Cosby, ritual of rape denial virtually written in stone in much of public opinion, Huffington post

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

3. I don't think so at all. In the black social media in which I'm a part of, being black myself...

A vast majority seem to be on Cosby's side--even a solid majority of black women. Why?

Several reasons:

First, many blacks feel, with good reason, that there has been a real backlash in this country directed towards us. Latent racism has risen to the surface as a reaction against Obama's election. Many blacks feel that whites are acting out and targeting them as a result. Whites are buying more and more guns. White cops are killing more unarmed black males especially. These unnecessary gun laws, like Stand Your Ground--it's not lost on us. The scaling back of voting rights laws, weakening civil rights; affirmative action; gerrymandering, etc. Relentlessly targeting prominent blacks in Obama's cabinet or Executive Branch in general (e.g., Eric Holder, Shirley Sherrod) and/or nominees like Susan Rice and now Loretta Lynch. Going after blacks in Congress and few white Democrats (unless they're no longer in elected office like Jimmy Carter) seemingly mute and/or not strong enough to admit that racism plays a key role in how this president is being mistreated.

In addition to that the focus on famous black entertainers, stars and athletes who make mistakes are taken to the woodshed but their white counterparts are at least just as guilty of similar transgressions but never held to the same standards. Divide and conquer stories that pit black stars against each other are plastered on the front pages; loving black couples like Jada Pinkett-Smith/Will Smith and Beyonce and Jay-Z who have been married for years endure constant rumors of divorce or separation where no such thing is happening. All these things to bring negativity to the black family; stereotyping black folk. Twerking is considered o.k. now that Miley Cyrus does it. Taylor Swift mocks it not knowing that the stereotyping of black women is offensive. Having a big butt and big lips are now fashionable because J-Lo and Kim K have them but black women have always had them but were told how ugly they were for it. I could go on and on.

Second, many blacks are frustrated with white people's lack of empathy when it comes to racial insensitivity; their unwillingness to open their eyes; refusal to accept white privilege as a reality. That white people don't have to think of having to alter their behavior, how they dress, talk, move--all these things could very well determine if a black man, in particular, is killed or a black woman is accused of shoplifting. These things--all of them--don't even cross white folks' mind. And all we want is for them to acknowledge the impact on our daily lives and what that means for race relations in this country, in this society. All we want is for white people to understand how these things affect the ways in which we are treated, and often disrespected in this society. Not to make them feel bad at all. That there is even such a thing as a "Stop And Frisk" is shameful.

And finally, because black men were often killed if they were even accused of glancing at a white woman (ref. Emmett Till), many blacks find it hard to believe that in the 60s and 70s--and even to this day--Bill Cosby could get away with allegedly raping/sexually assaulting at least 16 women and not be held accountable regardless of how much money he had. Many find that unfathomable.

My own opinion? He's guilty as hell. I don't think it makes one bit of sense for these women who have absolutely nothing to gain; who would not be believed; who are NOT believed to this day--to lie about this man. No one has been able to answer rationally how it is they would gain from this. Some people keep saying MONEY. O.K., yes, money. But didn't they already get money years ago through a settlement. Why all of the sudden now again? More money? All of them again? I don't believe it. Doesn't make sense.