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Allegations Against Bill Cosby Ruined His Reputation

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

*The topics and viewpoints expressed in this article may be sensitive in nature. The opinions expressed in this piece belong to the author and are not representative of the beliefs of the organization as a whole*

There is a community of individuals who grew up watching the household name, Bill Cosby, on several hit TV shows, including shows produced by Cosby himself. He did everything he was supposed to he went to high school, college and graduated with his bachelors, masters and doctorate of education degree.  Many of Cosby’s successes and the opportunities he created for black entertainers through his hit series “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” and “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” are being forgotten. The accomplishments are overshadowed by harsh allegations of sexual assault made by more than 50 different women. The media attacked the famous stand-up comedian, actor and author, discussing the rape, drug facilitated and sexual misconduct cases looming over Cosby’s head.  Ignorantly the public has weighed in, holding nothing back.

This entire story has made me sympathize with Bill Cosby. In no way am I saying that I support rape, sexual assault or molestation, but what I do want to say is that he’s human just like us.  There are several elements to these stories and allegations that simply have not been released to the public. How could any of you possibly weigh in on or assume things about Cosby’s character based on old and unproven accusations without all of the facts?

Cosby was on the brink of taking over the major television network NBC.  This would have once again opened up a plethora of job opportunities for the African American community.  It seems a little all too convenient for these complaints to come out now.  Take that as you want, you can either make a correlation between the two or take them each at face value.  The truth of the matter is this, instead of Cosby being remembered as a successful black figure, his legacy is being tarnished and demoralized into that of a serial rapist.  Meanwhile, Stephen Collins who was the father on the hit show “Seventh Heaven” was not only was accused of, but admitted to child molestation. Yes, there have been articles written about him here and there, but not nearly as many as those created about Cosby.   It seems as though the media is always okay showing images of blacks, as drug addicts, rapists and painting this picture that African Americans are a menace to society. Let’s not help them dig graves for people with our words. I guess I just want all of your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr fingers to slow down and give Cosby a chance to clear his name.    

 

 

Saiounia is a 20 year old Broadcast Journalism major studying at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her name is pronounced (Say-oh-knee-uhh). She is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Saiounia is a food junkie and loves adventure. In her spare time she can be found at local food festivals and family owned coffee shops.
Keziah is a writer for Her Campus. She is majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. HCXO!