So The Nation posted an "open letter" to Charles Barkley that seems rather out of the blue considering it touches on issues and comments that in some cases happened years prior (this article is from 2014) but was released just a few days before February and Black History Month so I'm sure it was intentionally timed for that.
Here are some choice bits from the comedy piece they wrote:
And now the advice on how to best speak your mind without fear...
Very un-BLack of him. But at least he won't call him an Uncle Tom... he'll just say he's taking the characteristic of Wolflike White people.
And after castigating Barkley for praising law enforcement as a whole... as well as justifying (though not condoning) rioting and looting in Black neighborhoods we get to the conclusion.
Keep in mind... nothing in the article points to Charles Barkley fearmongering in any sort of way, shape or form so... yeah. But at least he didn't call Charles an Uncle Tom though... right?
Here are some choice bits from the comedy piece they wrote:
The Nation said:You have never been afraid to speak your mind and I commend you for that. But with that comes great responsibility.
And now the advice on how to best speak your mind without fear...
The Nation said:When the wolf begins to praise the sheep, it would be wise for the sheep to undergo some serious self-evaluation.
The fact that they were praising you should have made you take a long look in the mirror. I’m not going to disrespect you by calling you an Uncle Tom or putting up a big picture of Samuel L Jackson from Django Unchained, nor am I writing this to “slam” you, although I am sure many writers will attempt to frame it this way. I respectfully disagree with a position that you have every right to take.
The reason why your latest comments were so surprising for many in the black community is because they appeared to echo Bill O Reilly, Sean Hannity and the rest of Fox News. That’s not what we expect from Sir Charles.
It’s like in Animal Farm where the other animals looked in the window and the pigs were walking upright like the evil humans.
Sir Charles should never appear to be taking on the characteristics of Rush Limbaugh.
Very un-BLack of him. But at least he won't call him an Uncle Tom... he'll just say he's taking the characteristic of Wolflike White people.
The Nation said:You have the nerve to praise the police as a whole for their work in the black community?
And while we don’t condone breaking the law, burning or looting, let me remind you of a quote from Dr. King, who said, “A riot is the voice of the unheard.”
And after castigating Barkley for praising law enforcement as a whole... as well as justifying (though not condoning) rioting and looting in Black neighborhoods we get to the conclusion.
The Nation said:“Who’s afraid a large black man?” Tragically, it now seems like the answer might be you.
Keep in mind... nothing in the article points to Charles Barkley fearmongering in any sort of way, shape or form so... yeah. But at least he didn't call Charles an Uncle Tom though... right?
An Open Letter To Charles Barkley
Once you were not afraid to ask that all-important question: “Who’s afraid of a large black man?” Tragically, it now seems like the answer might be you.
www.thenation.com
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