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African American leftism

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[[Citing sources citation needed]] African Americans have had a tremendous impact on left-wing politics in the United States. From liberalism to progressivism, from communism to socialism, to anarchism, African Americans have been a major part of leftist struggles throughout U.S. history.

Like most Leftists, the majority of the African-Americans are in favor of workers rights, pacifism, equality, equal distribution of wealth, and a color-blind society. Far-left groups would include organizations such as the Black Panther Party.

The perspectives held by many Black leftists are typically in contrast with some of the key points in the common social, economic, and political positions that Black conservatives are against. Particularly in regards to reparations for slavery and affirmative action.

Contents

Overview

The perspective held by Black liberals is typically in conflict with some of the key points in the common social, economic, and political positions that Black conservatives are against, particularly in regards to reparations for slavery, affirmative action and Black nationalism. It should be noted that while most African-Americans have a neutral stance on Black nationalism and integration (as long as there is an even playing field), Black conservatives are clearly in favor of African-American integration with mainstream America.

For many Black leftists, in their own point of view, the key mission is to bring equality (balance) to the African-American community as compared to the success and achievements of white Americans and other minority groups. A common misconception is that the African-American left are seeking hand-outs, a frequent “foul call” made by Black conservatives, however statistics and various studies show the GDP of African-Americans are significantly less than their counterparts of other ethnic groups; this revelation is even more damning when they (Blacks and their counterparts) are in the same career field, at the same skill level and production capacity.[[Citing sources citation needed]] This also brings into play the issue of affirmative action where conservatives feel this is reverse racism, as an individual “is” being hired to a job, or accepted to college on the basis of his color, and not his work ethic and experience; to date this continues to be a major issue. African-American leftists also feel that reparations for slavery are relevant, as centuries of free labor (slavery), as well as millions of lost lives, were the foundation and building blocks of the United States.

Black politicians, for the most part, are against GOP economic policies (i.e., globalization, free-trade agreements, tax cuts), militarism, regional interventions, or other agendas that the vast majority of Blacks are in opposition of. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was the first, if not only politician (not just African-American) to question what exactly the Bush Administration had knowledge of in regards to 9/11, she is also thoroughly against the War in Iraq and the Global War on Terror: Opponents have labeled her conspiracy theorist as well as other smear tactics. However, on the other side of the scale, some on the African-American left do support the current state of world affairs and play both sides of the political fence, appealing to the political majority while also appealing to the African-American communities interests, to a degree. Polls taken in the Black community as to “in favor of” or “against” the last 3 armed conflicts (Iraq, War on Terror, and Kosovo), a majority are against.[link]

The African-American left also tend to be culturally liberal in accordance with liberal views of other ethnic groups, with the only sticking point being perhaps abortion.

Notable African American leftists

It should be noted that not all African-American "leftist" are necessarily political but have leftist ideals. It should be also be noted that not all African-American policitians are "pure" leftists, as some have various right-wing opinions.

Politicians

Civil Rights activists

Media

Entertainers

Though some African-American entertainers have not expressed affiliation with a political party , they have been known to be critical of U.S Government policies.

See also

African-American left web sites and blogs

 

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