Comments on: Real Men Wear Ascots: Roland Martin, Homophobia, & Fighting Bigotry

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:07:00 +0000

No, im not saying you’re a homophobe. I am however stating the obvious that homophobia permeates the Black community to a fault. Enough so that Roland didn’t se what he said as wrong.

By: the_stupid

the_stupid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:20:00 +0000

If you say so. I didn’t realize I was a homophobe but I agree with Roland’s comment on the underwear. Now him tweeting was just dumb.

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:05:00 +0000

We’re talking men’s underwear, and not the Hanes Michael Jordan line… its that obvious.

By: the_stupid

the_stupid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:00 +0000

The “issue” as you put it, is everything said negatively about a man by man isn’t related to sexuality. Example, I would say “real bruhs” don’t wear ascots, not implying a man wearing ascots are “gay” but out of fashion or tacky. Maybe Roland, like myself, don’t care for men’s briefs, prefer boxers?
It’s only seen as a homoerotic issue if your looking at the ad that way. When I as a woman criticize Minaj’s attire as vulgar, no one assumes, well she must be a lesbian.

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Also, Minaj’s attire is sexualized as you say, and real sisters shouldn’t wear it. But yet you have a problem making the same connection given Roland’s statement as it applies to what’s perceived to be homoerotic?

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Beckham being gay isn’t the issue. The issue is the reinforcement of the stereotype that says “real black men” don’t wear effeminate clothing, because that’s something that not-so-real black men — otherwise referred to as gay — do on the regular. This mindset and attitude itself, permeates the black community, and though unacceptable, its often embraced. Roland should have known better. But I guess when you believe that you can pray the gay out of a person like him and his wife does, you’d have no problem letting your homophobia run rampant in a public forum. Hell, his ass was on Tom Joiner a few weeks ago on Tom Joyner crying because GOP folks was talking to him funky at a South Carolina Primary event because he was Black and unrecognized as a journalist. Bottom line: if he wants to be taken seriously, he needs to start by protecting his brand and being cautious of what you say publicly.

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Good question!

By: RiPPa

RiPPa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:25:00 +0000

This is an issue that doesn’t require a response from Black leadership. Furthermore, Roland is always front and center with said Black leadership rightfully calling for action against other public figures in the media with a platform when they have done similar. But I suppose we were all oversensitiveness when it was Don Imus and Michael Richards. Bottom line, Roland knows better. Hell, if he felt as you do, why then is he meeting with GLAAD after attempting to defend his tweets?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Do you think Don Imus should have been fired for reinforcing colorism (and frankly, the common eurocentric standard of beauty that Black women have to combat daily) with his comments in 2007?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Again, GLAAD is reaching with this one by displaying oversensitivity. I also find it rather interesting they want him fired from CNN and not NewsOne. they knew it would have really got “our” attention if they try to get him fired from both networks. It is also speaks volumes when our black leaders have been silent, on his suspension as well. I guess Roland is now aware of who his real friends are and hopefully he takes this lesson learn. BTW he needs to tell his wife to pipe down, it is only making matters worse.