Stephen A. Smith’s failure to apologize for his comments on “Hannity” about Trump and Black people didn’t help

Stephen A. Smith The lack of apology was offensive. Many community members were like this deeply indignant at him for what he said on “Hannity” last week. In his apology, he said he heard us, but he was defensive, aggressive and obstinate. He stated that it had been misunderstood and taken out of context. How, Sway? How? He played “Hannity” and we heard every word. The problem is just not that it has been misunderstood. The point is that he was completely understood. It wasn’t taken out of context in any respect. It would make just as much sense to say it was hacked.

Smith said, “When you see the law being used against him (Trump), it’s something that Black people across the country can relate to with some of our historic, iconic figures.” Wow. The concept that Trump is the victim in all of that is charming. It’s crazy to think that Trump is like a few of our historical, iconic figures who’ve had the law used against them, just like the Black Panthers, Dr. King, Marcus Garvey and more.

We understood exactly what Smith meant, but in his false specology he actually wagged his finger at us to emphasize how offended he was at being misunderstood. It was surprisingly deaf.

There are a number of lessons Smith should learn here. First, an expert speaker cannot say that he has been misunderstood and taken out of context. It’s your job to be clear, brother. If you blame us for misunderstanding, it implies that you will have failed in probably the most basic a part of your job. That’s like saying LeBron forgot how to dribble.

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Smith must also realize that politics is just not easy. I won’t ever tell him to stick to sports, but in case you want to get into politics, you will have to read quite a bit and process quite a bit. Don’t just skim through a number of columns before a segment. Read many books on political science and American history to understand the broader context of what is actually going on.

If you will have the chance to talk about politics on TV, it is best to take it as a serious responsibility. Talking about politics on TV can influence the country in a very different way than talking about sports. By analyzing politics, you’ll be able to shape the way in which people understand the political sphere and influence who they vote for, who they donate to, or who they advocate for with their friends and family. Talking about why the Lakers lost is fun, but incredibly less relevant.

It could be very essential to take the chance to talk about politics on television seriously and try to say thoughtful things that will be invaluable to the collective consciousness. Instead, Smith appeared to be auditioning for the role of the brand new Jason Whitlock. It was really disgusting.

Part of the blame lies with television producers who book people like Smith to talk about politics since it has entertainment value. There is not any value in Smith talking about Black people and Trump. As we saw, he doesn’t even know the precise answer. But if he says the improper answer in a funny way, people will watch it, right? “Hannity” is not an actual news show; it’s an entertainment program masquerading as a news program. This is as real as “The Colbert Report,” but after this show, viewers knew Stephen Colbert was joking. What Hannity’s viewers do not know is that it isn’t real.

I also hope Smith learns that you mustn’t go on TV and act such as you’re speaking for the black community. It’s inherently offensive. Especially in case you say Trump was right in what he said about black people.

Smith’s essential assumption in his original hit – which we understood very clearly – was that Trump is relatable amongst black people due to criminal trials he’s going through. This is a silly point. This is just not the results of thorough research. This is an idiotic concept that is offensive. Besides, I do not know any sane Black one who would think that. I’m undecided why Smith is on TV saying that Black people feel this fashion.

Black people have a difficult and painful relationship with the justice system that could be a byproduct of racism and white supremacy. Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” explores this in astonishing detail. Trump’s quite a few trials stem from the indisputable fact that he was a wealthy white man who believed he was above the law. Black people know this. To suggest that we like Trump due to his trials implies that we’re too silly to see that there isn’t a connection between the 2 things.

I would like Smith to back off from his foray into politics. Not because he doesn’t have the precise, but because he is not ready. He didn’t put within the work. Just like Bronny James is not ready for the NBA, Smith is not ready to talk politics on cable news. He needs to hit the mental gym and do some serious reps. Read books (plural books), watch documentaries, delve into long articles, talk to experts. Educate.

The “Hannity” look was a hot mess. Hannity passed the ball to Smith and Smith kicked it into the stands. One day he may be ready to discuss politics, but today is just not that day.