Dyson’s recent book Is Bill Cosby Right? (Or Has The Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind) blasted Cosby for comments he made in 2004 deriding poor Blacks. Among other controversial statements, Cosby derided poor Blacks for their lack of English skills, telling them to buy Hooked on Phonics lessons instead of $500 sneakers. Cosby also questioned Black outrage over police brutality, insinuating that it may be the natural result of criminal activity among Blacks. (see Black Issues In Higher Education, Aug. 11, 2005)
The heckler’s comments regarding Dyson’s criticisms drew a heated response from Cosby, who angrily jumped off the UDC auditorium stage and went into the crowd to confront the man. As in the past, Cosby said Dyson’s book is full of untruths and mischaracterizations.
“You don’t deserve a forum with me because you don’t know what you’re talking about,” Cosby said. “Dyson means nothing to me. I am not afraid of any Mr. Dyson. But Mr. Dyson is not a truthful man.”
— By David Pluviose
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
