One level of criticism often hurled at Rev. Al Sharpton will hold a press conference for the opening of an envelope.

Like him or not the good reverend has sacrificed much of his time over several years fighting for the rights of people of color. I wouldn’t say any press time was ever sacrificed to do so, but you get what I’m saying.

Still, Rev. Sharpton argues that his media appearances are used to promote issues important to him, which leads me to wonder what exact issue has led to him hosting WWE Raw.

Is it poverty? Anti-violence? Standing side-by-side with other men of questionable hair choices in solidarity?

Actually Al’s going to be promoting education reform tonight. Yeah, I don’t get it either, but maybe he’ll end up on The Hills, too, promoting economic equality.

Nevertheless, Sharpton has also released a statement addressing those who have complained about the WWE/WWF’s stereotypical depictions of minorities over decades.

“In order to raise awareness and actually do something about the devastating achievement gap in education between kids of color and their white peers the viewership of WWE events is precisely the group of people who need to be reached and involved. Reverend Sharpton has stated repeatedly that all of us must take extraordinary steps to reverse the current trend in education and that unlikely alliances (like with Newt Gingrich) and forums like the WWE should be utilized if they help close the gap.

Reverend Sharpton has led –and will continue to lead– the fight against the use of the N-word and bigotry of all types, but until we end disparity in education, such conduct will continue. Rev. Sharpton appeared on BET while fighting against the N-word in their videos and there is no difference.

As Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain did before him, Reverend Sharpton recognizes that WWE events provide an unfettered opportunity to raise important issues to a national audience of Americans.

Rev. Sharpton has talked to Vince McMahon who assured him that they have corrected and will discontinue any racial denigration.”

And I guess if the WWE doesn’t clean up its act Al will call him his tag-team partner, Jesse Jackson and battle Vince McMahon and John Cena in a steel cage match.

The revolution will be televised…for $49.95 on PPV.

Source: 1, 2

TAGS: Al Sharpton, WWE, WWE Raw

Comments (4)