Hero or Criminal?

Avatar for ddnlj
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Hero or Criminal?
3
Wed, 05-27-2009 - 1:07pm

The thread on Michael Vick made me think of this criminal who is now a hometown hero for going to jail on a weapons charge. He claims going to prison will only help his career. People actually brought their children to this man's "going away" concert and have proclaimed him a role model. Do YOUR children's role models buy automatic weapons with silencers? Are they convicted felons who aren't allowed to possess guns in the first place?

What is it in this country where criminals become heroes and heroes are ignored? Why are those who are responsible and try to play by the rules put down while those who do nothing responsible are hailed as fine, upstanding citizens? Sure, anyone can make a mistake and CAN be a role model if they learn from that mistake and go on to be a better person. But if they repeat the same mistake and/or use that mistake to further a career or enhance their lifestyle, then role model they ain't.


 
T.I. packs Atlanta arena before heading to prison






  • By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr., Associated Press Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press Writer – Mon May 25, 6:28 am ET


ATLANTA – Grammy-winning rapper T.I. told fans he would stay optimistic when he heads to prison on a federal weapons conviction.


The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Clifford J. Harris Jr., performed for a packed audience Sunday night in Atlanta's Philips Arena less than two days before he is to begin serving the sentence of a year and a day.


"I'm going to stand up tall, head up high," he said. "Thank you for all of your support."


Many in the packed crowd of about 16,000 people held up encouraging signs, like one reading "T.I. We Will Miss U!"


He must report by noon Tuesday to the Federal Correction Institution at Forrest City, Ark. He was arrested after prosecutors said he tried to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers from undercover federal agents in 2007.


During the concert, T.I. said he hoped that everyone learned from his mistakes. He brought his five children on stage, often holding one of them while he performed "No Matter What" — a single off the almost double-platinum album "Paper Trail."


T.I., who won a Grammy for "Swagga Like Us," also performed all his hits from "What You Know" to "Bring 'Em Out" to his recent chart-topping singles "What Ever You Like" and "Live Your Life." Teenage rapper Soulja Boy also joined him on stage.


"What I need y'all to do is pray for me while I'm gone," he said. "I'll see y'all in 366 days."

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2009
In reply to: ddnlj
Wed, 05-27-2009 - 1:23pm

The African-American culture is very complex. I cannot begin to understand how this thug would be conceived as a hero but to many in his neighborhood, he is just that.

I guess it's kind of like the people of Washington D.C. re-electing Marion Barry as Mayor after he was caught on tape smoking crack with a prostitute. Who can begin to understand that??

Perhaps it's the "victim" mentality or the mentality of "the white man keeping the black man down" that draws thousands to support this criminal.

It will be interesting to hear everyone's opinions about this.

Community Leader
Registered: 04-05-2002
In reply to: ddnlj
Wed, 05-27-2009 - 3:06pm
Criminal. I agree that it's sad that there are so many people doing great things in the world and celebrities/athletes/musicians who commit crimes are held up as role models.





iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2008
In reply to: ddnlj
Wed, 05-27-2009 - 7:40pm

It's very disappointing to read how someone could be called a hero when he is going to jail for a weapons charge.