Are We Too Addicted to Talk Radio to Stand UP?

[Queen Ifama]

I have been aware that a few Black oriented talk radio shows have been cancelled: "As of August 16, 2008 Black Talk Radio, One Black Man and Radio Free Nation have been REMOVED from Blog Talk Radio. Few specifics were given, BTR only cited a violation of the Terms Of Use stating these programs had violated the following:

· is obscene, indecent, offensive, libelous, pornographic, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, defamatory, unreasonably violent, threatening, intimidating or harassing; contains falsehoods or misrepresentations that could damage BlogTalkRadio or any other person."

Well that is pretty darn vague if you ask me. However, I am waiting for further information. As I read the comments by a BTR hoster named Fred, he offered to suspend his show until this issue was resolved. I concur. We should all go silent until we know what is really going on and I will join Fred, but it would be senseless for Fred and I to discontinue doing our shows when others whose shows have been cancelled, still do shows on BTR under another banner. I was like WTF?????? I often wonder as Internet Radio Show hosts can we become addicted to the "air". I have heard people lamenting that they were cancelled, Black and White for various reasons and I could feel the anguish in their voices. Having the ability to reach thousands, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people can be head swelling, I admit. The microphone is a powerful tool and when used correctly can be beneficial to all those who listen to the voice on the other side of it. Yes, I guess that can be a little addictive as we can become drunken with a good gulp of ego.

My reasoning in saying all of this is that these shows were cancelled and we really don't know the reasons why. If you have listened to them I would say they were tame in comparison to some of the crap I hear on BTR. Things are said that are clearly stereotypical and ignorant for sure but the hosts are allowed to remain on air. After all, this is the country of free speech. Right? Wrong!! It appears that Black people aren't allowed to have space for themselves, to create a niche for themselves without having to send an open invitation to white people in general. It is sad but true.


The true reason the Black community back in Tulsa in 1921 was destroyed was because they were doing so well, without white help. I know a lot of us don't want to admit that, but read the story you will see that was the underlying cause. And that is how it always is when Black people decided to do for themselves without asking anyone else for help. They are seen as exclusionary, racist, separatists and so forth, when that has been the call of the day in this country for decades, against THEM. We must explore the psychological reasoning why some white people and some Black people, can't stand it when Black people, identify with being Black. Why is having a Black Talk Radio program so offensive to them? We have been identified, renamed, and branded with brand names like, Nigger, Negro, Colored, African-American since we landed on these shores. But when we decided to choose the main identifier, BLACK which identifies us from everyone else in a COLOR DRIVEN society for sure, people get upset. WE didn't ask for the separation. We didn't ask for the division. I am sure that after enslavement, if Black people had been given 40 acres and a mule and allowed to participate equally in society, we wouldn't be having this discussion. But we know that there was a concerted effort from 1865 to 1965 to legally and illegally exclude Black people from participating in American society as equal citizens. And we also know that every space we have occupied when shared with other people, especially whites we are generally expected to speak and act a certain way.

So the ideology behind creating our own space is so that we can feel free in our discussion, uncompromised by outside influences. I don't see anything wrong with that. But you will remember that there were codes against Black people coming together and this is embedded in the fabric, so the resistance is subconscious as well as conscious to it. You see, this is RACISM in it's purest form. To prevent, suspend, hold up, etc. people of a group (in this case racial) from coming together by any means necessary. To use all one's power and resources to assure that it won't happen. To make sure that they won't be able to compare notes, organize and pool resources, etc..THAT IS RACISM. We have been mislead in what racism truly is. It is not just words, it is WORDS WITH ACTION. The truth is you can "call" me a nigger all day but that can't stop me from eating or taking care of my family. However, you can call me sweetheart and prevent me from getting a job, or a means to support myself and my family because I am Black, THAT is RACISM. RACISM IS POWER. The POWER TO STOP. POWER TO PREVENT someone from involving themselves in the 10 areas of people activityeconomics, education, entertainment, labor, law, politics, religion, sex, war and health.

