Charles Barkley is Far Removed from the Ghetto

barkley comments 4Maybe Sir Charles doesn’t understand that logic since he has been rich for over half his life. He stays in a community where the police know him and his neighbors on a first name basis. He has a white wife, and overall has assimilated completely with the American culture. That culture is driven by white male imperialistic, egoistical attitudes. That culture is built on discrimination and oppression. That culture puts Blacks at bottom of the totem pole when comes to resources for their community. The atmosphere surrounding our living conditions are to akin to being in a wild jungle with animals. Kenny Smith made the analogy of being stranded on an island which is also comparable. He also mentioned that overt discrimination and laws that intentionally declined Black life is not that far in the past. What he did not state is the most recent revelation that the CIA intentionally planted Crack Cocaine in the Black community.

Somehow I believe that Barkley is informed on these matters, but just doesn’t care all that much. He stated that he didn’t think Blacks “shouldn’t bring up slavery in every matter” because it was so long ago. Part of the process of assimilation is forgetting the origins of your identity because you have given it up. Some black athletes and celebrities get plucked off that island and create separation from those who are still stranded. The fact Barkley is not profiled in his community and labeled as another nigger makes his relationship with police different. He said that the police officers are in the community to help; but when they pull you over, you don’t feel safe. My girlfriend was surprised when I told her that police officers have pointed their guns at me on more than one occasion. I didn’t have a gun in those incidents but I knew if I made any incorrect move I would be dead.

On his NBA telecast on TNT Barkley acknowledged the divide that exists amongst the rich and poor people in America. “Poor Whites, Blacks and Hispanics are all in the same boat” he said. Well why are the police only killing people in the Black community; if we are all in the same boat? I haven’t heard any news of a white woman getting killed with her newborn baby in the car. I haven’t seen any video of an Asian man getting choked to death. The recent deaths by police officers of civilians have all been Black people. The atrocities that have been committed against the Black people in this country make us conclude that these killings are intentional. It is obvious that Blacks are targets and have been victimized without cause. It’s sad that when the media wanted to criminalize the victims they chose Barkley to do so. I felt bad because I have been a fan of Barkley, throughout his playing career and broadcast career. On the other hand his recent comments regarding Derrick Rose along with these comments got me thinking twice. Frankly while watching the interview on TV; I couldn’t help but to think of Barkley, for a lack of better words as a “House Nigger.”  

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