ASSESSMENT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH: A RE-POSTING OF DR.PENIEL E. JOSEPH'S ARTICLE IN 'THE ROOT'

President Barack Obama

I've read several assessments of President Obama's speech yesterday to commemorate the 50th Anniversary Of The March On Washington.  The one written by Dr. Peniel Joseph, a respected scholar and author of Dark Days, Bright Nights: From Black Power to Barack Obama ;struck me as the most profound and essentially poses a question that I've certainly wondered about for at least the past 3 years.  He begins the article by citing: 'Nice Speech, Obama, but What About Policy'? Dr. Joseph detailed his concerns and provides the facts to substantiate his perspective and that of many who've acknowledged the President's brilliant oratory, yet, are disappointed that his speech wasn't solution focused.  Some would argued that the occasion doesn't call for this, however, we've been waiting for some time on this President to make policy(ies) that would show some resolve.  *There was also in my  opinion that canned and recurring theme of scolding and admonishing the lack of personal responsibility, yet, failing to concede that systemic racism/classism must factor into the problem-solving model(s) and what the latter could do towards a resolution of these timeworn problems.

Dr. Peniel Joseph

I've provided a link to the article and hyperlinked Dr. Joseph's biography and review of the above book.  It will provide the reader background on this professor and the research and critical thinking he's provided to the academy and the public on the present administration.  He's objective in how he presents his views and one doesn't get the impression that this is driven by personal animus like we've observed in others, e.g., right-wingers, who've been very critical of President Obama.  

There is one passage in the article that has revealed an interesting paradox that many of us find exasperating and a never ending dilemma whenever significant symbolic progress is made.  It reads:

'The Obamas' move into the White House offers a compelling portrait of racial progress and change, but underneath this surface is the harsh reality that racial oppression continues -- in fact, flourishes -- in many parts of American society.' 

Collateral:
A link to Ta-Nehisi Coates' assessment of the speech was added and what I find so intriguing about his assessment is that he recalls a speech written by W.E.B. DuBois in 1897 that this great thinker, later, had misgivings about.  In this speech, the onus for change was placed squarely on the backs of newly freed slaves and people of color in this country.  He compares that mindset with the President's completely exhausted remarks about (black) personal responsibility.  It is truly a must read as well. 


Link(s):
Nice Speech, Obama, But What About Policy?
 ' On the Death of Dreams' by Ta-Nehisi Coates {Analysis of  the President's 50th Anniversary Speech}