CNN’s Don Lemon certainly struck a nerve in the wake of the George Zimmerman acquittal when he delivered some “tough love” to the African-American community, passing along his list of five rules to follow, handily encapsulated in a single tweet.
dress nicely. use appropriate language. keep ur surroundings clean. go to school. be responsible, involved parents. That's offensive? SMH
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) July 28, 2013
Those comments drew quite a backlash, with MSNBC’s Goldie Taylor declaring Lemon a “turncoat mofo who made it up and out, then cut the rope ladder behind him.” Days later, Lemon is standing by his statements, and still feeling the heat. Today it was Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons who called out Lemon as a slave and a “dangerous talking head.”
Don Lemon conservatives love when we blame ourselves for the condition of the community. You do disservice to black community
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
Hip hop language and clothes are expressions of frustration w/the status quo, your a dangerous talking head just read the news
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
Black Muslims including malcolm x ,black panthers even early dr king had to listen to slaves like you. Just read the news
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
Saggy pants are no different from afros or darshikis or platform shoes they didn't destroy the fabric of the black community
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
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Agreed. It wasn’t hoodies either, no matter what Geraldo Rivera says. What did destroy the black community, then?
40 yrs of locking up diseased people educating them in criminal behavior and putting them back in hood w/ out chance of employment did
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
# 1 enemy of black America has been the war on drugs #newjimcrow
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2013
Lemon maintains his surprise that “the things my mom taught me in kindergarten are so controversial.” It seems those teachings are still going on out there, somewhere.
I'm really sad for the future of this country. Really sad. Luckily only I will be raising my kids and thank GOD not Russell Simmons.
— YesIHaveAnxiety (@MsZack) July 30, 2013
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