Pharrell Williams' Remarks About Michael Brown's 'Bully-ish' Behavior Surface

[Miles Archer]

Pharrell Williams' Remarks About Michael Brown's 'Bully-ish' Behavior Surface



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/26/pharell-williams-michael-brown-bullyish_n_6226960.html

Pharrell Williams' comments about Michael Brown's "bully-ish" behavior have surfaced following a grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of the 18-year-old.

In a cover story interview for the November issue of Ebony magazine -- conducted weeks before the decision -- Williams broached the topic of Ferguson, telling the publication's Kenya Hunt: “I don’t talk about race since it takes a very open mind to hear my view, because my view is the sky view. But I’m very troubled by what happened in Ferguson, Mo.”

In the interview, published on Ebony's website Nov. 13, Hunt asked if the singer had seen the surveillance video allegedly showing Brown stealing cigarillos from a local convenience story and pushing a store employee.

"It looked very bully-ish; that in itself I had a problem with," he said. "Not with the kid, but with whatever happened in his life for him to arrive at a place where that behavior is OK. Why aren’t we talking about that?"

[brucefan]

1. Ah,A Young Bill Cosby.n/t

[pipoman]

2. A realist who understands people can't conduct

themselves in that way and make it far in life....or may not even escape youth....

[noiretextatique]

7. what utter bullshit eom

[pipoman]

11. Really? people should conduct themselves that way

To assure a successful future? What led Mr. Brown to conduct himself in this way shouldn't be examined?

[noiretextatique]

15. no...he is the victim

the only relevant facts about Brown are: was Wilson justified in killing him? nothing else matters. the person who should be scrutinized is Wilson, because his bullshit story only makes sense to racists.

[pipoman]

16. Dumbest post of the day....

[noiretextatique]

17. i think that would be yours

the only thing relevant here, unless you are intent on putting the victim on trial, as you seem to be, is whether or not Wilson's racist tall tale is credible. it is about as credible as Zimmerman's to rational, non-racist people. other people think capital punishment, for being a bully, according to some millionaire singer, is justification for killing someone. i think that is the most stupid thing i've ever heard. keep looking for an excuse, apparently any one, no matter how fucking absurd, will suffice for you.

[VanillaRhapsody]

38. a dead man cannot defend himself.....

[Cha]

18. No, you have that ridiculous position.

[Oktober]

20. This is just lazy...

Everyone who doesn't see it your way is a racist...

Right...

[noiretextatique]

21. no...what's lazy: is the police are always right

even if they are wrong. and fits you to a T. racism is lazy, but of course, that could not possibly be your motivation...in post-racial ameriKKKa. bring it...I GOT YOU. you fool no one. why don't you just stop pretending and uncloak already?

[Oktober]

22. You perpetuate it with every post...

Everyone who doesn't see the world your way is part of 'ameriKKKa'...

Did it ever occur to you that just maybe your positions are poorly thought out and logically unsound?

*hint* This is the part where you revert back to race...

[VanillaRhapsody]

39. Hint....a deadman doesn't get to defend himself....

but you want the right to be Judge, Jury and Executioner of his character....

[Oktober]

42. Based on that logic...

... anyone who is dead and unable to defend their character is off limits?

Or does that only apply in special cases as needed?

The man is describing an event for which we have actual recorded video. It's not vague or innuendo... It's right there on the screen. It is well within ethical bounds to discuss it and let it influence our perception of the man, deceased as he might be.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

54. Racism is evidently rampant in America and even in places one would not expect, if you get my

meaning...

sad really

[CatWoman]

8. ...

[SomethingFishy]

65. A realist? In reality Cliven Bundy, well armed and owing the government

over a million dollars(but he didn't need to shove a store clerk), gets himself a small army to point their guns at the cops and no one gets shot. Matter of fact he's not even in jail at the moment, he's suing the state because he claims it's their responsibility to keep his cows off the highway.

So let's look at your reality. White guy robs the government, has an armed standoff with police and Federal Agents, and is free and suing the state.

