Thats What's Wrong with Black People

If you happen to have perused the latest Rolling Stone you might have come across an interesting comment by celebrated Black academic Dr. Cornell West:

That's not my calling. Yeah, brother, you find me in a crack house before you find me in the White House. I'll go into the crack house before I ever go that far inside.

Dr. West was answering a question about whether he would ever accept a position in the Obama adminstration's White House. On the surface this might seem like the rebel response. No, he won't join the institution that is holding down Black people across the land. He is a free thinker who will not be bound by a country who still doesn't take the plight of all of its citizens seriously.

Or you could see this for what it is. Sheer lunacy.

Dr. West is a part of a group of Black intelligentsia that sees it as their job to step up and police President Obama on his dealings on Blackness. West, Tavis Smiley, Michael Eric Dyson and others see themselves as the voice of the Black plight and will not allow Obama to ignore the very people that got him into office! With constant cries for racially charged fixes for issues within the black community, they stand at the sidelines with their noses held in disgust at his lack of true understanding, or better yet, lack of actual caring about the issues of, as Dyson keeps yelling, the people who put him in office.

Here's a question:

If Dr. West was offered a position in the Obama administration, why in holy hell would he not take it? Why would he turn down a direct line to the powers that be? Why would he rather do his work from a crack house than from the power base of our government? Why would he chose his current place in lieu of a position of actual power and ability to influence and change the issues that he so emphatically claims need the direct attention of higher government?

There isn't a good answer. Just like Dyson's recent rant on Obama "playing Black people," this is just as ridiculous. Dyson spoke of how he has not been invited to the White House despite being the first prominent Black person to endorse Obama. He is clearly upset at not being offered a seat at the very same table that he proceeds to criticize at length. He even went so far as to reprimand Obama for not mentioning Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s name in a speech: Obama's usage of "a young preacher from Georgia" bothered him.

Yes. Obama didn't say King's name. Does Dyson think he tried to trick America? That everyone would assume he was speaking of some other "preacher from Georgia"? Perhaps some spiritual leader from Russia! That's what people probably thought. No one would think MLK.

He is willing to sacrifice the interests of African-Americans in deference to a conception of universalism because it won't offend white people. --Michael Eric Dyson via Youtube.com

Could someone explain to me at exactly what point my interests were sacrificed? The fact that Obama hasn't stepped up to the podium and yelled, "Blackity Black Black. We gots ta get some black ish handled!" means he's some how sacrificed my interests?

A lot of people asked what would happen if America ever had a Black President. Answer? We don't know yet. It has only been a few months. Black people have neither been ignored nor suddenly revered by anyone. Perhaps instead of being so quick to throw around "Drinking the Kool-Aid" as everyone loves to say, maybe we should just deal with issues as they come. Perhaps give the man, I dunno, maybe a year or two in office before we start talking about his sacrificing of Black interests. Maybe the people sacrificing Black interest are the self-anointed saviors of it in the first place.

Comments

[Charmed]

Elon James....GREAT article and conversation going on in here. I didn't see this when you first wrote it, I followed a link from Dailykos. I've fanned you at this point.

[joceeco]

The so called "Black Community" has problems that no American President,Whether Mixed, Black or White can fix. Black on Black crime, Brotha's leaving their children and not paying child support, young black men thinking that education is irrelevant in their lives and young Black men feeling that working a minimum wage job is beneath them, eventhough they are lacking employable skills is something that Barack can speak on and he can create and continue programs already in place to assist them, but he cannot make these Brotha's change their destructive habits, they must do that themselves. Churches in the hoods have been trying to change these brothas for years in the name of GOD, and if GOD can't change em' Barack sure as hell can't. The "Black community" needs more than a Black President to repair the years of destructive behavior that has plagued it for so many years.

[joceeco]

To be honest with you guys, I don't really see how my interest as a Black American differ much from the White folks that live down the street from me, or the Asian people who sit with me in my office, or the Black South African, who sits next to me in my Micro Economics class at Cal State East Bay. If those Black Professors and Educaters would stop playing to the fears and ignorance of Blacks in the hoods, we could probably find common ground on every subject that effects our lives as American citizens of all colors.

