Victimization, Black Conservatism and Cosby Par Deux

For the past year I have been in a bit of a quandry. I have been giving serious thought to changing my political party affiliation from liberal to conservative. In some African-American circles this would be tantamount to treason. But believe me, there is a method to my madness. Why not be strategic for once as a people? I would not suggest that everyone take up this mantle, but in this day and age, it seems foolish for Black folk not to have a recognizable presence in the Republican Party. In the same breath, do not mistake my change of heart as giving approval to the Bush administration. This inept bunch a.k.a. neo-cons are in essence a bastardization of true conservatives. Perhaps one major selling point of conservatism, more specifically Black conservatism, is the removal of the shackles of victimization; the mainstay of liberalism as it applies to people of color. One gentlemen that has written at length about this victimization phenomenon is noted author, social critic and Black conservative, Shelby Steele.

I have been re-reading his book, The Content of Our Character : A New Vision of Race In America , which delves feet first into the subject of Black victimization and the power that African Americans derive from it. Yes...the power of victimization. The only problem with this alleged power is that it is self limiting. You never have to be held accountable for your own complicity for certain pathologies if you're a victim. And therein lies the conundrum. How does one move forward if a person rarely takes some responsibility for the social ills that can effect a community?

Now back to Cosby. I have heard many arguments for and against Cosby's current stand on some of the negatives that are afflicting the African American community. One bone of contention that the naysayers have with Cosby is his own personal missteps. The whole stone and glass house rebuttal. But does this negate the truth of Cosby's statements? If we always follow this train of reasoning, no one will ever have to address the problems and guess what?.......we're back to being victims. I do not profess to have all the answers but it's time to rise, people. Try dipping into the non-victim pool....I hear the water is warmer.