General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: If YOU have issues with Cornel West-well, what are they? [View all]1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)is not so much about Dr. West, per se; rather, it's Dr. West is used by many on the "Left" in the same way that Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain and Dr. Carson are used by the right ... to give legitimacy to their attacks on President Obama (a Black man) ... and in the same basic context ... "If a Black man is saying it ... well ..."
Dr. West had said the same things about the bush administration, using similarly inflammatory and colorful language, in much wider forums ... yet, he was largely unknown to, and rarely (if ever) cited to by the Left, that now holds him as speaking truth.
If Dr. West was white ... Or, if President Obama was not Black ... Or, if Dr. West spoke of conditions and/or the lack of pro-Black policies, without mentioning President Obama; but attacking Congress, instead, the Left would have no use for him. My problem, therefore, is his willingness to be used.