Click Here for Issues & Views: Blaming Whitey

"In recent years, many black thinkers have applied their intelligence and wit to defrocking fraudulent black leaders, repudiating destructive black behavior, and exposing the agendas behind ideologically-driven policies that have retarded the progress of blacks and produced conflicts in the general society. Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Shelby Steele, and John McWhorter are among the most outstanding. In addition, other authors, such as Myron Magnet and Jim Sleeper, have shown a keen understanding of what's going on beneath the veneer of civil rights and demands for 'social justice.' When Dickerson does critique black attitudes and lifestyles, she offers little of value that has not been covered by those who have gone before.

"In response to the apologists who continue to cite racism to excuse black behavior patterns, she declares, 'White racism doesn't mug a neighbor at the bus stop . . . It doesn't watch endless hours of television instead of reading to its children or overseeing their homework . . .' The 'Black Politburo,' i.e., black leaders, are exploiters and 'racial hysterics,' who are 'still leading their flock in circles.' She chastises those blacks who 'try to control the political, intellectual, and social discourse of other blacks.' "