Posted on 02/24/2015 2:11:48 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
As the nation continues discussions about police brutality and how it pertains to racism, acting veteran Will Smith is also addressing the way Americas overall obsession with gun culture is leading to many early deaths in the Black community.
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air has also sparked rumors that he may be making a return to the music business with the help of one of hip-hops biggest stars, Kanye West.
Smith has spent more than 25 years in the acting business, something that often leaves big stars disconnected from the issues impacting people who dont benefit from fame and fortune. Smith, on the other hand, has remained relatively grounded throughout his experience in Hollywood.
In a recent interview, Smith addressed gun culture and racism in America and explained that one of the biggest pains he has is not knowing what he can do to solve these problems and ultimately help save young Black lives.
Its been rough for me trying to find my position in the struggle and where my voice is needed and helpful, he told Esquire. You know, I grew up in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia has a really rough police-brutality history. I grew up in a neighborhood where it was very clear that the police were them and we were us.
Smith revealed that the car he had when he was 17 often got him into a lot of trouble with police.
I had the full stereo system and the rims and the paint job, he explained. I had all of that foolishness that made me get pulled over extra, and I had an attitude the second they pulled me over.
Smith suggested that while police brutality is an extremely important issue that needs to remain in the spotlight, Americas obsession with gun culture also has to be addressed.
What were really talking about in this issue is people walking around the street with guns that can make a decision whether or not theyre going to kill someone, right, he continued. And thats even more difficult, because theres really no way back from that. This is a gun culture. And its painful for me because I cannot figure out how to be helpful.
Many famous Black fathers have been opening up about the talks they have to have with their sons in hopes that it will keep them safe when they encounter police officers.
Smith has a different sort of talk with his sons.
Ive always been telling my sons, We have to separate fault from responsibility, he said. Whose fault it is that Black men are in this situation, whose fault it is doesnt matter. Its our responsibility to make it go right. Its our responsibility. Its a lot of peoples fault, systemic racism, and its a lot of peoples fault that the Black community is in the situation that were in, but its our responsibility to clean up the mess.
Smith may be struggling to find his voice in the movement now, but its quite possible that his potential hip-hop return could provide him with the perfect stage to start finding out exactly where his voice is needed.
While all people tend to be impacted by music in some way, none seem to be more engulfed into the current musical culture than millennials a group that many would argue has an incredible amount of power to change Americans future but is lacking the necessary guidance and leadership.
Its possible that Smith could become an influential voice for todays youth, and hes already started partnering up with an incredibly influential hip-hop great.
Its been roughly 10 years since Smith released his last solo rap album Lost and Found in 2005, but new reports are suggesting that he could be gearing up for a comeback.
During a screening for his new film Focus, Smith told reporters that he is contemplating getting back into the music business.
I went into the studio with Kanye [West], Smith said, according to The Guardian. Im thinking about it. Im exploring.
West has been consistently recognized as a brilliant creative forcealbeit controversialso his assistance could certainly be a big help to Smith.
Meanwhile, he is also picking up some writing tips from his son Jaden, who is also a rapper.
My son tells me I have to write out the things I dont like, Smith added. I cant write and stop. I have to keep going and going and write them out. Ive never worked like that before, but I think I might give that a shot.
Perhaps West, the reigning king of samples in hip-hop, could find a great way to integrate the song Smith is best known for into his new music.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down
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Haha, yeah, the “noisy cricket”.
It's really only a big problem in democrat majority districts.
“gun culture” is overly broad.
Like Bloomberg says, it is the minority community that has the violent ideology.
White people have the same rules that blacks work under but don’t have the same violent ideology.
NOTE” the use of the phrase “violent ideology” us intentionally emphasized. Use it too.
Well .. your name says it all .. because your statement is “fuzzy logic”.
You cannot be in reality if you are PC .. because PC is where people make up stuff to sound good or look good; and it has nothing whatsoever to do with reality.
Good old “HOLLYWOOD”
“Since the early 90s, it’s ALL gangster or graphically sexual.”
My kids listen to Christian rap! I can’t stand it, but at least the lyrics have a good message. (If one can understand them!)
My one daughter also likes “screamo” Christian music. Worse than rap!!
If you read the rest of the sentence/paragraph, it was actually one of the most sensible statements in the whole article.
So, you disagree and can only attack my handle, civility is lacking here on FR sometimes - does it make you feel smart? The term doesn’t mean “confused”, maybe you should educate yourself before you look foolish.
You’re also wrong. He’s only saying some PC crap because he has to, I stand by my main comments you ignore.
BoooooHooooooo!!!!!!
Like I said - civility.
“His kids are freaky-weird though, so...”
They gave them those narcissistic Jon-Benet first names.
Black culture is responsible for the black deaths in this country.
The gun culture is at the range shooting peacefully.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” was a decent movie. I’d recommend it.
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