So the main point here is removing these shows justified or was is a racist move based on the potential these shows garnered for bringing Black people, and not just Black people but other people of like minds together to look at the real issues in this country? To connect the dots of what affect us all? And if it is the latter what can we do about it? Absence and Silence has been key mechanism of protest for a people who are out number. Are we so addicted that we could not utilize the tools of Absence and Silence to show our support for those who have been shut down for no viable reason? Can we demand a reason? I amwilling to participate in an ORGANIZED effort to send a message that we want answers or at least give the "offenders" some answers to report back to us. These thoughts are not JUST for Black people but all people who may have their shows cancelled for frivilous reasons. Don't forget: YOU COULD BE NEXT!!

[WilliamX]

My Queen, I think most Blacks here on Black Talk or Blog Talk is searching
for the pot of gold that is claimed to be at the end of the rainbow. Some
will never find the pot of gold. I am going to call the pot of gold success.
We have actually become addicted to talking loud, and saying nothing,
due to the fact that one can be whatever she or he wants to be here
on the internet, and I do believe the word addicted can mean addicted
to making noises.

Blog Talk Radio has provided a positive communication outlet for Blacks.
Its a free website that seems to have been created to offer (share) info
concerning the Black Communitiees world wide, and look how most of
us is abusing one another. All websites have rules and guidelines for each
one who signs on to follow aka TOS Codes.

I love to participate in organizing anything that's going to help my race,
but I will not involve myself with negative Negros or Whites, and I do
not condome Black on Black, or White on Black, or racism peroid when
we (Blacks) already know what's the real deal is.

I believe that if the so-called racist Black programs are banned. What
about the racist Whites programs, or white blogtalkers who go to many
Black programs starting racist s**t? Why they are not banned? In closing,
Blacks are truly upset because of this move, but why we don't take a
stand against negative Whites invading our programs, and believe me
Blog Talk Management know that they was wrong plus was discriminating
by making a move like they did.

Now after its over I am seeing the the Black & Whites have kissed, and made
up. This is where the term Can't trust a White person comes from, but can a
Black person be trusted once kicked out of the Masters house, and all of the
sudden the House & Field negros is skinning and grinning on the Masters front
doorsteps. If it happened once I guess you don't believe that it won't happen
again. Wake-up MY People.

[Queen Ifama]

Peace Brother William X,
I think one of the KEY things you said was understanding the TOS. I read them when I signed up and read them again when this occured. The actions in my opinon are NOT racist but discriminatory, big difference when your talking about legal action. The TOS states that they have the right to terminiate services. But there is also the issue of it being a public domain as well because the public has access and restricting free speech based on discrimination in a public domain may be an issue, I guess. Then the ascertaining what the discrimination is based on. But that is another story. Blog Talk Radio has not created this without the idea of making money on the horizon, so I hope we don't get it twisted that "they are just nice and want to PROVIDE for us", they would be foolish to do so. This will eventually be about making money and I don't blame them. If it doesn't come through with the advertisers and the "freebies" and their listeners aren't clicking on those ads and spending money it will boil down to Blog Talk charging for their services and I don't blame them for that either. I am prepared to pay or go whenever the decision to switch comes about, that would depend on the terms, and if I can afford or think the price worth it, but I do think it is coming. My mindset is not to get HOOKED and always have an alternative because I do feel a desire to be on "radio", that is my passion, my hobby, what I like to do, one day I might decide to make money but that is not my focus at this point. I enjoy Blog Talk Radio and utlize it to the best of my ability to get my voice out in cyberspace, I also PAY for Live365 to do the same thing, however, Blog Talk is a much more user friendly medium to use due to the ability to have live call ins.

