ARE BLACK CONSERVATIVES "UNCLE TOMS"? YES ...

ARE WE BLACK CONSERVATIVES Uncle Toms? This question has haunted me for the past two months. Prior to that, I had absolutely no doubt that I was not an Uncle Tom. My political beliefs were simply different from those of most blacks. Or so I thought.

As you already know, I came to realize that my fellow African-Americans on the other end of the spectrum didn't think that this difference was "simple" at all. Most of the black population, our "leaders" in particular, believe that this difference is actually a manifest sign of evil. To paraphrase Larry Elder, this list is only a tiny fraction of the names black Conservatives have had to endure being called over the past few decades; Oreo, Uncle Tom, Boot-licking Uncle Tom, Straight-up Uncle Tom, Judas, Boy, Bug-eyed, Foot-shuffling, Sugarcane Negro, Handkerchief head, Trojan Horse, Anti-black, Pro-white, Remus, Sambo, Sambo-Tom, The Anti-Christ, Clarence Thomas supporter (as if that's a bad thing), Sniveling weasel, Evil, Ass-kisser, Coconut, Wannabe white, etc.

I've been a self-acknowledged Conservative since the early 1980s and I have been called all these names at some time or the other, on and off the net. More often it's been offline that I've faced the most abuse. It reached an extent that I would withdraw myself from any conversation with black people whenever the subject switched to politics. That has changed though ... I seem to have developed a sort of perverse sense of pleasure at making liberals squirm with a few well-phrased questions.

Throughout that time though, I have never felt like a "traitor." Until two months ago. It was the first time I have ever felt like a sell-out ... and furthermore I felt that all of us black Conservatives are sell-outs as well.

I believe that you have probably heard about the ordeal a sociology professor by the name of Jean Cobbs (as well as many others) has been going through for the past seven years at Virginia State University. Her crime is that she is an unabashed black Conservative and a Republican. For that, she has been subjected to a campaign of political persecution, discrimination and retaliation which included a basically administration-approved physical assault upon her.

This story reminded me of an experience I had in 1984 (and a lot of others after that) right after the Reagan landslide. I made the mistake of telling a group of black "friends" at my workplace who I voted for. I can't forget the looks of disgust on their faces and it still amuses me no end when I think about it. One looked as if he was going to attack me right then and there. One spat at my feet and another called me a "Sell-out," shaking his head in disbelief. After some more name-calling, all of them turned their heels on me and left me standing alone by the watercooler.

But that was not the remarkable thing. As I was getting on the bus to get home the next day, one of them suddenly came onto the bus and sat opposite me. He was the one who had spat at my feet, so I got prepared for trouble. But what he said to me surprised me completely. "I'm a Republican too." So I asked him exactly why he didn't stand up for me the day before and he answered "I have to work with these guys everyday, y'know."

I have no intention of sounding melodramatic, but being black and a Conservative is a recipe for feeling isolated. And despite the fact that I risk sounding like a "victicrat" by saying this, we are probably among the most hated minorities in the United States. For not only do whatever racists that remain continue to hate us, so do the vast majority of the minority community, and the bulk of the Left, because we dare remain off their plantation.

Over the years, I have seen far too many black fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, etc. seriously damage their ties with each other on account of politics, with the Conservative bearing the worst of it. A man I know had his wife excoriating him in public when he revealed that he voted for George Allen when he was running for Governor in Virginia. JC Watts had his father near publicly disowning him when he ran for his seat in the House. On black message boards and forums on the Internet, I have read screeds and witnessed attacks against black Conservatives that would not have looked out of place in Mein Kampf.

But the thing is, they are right to attack us. For we truly are Uncle Toms and sell-outs – though definitely not in the way they think. It is said that for evil (or bad ideas) to prevail, all good people need do is nothing, and that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. It is in regard to both these sayings that we black Conservatives have sold out.

(1) Because we have consistently failed to protect and defend our own. When brave souls such as Kay James, Alan Keyes, Condi Rice, Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell, JC Watts, etc. are attacked, where is our outrage? And if indeed we are outraged, how come the entire world doesn't know about it? When we are called names, why do we not fight back and make sure that person would think a VERY long time about it before he/she does it again? If we cannot stand up for ourselves, why would anyone respect us enough to listen to us? Is it a wonder then, that our arguments are simply dismissed and we are just called names instead of being civily debated against? Challenging the name calling and innuendo directed against us black Conservatives is not only a matter of justice, it would serve to open people's minds and thus yield dividends for us in terms of effectively taking our message to the black community. This I can personally attest to.

