Cornel West

Stupid is as stupid does. It’s a cliché. Calibrate? I prefer the bluntness of the truth.

The fact and act of the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in his own home by a police force presumably sensitive to the issues of race and power is worthy of continuing reflection and commentary. There may not be much to learn that’s new, but there is a good deal to be reminded of about the way racial stereotypes and triggers produce regrettable outcomes. Outcomes that reflect on-going prejudice and inequality; fear and ignorance in some white Americans and a tragic anger in some black Americans.

I spent last weekend in Chicago, attending the annual American Academy of Religion conference, and (unfortunately) left the city on Monday evening, just before Election Day. It would have been amazing to have been there just 24 hours later for the huge celebration at Grant Park, which I walked by each day during the AAR event.