[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E783]]



                     DR. CAMILLE COSBY ON VIOLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, violence is tearing apart the fabric of our 
society. It affects us collectively. But it affects many individuals, 
as well. Our challenge must be to eradicate violence from this Nation, 
and all its associated hardships for children, families, and 
communities.
  Few people are not aware of the terrible tragedy which beset the 
family of Bill and Camille Cosby. Their son Ennis was tragically killed 
in a senseless act of violence earlier this year.
  Dr. Camille Cosby made the following remarks, related to her 
experience at a ceremony which I attended recently, and which moved me 
greatly. I strongly urge my colleagues to read them and contemplate 
their meaning for us all.

       Violence is not funny. Violence has been sensationalized 
     and glorified in movies, television, radio and the print 
     media. Violence is not entertainment. Violence is excessive 
     proliferation of guns and illegal drugs. Violence is profit 
     driven. Violence is greed. Violence feeds on low self-esteem.
       Violence can evolve from repetitive, indecent, and crude 
     racial, sexual, and religious distortions that can shape 
     hateful attitudes about one another. Those images are seen, 
     heard, and read by the world's people everyday. America, you 
     and the world have lost the truth with few exceptions.
       I am appealing to you, the public, to not support, with 
     your dollars, any media or other entities which honor 
     needless violence.
       Thank you, thank you the world's people, for your thousands 
     and thousands of letters of concern and prayers. My family 
     and I are deeply appreciative that you have expressed respect 
     and praise for our beautiful son, Ennis. And my dear essence 
     family, I thank you for this prestigious award.

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