Profile in Focus | Dr. Cornel West Part 2 (2011 - 2016)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Dr. Cornel West Part 2 (2011 - 2016)
“Tavis Smiley Andrew Ballen Cornel West” by Avdmg under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Between 2011 and 2016, Dr. Cornel West continued to be a prominent figure in U.S. politics, known for his outspokenness and critique of the Obama administration. His criticisms of President Barack Obama and his engagement with various social justice movements sparked debates and divided opinions among African Americans and progressives.
In the early 2010s, Cornel West's interactions and confrontations with various figures illustrated his outspoken nature. In a conversation with Craig Ferguson in February 2011, he exhibited his capacity for engaging conversations on public platforms. However, a sharp exchange between Al Sharpton and West in April 2011, concerning President Obama's approach to race, highlighted the complexities of intra-community discussions.
West's criticism of Obama ignited a debate within the African American community, with media outlets like The Nation and The Washington Post delving into the tension between West's viewpoint and Obama's policies. CNBC labeled West's critique as branding Obama a "mascot of Wall Street," showcasing the potency of West's critique. The Atlantic and other outlets joined the discourse, emphasizing the significant role of public intellectuals like West in shaping public sentiment.
In an article dated August 17, 2011, titled "Controversy Dogs Tavis Smiley and Cornel West’s Poverty Tour—but Media Attention Does, Too," The Nation examined the Poverty Tour organized by talk show host Tavis Smiley and Princeton Professor Cornel West. The tour aimed to draw attention to poverty in America and its impact, particularly in the context of deficit reduction discussions and economic challenges.
Tavis Smiley initiated the Poverty Tour to shed light on poverty issues, arguing that the media had not adequately addressed this concern. The tour aimed to highlight successful social programs preventing poverty while also focusing on those struggling during the recession.
However, the Poverty Tour faced controversy and criticism, especially within the Black community. Smiley and West had previously criticized President Barack Obama, leading to backlash and protests during the tour, including a disruptive pro-Obama protest in Detroit. Smiley even received death threats from Tea Party members for his continued support of Obama, necessitating the presence of a bodyguard.
Smiley and West criticized Obama's emphasis on bank bailouts and deficit reduction while neglecting job creation and the challenges faced by the poor. They argued that the poverty rate was increasing, with more people falling into poverty, including former members of the middle class.
The tour aimed to address these issues and draw attention to poverty's impact in America, but it also sparked debates about the criticisms Smiley and West had levied against President Obama.
West's commitment to his views was reflected in his participation in the Occupy protests and his subsequent arrests. His arrest at a Supreme Court protest in October 2011, reported by CBS News and other sources, demonstrated his dedication to civil disobedience in the pursuit of justice. He faced arrest again at an Occupy protest later that month, as reported by TIME. These incidents underscored his willingness to put his beliefs into direct action.
Amid these debates, West engaged in protests and acts of civil disobedience. He was arrested multiple times, including during protests against NYPD's stop-and-frisk policy and in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement. These actions further elevated West's profile as an activist and critic of societal injustices.
In 2012, West endorsed the candidacy of Bernie Sanders, praising his progressive platform and commitment to addressing income inequality. West then joined the Green Party and endorsed their candidate, Jill Stein, in the 2016 presidential election, criticizing both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as disastrous choices for the country.
West's critiques extended beyond politics, as seen in his controversial statements about President Obama being a "war criminal" in February 2013, as reported by POLITICO. His interviews with The Guardian and CNN in 2013 revealed his complex relationship with the American identity and his persistent critique of power structures. West's perspective on Obama's black critics, discussed on CNN, underlined his analysis of the motivations behind various viewpoints.
In 2014, Cornel West's involvement in protests related to the Ferguson shooting further exemplified his activism. His arrest during the Ferguson protests in October 2014, covered by NBC News and other outlets, demonstrated his dedication to addressing racial injustice. Despite facing criticism for his activism, West's commitment to social causes remained resolute.
Amid his activist endeavors, West's endorsement of Bernie Sanders in 2015, covered by CNN and The New York Times, aligned with his consistent criticism of the establishment. His involvement in discussions about race, activism, and politics continued, as seen in his endorsement of Sanders and appearances in various media outlets. West then joined the Green Party and endorsed their candidate, Jill Stein, in the 2016 presidential election, criticizing both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as disastrous choices for the country.
Throughout this period, West continued to speak out on issues of racial inequality, poverty, and war. He criticized U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine, and accused the Obama administration of being a "drone presidency." His passionate speeches and interviews resonated with many who felt marginalized or ignored by mainstream politics.
West's interactions with fellow intellectuals also garnered attention. West's outspokenness also drew criticism from some who saw his approach as divisive or counterproductive. The feud between West and Michael Eric Dyson, explored by The Guardian and other outlets, demonstrated the complexities of intellectual debates within the African American community. His engagement in discussions about Israel and Palestine, covered by salon, showcased his willingness to address international issues.
Despite the controversies and disagreements, West remained dedicated to promoting social justice and advocating for the marginalized. His return to teach at Harvard University in 2016 marked a significant moment in his career. West's influence as a public intellectual and his commitment to addressing systemic injustices ensured that his voice continued to be heard on the national stage.
As the country moved through the years of the Obama administration, West's critiques challenged the status quo and raised important questions about the direction of the nation. His participation in discussions about the Democratic platform, his endorsement of Jill Stein, and his continued commentary on race, politics, and activism demonstrated his unwavering dedication to pushing for change. West's critiques, advocacy, and controversies embody a lifelong commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for a more just society. While his approach and rhetoric may have been polarizing, there is no denying the impact he had in shaping political discourse and pushing for a more just and equitable society.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on August 18, 2023