Read a book, read a book, read a muh-fuggin book

[chick]

I love this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN2VqFPNS8w

There is a live version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhBDUuhSSc

The singer's name is Bomani "D'Mite" Armah (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomani_Armah)." The Wiki page has a section about the song "Read a Book." His website is D'Mite - www.notarapper.com (http://notarapper.com/) and you can hear some more of his music there.

There seems to be some controversy in the YouTube comments for this song and its cartoon video. I think it's a great send-up of the crappy "crunk" videos that are so popular on MTV these days. The song has some hilarious lyrics giving (forcing?) advice to (on) those who might enjoy the lifestyle espoused in popular rap. But some people are so wrapped up in the "omg he said nigga" outrage that they can't see the satire and wit in the song. Another problem in the YouTube comments section is the ignorant white racists who believe that all black people are "niggers" who live the ghetto life.

I'm afraid the song won't reach its intended audience, but it certainly entertains and amuses me.

Comments?

[freemonkey]

Yesterday, CNN did an overly long and dramatic story on what a controversy this song and video is. I don't usually watch CNN, so I don't know who the "news" guy is and if he is always this way, but he was a loud-mouthed jerk who looked more like he was acting than interviewing.

I can't find the specific story, but a quick search of CNN's site gave me this page (http://search.cnn.com/search.jsp?query=bet%20read%20a%20book&type=web&sortBy=date&intl=false)

*sigh* It seems no one gets satire anymore.

[viscousmemories]

I think that video is great, and the artist is very talented. I'm surprised by how completely some people missed the point. Jesse Jackson's RainbowPUSH Coalition said this in a press release:

A common definition of satire is witty language used to convey insults or scorn. The video is plenteously scornful and insulting, but not of crassness. The video insults reading, personal hygiene, family values and frugality. "Read a Book" heaps scorn on positive values and (un)intentionally celebrates ignorance. The narrator is obviously illiterate, unkempt and disrespectful. So who takes his advice seriously

:doh:

[freemonkey]

I'm surprised by how completely some people missed the point. Jesse Jackson's RainbowPUSH Coalition said this in a press release:

A common definition of satire is witty language used to convey insults or scorn. The video is plenteously scornful and insulting, but not of crassness. The video insults reading, personal hygiene, family values and frugality. "Read a Book" heaps scorn on positive values and (un)intentionally celebrates ignorance. The narrator is obviously illiterate, unkempt and disrespectful. So who takes his advice seriously

:doh:
Un-fucking-believable. Seriously.

[chick]

I think that video is great, and the artist is very talented. I'm surprised by how completely some people missed the point. Jesse Jackson's RainbowPUSH Coalition said this in a press release:

A common definition of satire is witty language used to convey insults or scorn. The video is plenteously scornful and insulting, but not of crassness. The video insults reading, personal hygiene, family values and frugality. "Read a Book" heaps scorn on positive values and (un)intentionally celebrates ignorance. The narrator is obviously illiterate, unkempt and disrespectful. So who takes his advice seriously

:doh:

What the ... are these people so far removed from mainstream rap culture that they can't recognize a send-up of "crunk" videos when they see it? This video promotes and encourages literacy, parenting, good health, and responsibility. I think Jesse Jackson might be a tad out of touch with modern music and "thug life."

[Watser?]

Just a smidgen :unnod:

[But]

This video promotes and encourages literacy, parenting, good health, and responsibility. I think Jesse Jackson might be a tad out of touch with modern music and "thug life."

Yeah, tha bitch best recognize.