Lyrics in question
Jesse J. Smith did right to
report about Faso attacking Delgado and Delgado’s response.
Regardless, it is disturbing that this “exchange” even had taken place.
When, some 12 years ago, Antonio Delgado started his
music business, to empower young, poor, especially black kids, he was a
young man. It was naturally essential that he speaks to them in their
“language” as well as musical taste. Many of us change over the years
as we mature, and so do our ideals and opinions. It may be that today
he would choose different tactics.
To single out some of the
lyrics as being “troubling and offensive” is itself troubling and
offensive, and childish. Besides, some of the sentiments the lyrics
convey – “looks like we only goin’ from chains to cuffs/still niggas
still locked up on stuff” -- VERY SADLY DOES represent reality that is
still with us, today. And yes, the lyrics show an “ugly…picture of
America”, but it is NOT a “FALSE picture of America” as Faso stated --
it is, sdly, still the reality today.
The use of the
so-called N-word, be it “nigger” or “nigga” among blacks themselves is
not always intended or taken as offensive; in fact, both literature and
plain talk also use it at times almost as an endearing term.
Since the article made a point mentioning that Delgado moved to
Congressional District 19 only last year, let me offer a different take
on this phenomenon. To the contrary, I think it is a very positive,
commendable, and wonderful act when someone sees there is a problem
somewhere and wants to correct it. So, he moved his family to
Rhinebeck, not far from where his wife was born and lived. I am certain
that if there were a Faso in Schenectady county, Delgado would become a
candidate to defeat him there.
I hope that both the
incumbent and challenger will be able to campaign for the next 100 days
in a decent, polite, and inoffensive manner.
Publishing history:
New Paltz Times 7-19-19
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