'When I interviewed rap artist Ice Cube for Spin magazine . . . he talked about the importance of respecting black women and communication across gender. He spoke against male violence against women, even as he lapsed into a justification for anti-woman rap lyrics by insisting on the madonna/whore split where some females "carry" themselves in a manner that determines how they will be treated. When this interview was published, it was cut to nothing. It was a mass media set-up. Folks (mostly white and male) had thought if the hard-core feminist talked with the hardened black man, sparks would fly; there would be a knock-down drag-out spectacle. When Brother Cube and I talked to each other with respect about political, spiritual and emotional self-determination of black people, it did not make good copy. Clearly folks at the magazine did not get the darky show they were looking for.'
From 'Sexism and Misogyny: Who Takes the Rap?' ) ) ) )
(Z Magazine, February 1994)
