Michael Eric Dyson tries to convince Stephen Colbert that Obama faces serious racism
Georgetown professor and MSNBC political analyst Michael Eric Dyson was on Wednesday's Late Show, and Stephen Colbert wanted to know about his contention, in his new book The Black Presidency, that "there is opposition to Barack Obama often that has a racist tinge to it," as Colbert summarized. "Opposition to Barack Obama doesn't mean you're a racist, though — you'll agree to that?" Colbert asked, and Dyson did. You can disagree with Obama and not be racist, he said, but "despite the ideological and political differences, there is an overlay of kind of racist reaction" to the first black president.
Dyson listed some instances where Obama was publicly disrespected, but Colbert seemed skeptical. "So rudeness equals racism in this equation?" he asked. "Because that's all rude, but you can't prove it's racist." Dyson listed some other indignities that he saw as unique to Obama, including the "birther" movement. "But now Donald Trump has moved on to accusing a white person of not being from America," Colbert said, in a nod to Sen. Ted Cruz. "Isn't that racial progress?" Dyson laughed and agreed, adding, "but real racial progress would be if a black man could say, 'If I stood in the middle of a street and shot somebody, I would still get votes.' That would be racial progress." Dyson and Colbert went on to discuss race in relation to Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, and you can watch the entire discussion below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
The drive behind Germany's pro-Israel political consensus
Under the Radar Belief that Israel's security is a 'raison d'etre for the German republic' is under growing pressure
By The Week UK Published
-
'The House under GOP rule has become a hostile workplace'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
The Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal is about more than bad bets
In The Spotlight The firestorm surrounding one of baseball's biggest stars threatens to upend a generational legacy and professional sports at large
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
South Korea passes law banning sale and production of dog meat
Speed Read Rare bipartisan support 'highlights changing attitudes' as young people shun centuries-old tradition
By The Week UK Published
-
Out of touch: Daryl Hall obtains restraining order against bandmate John Oates
Speed Read Lawsuit reveals unharmonious relationship between most commercially successful duo in pop history
By Jamie Timson, The Week UK Published