Given the enormity of President Barack Obama’s political challenges, he surely doesn’t need the likes of Cornel West blindsiding him–and Michelle Obama–because West is personally piqued with the Obama presidency.
West, the Princeton African-American studies professor, recently called the president a “black mascot of Wall Street oligarchs and a black puppet of corporate plutocrats.” Then he piled on by belittling Michelle Obama’s priorities of assisting military families and speaking out against child obesity. “Why doesn’t she visit a prison?” he scornfully asked. “Why doesn’t she spend some time in the hood?”
In other words, the Obamas aren’t black enough for Cornel West, one who has carved out a uniquely American career: professional black person. From African-American studies to his hip-hop/soul/spoken word albums to designated panelist of color.
But criticizing the Obamas ostensibly takes the focus away from what West’s own critics chide him for: opportunism, crass showmanship and lack of scholarly seriousness.