Have My Back, Dude

RKelly’s tantrum was just another sign of the dangers in my everyday world

All it took was two Facebook posts for me to confirm what I had long known and tried to deny: in the face of imminent threat (perceived or real), men around me are more likely to “watch and see” than jump in and be a fence.

And you wonder why our mothers often call on Jesus before they summon Earl in the next room…

My argument has very little to do with Robert Kelly, the accusations against him, and his passionate protestations of innocence despite damning evidence. I’ll leave that to beat reporters and pundits to sort through.

What has dismayed me about the scene depicted in the above image — downright pissed me off, if we’re being honest — is that while Gayle King is being praised for her calm demeanor and poise, there are no signs that anyone in the room was primed and present to protect her from any potential physical harm, if it came down to it.

I’m aware that there were lots of other people in the room and vicinity.
Not my point.
I’m aware that Kelly was playing to the cameras.
Also, not where I’m going with this.

I’m saying that a man in the midst of performative indignation and perhaps real emotional distress was allowed to…