The Professor Cornel West vs. President Obama smack down special has been an interesting story to watch unfold the past few days. Besides the fact that Cornel West who has criticized Obama in the past, clearly has both personal and political issues with the Obama administration, what was more interesting to me was to watch the commentary; particularly the conversation held on The Ed Show where Ed asks Melissa Harris-Perry whether or not there is “trouble within the African-American community.”
In other words, is there dissension in the camps.
As important as it is to have voices that support our President, it is just as important to have voices that question and criticize. Is this story given attention by major media outlets not because of the actual criticism (however close-to or far-off you may believe West is) but because we are expected to be one-minded? And *gasp* does the fact that one of our most outspoken media pundits has gone against the grain- for whatever reasons- mean that there are others within the Black community who believe in and support his view?
One of the biases and stereotypes that Black people still fight is within the very definition of a stereotype; the idea that we all must be on the same page, going through the same things, and thinking on one accord. We ALL must support Obama because he is Black and we are Black and therefore we ALL must agree with his opinions or, if we do criticize, do so silently and behind closed doors; something similar to not “airing out our dirty laundry.”
Thankfully, Perry corrects Ed Schultz in reminding him that there is heterogenuity in opinion in the Black community as with anywhere else, but perhaps we need to be reminded of that as well. Personal issues and possible benefit not withstanding, does West bring up some criticisms about the President’s policy choices that we need question and address?
I’m sure the twitter and radio debate will rage on but one thing is certain, whether or not he meant to, West may have stirred up just the type of conversation that will get some people thinking a little closer.
My beloved university’s alumni association is fighting the same battle: can we believe in different definitions of progress?
It’s been interesting to watch, because the two camps (and the obligatory neutral party) have evolved from, “I don’t like your idea” to “I don’t like you or anything you stand for!” So now, it seems as if we spend all of our time mediating popularity contests, instead of making any decisions as to what we’d like to see going forward.
It seems like whenever two powerful Black people–or groups–disagree, it has to mean that the Black race is fighting itself. And it’s so funny, because the simple solution is to leave the ego out of the talks, and focus exclusively on the issues.