In November 1999, I again got into a discussion on politics with a group of co-workers, including five black colleagues. I was the lone black person who said that I thought Clinton ought to have been removed from office. Again, the reaction was similar to what I recieved in 1984, but I easily held my own in defending my view and explaining why I was a Conservative, until one black colleague (who had not even bothered to debate me and had only repeated Jesse Jackson slogans) looked at me in pure disgust, and said, "What are they paying you?" at which I got so mad, I walked away.

The next day, I went to his desk and plunked down my bank statements, pay slips and my tax return forms and reciepts over the last four years. I told him to look through them and show me where I was being paid to be a Conservative. He was so completely startled that it was all I could do to not laugh. Since then to the time that I was transferred to where I am right now (London, United Kingdom), he increasingly sought me to discuss politics and many other things, including whether or not to place his children in a private school or not. I even got him to concede that Clarence Thomas did not deserve the hatred that has been stoked against him in the black community. Imagine this happening on a larger scale.

(2) Because we have not taken our message to our people. If we truly believed that Conservative principles would help our communities best and that the grip the Left has on the black community is destroying us, then our virtual silence is unconscionable. As black Conservatives, no one is more an advocate of self-help and raising ourselves by our bootstraps. But on this issue, we've done an extremely pathetic job of living up to our own principles.

We have our brains and should we be able to muster the passion (another thing that compounds our Uncle-Tom-ness) we have more than enough bootstraps to meet this challenge. But are we pulling? The answer is an unequivocal no. The fact that most of the black media is Liberal and that most of the black community at present distrusts us makes no difference. We could make and distribute pamphlets, post leaflets, speak at churches, campaign at schools and very publicly go into black neighborhoods and look our people in the eye and tell them exactly why they should shake off the Left's shackles. This sounds a lot easier than it is, and I agree that it is. But consider Bret Schundler, a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant Male Conservative Republican, the second-term mayor of Jersey City.

Asked how it was that he was able to get himself elected with a 69% (first election) and 59% (second election) majority in a city that is two-thirds minority and that has Democrats outnumbering Republicans at least three-to-one, he simply answered that "he did it by going into the black communities and talking about school vouchers. He did it by going into the Hispanic communities and talking about tax-cuts and how they would affect individual families. To be succinct, he did it by going into communities that Republicans (even black Republicans) generally don't go to, and having a frank conversation with individuals, relating to them how his policies would change their lives." His approach paid off; he is probably the first Conservative Republican in the past few decades to have garnered 45% (second election) of the votes of his black constituents.

My question is; if he could do it, a white Conservative as he is, why can't we? The fact that we are basically standing idly by while the Left consolidates its grip on and destroys our communities should be a constant source of shame to us.

For instance the current state of our education system has long provided us with an opening (i.e vouchers/ education tax credits which are supported by an overwhelming majority of black parents yet opposed by the Left and "black leaders"), yet considering how so very important this issue is for the progress of our community, we have not taken this opportunity as we should have and I can't think of a reason why. That's why I would personally consider myself and all black Conservatives as Uncle Toms until we finally show the passion that we are honor-bound to show for our cause to uplift the black community as black Conservatives.

It is absolutely imperative for black Conservatives to consolidate our efforts and work out our approach to taking our message to the black community, rehabilitating our images in the community, and defending our reputations from slanderous attacks from the Left and their allied "Civil Rights Leaders." We need to have vigorous debates on what Conservatism would mean for our communities, the policies we support and oppose (i.e. racial preferences), the way we present our beliefs and how we will deal with an often hostile media. We ought to come out from this conference (if it ever happens) more united, more dedicated to our cause, more willing to fight for it, and more willing to aggressively campaign for what we believe in. We ought to come out from this more alert to unwarranted and insidious attacks on our black Conservative brothers and sisters on the public stage, and more ready to defend them and castigate those who would attack them for nothing more than being Conservative. We ought to come out from this with an actual course of action and with a personal dedication to executing it, and also networking with and supporting those ideologically kindred groups like BOND, CURE, BAMPAC, Project 21, NCNE, the various black Republican caucuses, etc. that are already trying to do so.