[damilitantone]

There is some truth in what the brothers are saying, but they have to understand that Obama is not from the "hood" and has a different perspectives towards white folks than brothers from the street. In fact, he is perfectly suited for the job as president more so than someone like me. While I may possess a lot of good qualities, what I don't have is the temperment that Obama does. I probably would have punched out someone long ago. (One reason I left West Point a long time ago.) The brothers can be in the street railing against the system, but we need brothers on the inside who can work with white folks in partnership and not anger. Obama would not have been elected if a large number of white folks hadn't voted for him. They deserve our props and not the back of our hand. By the way the brothers need to remember that it's 2009, not 1968. That ship sailed a long time ago.

[robXdion]

That's a nice sentiment, but you need to tell some of these whites that it's not 1968 or even 1984 anymore. Stop looking for affirmation until you get consideration and respect even as a black man who's NOT President.

[Flavor]

Exactly.

[Flavor]

Damilitantone the exactly was to your statement. Just wanted to clarify that.

[Flavor]

Mr White, thank you for the article and I have to say I agree. Let me state this and I mean no harm to anybody but that's why I love america because I have freedom of speecch. Changes have occured in America and we had great leaders that were involved in the changes and we will never forget that not ever. We are in a different time and President Obama, was chosen for such a time as this, if we continue to bash and bash progress we will be depressed, and going in circles, clearly change has taken place, no one is saying don't critique the president but we are giving this new president the time he so needs to run this race. Sometime their are those who want to continue mess where there is none, I could be guilty of it as well as others because we actually want to stay in our comfort zone so to speak. I have to do a reality check on myself daily, am I against this person because I'm jealous or envious of him or her, is this a battle? or am I creating one. I have decided I will not grade President Obama until the last of this year, I think that fair and balance, I want to see more from him and am willing to wait. A quote I like, A man is not great for all the things he can do but by the one he goes after and conquers.

[countryboy57]

Sir,all of your points are well taken,however does that mean that Blacks should not criticize
President Obama. I greatly admire our President,my wife and I supported him both politically and financially.

What I am taken aback by is that at the center of power,aka Treasury Dept.,WhiteHouse advisors,he is surrounded by white men,if there was several Blacks or Browns that one could point too, I suspect
these criticism would have little standing.

George Dyer

[Elon James White - Huffpost Blogger]

I have no problem with Blacks criticizing President Obama. I have a problem with criticism that stems from self interest and supposedly uncovering the "playing of black people" by the President.

People need to question our President. But when its done, supposedly in the interest of "Me", this is when I will speak up.

[emjay1954]

Mr. White, here’s where your interests were sacrificed:

When Obama pushed billions of your money to the bankers.
When Obama escalated the war in Afghanistan.
When Obama refused to investigate and prosecute war criminals.
When Obama refused to consider single payer health coverage for all Americans.
When Obama upheld spying on innocent citizens.
When Obama refused to defend military personnel who are gay.

Those are where ALL of our interests were sacrificed.

You want to give him a year or two? Why, so the list can be even longer?

[Elon James White - Huffpost Blogger]

First of all these arguments of yours are from an extreme slant against Obama and could be re-framed to be no where near as harsh as you are currently making them out to be.

Secondly, if I were to agree with everyone of your characterizations of actions either executed or upheld by the Obama administration none of these were a "sacrifice (of) the interests of African-Americans in deference to a conception of universalism because it won't offend white people."

If the argument is simply to critique the Administration, I wholeheartedly accept that and agree it should be done. I would disagree with your depiction, but I respect the questioning of it. This is NOT, however, what Dyson was trying to do. He actually thinks Obama has handled most of those things just fine.

