Walter Benn Michaels

Adolph Reed, a political science scholar, and Walter Benn Michaels, an English professor known for critiquing liberalism, dive into complex discussions on racial and economic disparities. They challenge the oversimplified focus on racial issues, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to social justice. Reed critiques the narrative around co-optation in movements like Black Lives Matter, while Michaels argues for collective interests over racial identity. The conversation also touches on nuclear energy as a path to equitable labor practices in the transition to clean energy.

Walter Benn Michaels and Adolph Reed Jr., both prominent theorists of race and co-authors of 'No Politics But Class Politics,' dive into the interconnections of race and class. They tackle controversial views on anti-discrimination campaigns, revealing their alignment with elite interests. The duo reflects on the shortcomings of movements like BLM and discusses the implications of transracialism through the lens of Rachael Dolezal. Their conversation emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing class struggle to achieve true social justice.