Jason Whitlock: Talking loud, but doing nothing

I must admit Jason Whitlock delivered an opinion that needed saying regarding the fuss surrounding the deplorable comments made by former CBS radio host Don Imus. To paraphrase Whitlock, a Kansas City Star columnist, Imus’s remarks provided Black folks with yet another opportunity to avoid the real problem; that being self-hatred.

But as I read Whitlock’s commentary, “Imus Isn’t The Real Bad Guy,” (which I agreed with in part) and listened to his comments on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (which again, I agreed with in part); and thinking back to other commentaries written by the former Ball State offensive lineman, I began to wonder if there is a distinction between Whitlock and those socially deviate people (defined by Whitlock’s writings) – Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and the hip-hop artist – he considers problematic.

While I readily acknowledge Whitlock’s writing are filled with strong opinions that deserve a place for discussion amongst African Americans, I’m becoming a little tired of how eloquently “Big Sexy,” as he refers to himself, writes about the problems that affect Black folks, while elusively doing nothing to right those problems.

It’s been said that evil occurs when good men do nothing.

Yes, Whitlock uses his pen to speak truth to power, but if indeed truth is being spoken to power, then it appears the truth is “Big Sexy” may just be big on talk and very little on action. What has he done to abbreviate the problems that affect the African American community – write about it? While he’s quick to point out the problems with Black America, he’s slow to understand that in many ways he’s no different than Jackson, Sharpton, rappers or the Black KKK strolling the strip in Vegas during the All-Star game that have been the subject of his honesty.

If you’re not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.

Whitlock talks about self-hatred, and to a degree he's on point. He also talks about divisiveness; and again it is difficult to deny his opinion. But self-hatred isn’t just rappers spitting misogynistic lyrics. “Divisive methods of seeking social justice,” as Whitlock describes Jackson and Sharpton’s action, can just as easily be defined as someone who criticizes without providing resolutions. Self-hatred and divisiveness, among African Americans, is Black folks who always diagnose the problem, but never deliver solutions for those problems. “Divisive methods of seeking social justice,” include Black folks who use their personal pulpits to divide by spewing their wrath of righteousness, rather than supporting with works of rectitude. Standing on your pulpit above your congregates or in Whitlock’s case, his readers, preaching about the predicament is painless. In contrast, stepping off your soapbox; strapping up your boots and getting out in the field and performing the needed labor to effect change is the grueling task – a task many folks choose never to engage in.

Where ya at Whitlock, in the pulpit or in the field?

While Whitlock writes his thought provoking commentaries, I’m curious does he make himself available to provoke thought in tomorrow’s potential leaders. Does “Big Sexy” visit recreation centers in his hood investing in young brothers so that they don’t become as those brothers he fairly writes about; or is the gifted scribe simply using those brother’s degradation to fill the pages of his column to make himself look like the “Great Black Hope?”

Whitlock, in my opinion, is an exceptional writer. And I respect his spirit to hold people, whomever they may be, accountable for their actions – Lord knows we need brothers willing to speak out, especially against those relics looking to gain face time on national television. But the African American community also needs more brothers who are willing to do the work. The community needs brothers who will help pave the way; not just "pen" the way.

It appears that Whitlock understands the concept of getting in the trenches and paving the way; while at Ball State he blocked for Bernie Parmalee, a 10-year NFL veteran. It’s time for “Big Sexy” to strap up and use his big butt to block for the next generation, just like Rosa Parks [Whitlock has reference Parks on a number of occasions] strapped up and blocked against an oppressive society. Her actions, not her talk, is one reason Whitlock enjoys the freedom to write his thoughts for the Kansas City Star, and offer his opinions on CNN, NBC, Oprah and all the other shows Whitlock has recently appeared on at the expense of of being critical of Black folks.

If Whitlock wants to check brothers on their righteous card, that’s cool; but know he will be checked as well. The scripture reads, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted,” Galatians 6:1.

Whitlock is accountable, like Jackson, Sharpton and hip-hop artist. He too will be called on the carpet when his attempts at social justice, with his pen, run amuck.

Whitlock must continue to use his pen to speak truth as he sees it. But if he ain’t ready to get dirty in the trenches and build a better tomorrow, then he’s nothing more than a poverty pimp using the ignorance of those he chastises to elevate his geniu$.

This commentary first appeared in the Gazette (Prince George's County) in the April 19 edition.