I don't throw the word RACISM around loosely because even though it is a reality in some instances PROVING it, is and has been the problem, it is very difficult. Trust Me, I know. In this case, because there are other shows that have speech that even I could consider leaning toward ignorance and bigotry both Black and White (and I have found this more so on the white shows) that aren't suspended, it makes you wonder about why these were, but charging racism has to be done very carefully. Now, was it fair? NO Was it discriminating? Perhaps, was it racist? That is a call for a court of law and deep pockets.

Queen Ifama

WilliamX said:

My Queen, I think most Blacks here on Black Talk or Blog Talk is searching
for the pot of gold that is claimed to be at the end of the rainbow. Some
will never find the pot of gold. I am going to call the pot of gold success.
We have actually become addicted to talking loud, and saying nothing,
due to the fact that one can be whatever she or he wants to be here
on the internet, and I do believe the word addicted can mean addicted
to making noises.

Blog Talk Radio has provided a positive communication outlet for Blacks.
Its a free website that seems to have been created to offer (share) info
concerning the Black Communitiees world wide, and look how most of
us is abusing one another. All websites have rules and guidelines for each
one who signs on to follow aka TOS Codes.

I love to participate in organizing anything that's going to help my race,
but I will not involve myself with negative Negros or Whites, and I do
not condome Black on Black, or White on Black, or racism peroid when
we (Blacks) already know what's the real deal is.

I believe that if the so-called racist Black programs are banned. What
about the racist Whites programs, or white blogtalkers who go to many
Black programs starting racist s**t? Why they are not banned? In closing,
Blacks are truly upset because of this move, but why we don't take a
stand against negative Whites invading our programs, and believe me
Blog Talk Management know that they was wrong plus was discriminating
by making a move like they did.

Now after its over I am seeing the the Black & Whites have kissed, and made
up. This is where the term Can't trust a White person comes from, but can a
Black person be trusted once kicked out of the Masters house, and all of the
sudden the House & Field negros is skinning and grinning on the Masters front
doorsteps. If it happened once I guess you don't believe that it won't happen
again. Wake-up MY People.

[WilliamX]

Ummm My Queen, Well explained, but we can not escape the facts, and
mentioning paid ads we are the ones who boost the rating to make many
advertisers want to advertise on Blog Talk. To me its like using people to
make money, and then say Damn them. Sure, its a free blogsite that's very
useful, but is it worth the discrimination that we are suffering? and this is
a example of using people.

Programs are being cancelled because the truth is being told. Which is
something (Blacks & Whites) can't accept. Whites can come on to a Black
program with their racist bs, but according to the TOS the Administrators
have the rights to ban a Black program because they feel like it (so to say),
and that leads up to my next question. Is that fair to discontinue one, and
not the other?

To be honest if it happens once why it won't happen again? This is what
the struggle is about today, but the only differences is its not only whites
who is discriminating Blacks are doing it to each other, and believe me
Queen I would not be shocked if I was next. In closing, those shows was
removed because of unfair racist/discrimination, and it was put into the
motion by other whites. All because the contents of these programs was
to deep for their understanding, and they only way to get revenge was
to complain to their own people about being discriminated against.

Queen, this is just my opinion, and believe me I shall always respect
you for whatever you say my Nubian Queen.
Knowledge to Knowledge
BrotherX

[Queen Ifama]

Peace William,
I truly understand what you are saying. However, what "I" am saying is that (and this is based on a comment made by one of the members of Black Talk) is that Blog Talk stated to them that they are not making any money on the ads that are being displayed. Is it using people to make money? Hell Yes!! That is the game of CAPITALISM. From the information I have received, the Black shows have increased listenership, but the listeners aren't clicking on the ads and spending money, and that is the bottom line for how LONG these advertisers will continue to spend money advertising on Blogtalk and that is the foundation of revenue for BlogTalk, so they aren't doing this out of the kindness of their hearts or they want to be the outlet for free speech. But this is my opinion.

