Over the weekend, Bill Cosby's opinion-editorial piece, "A Plague of Apathy," was published in The New York Times. In his article, the commedian discussed and emphasized how people should emulate the examples being put out by the black Muslim community. However, Former Congressman Allen West did not seem to appreciate the article.
Cosby wrote the following statements in the Post: "I'm a Christian. But Muslims are misunderstood. Intentionally misunderstood. We should all be more like them. They make sense, especially with their children. There is no other group like the Black Muslims, who put so much effort into teaching children the right things, they don't smoke, they don't drink or overindulge in alcohol, they protect their women, they command respect."
This was almost immediately followed by a tweet from the former congressman saying, "2day in NY Post, Bill Cosby said we should b more like Muslims. U mean honor killings, beheadings, suicide bombings? Hope ur kidding sir."
Since the exchange started, the issue has been earning varying comments from different readers on the Internet.
West is a well-respected Republican that has once put on the uniform to protect the nation. Cosby, on the other hand, created one of the most popular TV shows in the history of entertainment. Given these, the two have earned their own supporters.
"I read Bill Cosby's op-ed. If you read and pay close attention to what he said, he did not say we should be Muslims, but that the 'Black Muslim' community in the US, teaches their children to respect themselves, stay away from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc..." states one comment from The Blaze.
However, another comment from the same website seems to support West. The post noted, "President Allen West would have had my full support."
Aside from supporters, critics also shared the two personalities their opinions.
"I worked with Bill Cosby in the Motion Picture Industry, and I can state without reservation, that he is one of the most racist individuals I have ever had the displeasure of associating with. These comments by him don't surprise me at all. Thank you Allen West for speaking out against this bigot," said one critic.
"I hate to say anything against the Colonel, but he is off the mark on this. If Mr. Cosby had used the words 'Islamists' then the Colonels comments would be spot on, but painting all Muslims this way is wrong. I have traveled the world and have been amazed at how humble and giving most Muslims are. They would give you the shirt off their back if you as much as stared at it. Always quick to share a meal with you and welcome you into their homes. These experiences have shown me that their [sic] is a difference between Muslims, and Islamists. We all need to make that distinction," says another commenter about West.
So far, no comment from Cosby or West have been reported to date. Nonetheless, debate among Internet comments continue.