Black Conservatives in Liberal America

Black Conservatives in Liberal America

Do you feel, as Malcolm X did, that the black middle class was the bane of the African-American people in forcing artificial conformity and assimilation into the dominant culture? Do you feel that the black middle class is at the heart of the conservative trends in the African-American community? Or do you feel that the black middle class is a positive affirmation of how African-Americans can rise above and meet face-to-face with their former oppressors and is in fact, an expression of liberal politics?

I have mixed feelings about the black middle class, as many African-Americans do. On the one hand I applaud the efforts of those who have put themselves through school and climbed up that hill that is so steep and hard to climb. Seeing African-American people in positions of power and authority is one of the greatest benefits our community has reaped over the years. On the other hand, I have also witnessed the black middle class lose sight of what it means to be African-American. I mean, losing touch with our ethnic roots and ancestry can be harmful to any group of people. I believe that especially those people who are oppressed or in the minority of their culture should retain strong ties to their roots and origins. I don't think that the black middle class issue is one that is liberal or conservative. However, I do believe that more African-American conservatives have bought fully into the dominant culture.

Question 2. Why do you think that there is a rising trend in America of black conservatives? Is this trend a product of the black middle class, or is it something else?

Answer 2: This is a complex question. I believe that there are many reasons why an individual or a group of people would begin associating with conservative values and conservative politics. One of the reasons I believe African-Americans become politically conservative is because of the morals of the current Republican administration. Many African-Americans are witnessing the destruction of their communities through a lack of moral fiber and ethics. What the African-American conservative wants and hopes for is a return to black family values and a more conservative way of life. Fiscal conservatism is something entirely different.

Question 3: Regarding fiscal conservatism among the African-American community, do you feel that the trend is a backlash to what many view as a failure of the liberals to provide for the essential needs and welfare of the black community in America?