I think it’s past time for there to be a changing of the guard in black leadership in America. People like Farrakhan, Sharpton and Jackson are no better than hustlers, bigots, and crooks. There are hundreds of black leaders who believe in improving the lives of black Americans, and America in general, but the media keeps giving time to the Axis of Irrelevancy.
It’s time that stopped.
UPDATE: Please see the comment I posted here, in response to some of the statements folks have made.
UPDATE 2: Thanks to Markos for highlighting this.
Related
Clinton’s Fuzzy Math
Black Helicopter Watch: Militia March
Fox News’ Neil Cavuto Caught In A Lie
did you RTFA? Oliver doesn’t mention anything about the Dems–he says ‘black leadership.’ Also, there’s a lot more substance for his ‘hustlers, bigots and crooks’ charge than your single example of Jesse Jackson doing something good 40-50 years ago–in the words of Eddie Murphy, ‘what have you done for me lately?’
Know this: your argument is weak, and the conclusion is specious–there’s a huge logical leap between criticizing Farrakhan, Jackson and Sharpton, and ‘any’ black leader.
Oliver: As long as you, and the MSM, restrict your “talent search” to the leftward end of the ideological spectrum, you will always get hustlers, bigots, and crooks .
It’s practically a given.
It’s posts like this that make me seriously wonder about OW.
Who says Farrakhan is a leader of anything beyond his own relatively small cult of followers? Has any Dem leader gone to Farrakhan for support? Is Farrakhan a Dem candidate for anything?
As for Sharpton and Jackson–they have their small constituencies. But to call them ‘hustlers, bigots, and crooks’ is beyond the pale and pretty much stupid. You can claim Jackson exhibits more style than substance–but that makes him little different than 95% of all politicians. And let’s face a few facts–Jackson did put his butt on the line during the Civil Rights era, going to places where the cops were more likely to kill you than to protect your civil liberties.
Know this: any black who emerges as a ‘leader’ and shares the values of the Dem Party is going to be attacked as a ‘hustler, bigot, and crook.’
Playing Devil’s advocate… Well where the hell are they? I’ve wondered for decades where all the other leaders are – we’ve been treated to the same re-runs and wannabes over and over. Folks complain… but no one steps up to the plate? What’s up with that.
I have to agree – the march is largely a symbolic event – full of well meaning, and mostly reasoned rhetoric – but that’s all. I’ve not heard of solid plans coming from the first march let alone put forward as a platform for this weekends event.
That in no way diminishes the value of the event(s) – just highlights the fact that much, MUCH more is needed than fiery condemnations and/or poetic flourishes.
OT- Considering all the handwringing the WaPo did over Steele… I have to reconsider. Initially I thought they were out of their minds…
But w/ Democrats of color doing ridiculous and deplorable things in Md – the rethugs might have a point (shudder to think)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/14/AR2005101401679.html
[...] e on the evening news. Read the whole thing and keep checking back for updates. Update: Oliver Willis: I think it s past time for there to be a changing of the guard in [...]
Oliver, black leadership in America has already changed. In fact, the whole notion of “Black leadership” is passe. Black America is now so diverse that no one person or one group can represent it. All that said, Jackson, Sharpton, and Farrakhan have their constituencies, as well they should. Look, I wouldn’t vote any of them into office and don’t agree with everything that they say, but they fight hard for Black people and I appreciate that.
As far as new leadership, we’re it. Seriously, all those Blacks under 50 who fight hard for the rights of all of us are new leadership, and we should be able to integrate the old guard into the new and move forward. And I think we’re doing that.
Also, there s a lot more substance for his hustlers, bigots and crooks charge than your single example
Sure–but it exists solely in the racist blatherings of the likes of Rush Limbaugh.
I’m not claiming that Jackson has done nothing since the Civil Rights era, and I would even say that Sharpton has done some positive things, and come a long way since the Tawana Brawley incident–Farrakhan, however, is a ‘hustler, bigot and crook’ all wrapped into one…
I think Oliver’s original point, however, is that the MSM keeps these three in the spotlight, sending the message to mainstream America that these are Black America’s leaders, despite the marginal relevancy that they are fighting to maintain.
I think the Millions More march is laudable in its intent, however, there’s more than a whiff of Will to Power by Farrakhan, Sharpton and Jackson.
otoh, I never had to deal with the contention that the George Bush or Rush Limbaugh were speaking for me–perhaps the issue is that the Black community, like any other, is too complex to be led by any one man, or group…
It looks like OW has earned Rob Port’s and his merry band of bigots’ approval.
David W. claims Jackson hasn’t done anything worthwhile for the past 40-50 years. You might claim–and you’d have a tough case to make–Jackson hasn’t accomplished much, but one certainly can’t claim Jackson has done nothing since the Civil Rights era.
is that the MSM keeps these three in the spotlight, sending the message to mainstream America that these are Black America s leaders, despite the marginal relevancy that they are fighting to maintain.
