Bill Cosby Calls Out the "Dirty Laundry"

Status: Rerun

Original Air Date: 10.17.07

UPDATE: I posted this yesterday and was just informed I was given my first blogging award today. Much thanks, Meg. And of course, given that it is me that we're talking about here, naturally, the first post anyone will read, post-funny award, would be something that is 180 degrees from funny. 

It figures.

Such is the inherent problem of reviewing every episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. There will be days, we'll dive into the funny of poop and hot flashes and days we'll talk about the unfunny of poverty and Jim Carrey. 

Maybe I need code words. Like "Not Funny."

So, before you read further, this post isn't for laughs. This one is. So is this one. And this one might make you pee yourself. I did. But tonight, is anything but. Funny, not pee.

Thanks again, Meg.

What I saw tonight amazed me.

On today's episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, we watched as Bill Cosby tells us of the desperate despair that exists within the African-American community. Two days ago he talked about the crisis of the African-American family. Today, he's focusing on the issues facing the children. He's not happy about it. And he's telling anyone who will listen.

Forty-five years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke to a crowd of thousands about a dream. A dream that includes a world where all are treated equal. All are united and all are afforded the opportunities this country has to provide. Today:

• 1/3 of all homeless men are African-American.

• 12% of the country's population is African-American. 50% of the prison population is African-American.

• 28% of black men will go to prison in their lifetime.

• Black men are six times more likely to die in a homicide.

• Homicide is the leading cause of death for African-American men, age 15-29.

• 70% of African-American babies are born to single mothers. 

• The high school dropout rate for African-American males is 50%. 

• 75% in some areas.

In cities across the country, parents aren't parenting and the children are suffering the consequences. Kids not learning. Kids not graduating. Kids getting pregnant. Kids who are abused. Kids selling drugs. Kids killing kids. Sons and daughters dying at the hands of neglect and irresponsibility. 

If you're a parent their talking to, it's appalling. If you're a parent their talking about, it's a wake-up call. Bill Cosby, along with co-author and noted Harvard Psychiatry Professor, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, tell us what many don't want the world to hear in their book, "Come On People." To many, the "dirty laundry" is a private matter. But in Bill Cosby's eyes, the private matter just became public. 

Throughout this episode, O and her guests shine a light on the issues many are unaware exist. A perpetual cycle of crime, drugs, and death. Movies revolve around it. Music sensationalizes it. And many communities accept it. Why?

There's the story of William Killibrew who, as a young child, watched as his mother and brother were murdered in front of his eyes. Only to have the gunman turn the gun on young William and then walk away. 

The story of the young men who walked onto a Chicago MTA bus and opened fire. Killing a 16-year old boy, who saved a life, but lost his own after he jumped in front another passenger to protect them from the bullet. Whether it's education, crime, teen pregnancy, disease or drugs, according to Bill Cosby, the problems of the inner city are not getting better as much of the nation might think. 

They are, in fact, getting worse.

Then I changed the channel.

And watched as, forty-five years later, another man spoke to a crowd of thousands about his dream for this country. And his deep appreciation for all of the opportunities the nation has provided him. 

Yes, what I saw tonight amazed me.

Next Episode: Hall of Fame Guests: Where Are They Now?

Check in on some of the most famous and most infamous guests from The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

Until tomorrow.