[Eric Daniels]

Mr. White

My problem with Tavis, Dyson and West is that they did not challenge him and his staff on their agenda as it related to African- American interests and by not challenging him
or his staff who were playing racial politics to get white voters by criticizing African- Americans problems during his campaign. It was Jon Faverau his speechwriter who wrote the imfamous "Father's Day Speech" after he secured the nomination when he still was in danger ofbeing challenged at the convention. That in my opinion gave White America the confidence that he would not "kowtow to blacks" .

What if African- Americans did what Glen Ford at Black Agenda Report and others like Dr. Adolph Reed and Ralph Nader and really asked him since there is 50% black male unemployment and in many cities it's at 80 percent, what will you do as POTUS because there are studies that employers will not hire African- American Males regardless of education what policies can his adminstration to to lessen that burden so these men can work and provide for their families? a rising tide does not lift all boats especially when you consider the systemic problems on some of these issues.

[clevelandchick]

How can you disagree with emjay's "depiction" of the fact the Obama Administration is upholding some of the very Bush Adminstration policies he himself criticized and campaigned against?

His DOJ has argued to maintain the NSA warrantless wiretap program. When I saw him here during the primaries he specifically addressed this issue and said he would end it.

He's completely punted on the torture issue, refusing to investigate and prosecute law breaking by the previous administration. I'd like to see the "let's not be vindictive and move forward" defense used in court by some regular folks and see where it gets them.

His DOJ went to court and submitted a brief arguing to keep DOMA based on tired refutable arguments against homosexuality - bestiality and incest. Disgusting.

He's firing gay military personnel as we speak, he has the power to stop their dismissals and he hasn't. Arab linguists we need desperately.

Obama chose the very architects of the financial meltdown to fix it? Very 'fox-in-th­e-henhouse­'....very Bush-like.

These aren't 'depictions', they are actual real-life actions by the Obama Administration. And they meet your criteria of being actions that hurt us all, black people included. They cannot be 'reframed' if you're being honest with yourself and your readers.

[Nommo]

Right. The picture is not getting any prettier.

[jade7243]

The only this argument works is if they were the exclusive concern of black Armericans. They are not. Obama is not only taking money from the brothers and sisters, he's not

So you start with a dumb argument simply so you can rant about Obama.

as far as I'm concerned, he take eight years and he'll not come close to doing even an eighths worth of damage done to "black interests" as Bush and co.

[robXdion]

And meanwhile West, Dyson, and many of these black "thinkers" teach at Ivy and semi-Ivy League schools and leave HBCU's to languish. ~ Obviously, I don't agree with their stances on some things, but Dyson's comment about Obama's universalism was correct. It's absolving guilt without accountability because sensitive whites can't face the truth, even as it's being borne out daily by Fox News and their cohorts. And if Obama isn't the president of only black America then he shouldn't lecture ONLY black people. The problem is some of you are so eager and hungry for affirmation by Obama's representation you can't even look deeper into this. And many of you just aren't well-versed on racial situations. But I can tell you as a man of the South, Obama is protecting the white conscience while avoiding issues that directly affect black people lest he be labeled "a raycist" for deigning to rectify issues of a group that he just so happens to identify with. We all know such a twist on what constitutes racism (blacks getting help for their issues caused by whites! Oh Noooooo!) has been going on since the 80s. And many of you are falling for it because you're still caught up in the euphoria of the election.

[EqualMeansEqual]

Black on black crime, and unwed mothers have increased in the last 40 years and racism decreased over that time period. Whites are not to blame for everything bad that happens to blacks in 2009.

The only time he lectured "black people" is when he spoke about men abadoning their childred and not help raising them. His dad did that to him and he has every right to address the issue that affects blacks at such a high rate. Something that effected his life and you don't want him to talk about it?

[papapj]

What makes you think racism has decreased over that time period?

Surveys show that racist attitudes among Whites are just as pervasive now as back in the 60s and the White privilege that even liberals cannot acknowledge plagues the landscape. Studies show that over the past fifteen years or so, roughly six in ten whites, by our their admission, adhere to at least one negative racial stereotype about blacks. According to a National Opinion Research Center survey in the early '90s, over sixty percent of whites believe that blacks are generally lazier than other groups, fifty-six percent say that blacks are generally more prone to violence, and over half say that blacks are generally less intelligent than other groups. These numbers haven't changed much since the question was asked in a similar survey in 1962.