Bingo!
It is the MSM that pretends these are the black community’s leaders. Yet, I know I don’t know anyone who thinks of Farrakhan as a leader of anything.
Look, the MSM loves and wants controversy. That’s why they go to a Farrakhan; they know he’ll say something off the wall–allowing the usual cast of GOPers to run around condemning it.
agreed. The MSM is color-blind, to the extent that the only color they see is green–controversy sells, and America is buying…
Hi jade)
While I agree that these are marginal men promoted to the position of “black leaders” by the MSM, they are certainly perceived as such
and perception is often confused w/ reality.
I would also add that if this is the case the black community is deserving of some blame as well for not promoting better “leaders” or, and I am assuming they exist, filling us in through other means than the MSM.
Also, i wonder, is it possible in your world for anyone to criticize a black person without being accused of bigotry? What is your opinion of the Tawana Brawley scam? While I can not recall any specifics, as this subject has little importance to me, I can recall hearing some sound and just criticisms concerning Al and Louie, much less so Jesse but he is an obvious opportunist (much like most politicians, as you said), and do not listen to Rush and avoid blathering of any kind, especially racist.
Actually, with a little more thought I recall that Al has been caught on tape
making a cocaine transaction which makes it reasonable to label him
crook, perhaps criminal would be more accurate. I also recall that 2 if not 3 of the forementioned fellows have been caught using anti-semetic or
derogatory terms for white people, so it is reasonable to label them racists.
Every move these guys make is racially-motivated and increases racial tension, so I don’t think race hustler is that unreasonable either.
Wow, if you keep this up Oliver you will be labeled a race traitor, like Condi
and Colin, which itself is a racist act.
“in the words of Eddie Murphy, what have you done for me lately? ”
Surely that was Janet Jackson?
Apropos of nothing: Farrakhan disowned Malcolm X in the last year of his life, but claimed his mantle once he was dead, apart from the bit where X decided we should strive to live together.
bryan, i’m quoting from Eddie’s live video, ‘Delerious’–it came out in the mid 80s (also, it’s a riot–check it out, and you’ll wonder how it’s possible that this is the same guy in Dr. Doolittle etcc)–i’m not up on Janet Jackson, so I don’t know which came first…
and actually, your second comment is very apropos–Malik el Shabazz, nee Malcom X, became a Sunni Muslim, and repudiated the Nation of Islam, after he made the traditional hajj to Mecca, where he saw Muslims of all colors treating each other as equals, thus realizing that the Nation of Islam was built on a false practice of ‘true’ Islam (another is the Nation of Islam’s claim of WD Fard Muhammed as being God incarnate, which violates the fundamental tenet of Islam that ‘there is no God but God)
Muhammed Ali became a Sunni and parted ways with the Nation of Islam under similar circumstances.
All of which goes to my earlier point of Farrakhan being a ‘hustler, bigot and crook’ all rolled into one, giving both Blacks and Muslims a bad name!
“I think it s past time for there to be a changing of the guard in black leadership in America.”
I’m sure you might think this nothing but Republican heresy Ollie, but has it ever occured to you that “blacks” in this country have learned to think for themselves and no longer need “leaders”?
The Chinese-Americans seem to be doing fairly well, and how many Chinese-American “Leaders” can you name?
Poor Oliver. He keeps waiting for the call that never comes.
I’ve never purported to be any sort of leader for black America. The current crop of “leadership” is rife with crackpots like Farrakhan (who also happens to be an anti-semite), and hustlers and shakedown artists like Sharpton/Jackson.
Sharpton never saw a camera he didn’t like. He regularly inserts race into issues they have no place being, and he is strongly in the “blame whitey first” camp even when it has no actual ground to stand on. Yeah, he was lively in the Democratic debates, but it was also disgusting to have him up there.
Jackson was once a shining star alongside Rev. King, but in his latter years it’s much more about Jesse than black America. He uses the Rainbow Coalition to address real grievances, but his remedies more often than not involve cutting a big check to Rainbow/PUSH.
Farrakhan is a race-baiting conspiracy monger. He’s the black David Duke, plain and simple.
Real black leadership, leadership that wants black Americans to go forward and fix its own problems can be found with folks like Barack Obama, Bill Cosby, and yes – Oprah. Though I have a strong distaste for the brand of empowerment he sells, even a guy like Russell Simmons is more useful and uplifting for black Americans. Even a guy like Colin Powell is a decent leader, if he hadn’t been led around on the nose by a guy like Bush. Sadly most of the black “leaders” on the right are simply front groups for the same caucasian funders on the right who would prefer for black people to roll over and play dead (BOND, Jesse Lee Peterson and that crowd).
