Ta-Nehisi Coates, by his own acknowledgment, is very influential among white, liberal readers. For the better part of a decade, reading Coates, being able to discuss his work, and to engage with it, was practically a requirement for certain groups of politically active white liberals who were — or at least wanted to be perceived as – – anti-racist. This is not a criticism of Coates: having a broad audience is the dream of all writers, and there’s no evidence, despite accusations to the contrary, that Coates was pandering or seeking out their affections.
The reason why this influence and his specific sway over white liberals is relevant is because it’s key to understanding the recent pro-Israel meltdown over Coates’ latest media tour for his book The Message—namely its focus on condemning Israeli apartheid and the oppression of Palestinians. …..more
