It doesn’t take a person with an incredibly high IQ to realize that our legal system is incredibly effed up. No need for me to site crime statistics or prison rates for any of the minority groups (Pronounced Black and Latino) out there. Some people get what they deserve. Some people get what they pay for. Some people get neither and those are the ones that are truly screwed. These are the regular people out there like you and me more times than not. Then you have those who are amongst the “elite”. I’m talking about celebrities from actors to musicians to athletes, with some being a combination of all 3.
For the purpose of this post, I want to talk about rappers (Really just one). We know actors don’t get jail time because they’re mainly white, too busy doing cocaine or hanging out at the pristine local scientology center. The number of athletes getting jail time or becoming actively involved in media-attracting legal disputes increases with their stupidity (shout out to Vick, Arenas, Burress, Williams, and whoever else comes to mind). Rappers, however, have traditionally been hemmed up and locked up. Sh*t. For a good number of them, that’s what sells CD’s and downloads right? You have people like T.I. who can get a jail term that normally involves 12-15 years of their life reduced to a few sets of push ups. Then you have folks like Lil Wayne…that make my blood boil and my sweat sizzle.
How is it that I can’t push back the date of a hearing in an obscure town for a speeding ticket because I need to have my spleen removed, but he can push back the date of his sentencing and the start of his prison term because of a chipped tooth? A tooth that was chipped in a domestic dispute with Baby because Wayne didn’t want to lick his lollipop? I mean they got dental surgeons weighing in on how his predisposition to infections because of his love for grills and candy. This not only proves that he is incredibly sweet and that money causes cavities, but that celebrity justice really does reign supreme. And yes, I am hating. I’d love nothing more than to go to court for some foolishness, tell the judge that I need an additional couple weeks because my heels are dry and I need to go to **insert stereotypical name** Nails for a pedicure that needs time to truly set in and be enjoyed.
What’s going to be the next excuse? He realized that his swag dissipated and he needs emotional counseling to build him back up before he goes in? He finally agrees to plastic surgery so that he no longer resembles something between a roach and a muppet? He has to rebrand himself because it turns out that the name “Lil Wayne” was given to him by older women who discovered a minuscule problem below the waist? I’m sure it’ll be something. And just like those who have come before him with lame and lamer excuses, his date will be pushed back again.
Whew. I feel better now. There are multiple ironies in this for me though. I’m all about seeing less Black people go to jail and decreasing the incarceration rate, but I’d love nothing more than to see a judge tell him womp womp and bye bye. The other irony? The shots that I’m taking at him won’t help him sell CDs. Oh well, at least I’m not promoting violence. **shrugs**
What do you think of the concept of celebrity justice? Is the system getting better or worse in it’s dealings with celebrities? Is Lil Wayne really one of the ugliest people alive? Do you think he deserves another month of freedom just because he likes sweet things and wearing Young Money in his mouth? Do you see what I did there?
Article by Three Ways To Take It
Three Ways to Take It is an award-winning lifestyle blog that covers everything from celebrity tomfoolery, politics, and music to relationships, sex, and everyday life occurrences—all told from the perspective of three talented African American writers. Our purpose is to not only post content that will make you laugh or reflect on your own life but to also keep you intellectually stimulated. Each of the writers has his/her own distinct style that caters to the different demographics of our readership. Catch Seattle Washington, Sowhatiff Jenkins, and Slim Jackson at www.threewaystotakeit.com.
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I logged on to read this and I am highly disappointed… Ur argument is not well thought out. This Is not celebrity justice this is CASH at work… The thing is that this is not because he was a celebrity its cuz he can afford to pay people to speak for him… If u couldn't get a court date moved for a minor surgery I would bet u were speaking for ur self and didn't know who or how to do it. What's fucked up is cuz lil weasy was a celebrity he did have enough money to keep it quiet… Cuz it makes more money for people to blast it cuz he's so popular… But people with real money do their year like mobsters in goodfella's… And u never hear about it… This was a old hatin blog haha… Do better!
I’m so sorry that you’re highly disappointed. I’m also incredibly sorry that you told me to do better. I run an award-winning blog, so I can live with you not liking this post. Hopefully you’ll like 1 of the other 63 posts that I or one of the writers at 3 Ways has written here or one of the 400+ that we’ve posted on our regular site. I moused over your name and I don’t see any type of website for you, sooo….stfu.
As for the actual context of your comment that was related to the post, I don’t necessarily think it’s just a money thing. That’s a huge part of it, but certain folks have money and still get brought down. There are others that have money and you don’t hear about them on the news. The reason you heard about Lil Wayne is because he’s a celebrity. Is that not logical to you? There are a good number of people out there who think it’s a case of celebrity justice. You’re not one of ‘em and that’s cool. Just know that when you start your comment with “I’m highly disappointed” and end it with “Do better” that it’s hard for someone like me to take someone like you seriously. I’m only responding because a couple of people called my attention to this and I couldn’t let it rock. Have a fantastic day and make sure you subscribe to http://www.threewaystotakeit.com.
Returns to happy and humble Slim mode.
Your response to Dame…very immature, the arrogance of boastering your "blog" statistics even worse. If you're going to Blog, you have to learn to accept criticism…
What Dame said is true. If you have money, the Justice System functions a little different than it does for people who make the average dollar. If you have a socially conscious blog then you should understand that any topic related to American Government, Media, &/or its Justice system boils down to money.
You took a honest critique and provided an immature response.
Do better…
P.S
One does not need a blog/website for opinions to be valid. Been on Barack's Blog lately?
Clearly, one does not need a blog in order to have a valid opinion. And if one comments on the work of another with left-field negativity, one should similarly be prepared for a response and/or criticism from the creator or author of the work.
IMHO, what makes Dame's response so off base was not that he disagreed, but that his disagreement assumed that the post was blaming celebrity and denying any role that money could play in the way the justice system operates. Often, in many cases, the two go hand-in-hand; yet some people can't use one, the other or a happy family combo of the two in their favor.
For example, Jason Williams, formerly of the NJ Nets…Had lots of money. Did it work in his favor? Clearly not enough, as he has been dealing with a truckload of legal issues, both new and familiar since the death of his limo driver years back. What about Mike Vick? Lots of $, and fame, yet…still in the doghouse with lots of folks. #nopun. And we can even bring it to good ol Tiger. True his issues aren't legal (not yet at least), yet despite his billion dollar price tag AND huge celebrity status, he couldn't buy, pray, talk, or swing his way of the hole he has found himself in.
I say that to say…what exactly are you two saying?
As opposed to adding perspective, or posing thoughtful questions or issues, you both attacked based on a narrow viewpoint. That's fine, but don't expect to get no response, be it "immature" or otherwise.
To both of you, be blessed, do better. And so will we.
*Gives Slim Jackson a huge hug*
Perfect.
=D
OMG!! I laughed from the beginning to end. This post is awesome.
My favorite part:
"He finally agrees to plastic surgery so that he no longer resembles something between a roach and a muppet? He has to rebrand himself because it turns out that the name “Lil Wayne” was given to him by older women who discovered a minuscule problem below the waist?"
OUCH! Lol. *kudos*