Jesse Jackson Pushes For More Diversity and Responsibility In Entertainment

[Jin]

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is making his views known has he continues to fight for more responsibility and diversity in the aftermath of on-air radio host Don Imus' firing.

The activist is urging radio and television networks to increase its diversity by hiring more Black and Latino on-air personalities.

The request was made Thursday (Apr. 26) during a press conference at the APEX museum in Atlanta.

In addition to radio, Jackson called for diversity in newsrooms and the entertainment industry as a whole. The former presidential candidate’s press conference is one of a series of events held since Imus was fired for his negative comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team.

Since the dismissal, rap music and Hip-Hop have been targeted by critics, who cite disrespectful lyrics used by emcees towards minorities and women.

Jackson also called for music companies to stop allowing artists to use words that degrade minorities and women.

"The issue is diversity, access to the newsroom, producers and writers who share a broader point of view," Jackson said.

As rap takes most of the heat for controversial content, Jackson noted that the negativity has been around years as he recited the lyrics to the Rolling Stones’ 1971 hit song "Brown Sugar."

The track is noted for its references to oral sex, slave rape, sadomasochism, lost virginity and heroin use.

"We should keep in mind that Hip-Hop is not the only music that glorifies misogyny and violence," Jackson explained. "Rappers did not start it, but they should stop it. But it is easier to focus on rap music than to deal with the corporations. Those who distribute this have the most power and must be stopped."

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