And why do you think it appropriate for him to lecture Blacks only about child abandonment? This problem is just as pervasive in the general community as it is among African Americans, though among Blacks it is excacerbated by the lowly social status constantly occupied by a discriminated against underclass, but on that occassion Barack sought to appease his White voter base by taking another kick at his kinfolk, just as every other politician as throught time,instead of addressing the REAL problem of White privilege....

Your assumptions are demonstrably false.....

[robXdion]

I'm done explaining to you. I could go over 60s and 70's era domestic policies and how those affected the black community on many levels, but you'll just deny it unless you get to trash blacks as part of the deal. This coincides with your own 40 yr comment, but you can't admit to facts. And STILL, the point is he's NOT the president of blacks only. He was running for POTUS, not NAACP chairman. People with your logic stream can't say, "he's not a black president" or "he's not REALLY black", blahzay, blah, and then start clapping when he criticizes blacks (which is what you want to do oooooohhh so bad).

[clevelandchick]

What about 'white on white' crime? Like that's not something that happens every day? But you don't see Obama lecturing white people on the issue of being a deadbeat dad (plenty of white men are) or unwed mothers (pleny of white women are) or any other issue that somehow the white media has labeled as an exclusive 'black issue'.

Racism has decreased but it's still quite alive and kicking. Go on my hometown paper's website Cleveland.com. Look at the comments on the stories that involve black people who commit crime. You'll see plenty of racism, I guarantee it.

[mypov123]

"And meanwhile West, Dyson, and many of these black "thinkers" teach at Ivy and semi-Ivy League schools and leave HBCU's to languish."

THANK. YOU.!! These men lose credibility with me talking about Obama declaring his "Blackness" when none of them has ever taught at a HBCU. I agree with Dr. Dyson to some extent as well, although his argument seems petty at times when he talks about not having been invited to the White House yet even though he lives "down the street" from it. Unlike Tavis who has been a hater from the beginning, Dyson was out there during the election serving as a surrogate for Obama against Republican attacks, and also working to convince Black people that he was "down" with the Black community (remember he didn't have the "black vote" at first). I would give Dyson's criticisms of Obama more credibility than Tavis' (or Cornel Wests's) However, it's interesting that even though Dyson has known Obama for nearly 20 years and was working hard to convince the Black community that he could be trusted, to suddenly suggest that Obama may have "played" the black community into voting for him seems off.

[robXdion]

I agree wholeheartedly. Nothing is ever so concrete. Some people can't rise above simplistic thinking of 'If you are FOR Dyson, then you must support EVERYTHING he says". There's somethings I agree with and others I don't. So far however, Obama seems to only be proving Dyson correct by reprimanding Holder for his comments (which were about everyone, not just the whites who got paranoid). And the author of this, Elon White, made some great points about Dyson's and West's ridiculous comments (lots of blacks think like this out of solidarity with f---ups who won't correct themselves), but I'm leaning towards Dyson's notions unless Obama stops walking on eggshells. He won the election and unless he's disastrous, he'll get a 2nd term. And if he REALLY wanted to have a talk about race, then he'd address perceptions and fears about himself and black people which drives many recent incidents with police and educate the public on the reality of failed domestic policies from the 70s and STOP speaking in code. If people are that fragile and unable to cope then they'll never learn and will just end up like this "Equal" loon.

[Flavor]

I agree with you, you see neither of these gentlemen had anything to do with the way flavor voted in fact to be honest with all the bloggers President Obama, was the only one that convinced me to vote for him, I did my research and I liked what he was saying. Yes, I heard the talk from others but because I am a thinker and believe in doing my own research President Obama, convinced me. We have to know that every speaker does not speak for all blacks, although we are african american we think different and so although they are good speakers they do not all speak my language nor do I speak the language for everybody. Just my view.

[papapj]

"Thats What's Wrong with Black People"

Generalize much, do you?

