'm angry that YOU aren't outraged by what this indigent said. This is the problem in the black community - we are too apathetic. Trust and believe that if a white artist said what this dweb said, white people would be up in arms. In fact, I was reading on another "white" blog that were insulted that he generalized WHITE WOMEN. You see, they look out for their own. We cannot let these rapper's comments go unchecked. Freedom of speech yes, but be aware that when you speak, someone may just come back and smack you in the mouth. Slim needs a foot up his A$$. Fluck him and his cosigners as well.

  • b-EAZY

    SLIM THUG GAV SOME REAL VALID POINTS. DA PROFESSOR CANT RELATE THE OLD DAYS TO NOW. SOME BLACK WOMEN THESE DAYS ARE VERY LAZY AND EVIL, DEPENDING ON MEN TO PAY THEIR BILLS AND NOT WANTING TO WORK AND DEPEND ON ALL TYPES OF GOVERNMENT *****ISTANCE. IF U REALLY TAKE SOME TIME TO THINK, THUGGA GOT SOME GREAT POINTS.

  • Archie

    496,000 black males are in jail.....there's the 17.3 million black men in america! (check US Census Bureau race in prison)So how is it 1 in 3 BM in jail....BM made more money than black women a cross the board and the amount of black men that makes more doubles in each paid bracket ....Check the(US Census Bureau)...the problem is that BW out number black men 2 to 1....and since we are few in number there women that are non- black that like black men too....Black women are having problems in selecting a mate!!!!

  • Malcolm

    Slim Thug is a boy...simple, elementary logic and a lack of courage. A courageous person strives for success, and if he or she reaches it, realizes the blessings and gives back...and part of giving back is accepting all that comes with the success. Which includes the fame, fortune and the unceremoniously title of ROLE MODEL. So yeah, this boy wouldn't think he is a role model, because he doesn't have the maturity or character of a man!

  • wanda

    somebody made a comment by boycottblackmen and it was not me please dont do it again wanda

  • Todd

    I always took Talib Kweli for a rational thinker. But after reading his defense of Slim thug, the guy is an utter idiot.

  • Wanda

    DR. I saw you tonight on Bill O'reilly please you and the rest of you black folks get the hell off T.V repeating white folks you make me sick

  • yes indeed

    No, Black women don't need to do a damn thing. We have anything to do with the curruption of black men. Keep those standards as high as the highest mountain. Too many of them reaching to the lowest valley. If more of us are in college, graduating from high school, successful, even alive cus of today. We are doing wat we suppose to be doing. We have nothing to do with yall never have. If I was dating you sure but on the regular basis hell no. So many of us are giving up on yall. Don't care who yall are with it gets old.

  • MC

    @Corey:

    Black women havent dated outside of their race because they have been TRAINED not to. Just take a look at it shouldnt. Everything referring to racial politics is often referred to the Black man, about the Black, the Black man this, the Black man that. When Black women wanted to start looking out for themselves and taking care of themselves, joined the women's movement, and everything, what were they called? They were called bringing the Black man down, the women's movement being for White women. We were even blamed for so-called collaborating with White men to bring the Black men down. So many of you all are so damn selfish. Unlike us, you werent taught race loyalty, not to us. We were (and still are) consistently taught that mess! You all were not taught to remain loyal to Black women. So please spare me the blame game of Black women dating out. It amazes me that you talk about King, how about you attribute that same mentality to the media and its consistent abuse and mistreatment of Black women! DO THAT, FIRST! I am so SICK and DAMN tired of people, except for Black women, not standing up (with the exception of a few brothers) for Black men when the media abuses and mistreats their image. Oh, and by the way, other groups of people have their prejudices, and best believe that the marriage or dating of Black women in certain cultures of Arab, Indian, and others is seen as shameful and a demotion in status. If you all dont care about the community, why the hell should I?

  • tenay

    You notice when you look at the chart that people who do not date outside their race have the lowest aids case

  • tenay

    In november we all need to get out and VOTE

  • tenay

    Boycott Slim Thug

  • tenay

    Everybody needs to go to boycottblackmen and read her blog on all black and all innocent

  • tenay

    Please go to boycottblackmen and read her blog on the republican and their lies about demantling unions it's not about the money it's about not funding president obama re-election

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