As I said, is it fair that they discontinue some shows and keep others that are clearly delivering "hate" speech against another group, hell no. Do they have a right to do it? According to their TOS, they do. Again, will the fact that it is open to the public have an effect on that right? That is something that has to be determined in court. My point Brother, is that people have choices, if you continue to stay someplace where you have been discriminated against, and your show was discontinuted because the provider did not like what you said, than you have the option to MOVE ON. As you said, "Now after its over I am seeing the the Black & Whites have kissed, and made up", now AFTER the accusation of RACISM has been put in the universe as the cause of the cancellation, what now? Is the reinstatement enough compensation for the injury of racism (which of course you know I take issue with that terminology)? I ask myself, if Blog Talk discontinued my show and I felt that they were wrong, and I pointed out that wrong to them, would I be satisfied with reinstatement or would I move on to another arena. I think when they do that, they are really flexing, to let us know, that they CAN cancel your show and don't have to offer you an explanation, just SAY that you violated the TOS. However, if they are right for canceling me and they show me HOW I DID violate their TOS then perhaps I would try to apologize and ask for reinstatement but if that is not the case, I think "I" would go to my other avenues. Especially if they can't give me the HOW of what I violated. That would be a direct disrespect of my intellect and my pride would be at stake. I mean, that is just me.

Well they do it again? Hell yeah. Why? Because they can and they have the balls to do it and don't care. Is it right, it would depend on what THEY determined was a violation. What we don't know is their reasoning for allowing the shows BACK on air. Just like we don't know the REAL reason for terminating them. We can speculate, but we really don't know in both instances. What I do applaud is Black Talk Radio organizing to address future issues and admonishing us to take notice and document things.

The ONLY thing these folks understand is a CEASE and DESIST using the services by ALL the Black people on Blog Talk, that is where it would hurt, if we truly are the ratings builders. And we all know that is NOT going to happen. So to make that call, to play that card was a cry of "wolf" to me. I am just keeping it real.

There are very CLEAR instances of PURE racism that we STILL don't come together for. And that is a further problem to me. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was about the most successful stoppage of usage and the compensation benefitted not just the Black people in Montgomery, Al but all over the country. It is no surprise that Black people discriminate against one another, we are in a CULTURE that discriminates even for us it can be based on class, sex, skin color, etc. so that is nothing new. THIS IS AMERICA!! Discrimination is part of the fabric, racism is part of the fabric, prejudice is part of the fabric, sexism is part of the fabric.

[Queen Ifama]

And the key is for us to organize and chop the head off when it rises up. For us it is to organize to unravel that fabric. But it will take organization, bottom line.

Queen Ifama

Queen Ifama said:

Peace William,
I truly understand what you are saying. However, what "I" am saying is that (and this is based on a comment made by one of the members of Black Talk) is that Blog Talk stated to them that they are not making any money on the ads that are being displayed. Is it using people to make money? Hell Yes!! That is the game of CAPITALISM. From the information I have received, the Black shows have increased listenership, but the listeners aren't clicking on the ads and spending money, and that is the bottom line for how LONG these advertisers will continue to spend money advertising on Blogtalk and that is the foundation of revenue for BlogTalk, so they aren't doing this out of the kindness of their hearts or they want to be the outlet for free speech. But this is my opinion.

As I said, is it fair that they discontinue some shows and keep others that are clearly delivering "hate" speech against another group, hell no. Do they have a right to do it? According to their TOS, they do. Again, will the fact that it is open to the public have an effect on that right? That is something that has to be determined in court. My point Brother, is that people have choices, if you continue to stay someplace where you have been discriminated against, and your show was discontinuted because the provider did not like what you said, than you have the option to MOVE ON. As you said, "Now after its over I am seeing the the Black & Whites have kissed, and made up", now AFTER the accusation of RACISM has been put in the universe as the cause of the cancellation, what now? Is the reinstatement enough compensation for the injury of racism (which of course you know I take issue with that terminology)? I ask myself, if Blog Talk discontinued my show and I felt that they were wrong, and I pointed out that wrong to them, would I be satisfied with reinstatement or would I move on to another arena. I think when they do that, they are really flexing, to let us know, that they CAN cancel your show and don't have to offer you an explanation, just SAY that you violated the TOS. However, if they are right for canceling me and they show me HOW I DID violate their TOS then perhaps I would try to apologize and ask for reinstatement but if that is not the case, I think "I" would go to my other avenues. Especially if they can't give me the HOW of what I violated. That would be a direct disrespect of my intellect and my pride would be at stake. I mean, that is just me.

