Cornell West & Chris Hedges: How the Black Elite Betrayed the Civil Rights Tradition

[99th_Monkey]

How the Black Elite Betrayed the Civil Rights Tradition
By By Adam Johnson * Alternet * August 14, 2015

In the first episode of Chris Hedges's new teleSUR show Days of Revolt, the Pulitzer-Prize winner sat down with long-time friend - and recently arrested—Cornel West to discuss the current state of black America in the age of Ferguson. West's primary critique remains what he refers to as the "black elite class" who he says have betrayed the black poor.

"What took the place of collective fightback was individual outward upward mobility" West insisted, "so (instead of) what was once in place—much stronger moral conviction—we see ruthless ambition."

West has spoken up for years about what he considers to be other black intellectuals inability to discuss class and empire. A conversation that's become more heated of late as many in the Black Lives Matter movement have critiqued Sanders for only talking about class while some progressives have critiqued neoliberal "identity politics" for dismissing class altogether. West, for his part, insists on highlighting both.

"So you hit the issues of homophobia while you hit the issues of male supremacy. But in the end, if you're not hitting monopoly capitalism," Dr. West said, "if you're not hitting the imperial policies that flow therefrom, you're still not going to be at the root of what we need to come to terms with."

Watch the 25 minute interview here:

#t=1484

http://www.alternet.org/media/cornel-west-chris-hedges-how-black-elite-betrayed-civil-rights-tradition-video

[geek tragedy]

1. Cornel West, self-appointed High Priest of Blackness, has found a way

to excommunicate everyone but Cornel West (and maybe Tavis Smiley)

[99th_Monkey]

3. Let's ignore the analysis to insult the messenger. Got it. -nt-

[phleshdef]

12. I can't listen to him... he just rambles on like its open mic night at a college coffee house.

[Octafish]

2. Most common trait the rich share...

...pull the ladder up after themselves once they get to where the money is.

Cornell West and Chris Hedges believe in justice, that's why what they say is so disturbing for those who mostly watch tee vee and don't read much.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

9. Yup.

He's not saying anything new there, just that rich black people act the same as rich white people.

[MuseRider]

4. I will try to pull this

up on YouTube later when I can.

I have always love Cornell West and I respect Chris Hedges. This should be very interesting. The elite of every group does this. Should be interesting. Thanks for posting this. I should be able to get it on my TV later(satellite), computer (wireless) nope.

[99th_Monkey]

5. It was great to wake up to this, this morning

a breath of fresh air. Enjoy.

[MuseRider]

7. I bet it was.

It does not matter to me if someone does not like my candidate or my president. I don't understand the tossing out of people and their ideas just because they happen to speak against someone you support. I remember when Cornell West was tossed under the bus for speaking out about Obama not helping the poor. It always baffles me that the response is to just throw away everything someone has ever done just because of that. Same with Chris Hedges.

It is what it is.

Thanks.

[PotatoChip]

6. I feel the same about both of them

I'm a bit disappointed in Chris Hedges' criticism of Bernie Sanders' decision to run as a Dem rather than an Independent. But otherwise, I always appreciate his, and Cornell's insight on these complex issues.

[MuseRider]

8. But you still listen

and that is important.

[PotatoChip]

10. Yes, and thanks. I'm of the opinion that all factual based

opinions are worth listening to whether I agree with them- or not.

Fortunately, Hedges and West are two people I rarely disagree with. What's more, they are both men of great integrity and moral character.

[Doctor_J]

11. I personally believe that rich privilege outweighs white privilege by a mile

OJ Simpson, Ray Lewis, and Jameis Winston pop to mind.

[Catherina]

13. Elites gonna do what elites gotta do to stay on top

When you can't honestly address the economic brutality behind class issues, rally people around lip syncers and empty slogans instead.

"if you're not hitting the imperial policies that flow therefrom, you're still not going to be at the root of what we need to come to terms with"

Amen brother West! PREACH IT!