01/11/07 Coon Alert: Clarence Page an Example to Follow

Clarence Page, columnist for the Chicago Tribune, is a stand-up guy. In June 2006, he appeared on The O’Reilly Factor to defend an op-ed piece published by the paper which criticized “cheerleaders" of the Iraq war, among whom Bill O’Reilly was included. Page’s stoic mastery over the subject matter (along with his derisive candor and smirk) was enough to send O’Reilly, arguably television’s fiercest conservative political commentator, into a stammering rage. Page did not simply hold his ground; he outdebated his white counterpart on a show that seldom takes its black guests seriously.

Award-winning columnist, Clarence Page.

There is something to be said of black docility in a predominantly white discussion forum. The constant need to exert double the energy and effort of whites in order for one’s input to be valued lends appeal to silence and submission. But silence and submission are both forms of soft coonery. Clarence Page’s performance contrasts sharply with the often seen phobia black politicians, authors, and intellectuals have of articulating their opinion before white audiences without compromise.

Perhaps out of fear, Damali Ayo, author of How to Rent a Negro, censored her views on race when confronted by O'Reilly. Rev. Al Sharpton kept his silence after O’Reilly facetiously threatened to put him in chains. Keith Boykin, a former White House aide during the Clinton Administration, was shouted over and drowned out by O’Reilly and Fox News analyst, Tammy Bruce.

It beckons to be noted that black docility is not limited to the sphere of political commentary. In white classrooms and professional settings, otherwise extroverted blacks become laryngitic. Additionally, restrictive images of militancy further the belief that one must don a dashiki and ‘fro in order to “talk back." But the example of Clarence Page, soft-spoken in his suit and tie, begs to differ.

Speak up!