Well they do it again? Hell yeah. Why? Because they can and they have the balls to do it and don't care. Is it right, it would depend on what THEY determined was a violation. What we don't know is their reasoning for allowing the shows BACK on air. Just like we don't know the REAL reason for terminating them. We can speculate, but we really don't know in both instances. What I do applaud is Black Talk Radio organizing to address future issues and admonishing us to take notice and document things.

The ONLY thing these folks understand is a CEASE and DESIST using the services by ALL the Black people on Blog Talk, that is where it would hurt, if we truly are the ratings builders. And we all know that is NOT going to happen. So to make that call, to play that card was a cry of "wolf" to me. I am just keeping it real.

There are very CLEAR instances of PURE racism that we STILL don't come together for. And that is a further problem to me. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was about the most successful stoppage of usage and the compensation benefitted not just the Black people in Montgomery, Al but all over the country. It is no surprise that Black people discriminate against one another, we are in a CULTURE that discriminates even for us it can be based on class, sex, skin color, etc. so that is nothing new. THIS IS AMERICA!! Discrimination is part of the fabric, racism is part of the fabric, prejudice is part of the fabric, sexism is part of the fabric.

[WilliamX]

" Humblely Kneel To A Beautiful Queen.
I understand what you are saying now, and I will comment on the following statement.
Blog Talk stated to them that they are not making any money on the ads that are being
displayed. Is it using people to make money?
I must agree with your Hell Yeah, and those flashing ads is doing damage to our
computers. My Son works for Microsoft in Seattle, and he explain to me the many kbs
that is loaded on our harddrives from fllashing ads, and if you don't believe me do a
disk clean run before and after going to blogtalk. As a matter of fact I brought this
to the attention of a BTR staff member, and I received a f**ked up reply (quote)
If you don't like it then sign off.
Hell, They are making money with these ads, and they can't lie by saying that they
are not making money. If they are not making money with these ads, then tell me
how can they regulate the music we play (which we do for free), and they are doing
ads for free? Awww come on now.
As far as I am concern Blogtalk know the Field negros who is doing programs that
has no substances, and the ones that's broadcasting the truth concerning racism,
Black on Black-White Hate crimes plus other serious issues.
Each edition of the Peoples Nation basically focus on Black on Black issues (that
many blogtalkers dislike), and we also focus on White issues as well. However,
our main point is to demostrate that the White man is in the background, but
what's happening in our Black communities of America is done by Blacks, and
we can't blame the white man for what we are doing to each other.
My listenership has went down 2% because I don't co-sign the nonsense bull
shit that most of these programs broadcast, and we can declare racism all
we want. Can we see that we are against one another?
In closing, since the beginning of internet websites there has always been
the Terms of Service codes, and these codes do apply for everyone (all
races regardless to who you are). Its not fare for Whites to discriminate
against Blacks on some sites(I am not saying that its okay for Blacks to
use racism or discriminate) especially against your own people.
BrotherX

[One Black Man]

I really appreciate the thoughts being presented in this thread. Let me say this about Black Talk Radio, it is a open website with nothing hide and roaches crawl over web pages if you catch my drift. We get alot of pageloads. Therefore legal strategy should not be discussed here in an open forum, but let me say that this type of censoring amounts to "chilling free speech" if nothing else. Look up that legal term. I

f you think you have been a victim then send us an on site email. Racism would be a secondary charge, there is evidence of racism clearly on the behalf of the host Jenn of the Jungle, but no clear racism on the part of Blog Talk Staff that I know of. I know what is thought to be the case be many black host, but legally, data would have to be subpoenaed by lawyers for discovery.

