Let me preface the introduction of this amazing clip by giving you my abbreviated take on the state of “Black American politics.” As a writer and a black man, I cannot presume to speak for all of black America. For any “black leader” in the black community to presume to speak for all black folks is fallacious as well. The black community is not some monolithic entity with one collective thought. The issues within are both diverse and complex– just like the people themselves– therefore they require more than just painted lip service from some in positions of prominence.
With that said, listen to this amazing clip featuring Reverend Al Sharpton and commentator Tavis Smiley, engaging in a war of words regarding Mr. Sharpton’s participation in a meeting about black unemployment with President Obama earlier this month. Mr. Smiley questions Reverend Sharpton’s comment about the president “not needing to push a black agenda.” Pretty scathing stuff. It’s the kind of debate that should have been had off the air, but it makes for good radio.
I will have more on my thoughts about politics in Black America, and how it has or has not evolved in the Obama era in a later post.
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Is This What Black Politics Is Today? Al Sharpton And Tavi … | americantoday // Feb 24, 2010 at 4:11 am
[...] take on the state of Black American politics . As a writer and a black m. Read the original here: Is This What Black Politics Is Today? Al Sharpton And Tavi … Share and [...]
I hate to get in the racially charged debates being that I’m at a disadvantage but…
http://www.gallup.com/poll/125579/asian-americans-lean-left-politically.aspx
Shows that your 83% right if you think most african-americans are moderate democrats.
If would be easy to conclude that 83% is a pretty secure stereotype as unsettling as it may seem.
I’m not a huge proponent of polls. That said, I won’t totally dismiss your info. For the most part, black Americans seem to identitfy with democrats. There are a few reasons for this which I will get into in a later post. My point is this: Just like any community, there are black folks who are wealthy, middle class and poor. There are black folks who are achievers, and some who are not. There are black folks who are democrats, republicans, independents, and libertarians–including some in my own family. We’re not all of one mind despite the polling.
And you are not at a disadvantage my friend. Thank you for your info, and thanks for coming.
Tavis Smiley And Al Sharpton // Feb 24, 2010 at 7:31 pm
[...] two got into some he-said, he-said stuff about whether President Obama should specifically focus oTavis Smiley And Al Sharpton – Al Sharpton and Tavis Smiley exchanged some heated debate this morning on Sharpton's radio show. [...]