Episode 185: Does the Decline of Ibram X. Kendi Mark the End of the Racial Reckoning?
Oct 9, 2023
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Ibram X. Kendi's Center for Anti-Racism Research implodes, Trevor Bauer and allegations of sexual assault, consequences faced by liberals, the career and ideas of a writer during the racial reckoning, the appeal of simplistic views in racial discourse, segregation and guilt in a multicultural country.
The lack of output from the Center for Anti-Racist Research raises questions about the effectiveness and mismanagement of funds at the center.
The focus on performative gestures and inability to produce tangible results raises concerns about the efficacy of the racial reckoning movement.
The emphasis on symbolism and radical chic ideas overshadowed the real policy discussions and economic critiques needed to address racial inequality.
Deep dives
The Lack of Output from the Center for Anti-Racist Research
The Center for Anti-Racist Research, led by Ibram X. Kendi, has come under scrutiny for its lack of output despite receiving millions in grants and donations. The center, which aimed to be a premier research center for racial issues, has raised at least $43 million, with notable donations from Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and companies like TJ Maxx and Peloton. However, critics have pointed out that there have been few tangible results from the center, with examples such as a national anti-racist book festival and a convening on bigotry that failed to produce substantial research or scholarly dialogue. These concerns raise questions about the effectiveness and mismanagement of funds at the center.
Cynicism and Perception of Progressive Politics
The issue with the lack of output from the Center for Anti-Racist Research raises questions about how progressive politics is perceived. While some argue that the money donated to the center may not have been redirected to more beneficial causes, others believe that such instances shape public perception of the left disproportionately. The cynicism stems from the realization that these initiatives do not lead to meaningful racial progress and may attract misguided individuals. Overall, there is a tension between the funding of initiatives like the center and the need for more effective and impactful approaches to addressing racial issues.
Criticisms and Impact of the Reckoning
The lack of output from the Center for Anti-Racist Research reflects broader criticisms of the reckoning that occurred in the liberal ideas world during 2020. The focus on performative gestures and inability to produce tangible results raises concerns about the efficacy of the movement. The essentialism and focus on individual actions rather than systemic change also contribute to a lack of meaningful progress in addressing racial issues. The reckoning, while initially promising, has been marred by mismanagement and a failure to address structural problems. It is important to reevaluate approaches and emphasize more substantive and impactful strategies moving forward.
The Disproportionate Influence of Elite Voices
During the reckoning in 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement became the face of the movement for racial justice. However, this representation often left behind the voices of working-class and poor black Americans who had a more nuanced view of policing and crime. The focus on high-profile gurus like Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo overshadowed the real policy discussions and economic critiques needed to address racial inequality and unfairness in the United States. Additionally, the reckoning saw a flood of funds into organizations like Black Lives Matter, which led to issues of mismanagement and alleged misuse of funds. The emphasis on symbolism and radical chic ideas often left behind the groups and individuals in the most desperate situations.
The Rise of Simplistic Moral Stances and Manichaean Thinking
The reckoning period in 2020 saw the rise of gurus like Ibram X. Kendi, who espoused simple and binary views on racism. According to Kendi, everything is either racist or anti-racist, leaving no room for middle ground. This view resonated strongly with the college-educated class who were searching for easy answers in the face of complex racial issues. However, these simplistic views ignored the practical challenges of addressing racial inequality and the need for comprehensive policy discussions. The reckoning also saw the emergence of performative activism and virtue signaling, such as social media calls for mutual aid that often resulted in minimal impact for those in need. The focus shifted away from real policy solutions and economic critiques, contributing to a lack of substantive progress in addressing racial injustice.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse and Katie look back on the Racial Reckoning™ and discuss the implosion of Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Anti-Racism Research. Plus: Trevor Bauer gets the last word.
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