Russell Simmons vs. Wynton Marsalis

I was watching the Today Show yesterday morning and saw an interview with both Russell Simmons and Wynton Marsalis. The interview was to follow up from the Don Imus controversy. Russell Simmons had come out after this happened to call for the hip-hop community to rethink their lyrics as many are degrading to women. I applauded Russell's actions because he is quite influential in many circles, not just the hip-hop community.

Unfortunately, in this interview, Russell went back on his stance and told Al Roker that he feels that these words are "poetry" and that the artists should be allowed to say whatever they want. Wynton Marsalis decided to jump into the fray and completely disagree (yeah Wynton!). We cannot continue to have a double standard in this world. Though the "n" word may mean something very different to an African American when said by another African American as opposed to a caucasian, the truth is that 70% of all rap is purchased by young white males. We are perpetuating the use of these words as common language and trust me..."ho" should not be used to describe anything but a garden implement.

I am all about free speech, but I am also all about being respectful of people and not labeling them or reducing them to a single adjective. We are complex people with many dimensions. Do not describe me as a "ho", a "bitch", or a "broad". I can only hope that more people see things the way Mr. Marsalis is seeing them...in a very respectful world!