Black guy, possibly robs a handful of cigars, jaywalks and threatens a cop unarmed, he's dead.

Yeah reality.

[CatWoman]

3. AND?

P. Williams must be the spokesman for all blacks now, right?

[Cooley Hurd]

5. Nooo shit....

another "I got mine, fuck y'all".

[Scootaloo]

4. Well, Pharrel, stealing a box of swisher sweets doesn't deserve the death penalty

That's why "we aren't talking about this," because Michael Brown was gunned down with his hands up and left laying in the street for four hours after. His theft of some smokes is pretty fucking inconsequential in light of that, I'm afraid.

But hey, for some people, three bucks of merchandise is worth more than human life.

[noiretextatique]

6. Because...He's Dead?

you dumb fuck.

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. Yet another embarrassing post

Your work here is becoming cringe-worthy.

[Miles Archer]

10. Then I suggest you put me on ignore

Your opinion of me lacks any value. I don't post for you, I don't care if I made you cringe. I copied and pasted a story from Huffington Post and if you don't like it, deal with it.

[Dirty Socialist]

12. I somewhat agree

Brown should be in jail for his actions. However, Wilson's actions were way out of control.

[CatWoman]

13. Now the cherry on top would be your posting a story

about all the bullshit being done against blacks in Ferguson is by Democrats (the DA, Governor).

[maced666]

28. Huh wha?

That video needs more exposure not less/hidden. It's the single most telling evidence in this case.

[lonestarnot]

14. Did you take off your hat at the dinner table today?

[JonLP24]

19. Surveillance video and who the would-be star witness describe is bully-ish

He doesn't agree with Wilson shooting him but he is addressing another issue but doesn't blame the kid but the circumstances that led him to believe that behavior was appropriate.

As far as Wilson

I believe that Ferguson officer should be punished and serve time. He used excessive force on a human being who was merely a child. He was a baby, man. The boy was walking in the middle of the street when the police supposedly told him to “get the f--k on the sidewalk.” If you don’t listen to that, after just having pushed a storeowner, you’re asking for trouble. But you’re not asking to be killed. Some of these youth feel hunted and preyed upon, and that’s why that officer needs to be punished.

I disagreed with Cosby so I disagree with his agreement but I can't make an issue of this specific topic Pharrell is mentioning.

On edit - the statement is in response to a question about the surveillance video which makes it even more difficult for me to make an issue of it.

[Oktober]

27. An 18 year old man is not a baby...

... and part of the reason that society is heading down the crapper is this indefinite extension of childhood up to and including your 30s.

[WinkyDink]

32. Watch it; that tone of voice might get you shot. Oh, wait.......

I'll bet.......

[JonLP24]

33. Which is within the range of the biggest prefrontal cortex changes

A lot of people lived peaceful boring lives were wild & crazy somewhere between their 15-25 years.

[JustAnotherGen]

34. It's the opposite for black little boys

WASHINGTON — Black boys as young as 10 may not be viewed in the same light of childhood innocence as their white peers, but are instead more likely to be mistaken as older, be perceived as guilty and face police violence if accused of a crime, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

“Children in most societies are considered to be in a distinct group with characteristics such as innocence and the need for protection. Our research found that black boys can be seen as responsible for their actions at an age when white boys still benefit from the assumption that children are essentially innocent,” said author Phillip Atiba Goff, PhD, of the University of California, Los Angeles. The study was published online in APA’s Journal of Personality and Social Psychology®. 

Researchers tested 176 police officers, mostly white males, average age 37, in large urban areas, to determine their levels of two distinct types of bias — prejudice and unconscious dehumanization of black people by comparing them to apes. To test for prejudice, researchers had officers complete a widely used psychological questionnaire with statements such as “It is likely that blacks will bring violence to neighborhoods when they move in.” To determine officers’ dehumanization of blacks, the researchers gave them a psychological task in which they paired blacks and whites with large cats, such as lions, or with apes. Researchers reviewed police officers’ personnel records to determine use of force while on duty and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to have used force against a black child in custody than officers who did not dehumanize blacks. The study described use of force as takedown or wrist lock; kicking or punching; striking with a blunt object; using a police dog, restraints or hobbling; or using tear gas, electric shock or killing. Only dehumanization and not police officers’ prejudice against blacks — conscious or not — was linked to violent encounters with black children in custody, according to the study. 

