The word “inspiration” is usually thrown into the ring when discussing influential politicians, successful singers and recognized authors. These choice individuals typically inspire others to follow in their footsteps and make a path similar to their own. Well, obviously, when I think of inspiration only one person comes to mind: Antoine Dodson.
If you have no idea who he is, then “you are so dumb.” Fo’ real.
So just in case, here’s a quick summary: His sister was almost raped by some idiot in the projects. He was then interviewed by a local news station, became a YouTube sensation and subsequently got a hit Internet song out of people mocking him.
Although the mystery of the notorious Lincoln Park rapist was never solved, Dodson’s interview was auto-tuned and released into the Internet and made Dodson an unintentional star.
Fast forward a few months and Dodson has emerged from the projects. After selling 100,000 copies of his hit song titled “Bed Intruder,” he bought his family a better home outside of the Alabama projects.
Not only did he rescue his sister from a rapist, but he also became an Internet superstar, sold enough songs to enter the Billboards chart, bought a new house and is putting himself back through school.
Now that’s inspiration. And inspiration that came from his sister almost being raped.
I’m not advising anyone get in front of a camera and act a fool. But then again, Antoine’s blatant first-grade vocabulary made it possible for him to attend the BET Hip-Hop Awards and perform in front of established hip-hop artists.
His courage is inspirational.
So instead of looking for inspiration in the typical celebrities, I look toward Dodson. His interview and his ensuing success taught me to hide my kids, my wife and my husband. Not only have his words of wisdom created a successful music career — he’s also a philanthropic entrepreneur attempting to start a foundation for juvenile diabetes.
When was the last time you saw Lindsay Lohan do that?
His website features everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs and my all-time favorite: the Bed Intruder costume.
This simple getup is a black tank, afro wig, and red bandana. The perfect Halloween costume.
So you can run and tell that to all your friends.
Dodson is inspiration at its very finest. Although some might consider his climb to fame a bit silly and undeserved, he has made the best out of his 15 minutes of fame.
Unlike his pop culture predecessors (see: Kate Gosselin), Dodson has used his fame for the good of his family.
His words resonate higher and higher with each YouTube play. So next time you’re looking to be inspired, look no further than a simple video named “The Bed Intruder Song.” Fo’ real.
Hassan Casanova is a third-year family, youth and community science student at Santa Fe College. His column appears every Friday.
