Redefining blackness in the US
Will Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy change perceptions of race in the US?
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| Will Obama’s candidacy change perceptions of race in the US? [AFP] |
Until recently the idea of having a black president seemed unlikely.
Instead American popular culture was constantly bombarded with images of down-at-heel black men.
However, With Barack Obama being the presumptive Democratic nominee, is blackness being redefined in America?
On Wednesday Riz speaks with Boyce Watkins who says racism is a major problem in the US and how leaders are not given the opportunity to lead.
Debra Dickerson who says African American leaders play the role of victim and are not able to move on is also on the show.
Finally joining Riz is Ta Nehisi Coates, the author of The Beautiful Struggle which takes an in depth look at this own upbringing and why he thinks stereotypes of African American fathers are destructive.
Send us your views on whether the candidacy of Barack Obama will truly change the role of black leaders in the US. Send us your questions and get on your thoughts on air.
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This episode of Riz Khan aired on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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