Black Conservatives: Ethnic Escapists Or Political Realists??

Ditto our Republicans of all stripes. This markedly ethno-escapist vision joins fantasies of the ” Post racial America ” variety. Rednecks and sophisticated ( White ) supremacists haven’t been relegated to the ash bin of history. Too often Black conservatives outdo Plastic Man in contortions explaining away racist persons and policies. Especially if the racist in question is liberal. Our community cannot prosper if we sign gag  orders hoping to curry favor with others. Anyone handing over a pet muzzle as a contractual obligation isn’t worth your time. The old servant mindset has merely added applications like the internet or ipods to the business of being a racial underling.

 

The GOP’s first Black chairperson is under siege by necks whose redness isn’t  due solely to party affiliation. Will thousands of outraged Black party members and other community members march on the RNC demanding justice? Not likely. Black conservatives have yet to push their Fanny Lou Hamer or Medger Evers onto the national stage. instead a parade of apologists and political operatives bump community-oriented conservatives off talk shows and podiums nationwide.

 

Denying racism may make one a comfy living but does little to change its impact. Former conservative economist Glenn Loury stole away from the conservative plantation and his tale speaks volumes. Being a pet denouncer of your own peoples concerns is a lonely political purgatory. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Well… nah! I wouldn’t.     

 

The first Obama term joins the Steele chairmanship as  chances for the Black conservative movement to find its lost voice on racism. Joining the NAACP or Rev. Al Sharpton on legitimate issues would do wonders to rehab their community image.  As defenders of rule of law, etc. Black conservatives should lead the charge against racial profiling and other official outrages. Silence equals consent in the eyes of many observers. If Newt Gingrich and Rev. Sharpton can join forces, why can’t Black conservatives do the same with liberal brethren. Racists don’t ask party affiliation before doing their dirt. Even a stellar citizen like General Colin Powell isn’t exempt from the treatment. No Black person is, no matter how much you stick to the talking points. I fear some of us have forgotten. As a Southerner amnesia on this subject is hazardous to your health.

 

Limiting critiques to convenient assaults upon liberal racists ignores the large, vocal segment on this side of the aisle. Let the record reflect I don’t begrudge someone the right to think me genetically and/or culturally inferior regarding intellect or reticence toward committing crime. My line is drawn at using Black folks tax dollars and government itself to make these views absolute. I’m an open minded guy. I hope Black conservatives will open their minds ( and mouths ) in protest against upgraded bias against their own people.

 

Are Black conservatives ethnic escapists or political realists? Depends upon how ” Black ” the conservative in question sees himself. Some are community oriented and solution focused while others are just shuckin’ and jiving.