The authors noted that police officers’ unconscious dehumanization of blacks could have been the result of negative interactions with black children, rather than the cause of using force with black children. “We found evidence that overestimating age and culpability based on racial differences was linked to dehumanizing stereotypes, but future research should try to clarify the relationship between dehumanization and racial disparities in police use of force,” Goff said.

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/03/black-boys-older.aspx


I DO see this outrageous sense of entitlement in the young, white, and affluent population. I live in an affluent community and that is my social circle for the most part. I applaud the parents who give tough love to their kids, point out they have had every advantage and opportunity given to them - and tell them need to get a job and get out of mom's house. Saw our friends Dana and Henry for dessert last night and that is one mama bear who has given all three of those grown assed 20 something's until June to get out of her house.

[Vinca]

24. Bullying doesn't deserve a death sentence.

[Quantess]

25. Sensitive subject!

Anything that challenges the idea that Michael Brown was an %100 innocent martyr iis really taboo to even hint about.

[WinkyDink]

30. I'm sorry; does theft get the death penalty in your state?

[Quantess]

36. You just proved my point

with your defensive overreaction to my statement.

[jamzrockz]

37. Really

Is that what you call a defensive overreaction? Yes, he was a bully, probably the type that took my lunch money in school. But being a bully to a 5ft 0, unarmed, old shop owner doesn't necessarily mean he would behave the same to the cop.

If its an overreacting to say that a bully should not be shot, then I see nothing wrong with overreacting.

[Quantess]

40. Yes it was an overreaction to my post #25

You are also proving my point, that nuanced discussion is very difficult right now at the DU.

[jamzrockz]

45. WTF

I agree with what Pharrel said about examining what turns people into bullies. His case is extreme since he is not just bullying school aged or younger kids, he is bullying grown men in public. I have no problem with having that dicussion. I was bullied from age 6 to almost 12. I do not like bullies and I have no problem having a discussion on how to stop bullying behavior. I think you are the one being very defensive here.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

57. I wish so much of America wasnt completely full of shit, but based on reaction to the killings of

young African American men and children, it would seem it is.

[VanillaRhapsody]

41. Never shoplifted as a teenager? Never broke any laws at all I bet!

well aren't you special....

[Quantess]

44. Did I say anything of the sort?

I'm saying that Michael Brown is a martyr and that to suggest otherwise is taboo and off-limits.

There is no way to have a nuanced discussion at the DU lately. No point in even trying.

[cwydro]

47. Shoplifting is one thing.

Assault is quite another.

No, he should not have been shot, but if someone did to me what he did to that shopkeeper - I'd sure as hell press charges.

[VanillaRhapsody]

48. Oh come the F on.....he shoved the guy away from him as HE grabbed him first....

I call bullshit!

By the way....did the store file a police report?

As I said....he is a KID....kids that age do LOTS of bad things Mommy and Daddy do not even know about....EVEN YOUR kids...

[cwydro]

60. He was stealing.

He was much bigger than the shopkeeper.

It was the behavior of a bully.

Of course he should not have been shot. But it's just ridiculous to make him out as a saint.

[VanillaRhapsody]

63. Lots of kids steal things....is this news to you?

I know....YOUR kids are perfect little angels....they never broke ANY laws! That's "just other people's kids"...."none of MY friend's kids steal either".."they have never done anything that might possibly endanger other people either...never!"" They were always just darlings...even when I wasn't around to know"

[mythology]

67. His parents are using that to claim he wouldn't have

Attacked Wilson.

