Marvin Gaye once asked “What’s going on?” in commenting on the social and political status of America.
I’m not a big fan of today’s artist covering old music — but in this case, I’ll let it slide.
A various group of artists ranging from rock to hip-hop have come together with a new style of Gaye’s song, with not one, but two different videos, to bring America into a different level of thinking, asking us: WHAT IS GOING ON?
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, there has been a great move toward the unification of this country and its people.
But it seems as if the mood and attitude is beginning to wear off, and our true colors are beginning to show.
The ripple of this little wave of “patriotism” has died down, and the tidal wave of our own downfall is gradually building.
America’s favorite pasttime, baseball, was said to be “back” just a few months ago. Now, just days after the World Series, there’s talk of getting rid of two teams.
It gets worse.
Two weeks ago two white fraternities at Auburn University in Alabama decided to have Halloween parties. This wasn’t just any old “get drunk, make loud noise and try and act macho” frat party. It was outright appalling.
According to the Associated Press, members of the said fraternities (which I won’t name — if you are really concerned, you will do some searching of your own) showed up to the party in costume. But these were no ordinary costumes. Some members were dressed as KKK members. Others were in blackface, and one had a noose around his neck.
What’s most disturbing is that the pictures were proudly displayed on the Internet for the world to see. Ironically, according to the Associated Press, that’s what led to an investigation and subsequent suspension of the fraternities.
What’s going on?
By committing those racist acts in those few moments, the members of the fraternities insulted and degraded political and social figures of this nation like Michael Jordan, Langston Hughes, Jesse Jackson and Bill Cosby.
They also proved just how much further America has to go before we begin to treat individuals with respect, regardless of race, nationality or religious belief.
In a day and age where “terror” is now on the minds, hearts and lips of most Americans, this is just another act of ignorance and stupidity that shows we may not be as united and solid as we thought.
Honestly, what’s going on?
Are we starting to catch the “crabs in a jar” syndrome where every time one decides to climb out for freedom, the others pull them down?
Really, somebody PLEASE TELL ME, WHAT’S GOING ON?
