Scott Allan’s World

I don’t shy away from controversial subjects and I do not submit to political correctness so I am willing to take on this subject since I do think a discussion about American values has merit.

Jesse Jackson allegedly said that Barack Obama was “acting like he’s white”. He reportedly made these statements in the context of his latest crusade to free the Jena 6. Jackson disputes that he said this. However, in society, there is a prevailing sentiment that for blacks to act like whites is a betrayal of some sort. Regardless of whether he said it, I have certainly heard it before and quite frankly I find it perplexing, insulting in almost a pathetically humorous way, and idiotic. As far as I’m concerned “acting white” should be a compliment. What’s wrong with acting like me??

It’s not clear to me what “acting white” means exactly, but this sort of “insult” is usually hurled at highly successful black Americans such as Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, Bill Cosby, etc. who frankly I admire. I believe it must bother Jackson that Obama is more popular than himself and he does not use the “race card” often enough to incite class warfare as Jackson often does. Obama’s response to the Jena incident was, “Outrage over an injustice like the Jena 6 isn’t a matter of black and white. It’s a matter of right and wrong.” I think this is actually part of Obama’s appeal and why Jackson is often viewed as a divisive clown.

I have never heard this reference being made toward hip-hop artists or athletes who are “keeping it real”, whatever that means as well. There is a real problem in our society when you call someone who is intelligent and successful a sell-out and instead glorify those who emulate gang-bangers with their tattoos, posses, pants down around their knees, bling, gang signs, and almost incoherent ebonics slang. Young white America is also fascinated with this culture which I sort of understand. Teenagers are always angst-ridden, seeking to rebel and find themselves. If it’s cool to not be white, that’s what they’ll do to act out.

But why is it not cool to be white? Correct me if I’m wrong, but to me it seems that acting white means those pursuing the values of The American Dream; a great job with a happy, nuclear family in a nice house in a nice neighborhood where your children go to good schools without fear of violence. Maybe because it’s trendy to be Anti-American? Bill Cosby is one of the few black leaders brave enough to point out the flaws of a culture that downplays success and education and instead embraces gang culture. For this he is often criticized. This seems to just be common sense and I do not understand why this advice is not more highly valued.