Janet Mock Discusses Phylicia Rashad and Bill Cosby on Her New Show

On Janet Mock's new MSNBC Shift show "So Popular," she sits with her "Smart Ass Pop Culture Feminist Clique" to discuss Phylicia Rashad's most recent comments concerning Bill Cosby.

The "clique" consists of Jamilah Lemieux, Sr. Digital Editor at EBONY, comedian Amanda Seales, and writer and instructor Kevin Allred, who will be turning his college course teachings of "Politicizing Beyonce" into a book.


In the discussion the group touches on many aspects concerning Phylicia's comments, they ponder on why Phylicia seems to be more concerned with the legacy of Bill Cosby instead of her own legacy, and the state of the allegedly assaulted women. They question Bill Cosby has not said anything and has instead let others speak for him, and they lastly express their own feelings and concerns surrounding the accusations.



Jamilah Lemieux of EBONY, says

There’s no joy to be found in believing these allegations to be true. Nobody I mean–Unless you’re just someone who truly hates black people, and hates the success of “The Cosby Show,” and just hates black men, then maybe you’re cheering this on. But that’s not what we’re seeing, we’re seeing people who grew up watching this show and had an emotional attachment to these characters and to Bill Cosby. I went to Howard – a school that I may not have went to if there had not been “A Different World” . . . So I feel a sense of death, a sense of loss, a sense of grief . . . and for people who are not willing to engage that grief, I just want for them to just consider, just consider . . .

For some, Jamilah's thoughts that one should "consider" is not easy and many find it even impossible. In the end, will we as a people always expect monsters--alleged and real--to look like monsters?


Watch the discussion.




Randie Henderson is a Gates Millennium Scholar and recent college grad. She is driven to write, read, learn, and educate about ways to dismantle oppression in America and globally because she is passionate about people and justice. You can find her on randiejourney.tumblr.com

Bill Cosby Janet Mock Phylicia Rashad rape allegations So Popular