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Analyzing the rift between Farrakhan and Jews: Jews should recognize. Farrakhan as a legitimate Black leader.
By George Yancy
The Jewish concept of tikkun, a term which suggests healing, repair and transformation, should be embraced by many Jews in this post-Million Man March era.
Prior to the actual success of the Million Man March, many Jews were staunchly against the idea of Minister Louis Farrakhan's association with The March. For example, in The Philadelphia Inquirer (Sept. 28, 1995). Mr. Joel Esterman was very insulting to Black men in particular and Black people more generally. Comparing Black people to "babies" and Farrakhan to "the bath water" he stated, "If the baby is not astute enough to get out of the tub, it will become infected..."
Well, firstly. I happen to be one of those "babies." Not only did I fully endorse the Million Man March, but I endorsed Farrakhan as a significant Black leader.
And, secondly, what did Mr. Esterman mean by the phrase "not astute enough?" Is he saying that Black people are not smart enough to pick their own leaders? Is he saying that we lack intelligence since we, as Black men, have indeed decided to march on Washington with Farrakhan in our midst?
From his letter to The Philadelphia Inquirer, it seems to me that Mr. Esterman believes that Black people are not intelligent enough to make political decisions on their own. For this, Mr. Esterman owes Black people, and especially. Black men, an apology.
It is people like Mr. Esterman that should be made to especially hear our shout: "Get off of our backs!"
Yes, we have the right, the insight and the power to choose our own destiny. We are saying that it is time for Black people themselves (and especially Black men) to take control of their own lives and not to be controlled and manipulated by oppressive powers that exist systemically in the American political machine.
Mr. Esterman also suggested that it is because of Farrakhan's leadership that "African-American males have enough trouble succeeding." But what he states here is ridiculous and shows that he has little or no real understanding of American white racism.
It is not Farrakhan who adds to the misery and oppression of Black...