(Cross-posted from Obamaism.org--except for the photo of Sho'nuff, which has to be seen to be believed, so take a little visit there to peep it)
For our first lengthy interview (as opposed to short ones) here at Obamaism.org, we have the honor to feature Professor R. L'Heureux Lewis from the Department of Sociology and the Black Studies Program at the City College of New York, City University of New York ("CCNY-CUNY"), seen in his "hmmm" pose below,
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Professor Lewis has been on "The O'Reilly Factor" discussing Jeremiah Wright, cf. this YouTube of that 3/18/08 event, and has also appeared in other media contexts such as Lynn Doyle's "It's Your Call" talk show and Jesse Jackson's "Keep Hope Alive" radio show, among many others. He has several of his own blogs/sites, including the late great Black at Michigan, and more recently, UptownNotes and ProfessorLewis.com. You can't say he knows nothing about the media...
Following are my four questions and his answers:
- Q: Recently, Barack Obama was heckled in Florida, and protesters' signs said "What about the black community Obama?": do they have a legitimate complaint? How or how not?
A: I don't even want to call the folks "hecklers" because hecklers insinuates they're there to joke and make fun. I think they had a legitimate set of questions about Obama and the ways in which he has done everything to not address Black people in particular. Besides Obama's initial stammering, his answer began to address and respond to their concerns, but in a real cursory way. When he said he was the first presidental candidate to say what happened to Sean Bell was wrong he neglects to mention 1) In a presidential race full of folks scared to take a stand that being first amongst cowards isn't hard to do and 2) that in the wake of the Sean Bell verdict he basically said, "The court has spoken. Now ya'll don't go out and tear nothing up." For a president who can go to Latino communities and talk about pathways to citizenship, and to Jewish communities and talk about Israel's defense, why when he comes to Black communities do we get admonished for not being fathers?
- Q: In a somewhat similar vein: Obama has also recently shown little support for an apology for slavery, or for reparations for slavery. Is this right for him to do? or is it something he should reconsider after he's elected President?
A: Obama supporting reparations is about as likely as the Phillies winning a World Series. It could happen, but the odds are ridiculously against it. While a serious inquiry into reparations would be great, Obama is not going to be the person to take up the mantle for it. While Obama is of African descent, he likely doesn't have the same investment in inquiring about the long-term effects of American slavery. That's not to say he isn't concerned about Black folks at large, he just isn't going to begin a conversation about arguably the most contentious race-related issue when he's trying to get in the door or even after he's in the door. The grassroots are going to have to push him to even think about reparations, affirmative action, or any form of policy that is meant to address historical wrongs (and yes, I know the court's most recent rationale around affirmative action isn't about past wrongdoing, but I can read history and I know the roots of affirmative action).
- Q: Do your own views of Obama vary as you wear either, first, your sociologist hat, or second, your Black Studies hat? Or are they blended together so much it doesn't make a difference?
A: Well, I'm a Black Sociologist, so does that count as a third category? As a sociologist, I'm really interested in the energy his campaign has developed among young people, across race and social class. While it's not perfect, it's certainly something we haven't seen in my lifetime. The Black Sociologist, though, wonders, how likely is it that the interests of Black folks will get lost in a sea of energy. If the primary season is any indicator, we're in for some trouble! My Black Studies hat asks about the ways in which Obama could potentially change the US' international face particularly around diplomacy and development. In travelling overseas, the energy I've felt from folks throughout the African Diaspora is full of hope. There is a lot to be excited about by his campaign and these feelings of hope for change, but change is one of the first things to go when politicians get into office. That is, unless you're Republican, then you just come in and wreck shop!
- Q: Word on the street is that you are a martial arts practitioner. What informative martial arts analogies can you make about Barack Obama and his ideas and campaign? (I've seen comical Photoshop pictures of Obama with nunchuks, etc., so people think about these things)
A: As a practicing Martial Artist, I think Barack should remain balanced but also let his fire energy come out. He's a little too balanced right now, a little too earth, he should be like water. As calm as a lake when it comes to politically contentious issues. As receiving as an ocean when it comes to hearing new ideas. And as devastating as a tidal wave when it comes to responding to McCain's attacks. Oh yeah, and make sure he makes Sho'nuff his Secretary of Defense. [Sho'nuff photo elsewhere]
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Well, that was an interview: not only policy and political issues, but Sho'nuff and fire energy! and complete with photgraphs!!
Thanks, Professor Lewis! His interview shows that academia doesn't have to be boring, after all.....