http://www.starandbucwild.com/
And I gotta say.... I was intrigued about a man who could come off being so abrasive and cynical over the airwaves. What a journey in life he described. Clearly, it built character... but then, I got the impression that he was born with a strong spirit and found a way to contain and channel it over the years.
It started off describing a familiar, in that I could identify with the life of growing up in a place like Scotch Plains, NJ. And I got the impression that Star could be a ‘callous opportunist’, until I got to the part about him taking his ‘alter-ego’ Buc Wild (Tim) under his wing. And in his abrasiveness, there is an under current of caring. It seems very odd and confusing, actually.
Star’s reference to Abbott & Costello was really an incredible idea. I could see him being like Bud Abbott. But I would have never understood this idea had I not read it in his book because I don’t know if I’ve ever even heard ‘Buc Wild’ speak.
http://www.abbottandcostello.net/
And I’m still wondering if the philosophy of objective hate, feeds into a callousness of character. What got me is that after reading through the beginning chapters of inanity, by way of seemingly unsavory proclivities, the book took an upswing and got deep in my opinion, where I was surprised and impressed, as well as finding myself in agreement with a some of his conclusions and opinions in the end. There was one part in the book where he lists some of the women he interviewed on the air waves and gave his critique on their character. That was kind of ‘slang-bookish’ to me... You’d have to be of a certain age to know what a ‘slang book’ is. It takes me back to junior high school.
But then, in my opinion, he describes his focus being a priority over and above many people whose paths he had crossed, especially at Hot 97. I can get that... a means to an end. What really surprised me was his disdain for the current generations’ ignorance and ridiculousness. I don’t think I really noticed it while he was on the airwaves so much, but I definitely got it after reading the book, and I totally concur.
I had some questions and comments that I posted in an egroup forum that was created by some of his fans or friends (or both). However, it seems people (including Star), were instructed not to discuss his book in his egroup. I found that to be a strange promotional strategy. But.... anyway, I figured I’d put my comments and questions in my blog.
One question is in regard to the 'philosophy of hate' as explained by Star....
While reading his book, I didn’t exactly get the impression that he is a 'mean spirited person' (and I could be wrong), yet, I do see how provocative he is in his seeming desire to incite and inspire negativity. Not sure I understand the motive or the goal in doing this. However, there is something refreshing about a man who throws ‘political correctness’ to the wind and ‘cuts to the chase’, barring all and any layer of bullshit on issues he chooses to express opinion on.
I wonder what others think he means by being a 'hater'. I don't consider myself a 'hater' although there are clearly things that I do hate.
I mean, name calling and trite disrespect seems so trivial. I just can't imagine that 'the philosophy of hate' is something as simple as that. And as I read more, I found some insight into where some of the hate is inspired and can agree. But I don’t feel my hate for bigotry or irresponsible ‘rap- hip/hop’ is objective.... I believe it’s more subjective (for example).
Objective = expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations
As opposed to...
Subjective = involving or deriving from sense perception or experience with actual objects , conditions, or phenomena
Here’s an excerpt from The BlackElectorate.com regarding the book...
http://www.blackelectorate.com/articles.asp?ID=1797
Without question one of the book’s most valuable attributes is that it takes us into one of the most brilliant entrepreneurial minds to enter the arena of Hip-Hop and the radio industry. If you suspected it, wondered about it, or could not get yourself to fully accept it, Objective Hate ends the debate. Star is one of the shrewdest, patient, aggressive, and calculating individuals you will ever want to encounter in business. This is no ordinary Negro. He knows when to ‘sell out,’ or ‘fight the power;’ cultivate or provoke; and renew and re-invent himself. In short, he seems to be aware of his relative power at all times, and aligns it with his personal motivation and goals in business.
I concur with the above comment.
The NY Post Article was a bit scathing in their comments..... and the writer is certainly entitled to his opinion. What's the saying.... 'all publicity is good, even when it’s bad...?'
The excerpt below from the article is something I take exception with also.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01072007/gossip/pagesix/radio_jerk_vile_in_print__too_pagesix_.htm
Of King, Star writes: "[He's] a total hypocrite whose agenda quashed the rising spirit of anarchy in the heart of black America. As he hid behind the cross, he hated being oppressed but realized it enhanced his [stud] game . . . His mystified hypothetical dream, with no economic structure, now hangs over the Negro's head like a Mississippi noose."
I can't say I agree totally with the above comment, although I do feel there is a shred of truth in there. I believe King was a true leader and did what he thought was right at that time, to bring us out of the Jim Crow era. Looking back, I think that his efforts fell short of long term goals, which puts us where we are today.
I posted my comment in Star’s egroup and he did reply...
--- In StarandBucWildForum@yahoogroups.com, "Star"
wrote:
>
> Hey Cyndi,
>
> You're right, King did what he thought was morally just
> at the time, but he had no long-term economic plan
> beyond God's will. Most people of color are not even
> aware of his literary works (Not his autobiography) or
> his tension with Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X.
>
> It's not my intention to discredit MLK, but his un-mentioned
> credit for stalled Negro progress is reaching new heights of
> confusion. Most people reference that King followed Mahatma
> Gandhi's lead, but fail to state the difference between a
> campaign of self-rule and one of civil rights.
>
> S.
Yes..... I can agree with Star on that. However, I keep thinking that the 'self rule' idea is still squashed in the minds of many black folks based on what happened to the successful black communities of the past... like the “Black Wall Street”.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=news28
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colfax_Massacre
In the end, I’m still not totally clear on the mantra of ‘hate’ being promoted. It just sounds so negative, yet I don’t believe that it is negativity that is being promoted by the philosophy. I like his references to his connection with his father and the fact that he has ideas and acts on them, full force. The book is a good, interesting and fast read. It’s worth checking out.
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