Last Updated on April 2, 2017 by Andre Loftis
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There is little doubt the insult hurled at California Congresswoman Maxine Waters by right- wing-Fox- entertainment-television host Bill O’Reilly this week, was intended to offend and belittle her when he cuttingly commented about her wearing a, “James Brown wig.” However, O’Reilly did not know that, “When you strike a woman, you strike a rock.”
And as expected, the bold and brass Maxine Waters was less than fazed and she responded in a manner was unbowed, unbossed and uncompromised when she retorted, “I am a strong Black woman. I cannot be intimidated and I’m not going anywhere.”
O’Reilly’s distasteful and disrespectful remark about the congresswoman’s wig was met with anger and criticism from around the nation—his attempt to belittle Waters quickly back-fired. O’Reilly proffered a “laughing” apology in short order; but just as quickly, he continued his derogatory comments regarding the congresswoman that many view as equally insulting.
At the same time, O’Reilly’s comments managed to anger many, they also garnered stronger, national support for the long-time Los Angeles congresswoman and her fearlessness in the face of a failed attempt at racist and misogynistic intimidation. It further inspired people of color, women and those who love them to work harder to bring an end to a national edifice that supports the dual poisons of misogyny, racism and sexism.
Such reaction is largely because Waters, in her wisdom along with many others, understand and embrace something that O’Reilly will never understand. Waters is the epitome of what the Godfather of Soul, yes, James Brown (whom O’Reilly mistakenly also attempted to disparage), taught Black people when he sang: “Some people say we got a lot of malice; some say it’s a lotta nerve; I say we won’t quit moving, til we get what we deserve.” Brown continued, “We’ve been ‘buked and we’ve been scorned; we’ve been treated bad, talked about as just as sure as you’re born.”
And then Brown gave a generation of Blacks an anthem that continues to inspire today, “Say it loud. I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Waters reminded a nation of that this week.
Seventy-eight-year-old Waters was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 1991. She now serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. In recent months, Waters has not been shy about her opposition to President Trump and his agenda but has served as one of the harshest, most outspoken and unapologetic critics of his administration; at one point even calling for his impeachment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]