Thoughts on Bill Cosby and R. Kelly after the Media Hype
By Rev. Carey A. Grady, 7thEpiscopal District
Now that the media frenzy is over and other entertainment gossip has hit the national stage, it is a good time to reflect on the media hype and trial of public opinion of Robert Kelly, also known as “R. Kelley” and the criminal conviction and sentencing of Bill Cosby. The problem with the R. Kelly decade-long allegations and the Bill Cosby conviction is not that they are rich, male, or at the end of their economic-producing careers.
The fact that one has been seemingly held accountable and the other about to be held accountable is good. Yet, the question arises, “Was Cosby held accountable because he was black?” If so, it says that in America a white rapist is more valuable than a black rapist. Likewise, is R. Kelly the only musical artist of national acclaim that likes young girls? Clearly, history has shown that is not the case. From rock and roll greats, actors, and filmmakers, the evidence shows Kelly is not alone. It seems as if white pedophile entertainers are more important than black entertainment pedophiles.
One of the reasons we can’t seek justice in any of these areas legitimately is the stain of American racism. Racism cripples our ability to seek justice in all matters of the criminal justice system from petty to violent crimes and especially in cases of sexual and domestic violence. If you are black or brown, you will be held accountable; and if you are not, you have the chance to get off. What is particularly interesting is that Cosby and Kelly have or had economic resources, wealth, fame, and national notoriety. None of those things worked out or are working out on their behalf.
If Cosby goes down, will Weinstein go down? If R. Kelly goes down, will other musical pedophiles go down? When does race not become a factor in crimes and violence enacted on women?
We should not be surprised since, at one time in U.S. history, black people were considered less than human or constitutionally three-fifth human. If Cosby and Kelley are guilty, they deserve to be thrown under the jail. If they are innocent, have they gone down or about to go down because of the color of their skin?
The Rev. Carey A. Grady is the pastor of Reid Chapel AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina (www.reidchapel.org). He believes words have power. He blogs regularly at www.careyagrady.com.