I personally fall into the Bill Cosby camp. I think America has a legacy of racism that, while marginalized, still exists to this day. But I think we’re at the point where black Americans have a whole lot more to say and do about the future of black Americans than white Americans do. I think a culture that values dirty rap, sneakers, and basketball players is dooming itself to mediocrity. Until that changes, black Americans are screwed – and if we’re screwed, so is America.
Agree 100%. And to do so, people are going to have to break from the culture and tradition of selecting their leaders from churches.
( There is a pattern here – the REVs Jackson, Sharpton, Farrakhan).
I personally fall into the Bill Cosby camp.
Strangely, so does Jesse Jackson who endorsed Cosby’s remarks. And, truth be told, isn’t Louis Farrakhan-he of the impeccable diction, the well-tailoredconservative suits, and the classical violinist–the very epitome of what Cosby seeks to achieve?
The problem with Cosby’s remarks–aside from the fact many of them weren’t true–is that it affirms the beliefs of many bigots; that blacks are lazy, stupid, don’t care about their kids, looking for a handout, etc.
There’s also an element of hypocrisy here. OW dings Jackson for promoting PUSH (”his remedies more often than not involve cutting a big check to Rainbow/PUSH.”) but ignores the fact Cosby had his own daughter prosecuted rather than submit to a DNA test which may have put Cosby’s commercial deals with Kodak, Jell-o, etc. in peril. And let’s not forget Cosby made a ton of money speaking the very same way he now portrays his community as speaking.
Now, I understand Cosby has generated an awful lot of money for historically-black schools–which is a great thing. But Cosby really needs to sharpen his attack to target those who deserve it, not to just shotgun his attack across a race.
OW also accuses Sharpton of the crime of liking publicity (”Sharpton never saw a camera he didn t like”). Wow. Again, all politicians start yapping when they open the refrigerator and see the light come on. As for inserting race into issues–well, that’s his cause, his constituency. Some politicians are anti-tax, pro-choice, military hawks, doves, etc.
“has it ever occured to you that blacks in this country have learned to think for themselves and no longer need leaders ?”
You mean that unlike white people they don’t need to blindly follow a leader? I guess that’s good news for black people. HAHAHA!
Sharpton isn’t simply a publicity hound. He seeks publicity to build the Sharpton brand, not to help anyone. Frankly, his publicity seeking hurts rather than helps the people he’s supposed to be working for.
that blacks are lazy, stupid, don t care about their kids, looking for a handout, etc.
And pretending that many are all these things and worse is what has gotten us into the situation we’re in now. If it takes Cosby to point that out, so be it. He never held himself up to be God. He’s a black man who’s creative talent has allowed him to be blessed with a ton of money, and a pulpit. Better he use the pulpit to tell black Americans to straighten up and fly right than to once again “blame whitey”.
And if you think a guy like Farrkhan, a conspiracy-spouting racist hatemonger, is the epitome of what Cosby is encouraging, well — I’m curious what the weather is like on Mars?
Actually, I believe that the church is going to have to produce the leaders who save black America, certainly it would be better to have men/women of the cloth than men/women of hip hop.
He seeks publicity to build the Sharpton brand, not to help anyone.
No different from most other politicos.
And pretending that many are all these things and worse is what has gotten us into the situation we re in now.
I think you meant “aren’t all these things…”
The problem with most of Cosby’s remarks is that they weren’t true; they’re stereotypes. Are there blacks who fit the stereotypes? Sure. And there are Poles and Italians who fit their respective stereotypes.
I’ll give you a f’r'instance: Cosby rails about the black athletes who make millions of dollars who can’t read and write, who involve themselves in criminal activity or other bad behavior. Sorry, this isn’t a function of being black–it’s a function of being involved in a sports system where there was no structure or discipline off the court/field–it’s a function of being 20 y.o. and seeing $20M in your checking account.
And if you think a guy like Farrkhan, a conspiracy-spouting racist hatemonger, is the epitome of what Cosby is encouraging,
Cosby made no mention of what he’d have blacks believe or their political agenda. Cosby, instead, talked about how blacks should dress, talk, and be educated. By those standards, Farrakhan is virtually a model.
[...] Over
by commissar @ 10:23 am. Filed under U.S. – General, Blogosphere
Oliver Willis » Million March Revolt I agree with Oliver Willis. No, he s n [...]
Try Robert Mugabe.
Oh, wait. He’s not American.
“Actually, I believe that the church is going to have to produce the leaders who save black America, certainly it would be better to have men/women of the cloth than men/women of hip hop.”
Right… these would be the same churches (not all mind you) that promote the wealth and status of their leaders, build giant mega plexes and recruit members so they can increase their tithes
The same churches that promote bigotry, homophobia, etc.
The same churches that retreat to their aforementioned megaplexes and do nothing for their inner city communities?