Just remember this is a open community and we have vermin crawling over the pages.

[WilliamX]

Oh Boy..Here We Go. Just because they give us software, and free
online communications. Does not give the okay for Blacks who broadcast
the truth to be mistreated, and dis respected. You can co-sign the bs all
you want, and I will give you the NEGRO of the YEAR award.
Your post is a perfect example why Blacks is always the footstool,
and we are continue to have others feet on us. The TOS Codes applie
to everyone who uses the internet (including siteowners and operators),
and I think you need to know what you are talking about Kiri.
One Black Man isn't the only one behind Blacktalk, and since you are
blabbering what have you did to help build blacktalk?

There is others like Doctor Mo, Brother Marty, and a few others
who did assist One Black Man in creating Blacktalk. Besides One
Black Man created Blacktalk. So tha we can have a place to come
to without being mistreated like slaves.
Stop b****ting some much, and live your young life. Sure, you are
entitle to express your own opinion, but make sure that you know
what you are talking about, and you claim to be Black? You are
acting white to me after reading your co-signing post.
BrotherX

[WilliamX]

Oh Boy..Here We Go. That's my favorite reply to the bullshit. Plus, One of the major problems is the Young
does not listen to the Elders, but they think that the Elders is suppose to listen and respect them.
(Again...Oh Boy). My Queen, You have posted some valid points, but Blacks do not believe that until it
happens in their own front yard.
BrotherX

[The Black Lotus/Asar Imhotep]

Kiambote Family

As I read the majority of these comments on this thread, the person who makes the most sense is Kiri Love. What I don't understand is if we are so conscious of the universe and how it operates, why would we be surprised that Black shows are being cancelled on BTR given the history of "White" people and how they suppress information coming from African voices? I mean honestly?

The only solution is the same solution that has ALWAYS been the answer and that is to do for self. I mean, it doesn't take much to learn how to create your own platform like Blog Talk. If someone is complaining about putting in the work to create our own platform then there isn't an ounce of consciousness in them. This is what Black Wallstreet was about: creating our own platform.

I am a web developer and graphic designer. It will take some time to develop and test, but in the end it is yours. Kari is right, why would the "White" man allow you to disrespect him on his own ish? That makes no sense. Black people need to get out of this dependency mind set and learn how to code (literally) the Matrix for themselves. This is the only way you will be able to deal with this issue and still be respected as a people.

Even this Black Talk Radio website is coded and developed by white people. It is part of the Ning network also coded by white people. You have access to the same code. Learn it and create your own platform. I have 6 websites all coded by me. Can't no one come and take it down because they don't agree with the content. They can do that on NING. Ning also has a TERMS and CONDITIONS for using their software. So the same can happen to this very page. So don't think you're safe here.

This is what Black people need to learn how to do for self in this new media age:

1) Get your own servers and host your own websites
2) Learn how to stream content
3) Set your own Terms and Conditions
4) Create your own code that you can license out to others like ALL white owned website content providers
5) Compete openly with Blog Talk Radio

It will take work, but let's see how much we will continue to talk and see who is willing to do the work.

[American Talk Radio]

Hi Queen! Iam Herb of memphis Tenn Good to see you ok??
I like broadcasting on (Google) WLFC radio Live (Memphis) I stand up for talk radio & Iam proud of it!! Log on &listen please > Thanks herb!!!!

[American Talk Radio]

I dont worry about being cabcelled because I have my own audio server no middle man!! Iam my own Boss!!!!! Iam not talking to you Qeen some one left a response about being cancelld next not me!!! U broadcast from my own server!! Ianm a real man Qeen aim to pleasemy audience that goes for everyting that I do Queen do you hear me??? Sorry got carried away .Like Tryronr Davis said!! Let me stop ok??