Should this Convention be able to get as participants such people as Armstrong Willaims, J.C. Watts, Kay Cole James, Walter Williams, Elizabeth Wright, Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell, John McWhorter, Larry Elder (a Libertarian but it's all good), Joe Rogers, Alvin Johnson, Robert Woodson, Dylan Glenn, Michael Steele, Ward Connerly, John Doggett, Shannon Reeves, Carlton Pearson, Kenneth Blackwell, Michael King, J.J. Johnson, Hurley Green, R.D. Davis, Ken Hamblin, Alan Keyes, etc. imagine what we would be able to achieve! Imagine it ... and then, with all due respect, Sir, help us make it real.

It is from knowledge that you have this belief. Why can't we speak to those who have been told lies for so long? Give them the knowledge that you or I have. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. Why keep it to yourself.

As long as Conservatism is looked upon as a Belief System, it is subject to attack. When it becomes merely an OPINION, then it pales in comparison to a Value.

I said nothing about keeping Conservatism to myself, only that I am under no personal obligation to spread the word to the Black community at large.

I didnt become a Conservative, I have always been one, for lack of name. When I registered to vote, I took seriously the values that Conservatives share and decided to remain independent, instead of signing up as a Republican. "Conservative" and "Republican" are two different things.

It would be much more effective, were Conservatives to only display the BENEFITS of Conservatism through their own lives, and let the masses decide for themselves, rather than to woo, and cajole a bunch of mealy-mouthed Moderates into joining our side based upon empty promises of the 'good life'.

Were I advising you about your child, it would be to only promote their individualism, and their embrase of personal responsibility. If you do that, there is no way they could be anything BUT Conservative.

Conservative WITHOUT some sense of duty to those lazy enough to choose the Liberal path, and unafraid of adhering to their values, just because others suffer for not.

That was one of the best posts in a long time.
Unfortunately it seems that if you are black, there are only two ways to succeed without getting villified: the sports or entertainment.
However, if there was no racial problems there would be no need for a Jesse Jackson or a Al Sharpton. They like to keep a rift so they have a purpose and some power. If a Vietnamese immigrant comes over here with nothing and works hard and becomes succesful, most people would be happy for him. He would never be called a banana (yellow on the outside...) Being a business professional isn't selling out, but unfortunately it is seen that way.
I don't have a solution, but I do have respect for brave individuals like yourself, Conni Rice, JC Watts, and Clarence Thomas who have to pit their beliefs against their community. Maybe it will just take one person like yourself at a time.

Thank you.

The tradition of being like Uncle Tom goes back to real heroes such as Daniel, Elijah, Joshua, and Joseph --those willing to hold to what is right, no matter what either their apparent adversaries or friends do, or wrongly believe about them --people willing to stand alone.

That's also the way of those who follow the One who came to hang alone, for all of us. Narrow is His way.

I have a black conservative friend. Well I guess I used to have one. Last year he told me he was switching over and becoming a democrat. When I asked him why he said he couldnt win as a black conservative that becuase he worked in the University system he had gone as far as he could being Republican because he was precieved as a traitor. I havent talked to him since. I think because through his influence I became a conservative and I felt betrayed when he told me he was becoming a demoncrat. Maybe I was wrong to disassociate myself from him I didn't understand the pressure he was under.

Well said. :o)

Luckily this year my son has a conservative teacher for America History. Otherwise I would have more work cut out for me then I already do. Believe it or not… having to disseminate what they and others try to teach my son isn’t always easy to do.

Belief or Opinion we are all subject to attack... unfortunately or fortunately. As far as your obligation to spread the word... you have none. Thankfully, you share it here at Free Republic and maybe elsewhere. I have chosen to do so as well. So has MAKnight and for that - many - I’m sure are thankful.

"It would be much more effective, were Conservatives to only display the BENEFITS of Conservatism through their own lives, and let the masses decide for themselves, rather than to woo, and cajole a bunch of mealy-mouthed Moderates into joining our side based upon empty promises of the 'good life'."

Sadly, this isn't true. Look at our American heritage and where it is headed. We are the leaders of the world and have put our "good life" on display for all. The oppressed and enslaved saw us as a beacon of hope in a dark world.

Socialists and the lazy (dare I repeat myself?) have perverted our values from capitalism and self-reliance to greedy self-absorbtion. Those who see America now see a suckled sow with constituencies at home and abroad taking what they want rather than contributing to the common good.

Initially, I had the same thought as you... liberals prostletize their socialist religion, conservatives live their lives and lead by example. The problem is that we are too evidently losing the war. We've been so busy making America great, the socialists have had years to indoctrinate generations on their version of what makes us great.

