How did we go from #girldad to this?
I have no problem calling a spade a spade, a misogynist a misogynist, etc. However, it's a conundrum for me to call some of these brothers out, because the men that are calling Gayle a "bitch", are also vehemently protecting Vanessa Bryant and her family of daughters. Nevertheless, the vitriol against Gayle King is cruel, misogynistic (this pertains to some women as women also use misogynistic language), and is something that needs to be condemned.
I understand how Black men could be triggered by Gayle King's line of questioning, and they have every right to RESPECTFULLY point out the double standard with the way that Gayle (and Oprah, because they are lashing out at her too) probes black male celebrities who allegedly commit sexual crimes, versus white male celebrities like Gayle's friend, Charlie Rose, with who she still remains friends. In the segment of the interview that I've watched, Gayle asked Lisa Leslie about Kobe's rape allegations. I feel like Gayle King has every right as journalist to ask the substantial and complex questions, kind of like she did with R.Kelly. However, once it was clear that the dialogue was not advancing about the allegations, which was extremely apparent with Leslie's responses and visible emotions to the questions, then Gayle should have moved on from the topic. It became uncomfortable for me to watch the exchange between the two.
Snoop Dogg...*heavy sigh*
I love Snoop Dogg. I recognize that he is upset and grieving the loss of his friend. I have empathy for him because I understand the connection between anger and grief. By now everyone has viewed his video. For those that did not, Snoop started off calm, and stated Gayle was out of pocket. In relation to the timing of the interview, while many including Leslie are mourning Kobe Bryant's untimely death, perhaps she was out of pocket. As I stated, Gayle's a journalist, and I can only speak to how the interview made me feel, and not to how she chooses to conduct her job. Snoop's rant continues, and his emotions are percolating. My hope is, that he will keep his composure. He posed another question and asked what does she gain from that (referring to the questions about the rape allegations directed bto Lisa Leslie)- which I think is a valid question. However, it is when he says, on social media to his 39 million followers, "I want to call her one", then asked, "Is it okay if I call her one?" I knew what was coming. Everything in me is screaming, "PLEASE DON'T!"
It went all the way LEFT. Then, he proceeds to punctuate his derogatory statement with, "Back off bitch, before we come get ya!" This is a problem. Making a threat like that on social media sensationalizes the threat, and this is when it becomes ugly and precarious. It is never right to tell a Black woman, or any woman, that, "we are going to come get ya". When a Black woman walks out into the world and because she is the most unprotected being, everyday she is worried that she is going to, "get got". When she is walking alone, ignoring unwanted advances, learning different synonyms for "no" to protect a males fragile ego, all the while feeling indefensible, she is vulnerable to someone "coming to get her".
What makes Gayle King different from national political reporter Felicia Sonmez? Sonmez sent out tweets about Kobe Bryant's case the day of the helicopter crash. While she has also received death threats, I do not recall the brothers going as hard at Sonmez. Again I ask, what's the difference, besides the obvious? Gayle King is a Black woman and Sonmez is not. What that means is, in the Black community, a Black woman is expected to prioritize blackness over womanhood. The proof is in the utterances of "We your people!" by Snoop Dog and Bill Bellamy. Black women are expected to keep silent about certain issues as it pertains to Black men, and without reciprocity. However, if a Black woman dares to prioritize her womanhood over her blackness, then she becomes subjugated, sadly by her own community, by the use of vulgar words, idle threats, or by any brutal means necessary to make her feel like she is not fit to live. This is NOT and will NEVER be okay, and anyone who thinks Gayle King receiving death threats is warranted, then I challenge you to put your mother, aunt, sister, or daughter, in that position.
There are so many different dichotomies with this topic and one has to tread lightly at every angle. Although Gayle King, "went all in", and called Kobe's legacy "complicated", it does not and will not tarnish the remarkable legacy of Kobe Bryant. Even in death, he is still a prolific force, and will continue to be revered by many. As for Gayle King, hopefully this too shall pass.
Peace,
Black Butterfly
I think Gayle King was simply asking the questions a white journalist would have ask (and has done) already. I also think that because of the rape misconduct, a lot of white women were scorned and viewed as nothing more than your average sports groupie seeking opportunity, when black athletes gain money and notoriety they gain the attention of white women. I also think that the climate had the temperature of the #metoo movement gaining perhaps a renewed momentum to address and condemn inappropriate sexual behavior. Yes, in terms to curb the enthusiasm of misogynistic behavior, it was never right to threaten Gayle nor was it appropriate to at least in many people eyes try to diminish or tarnish Bryant during a difficult time (too soon) perhaps sensitivity should have been the diet we need to digest
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