Reply #87: If blacks were in the minority and subjugated white Americans for centuries, it would make

[EffieBlack]

sense to "substitute 'white' for 'black'" in Wright's sermons. But since that's not the case, it would be a silly exercise.

Wright expressed a point of view that many people share and it is not "racist." It is based on fact. Sadly, it makes many people uncomfortable - partly because they have never heard that perspective before. But it doesn't make it any less valid or important.

He did NOT engage in hate speech. Yes, he expressed anger. Yes, he expressed a view that doesn't comport with the rosy "America the Beautiful" concept that some folk love to embrace. But it was NOT hate speech. In fact, it was much milder than many of the diatribes that are all-too-common right here on DU. The difference is that, instead of directing his comments to one particular candidate or one particular political party, he criticized elements in this country that have degraded, demonized and discriminated against African Americans throughout history. That apparently makes some people extremely uncomfortable.

A black person's criticism of the behavior of certain white people is NOT hate speech, no matter how many times you try to label it as such.