It seems social media and the Internet are having a field day bringing allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent Black men. Is this a planned take down to further emasculate and dehumanize the Black man by the powers to be? It is no secret that there remain those in power whose main objective is to destroy the Black family and belittle or desecrate the Black man or woman, whatever the cost.

However, some would argue that if these allegations prove to be true, it becomes necessary to clean house and put others on notice. One could also argue if these allegations (whether true or not) are diversions or distractions to keep us from focusing on the real issues affecting our lives—issues such as the banning of books, omitting the teaching of slavery, attacks on Black history, excessive gentrification, the Israeli/Palestinian War, funding Ukraine, controlling the borders, equality in education, affordable housing, living wage, voter restriction laws, political unrest, and gun control legislation.

It seems that selective people are being targeted, while omitting some of the main ones who need to be exposed. Where is the fairness? Painting Black men as the poster children for discretionary behavior can be seen as discriminatory or racist if you explore the multitude of White men involved in questionable behaviors and practices.

The behaviors under attack basically pertain to the personal lifestyles and preferences of some well-known Black public figures. Do we have a right to judge because of sexual preferences, especially if they don’t want us to know—or do American’s fixation for sensation and drama justify our invasion into one’s privacy?

Sad as it may be, we have some people who seem to find excitement in finding dirt on well-known celebrities or icons, especially when it can bring them down. This attack is understandable and justifiable if the celebrity being attacked feels beyond approach and is sexually exploiting and mistreating others.

The Black community as a whole is very proud and protective of Blacks who have gained national attention and act as role models for all Blacks, especially our youth. So it is extremely disheartening when their credibility is questioned or they are personally attacked. But you find haters against anyone who appears to be successful. This hate can be warranted or just plain envy or jealously.

It is bad enough that some Blacks still try to negate our significance or importance. But in many cases, Blacks themselves act as their own worse enemies.  Those creating the biggest firestorm against most of these Black icons being attacked are Blacks. It is no secret that no one is perfect and may carry  ‘baggage’ they are not so proud of. Thus, one is left to question if there is forgiveness or redemption.

If a person has a history of abusing and mistreating people as a well-known celebrity or icon, it may be necessary to put them on notice. However, is it fair to embarrass or even cancel someone because of their chosen lifestyle or questionable choices?

One can easily argue that if you put yourself out there as a figure receiving national attention, you are a role model, whether you like it or not. You are under a microscope and should act accordingly.  Some would say that is the cost of fame. So don’t be surprised if your every moment is judged. But if one must judge, be fair and judge everyone equally with the same wand. There are far more Whites with national notoriety who should be under fire.

I see no purpose in naming those Black celebrities under fire for alleged sexual misconduct or making questionable choices. If you are a fan of sensationalism and drama, you already know who they are and have probably already judged them.

In fairness, many of those being scrutinized have served the Black community well in their philanthropist endeavors donating money to Black institutions for scholarships and aiding disadvantaged communities in times of need. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater is brought to mind. Also, should we let the worst seen in a person define them?  These are sentiments only an individual can answer, but it is worth considering.

I, for one, find pride in Blacks achieving and accomplishing goals catapulting all Blacks to a level once considered impossible or unreachable by those seeking to keep us oppressed. So I personally find no pleasure in demonizing or finding fault in our acclaimed Black icons.  Measuring Blacks by a different measuring tool from our White counterparts only results in divisiveness. Historically, it is impossible for Blacks to come close to succumbing to the lows of degradation and dehumanization as manifested by our oppressors.