But as shoplifting is more than a little different than manhandling somebody like Brown was doing.

[VanillaRhapsody]

51. would be odd for a 98lb girl to do....

but would boys? Possibly if they happened to be large for their age. I happen to remember some from my youth that DID get away with things like that....some even bought alcohol for themselves and other underage kids....

If YOU think YOUR kids were perfect little angels....I would tend not to believe it...

I give you Ethan Couch...Probation for DWI....after killing 4 of his friends....KILLING them....
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/11/us/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/

so I say...instead of pointing fingers...you SHOULD be thinking ..."there but the grace of God go I" "Thank God none of the stupid things my kids did at 18 yrs old got them locked up...beaten up...strung out...or in this case...KILLED DEAD!"

[VanillaRhapsody]

53. No not a guy...

what makes YOU an authority on "young Black males"? Young White males do stupid things too....it just doesn't usually get them SHOT DEAD by the POLICE!!!!

[LP2K12]

31. Indeed.

[LostInAnomie]

61. +1

[maced666]

26. Doesn't he know not to mention that video?!

And if it comes up only respond by criticizing its release?! Oh man is he in trouble!

[WinkyDink]

35. Oh, har-de-har-har.

[LostInAnomie]

62. +1

[WinkyDink]

29. Two words about Pharrell: Industry. Player. AKA: Sell. Out. AKA: 1%-er.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharrell_Williams#Personal_life

Who, exactly, is stopping this popular figure from "talking about that"? Maybe himself? His investors?

[chrisa]

43. Is he wrong?

What is Michael Brown doing to the store owner then if he is? Are they wrestling? Is he trying to give him a bear hug?

No one deserves to die for stealing cigars by threatening to beat someone up, but can we stop pretending Michael Brown was an absolute angel who was preyed upon by the police randomly? That's just as ridiculous as the other side that claims that Darren Wilson is a poor, helpless victim who did his duty and is 100% innocent. It's disingenuous. If you're mad at Pharrell's comments, then what exactly is wrong about them?

Darren Wilson's conduct can be separated from Michael Brown's conduct at the time. Michael Brown deserved to be arrested, not shot in the head.

[Enrique]

49. Huff Post's decision to put that quote in its headline is questionable

and same with the other sources that highlighted that part as well.

Causing unnecessary hatred directed toward Pharrell.

I don't really care about him, nor do I like "Happy" at all, but why generate unneeded hatred toward anyone?

[Tatiana]

55. I think the point deserves some consideration, but not in the wake of his death.

There is nothing on that tape that calls for the death penalty. Nothing. He didn't kill anyone. He didn't have a weapon. There was no excuse for taking Michael Brown's life.

That's where any conversation surrounding Brown's shooting needs to start. His death was not justified.

When there is justice for Michael, maybe then we can ponder the reasons why he behaved the way he did. Had he had previous altercations or problems at that store, or with that particular employee? I do find it curious that no store personnel reported the theft.

[bigdarryl]

56. I'm sick of these black celebrities thinking just because they got a little money now

They can dictate what other Black people need to do

[PM Martin]

58. Shooting at an unarmed, retreating suspect is unacceptable.

[smiley]

59. this is the first time...

that I've actually watched this video. Whether that is Micheal Brown or not, makes no difference in the current discussion. But I've always been under the assumption that it was never proven that Brown was the suspect in the convenience store theft. Is that truly him?

Again. I am not condoning the actions of Wilson based on this video. I'm just curious if it was proven that was Micheal Brown?

[AndreaCG]

64. At first I cringed to read this

BUT, if the video is accurate in depicting Michael Brown's behavior in the store (apparently it's not clear it definitely was him) then I think Pharrell's bringing up an interesting POV. And no he's explicitly NOT condoning the shooting.

[LiberalElite]

66. "my view is the sky view" -

what does that mean?

[locdlib]

68. it means that pharell has an overinflated view of himself. perhaps his rose-colored glasses

made him forget that he is a black man whose life is worthless to amerikkka.