How in the name of all things holy do expect these organizations to do any better than the corrupt and false ones already jockeying for position of leadership?
Many of those same megachurches are leading the fight against global poverty and pain. Don’t paint with such a wide brush.
Notice I said, not all – but come on… some of those mega churches include some of Georges favorite groups and representatives…
And frankly, I would prefer to see some of them focus their energies and resources locally, before they reach out overseas… and that I don’t see. All I do see is the agrandizement of individuals under a purported banner of religiousity… hmmm, kinda like Jesse.
… black leadership in America has already changed. In fact, the whole notion of Black leadership is passe.
Exactly! I find it insulting that people honestly believe that blacks need a leader or that ONE person would represent all blacks if they did. MLK wasn’t supported/loved by all blacks.
I think it’s easy to bash Farrakhan for his incendiary rhetoric but you guys should check out this posting to get a really informed perspective on why he is so discredited:
http://ipinions.blogspot.com
p.s. Oliver, I think you’ll find the author of this blog a genuine political soul mate.
The Congressional Black Caucus generally represents my views, and is leading in the direction I want to go–seems irrelevant that I’m Caucasian. As far as I can see, they’ve had most–not everything, but most–things correct over the past 15 years or more.
For example, Conyers is as persistent in his investigations as Waxman. He’s a leader. I absolutely love Barbara Lee, who obviously fears no one. Yes, Obama too, he’s very persuasive and looks good on camera. Harold Ford Jr. kinda lost me with the Hillaryesque pro-war bit.
Yes, progressives and Democrats–heck all Americans need better leaders. I think seems to me that we have some great talent and energy in the CBC.
edited version.
I don’t feel the need to bash Sharpton or Farrakhan. Their limitations as leaders are readily apparent to anyone blessed with the gift of sight and an IQ commensurate with their shoe size. I take issue with the criticism of Jesse Jackson. Despite his manifold limitations and gigantic ego, Rev. Jackson has consistently lead in the right direction for the right reasons. There is nothing in his 88 platform for President that I could take issue with. He is a visionary progressive leader that applies his principles to action. Name one hostage Colin and Condi negotiated out of bondage. I take issue with the impulse to march about every damn thing. I think that is tired and played out. I also agree that in the abstract the CBC is usually right. Their coordination could use a lot of damn work. A coordinated caucus could have saved Haitian President Aristide from being overthrown. Could have eviscerated the NAFTA like AGOA act for Africa and could have averted Rwanda and the AIDS pandemic. I agree with them as far as they go but their reach needs to go damn farther than it has.
I don’t feel the need to bash Sharpton or Farrakhan. Their limitations as leaders are readily apparent to anyone bless with the gift of sight and an IQ commensurate with their shoe size. I take issue with the criticism of Jesse Jackson. Despite his manifold limitations and gigantic ego, Rev. Jackson has consistently leaded in the right direction for the right reasons. There is nothing in his 88 platform for President that I could take issue with. He is a visionary progressive leader that applies his principles to action. Name one hostage Colin and Condi negotiated out of bondage. I take issue with the impulse to march about every damn thing. I think that is tired and played out. I also agree that in the abstract the CBC is usually right. Their coordination could use a lot of damn work. A coordinated caucus could have saved Haitian President Aristide from being overthrown. Could have eviscerated the NAFTA like AGOA act for Africa and could have averted Rwanda and the AIDS pandemic. I agree with them as far as they go but their reach needs to go damn farther than it has.
Oliver, I 95% agree with you, which is probably about 90% more than the previous record. You’ve stated almost precisely what I’ve believed to be the case for years. Have you by any chance developed this theme in more detailed writing? If not, would you consider it? I’d be interested in reading it, in either case.
Cosby made no mention of what he d have blacks believe or their political agenda. Cosby, instead, talked about how blacks should dress, talk, and be educated. By those standards, Farrakhan is virtually a model.
I thought that Cosby’s essential point was that blacks need to engage and participate in American society; rejecting every vestige of it will not advance blacks in it.
@Beth C -
The CBC does indeed have some great people. I don’t know Lee well, but Obama is promising, I like Ford, and though I disagree violently sometimes, I have great respect for Conyers. Unfortunately, I think the name of the CBC is as likely to conjure the image of Maxine Waters as of any of these.
[...] I don t think I have ever blogged the following line before: I completely agree with Oliver Willis, and am impressed that he holds that view.
[...]
[...] it? Posted in Politics, Race Relations by By SayUncle on October 20th, 2005 Oliver Willis 10/15/2005: I think itýÿs past time for there to be a changing of the [...]
[...]
Thank You Massa, For The Slavery
by Oliver Willis
Previously when I wrote about race and the need for new black leaders, some commenters asked wh [...]
hiqp fldy uhvmpt hrcbatmod chmwyr dlvhgja rhjn