Though Ford focuses on racial identity and affirmative action, I believe there is a simpler, less esoteric answer to Keyes. A person born in America of an African parent is a type of black American. Obama, because of his appearance, has experienced the same kind of discrimination as Americans descended from West African slaves. Those applying the stigma of slave descent do not ask for a genealogy first. They see a person with some African features and respond. Furthermore, Obama has chosen to identify with the African-American segment of the population — including marrying a black woman and working as an advocate for low-income, mainly African-American citizens of his state. In fact, Obama has a closer nexus to the concerns of the majority of African-Americans than Keyes, with his extremist views, does. Keyes' real constituency is the far Right white folks who have supported him throughout his career. Obama's core constituency, on the other hand, is African-Americans in Illinois. He is black enough for them.
What's the lingo?
Singer Billy Paul recorded the R&B hit "Am I Black Enough for You?" in the 1970s. As Ford says, who is more authentic is often a subtext of interaction among minority Americans.
Note 1: This entry also appeared at Silver Rights.
Note 2: There is more good blogging at Mac-a-ro-nies.
Article comments
1 - Vic
After all the accusations you've hurled I am *stunned* to see "The End of Blackness" at the top of your Amazon list.
You *did* read the editorial reviews of the book, didn't you?
Thank God *I* didn't post a link to that book... you'd be all over me with your false accusations.
Vic
2 - Mac Diva
(Scratching head?) Why shouldn't I post an Amazon link to a book by a friend?
I haven't gotten around to writing a review of The End of Blackness, but have blogged about the book, and Debra's autobiography.
Ah. It just hit me why some people might not 'get it.' The title of The End of Blackness should not be taken literally. Debra means an end to a certain analytical perspective.
3 - Vic
No, what I meant is that although I haven't read the book, based on the editorial descriptions of it I'd agree with it's premise.
I just didn't expect you to agree with it.
Vic
4 - Mac Diva
What Debra believes is much more complex than some folks, liberal and conservative, make it. I agree with her in some respects. She is a moderate in my opinion. To be a black conservative, one must wear heavy duty blinders. Debra doesn't.
5 - Vic
Since we seem to be having a civil conversation (but at the risk of setting you off), what I've continually tried to say in replies to you (and why I've been so frustrated) is basically that my thoughts echo what this author seems to be saying.
I dare not hope that my post listing my posting and commenting statistics might have shown you that I do not in fact have a pattern of racist comments. I don't know why I care except that I know what I believe and it hurts to be accused of something of which I am not guilty.
Regards,
Vic