H. Lewis Smith, President of the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. Expresses Concerns About the Upcoming 2011 Grammy Awards

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, December 14, 2010 (Press-News.org) The song "F--- You"--which is laced with expletives, as well as the n-word--has been nominated for the February 2011 Grammy's "Record of the Year" Award. Rapper Jay Z and Alicia Keys have also been nominated to receive an award for their performance of "Empire State of Mind", containing use of the n-word.

Black America and the news media alike will nail to the cross any white person who resorts to using the n-word and, under such circumstances, some careers have been ruined for their use of the term. On the other hand, neither the news media or, and especially, Black America will hold black n-word users accountable.

Opponents of African Americans' use of the n-word seem to be censored by the American institutionalized systemic, whereas, proponents (black users of the word) are praised, applauded, rewarded and encouraged by the systemic. Why?

H. Lewis Smith, founder of the non-profit organization UVCC and author of Bury that Sucka, says that "the pejorative term n**ger is a reprehensible trash of a word no matter who uses it." Mr. Smith further states: "When it comes to the n-word, clearly different people are being held to different standards. Who set the standard that it is acceptable for one group of people to use the term n**ger (or n**ga), but considered it unacceptable if applied by another group, when clearly the term should be off limits to any and all groups? In practice and on the surface, it appears that Black America is responsible for this travesty."

Mr. Smith is interested in knowing just what the American institutionalized systemic's role is in the acceptance of Black Americans' use of the n-word? How is it that both Black America and Corporate America are willing to reward black comedians, actors, actresses and entertainers whenever they denigrate their own race? One would think that given Corporate America's wide influence and the media's ability to set standards and ideals across the masses, that the system would feel a little more conscionable or obligated (assuming morals or ethics are a factor) to "push" worthier ideals and mentalities.

There is nothing educational or artistic about the songs "F--- You" and "Empire State of Mind". The Grammy Awards has a history of catering to and rewarding black hip-hop performers of tasteless productions.

Is Corporate America advocates of subversive and undermining activities when it comes to the Black community? When it comes to the welfare of Black America how is it that Corporate America is so willing to promote and reward trash? Granted the entire onus cannot be placed on Corporate America after-all, it is the black artists thinking up the filth; Corporate America publishes, distributes and endorses the continued antics through different outlets, including shows like the Grammy Awards.

"Trash culture" is characterized by irresponsible behavior, and the advocating of violence, anti-intellectualism, self destructive behavior, and misbehavior at school. Unfortunately, these characteristics are reflective of hip hop culture in general, and this is also the image of Black America being painted and marketed--globally--by Corporate America.

Grammy's pending nominations for meritorious recognition of the song "F---You", which is performed, written and produced by blacks, and Rapper Jay Z and Alicia Keys' performance of "Empire State of Mind" should be looked upon as subterfuge and thus an unacceptable act. Black America can stop this charade; however, it remains to be seen if they are willing to rise up against their very own as they would if the performers were of white skin.

H. Lewis Smith is the founder and president of UVCC, the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. (www.theunitedvoices.com); a writer for the New England Informer Online; and author of "Bury that Sucka: A Scandalous Love Affair with the N-Word". Follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thescoop1.

The United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc., (UVCC) was founded in April of 2006 by Mr. H. Lewis Smith. UVCC, a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was formed for the express purpose of connecting socially-conscious community members with a mutual interest to fight for a common, progressive cause.