December 14, 1934 Ð Young Chomsky a Real Pain in the Tuchus
The Chomsky family, of the cityÕs East Oak Lane neighborhood, yesterday reported that their young son, Noam, has developed the vexatious habit of questioning nearly all that he seesÑdespite the fact that he is merely six years of age. ÒDay in and day out, itÕs, ÔFather, why do the Philadelphia Athletics receive such high wages? Father, why does Mayor Moore so often say one thing, yet do another?ÕÓ moaned the boyÕs exasperated father, William Chomsky, a Hebrew scholar. ÒIt is good that he is thinking, perhaps, but, many times, I want to say, ÔPlease, Noam, let me alone.ÕÓ
 The totÕs mother, Elsie, agreed. ÒHe refuses to speak as a normal child would,Ó she confessed, worriedly wringing her hands. ÒWhy would a little boy want to discuss with me the strife of the factory worker? He is becoming a real pain in the tuchus.Ó His next-door neighbor, Emily Malamud, 9, said that Noam was Òvery nice, but I find him a little strange. Often, I want to play jacks, yet he only wants to speak of ÔRepublican politics.Õ What is this ÔRepublican politics?ÕÓ
Tiny Noam, however, seemed to believe that his ever-probing mind was normal for a boy his age. ÒI simply look around and ask questions about thingsÑis that odd?Ó he said, frowning at an editorial in the Evening Bulletin. ÒI find it odd that the other children do not want to know more about the policies of our cityÕs business community.Ó His father, meanwhile, seemed actively concerned for his sonÕs future. ÒOne who asks so many questions is bound to get into troubleÑthis world does not reward the curious,Ó he said sadly. ÒIf only he were more interested in the Blondie and the Betty BoopÑand not so much the oppression of the common man.Ó
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January 28, 1985 Ð Cosby: Black Community Must Eat More Jell-O Snacks
Actor and comedian Bill Cosby offered a stinging critique of the black community on Wednesday, insisting that, in order to prosper, the country's minorities Òmust eat more delicious Jell-O snacks.Ó ÒAs a people, we are in the midst of a troubling decline,Ó he said during a fiery speech at Temple University. ÒTo offset this, we all must buckle down and enjoy more scrumptious Jell-OÑfrom easy-to-eat pudding pops to the wacky new Berry Blue dessert cup.Ó
 When asked afterwards how the simple consumption of gelatin treats could offset decades of institutional racism and governmental neglect, Cosby was insistent. ÒHave you ever had the vanilla-fudge swirl-pop? See, if you had, you'd understand,Ó he said, rolling his eyes upward, pursing his lips, and bobbing his head. ÒIt's that good.Ó He then went on to claim that Jell-O products Òhave the power to lift people up. They make you want to dance; they make you want to sing. They've had that effect on me for years.Ó
Black leaders nationwide, however, were dismissive of the Germantown native's remarks. ÒWe are in agreement that there is a crisis in our community,Ó said Dr. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP. ÒBut I, along with many of my colleagues, disagree with Mr. Cosby's solutionÑhowever tasty it may be.Ó The Rev. Jesse Jackson agreed. ÒI do believe that Bill Cosby has the best interests of the black community at heart,Ó he said. ÒBut this problem goes much deeper than a dish of yummy strawberry pudding.Ó |
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