Sound bites from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's
Jeffersonian (George,
not Thomas) reflections on race and politics in this country were not unique or
especially shocking. At least, not for black people, who know that older black
folks are among the most intolerant people in America. Wright is Old School
Black Folk of the stripe who still hold animus of bitter struggle and will set
you straight about white people upon request.
Or not.
Obama is of the New
School, who see no point in indicting Da White Man for being sheltered and
xenophobic because times aren't getting any better slamming white folks for
every foul and foible. This mirrors the Hip-Hop Generation's struggle against
the Civil Rights luminaries who make their mail flying all over America telling
white folks when they're out of pocket or begging them, hat in hand, for a
little grace and good will, damning thems that don't conform. It may be a good
living, but it is a colossal waste of time.
I don't know that Obama has any
great affinity for rap music, but his New School approach to the Wright Problem
dripped with Hip-Hop ethos. He's spittin' good game, lately.
What is Hip-Hop Ethos? It's the title of a lecture I give sometimes is
what it is, from a paper I'm working on. But I'll give you an abstract on the
cheap, because I'm that type of guy:
Black music culture mirrors black movement and emotion in
this country. The Blues Generation lamented their lot. The Jazz Generation
discovered and celebrated the creative class. Soul Babies dared to dream, and
dared to fight for it. The Disco Generation celebrated their victories . . . to
excess. The Hip-Hop Generation doesn't ask anyone for anything: we are taking
the American Dream, no apologies, and no excuses. We keep it movin'. And so does
Obama.
I tire of watching Obama genuflect, and apparently he's had
enough too. He diffused the media's Old School "black on black" tactics with a
New School approach: he stood his ground, made it plain and stayed true to his
People. And I like that in him.
I'm not endorsing Obama... but you gotta give props where
deserved.