It's time for us to teach and to lead. When American values prevailed, quiet example was enough. Now that our younger generations (and incredible legal and illegal immigrant populations) have been taught to shun our example, we must reintroduce our values to the mainstream or risk the dissolution of the true American Dream.

To me, it's worth fighting for.

Yes it is true.

Our American Heritage is in trouble, because Conservatives, through their Republican apparatus, have been apologizing for Conservative principles for decades. They have lied to people about what Conservatism is all about, and not stressed the values that created this nation.

They have been preaching inclusiveness, instead of exclusiveness, as if it were a bad thing. Conservatives have no space among them for faux-conservatives in Republican clothing. Republicans apologize for some people being better off than others, instead of pointing out the fact that life isnt fair, and that only the best will be guaranteed ultimate success in life, while the rest can only be proud for the effort.

Liberals tell people that they WOULD be successful if not for Conservatives holding them back, and it is easier for them to believe that, then to believe that they were lazy or stupid bums who couldnt succeed otherwise.

Do you notice how pervasive the Lottery is among the poor? It is because although they KNOW that not everyone can win, that they cannot win if they dont TRY. This is the message that Republicans and Conservatives should LIVE, not share, and stop going along with Liberals that wish to excuse failures in society by writing them a government check at our expense.

Right now, the only people who suffer in America, are the successful. Failures should suffer, not us. Maybe if we were to TAX the poor, they would knock it off. I'm not kidding.

"Our American Heritage is in trouble, because Conservatives, through their Republican apparatus, have been apologizing for Conservative principles for decades. They have lied to people about what Conservatism is all about, ** and not stressed the values that created this nation.** "

See? We do agree. No one's saying (I don't think) that we should start a crusade of preaching conservative ideals and values. We're saying we should stand up for what we believe and not shrink. We should support those who speak the truth and not let them be vilified in the court of public opinion.

It's not a call to arms, it's a call to cease inactivity and passive observance.

Blacks in America how to show them Freedom

The Democrats have always been the party of Slavery. They showed who they truely are first in the 1860's when they divided this country and killed hundreds of thousands of young men just to retain their power both in Slaves and in the US Senate. Today they are just a little more subtle in their unending quest for power. Their slavery today is mental not physical. Men and women of all races, classes, and creeds are chained with the shackles of lies and beat with the flail of shame. They shame those who would leave their ranks. They shame them with words and emotions. They tell you you don't care abou the environment or the poor. You care about them, so you stay and vote for them, only to little by little become more like those poor people you voted to help.

They beat you over and over with how much they care about you. Of course the Slave master cares about his property. How many times did African Americans in the days of slavery hear how much the slave Master cared for them. Of course he cared they were his bread and butter. He cared just enough to keep them from rebelling he cared just enough to keep them in bondage. Blacks should have flocked to the Republican party after the war, why didn't they? Because they were seduced by slavery they returned to what they knew. Someone to talk for them, someone to feed them, someone to tell them when and how hard to work, someone to think thoughts for them. To the demoncrats Blacks are a tool. A tool to keep them in power no different than the tool that once toiled in their fields. A tool that once it is no longer useful will be discarded.

African American's are losing ground in this country. They are slowly becoming a minority among minorities. Before long voting Hispanics will far outnumber voting Blacks at that point the cherished position of "house slave" will pass on to those hispanics who have been seduced by the ease of political slavery. Where will this leave Blacks? Either they will come to the Republicans (without any real power in the party) or be turned out to the demoncratic fields as a very junior partner with little voice and no power.

Uncle Tom, was in fact, an admirable, Christ-like figure.

A major ditto on this one. I find it infuriating that a fictional character displaying dignity and courage to the death should be misused this way, when in fact he was more responsible for bringing the humanity of slaves to the forefront of popular thought than any other character before or since. They should be building memorials to the guy. Instead, this.

ARE BLACK CONSERVATIVES "UNCLE TOMS"? YES ...

It's very dangerous to take the accepted usage of a word, then change it to mean what you want it to mean -- especially a word (or phrase) as racially charged as "Uncle Tom".

I understand what the author is saying, but it is foolish to call himself an Uncle Tom, even if by using that phrase, he means something completely different. You run the risk of having someone call you an Uncle Tom -- only they will be using the original meaning.

It's exactly the same as someone on this board who wanted to use the phrase "New Pro-Choice", to mean the exact opposite of what "pro-choice" currently means. You run the risk of people thinking you're pro-choice when, in fact, you're just the opposite (against choice).

I think the author could have made his point using a different word or phrase.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.