The Cos' Strikes Back: Bill Cosby's Essay to Retain Dignity

Call him “Pill Cosby.” Call him “Bill Rapesby.” Or you can just call him a fighter. Despite the allegations of over 40 women who claim that Dr. Cosby had abused or assaulted them sexually, he has retaliated with a few legal defense moves of his own. He asserts that seven of these women defamed him and tarnished his reputation with vindictive intent. This is a striking contrast to the accusations leveled against him. With the loss of honorary degrees and monies that would have been generated with television show pilots and movies, Dr. Cosby now finds himself swimming against the current. This once proud Black man is now a shell of his former self. From the millions that he made over the decades with TV and film roles to his now besmirched name, Dr. Cosby has battled his way through to defy the odds. His role as Alexander Scott in “I Spy” marked the first time a Black performer would appear in a primetime network drama and garner three Emmy awards. As an educated man, he has executed a calculated move. His decision to clap back at those who have tarnished his legacy shows a man who rebukes the notion of defeat.

Seven out of the dozens of women exemplify the war Dr. Cosby has waged to safeguard himself. If anyone can be checked, it’s at least this scant amount. In true claimant fashion, Dr. Cosby has cited emotional distress as a result of these females’ attempts to bring down the man and to halt endeavors in the media. Popularly known as “America’s Dad,” Cosby cast a positive light on the role of being a Black father in the television series “The Cosby Show.” He imbued his character as a obstetrician/gynecologist with sense of wit, charm, and earnestness. Today’s Dr. Cosby grizzled and in defense mode has challenged the words of women with whom he had contact over the decades. His consistent denial of any wrongdoing has polarized his alleged supporters. While some say that Dr. Cosby is a good guy who’s been dealt a bad hand, there exist others who say that Dr. Cosby ought to be tarred and feathered (figuratively, of course). What remains clear is that the damage to his estate, despite his counterclaims, is fouled up beyond all repair. Every time his name is mentioned in newspaper or magazine article or on a television newscast, the public will be reminded of those ugly allegations. So, for Dr. Cosby to return fire on behalf of himself, he has sent a message saying that he won’t be beaten easily.

The father figure, who over a few decades amassed a multi-million dollar fortune, cannot use his money to fight against the accusations per say. They might cover the lawyers’ fees and other expenses related to the case. But the real harm to his good name has been done. There are no countersuits or any other pleas to cop. In some of the minds of citizens in America and the world, Dr. Cosby is guilty as charged even though he has not been formally found culpable criminally. When the questions stop and the allegations slow, Dr. Cosby will still have to contend with no one but himself.

His shot at redeeming himself might be too late. But at least he is struggling to win. Altogether, the trajectory of Dr. Cosby’s life may reflect the material of one of Shakespeare's finest tragedies. Who knows? There at least might be a play or TV show or film in the making. It might qualify as an excellent piece of art that will showcase the arc of man who achieved greatness and encountered severe accusations which would demolish his career and personal life. From the spectacular success to the public downfall, Dr. Cosby has fought racism and sexism throughout his life. His his latest maneuver remains to be of a man who against the odds will strike back at the attacks on his honor. To protect oneself in the face of great adversity reveals a character who aside from all the accusers has a bit of self-esteem. The strike back serves as a symbol of holding on to values and never letting go.