Kid Rock - Too White for NAACP
Some members of the NAACP have their longjohns in a pinch. They are miffed that the NAACP during its annual gala this fall will recognize Kid Rock with its Great Expectations award. Some supporters are boycotting the annual fundraiser because the rocker holds up the confederate flag in some of his performances.
Critics say the confederate flag is symbolic of the racial tension and hatred born in the South. The flag was brazenly waved in government capitals that never denounced - and let's face it - were conspirators in the bigotry and the injustice of African Americans.
Kid Rock acknowledges that the flag causes bad memories. "It has some scars, but I've never had an issue with it, "he said during a Detroit News interview. "To me it just represents pride in southern rock 'n' roll music, plus it just looks cool."
The NAACP is not buckling down and defends its chose to award Kid Rock. "[Kid Rock} has consistently lifted up the Great Expectations of many persons... concerning the future of the city," Donnell R. White, interim executive director of the NAACP Detroit branch, said in a statement.
Mind you, the NAACP doesn't go further by saying they find it offensive that Kid is a white man AND waving the confederate flag. Could it be they just don't want to give it to Kid because his skin does not have enough melanin?
Kid Rock who got his start performing in talent shows in the Detroit area has stayed loyal to his hometown with various charitable performances, PR campaigns and publicly acknowledging his love for Detroit.
The question is, does the confederate flag still hold great contempt or do individuals choose to give it power? As one who was born well after the civil rights movement, I know I am the recipient of those who fought and died for all to have equal rights. However, it is the heart, work, and effort of those who came before and after me that should matter most. Just like I cringe whenever I see a video of someone burning the USA flag, it does not disregard what that flag represents...the unification of people who stand for liberty and justice for all.
The same goes for Kid Rock... he can wave that confederate flag all he wants, as long as his actions are indicative of the care and concern for Detroiters. In my humble opinion, symbolism in itself only has power and weight when it is backed by action.
What do you think? Should the NAACP give this honor to Kid Rock?
Critics say the confederate flag is symbolic of the racial tension and hatred born in the South. The flag was brazenly waved in government capitals that never denounced - and let's face it - were conspirators in the bigotry and the injustice of African Americans.
Kid Rock acknowledges that the flag causes bad memories. "It has some scars, but I've never had an issue with it, "he said during a Detroit News interview. "To me it just represents pride in southern rock 'n' roll music, plus it just looks cool."
The NAACP is not buckling down and defends its chose to award Kid Rock. "[Kid Rock} has consistently lifted up the Great Expectations of many persons... concerning the future of the city," Donnell R. White, interim executive director of the NAACP Detroit branch, said in a statement.
Mind you, the NAACP doesn't go further by saying they find it offensive that Kid is a white man AND waving the confederate flag. Could it be they just don't want to give it to Kid because his skin does not have enough melanin?
Kid Rock who got his start performing in talent shows in the Detroit area has stayed loyal to his hometown with various charitable performances, PR campaigns and publicly acknowledging his love for Detroit.
The question is, does the confederate flag still hold great contempt or do individuals choose to give it power? As one who was born well after the civil rights movement, I know I am the recipient of those who fought and died for all to have equal rights. However, it is the heart, work, and effort of those who came before and after me that should matter most. Just like I cringe whenever I see a video of someone burning the USA flag, it does not disregard what that flag represents...the unification of people who stand for liberty and justice for all.
The same goes for Kid Rock... he can wave that confederate flag all he wants, as long as his actions are indicative of the care and concern for Detroiters. In my humble opinion, symbolism in itself only has power and weight when it is backed by action.
What do you think? Should the NAACP give this honor to Kid Rock?
Sheri Hunter has been a TV News Producer, Marketing Strategist and Newspaper reporter. She loves to combine her passion, writing and music and currently writes a blog on music happenings. When she's not writing, she's running or working on a novel in progress.
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