By JOHN DROKE

Staff Intern

In a debate at the Oakland Center, Rev. Marcia Dyson and her husband Dr. Michael Eric Dyson discussed their views on Bill Cosby’s statements about the diminishing state of Black America.  

They also talked about current issues that are in the news today.

The debate, on Feb. 18, was monitored by Dr. Jude Nixon, director of the Honors College and professor of English at Oakland University.

Both Dysons began the debate by praising each other’s accomplishments and credibility to address the topics that were to be tackled.

Michael led off the debate by talking about Cosby, the famous comedian and TV star who wrote “Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors.”

In his book, Cosby called for parents to take a more active role in raising children and strengthening families, and questioned the influence of hip-hop and its negative effect on black youth—statements that Michael deemed “irresponsible and shallow.”

“Children reflect upon the parents income,” Michael said. “Minimum wage parents can’t do all that wealthier parents can.”

Michael also went on to say that in 45 years of comedy Cosby refused to touch on race and social critique. “Just because you were mad at poor negros, you don’t have the right to say them things. Be responsible,” Michael said.

Marcia Dyson agreed with her husband on the point that Cosby’s statements were a bit harsh and mean-spirited to the black community but defended Cosby by talking about the great things he has done in the community.

Both Dysons agreed that it is up to the parents to do everything possible to be responsible and raise their children the right way.

The audience applauded with approval of the Dysons’ agreement that it was easy for Cosby to make such statements without complete knowledge of the situation.

The next segment of the lecture touched on the current presidential race. Michael supports Barack Obama, while Marcia supports Hillary Clinton.

Both said it is important that we act as a society, not basing our choice of candidate on race or gender but rather on what they can do for us as citizens of America.

“I hope the next president gets not only better texts in the schools, but more in-depth American history content in the texts,” Marcia said.  

While Marcia claims that the fact that Clinton is a woman had no impact on her choice of candidate, her husband argued that there is nothing wrong with voting with a gender bias.

“Why not take some legitimate pride in a woman president?” Michael said. “It’s a huge step for women who have had limited opportunity in politics.”

When asked about Obama, Michael reminded the audience that a black president will not stop racism, racial profiling or poverty, but will promote the idea that blacks, whites, browns and everyone in between will have to work together to make a change.

The speakers briefly touched on the current situation with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, a friend of both Dysons. Both agreed that Kilpatrick has done much for the city of Detroit and since admitting to his mistakes involving alledged inpropriety, the media should back off of him.

“If Kwame should be kicked out of office then so should many other politicians,” Marcia said.

The final topic of the night touched upon the effect of the media and entertainment in how blacks are portrayed.

“Most black actors can’t get serious roles in the movies,” Michael said.

Both Dysons concluded and agreed that the media tends to portray a race the way they want to and, although it is disturbing, it is up to us to challenge the credibility of the stuff we watch on TV.