Just like the ubiquitous foe you are falling into the trap of believing we all think the same OR that self-appointed talking heads actually represent us and not their own self-interests.....

[Elon James White - Huffpost Blogger]

I believe after reading the post you would take from this that I'm NOT generalizing at all, because, well...I'm Black. Obviously its not all black people. I specifically called out a group of blacks that are doing this. The title was a gag referring to black people as a monolith, much like the the self anointed leaders do when speaking for us.

[papapj]

Well...Black folk have been known to genaralize, bro!

Your call-out is spot on, but the 'gag' was in poor taste, methinks....

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

Part 1
President BHO campaigned hard to get us interested in poly-tricks again, asked us not to sit on the sidelines in cynicism and to participate and now that we're interested and participating we can't say anything critical?

On your point about West not taking a position - I don't know why either, you'd have to ask him for more details.

On the point of holding his feet to the fire I applaud any constituency that looks at Obama critically. That's politics - hello? Not only did we support him w/ 95% of our vote, but we voted in our largest numbers ever. We have earned the right to see that our unique concerns are met. Why don't you write about Labor's demands on EFCA? Why not write about AIPAC's demands on Israel? Why not write about the LGBT's demands on Gay marriage or DADT? All of those groups helped him get elected and all of them make demands towards their unique causes and interests - why can't we?

I shared the skepticism many of them do/did, I vowed to never vote again after the 2000 election robbery. Yet, I brought myself to not only vote, but help rally all of my family and friends to vote for BHO also. Now I want to see, not hear, what are you doing for us? And that's my right. I want our vote to mean something, by seeing the playing field leveled - by true "CHANGE" not just a couple of high

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

profile appointments

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

Part 2
A black reporter at BHO's 100 days press conference asked him about 50% unemployment for Black males in New York and what was he going to do about the disparity - Obama's answer was nothing (concealed in flowery words). He said I'm going to do the stimulus and that should help everyone - that's a snow job, a political con game. http://www.flcourier.com/news/2009-05-29/Opinions/Black_America_experiencing_economic_disaster.html

Everyone should be critical of BHO's actions and everyone should make demands on him - that's what a participatory democracy does. He asked for the job, now he has it.

When it comes to his interactions toward our community everyone says, "he's not just our president he's everyone's". Well,if he's not just "our" president then stop treating him like he is, treat him like you would if anyone else was up there and hold his feet to the fire. Our community made demands on Reagan, Clinton, both Bushes and they should equally make demands on Obama.

All stop drinking the kool-aid means, is stop being starstruck over a Black, cool handsome, intelligent man with a hip family and look at him for what he is - a president who's indebted to the people who got him elected. Look what being lemmings did for Republicans and Bush.

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

http://blogs.bet.com/news/pamela/2009/04/29/the-president-addresses-african-american-umemployment/

[cdub1991]

"50% unemployment for Black males in New York and what was he going to do about the disparity "

In your mind, what should his answer have been?

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

I think "should" is the wrong word, I can tell you what I would like to have heard...

Inner city targeted work programs. Training programs in inner cities to teach next generation green technologies - the science behind and the science of building solar cells and wind energy and thermal energy. Urban renewal programs designed to rebuild urban areas and low interest, easy qualifying entrepreneurial loans for people wanting start businesses in those areas. I would like to hear that he was going to recapitalize programs that were cut under Bush - like the SBA's 8(a) and HUB Zone programs.

That would have been a good start - inequalities that have existed for centuries deserve to be leveled. Of course he believes in Jim Crow for homosexuals, so maybe that's not his forte.

[JeffmChicago]

The leader of the 'Free World' is Barack Hussein Obama. I think black folk like Dr. West, Smiley and Dyson should think that one over.

President Obama is helping his black brothers and sisters as I type this. By shutting that ill gotten War down that has so many of our people fighting and dying in. Trying his best to bring affordable health care for the populace. The alluring love that Obama and Michelle presents to the world while showcasing there loving family and constantly talking about kids welfare and affordable/higher education. Specifically, Michelle is helping, too with her gardens and teachable moments about healthy eating. There are so many good things that the Obamas are doing to help the black community.

