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SALT LAKE CITY — In a recent article in which he discusses at length the problems facing society, Bill Cosby told the New York Post, "We’d be a better world if we emulated" black Muslims.
In a meandering diatribe, the actor-turned-author bemoans declining health, greed and love of money, lack of parental involvement and widespread apathy as forces that are bringing down society.
"It is my belief — my BELIEF in big letters — when people don’t make good choices, you can yell as loud as you want to at me about this is my body and I do what I want to do with my body, so OK yes you can. But now you are spreading it along generationally," the piece reads.
Cosby ends his thoughts by extolling the virtues of black Muslims, adding, "We should all be more like them.
"I’m a Christian. But Muslims are misunderstood. Intentionally misunderstood. We should all be more like them. They make sense, especially with their children. There is no other group like the Black Muslims, who put so much effort into teaching children the right things, they don’t smoke, they don’t drink or overindulge in alcohol, they protect their women, they command respect. And what do these other people do?
There is no other group like the Black Muslims, who put so much effort into teaching children the right things, they don't smoke, they don't drink or overindulge in alcohol, they protect their women, they command respect.
–Bill Cosby
"They complain about them, they criticize them. We’d be a better world if we emulated them. We don’t have to become black Muslims, but we can embrace the things that work."
These sentiments earned their share of backlash, most notably from Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.
In a Twitter post, West responded, "Bill Cosby said we should b more like Muslims. U mean honor killings, beheadings, suicide bombings? Hope UR kidding sir.”
The African-American congressman later expanded his argument on his Facebook page:
"Mr. Cosby, I remember a time when black families — and I mean two-parent homes — raised their children just that way, I am living proof," referring to a home in which children are taught "the right things."
"When we allowed the breakdown of the black family to occur because of progressive socialist policies, such as welfare checks for having children out of wedlock, we committed familial suicide and now we have third generation welfare," he continued. "I'm not into condemning America, anti-Semitism, honor killings, spousal beatings (sanctioned by the Koran), killing American troops at Ft. Hood, beheadings, and rampant assaults on Christians. … What a doggone ignorant statement Mr. Cosby. Please tell me you were making a joke?"
Cosby spoke to the Post while on a concert tour and while promoting his new book, "I Didn't Ask to be Born (But I'm Glad I Was)." The text of his interview was published June 10.
