In a recent performance at the New Orleans’ Essence Festival, R&B singer Jill Scott expressed views that some find controversial, as she touched on issues of oppression, racism, and the idea of leaving the country. Known for her music, Scott, who hails from Philadelphia and has a substantial following, is reported to be worth 12 million dollars.
During an interview with Jemele Hill, a figure known for her commentary on racial issues, Scott shared her thoughts on the potential benefits of living in other countries. She mentioned aspects like education and healthcare in places like Holland and expressed a desire for more freedom without judgment. However, it’s worth noting that Hill has faced criticism for her views, leading to her departure from ESPN.
In the interview, Scott stated, “There are some things you don’t have to deal with in other countries. We’re looking at Holland, the education is dope, the healthcare is dope. There’s very few confines on your personality and if you want to go get some a** or buy some a** ain’t nobody tripping on you. I like the idea of people being able to be free as long as you’re not harming anybody.”
It’s important to acknowledge the demographic differences between the United States and Holland, with Holland being over 80% white compared to the U.S.’s 75.5%. Scott’s comments have stirred a conversation about perspectives on freedom and cultural diversity. The United States, often celebrated for its diversity, accommodates various cultures, ethnicities, sexualities, and religious affiliations, even though some may argue about the challenges and compromises involved.
When Scott took the stage Sunday to the delight of the race baiters at Essence Magazine, the shameless sponsors introduced her by saying: “Everyone please rise for the only National Anthem we will be recognizing from this day forward.”
What took place next was an ugly display of disdain for a country that has made Essence Magazine and Jill Scott wealthy beyond belief. She sang: “Oh, say, can you see, by the blood in the streets, this place doesn’t smile on you, colored child. Whose blood built this land with sweat and their hands. But we’ll die in this place and your memory erased. Oh say, does this truth hold any weight? This is not the land of the free but the home of the slaves.”
The caterwauling nature of her singing aside, the rendition she reimagined was one of the most disgusting, hateful, and wholly false displays of virtue signaling in recent memory. It is one thing to take a knee; that is bad enough, but to use your platform to further divide an already divided nation with false narratives and hyperbole is just plain despicable.
Social media was not kind. Commentators took to the internet with strong opinions. Some of the responses are as follows:
“This is nauseating . No only is the singing awful; the hateful message is even more repulsive.”
“We should be teaching more people to look inward, hold themselves accountable for what they can control so they can improve their lives.”
“Telling young black people they are victims of oppression they never experienced, and doesn’t exist today, is providing them a crutch they can use to fail in life.”
“It’s repulsive. If you want to make an anti-America song, that is your First Amendment right as an American citizen, but to b******ize the National Anthem is DESPICABLE.”
Even her fans were repulsed. Joey Mannarino, a political strategist and former co-host of the pro-Donald-Trump radio program Your Voice America said: “I love Jill Scott. She is the pride of Philadelphia and an icon. This is so heartbreaking for me to see. I could name you every song she’s ever done, this might be a bridge too far for me though. So sad to see her go this route. She is so talented. She doesn’t need to go this route.”
There is a route for Scott and those like her. If they hate America and all of its freedoms and privileges so much, they are free to leave. Holland, Cuba, France, frankly, anywhere but here would be preferable. Maybe there, they can find the freedom they so badly crave. If Jill Scott doesn’t want America, she can show herself out.
Featured image: By https://www.flickr.com/photos/alphonsephotography/ – https://www.flickr.com/photos/alphonsephotography/7772352842/sizes/k/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24496289
Source: https://theamericantribune.com/