Dr. West and company are clearly missing what President Obama is all about. Everybody!

Great read, Elon! Thanks.

[muchtosay]

That is so true

[Elon James White - Huffpost Blogger]

Heh, I approve this message. ;)

[blaqntelligence]

AMEN!!!!

But because they are not doing this:

"The fact that Obama hasn't stepped up to the podium and yelled, "Blackity Black Black. We gots ta get some black ish handled!"

or blaming "whitey" for our problems (When in this day and age we are our own problem) they feel perfectly justified with their criticisms.

[muchtosay]

These so call leaders we have, which I don't see them as That. Have to under stand something that man has the weight of the world on his hand I would wait to see what he does for us as a people then to be just as stupid as every one else that want him to fix everything possible, Obama has a lot on his plate. If you look at it he's like the clean up man and every bodies on the side lines calling for him to hurry up and get out of the way so the game can continue. strange thing through if he keep's going the way he is I can see a clean road a head for everyone, But if impatience people want to kick and scream, Not wanting to get involve when ask to help out in the white house and don't. They need to shut up. they are only make it worst by there acting like everyone else ( little spoil kids), Funny, I did not see nor hear of anything like this until Obama, These so call leaders did not do this when Bush or anyone else that was in the white house. I'm saying give the man time to do somethings and have some of what he has done take affect. In other words stop "bitching"

[treboi]

Old school blacks are still caught up in looking at the world through only a racial lense, and it makes me sick. They were once very useful and represented black interests and black thought when no one else would represent them, but they do a disservice to all black by their racial posturing against the first black President. The events over the last few days shows that racism and bigotry are alive and well in America, thus our leaders still have work to do, but what they are doing to Obama is what blacks have done to each other for centuries, pull each other down when someone tries to succeed (crabs in a bucket). I know it's hard for them to help themselves b/c of their slave mind mentality, but I think it's our duty as the younger generation to tell them politely to shut the F up and fall back.

I mean are the really trying to sabotage the first black President so america will never elect another one??? Like I said, crabs in a bucket

[Poboy]

treboi,

Stop fronttin' for yo slavemasters.

First off, if you are Black, and there is some doubt, you would have been taught to have respect for your elders.

Second, the people fighting for Black empowerment are not your enemies. They are working in YOUR best interests, even if you don't know what they are. If you did more listening and less talking, especially in making foolish comments, you may learn a thing or two about them.

Third, criticizing the President, no matter his color, especially if you disagree with him, is what Democracy is about. You need to consider your role as citizen in this democracy. And it is NOT to be a yes boi.

Fourth, you don't know crabs in a barrel. Yes they keep each other down, not from some malicious nature, but to keep the intruder from taking one of them. If no intruder, then any one of them can escape unencumbered.

If there is one regret I have, it is the education level of our young people. They must be more informed before making an opinion. Especially one as foolish as yours.

[papapj]

Hear, hear bro.....!

[EqualMeansEqual]

He talks about getting over a slave mentality and yout talk like slavemasters are alive in the US in 2009. I think you should listen instead of ranting. ANd callig people foolish is the sign of a fool.

Obama will actually effect black people unlike West and Dyson who do nothing but whine out of jealousy.

[allonfla]

Everybody wants a piece of Chocolate Jesus! Cause he'll fix erythang for erybody - de gays, de blacks, de women folk and all over de world. He's a gonna fix erybody's problems in a snap a de finger. problems dat been goin on for decades long before his modda done gave birt to him.

I would like to know what it is that Obama has not done for the Black community in the 6 months of his Presidency? Doesn't health care, the economy, the wars, etc. affect our communities?

When will these groups understand that now is the time to rally for EVERYONE not just your own agenda?

[Elon James White - Huffpost Blogger]

It's not even 6 months. Funny enough black people seem to be way more understanding of his position as the first Black president than the so called "Prominent Black Leaders" and black intelligensia and such. But of course we're just being played.