The Most Persuasive Case for Eliminating Black Studies? Just Read the Dissertations<\/a>.”<\/p>\nShe had the gall to suggest that the dissertations she reviewed were “a collection of left-wing victimization claptrap.” And she went further. “Let some legitimate scholars find solutions to the problems of blacks in America,” she said. “Solutions that don\u2019t begin and end with blame the white man.”<\/p>\n
Imagine telling African Americans to not blame the white man.<\/p>\n
Black people hating white people\u2014that type of racism is not only considered okay\u2014the Left actually makes it noble. It’s a qualification in the eyes of some for being a “civil rights leader.” And for African-Americans to try to preach that this ill will should be put aside, well, they’re not “down for the struggle.” They’re not authentically black.<\/p>\n
The Chronicle editor Liz McMillen originally responded to the outcry over the article by encouraging readers \u201cto debate Riley\u2019s views, challenge her, set things straight as you see fit.\u201d<\/p>\n
But after the weekend, she caved to the criticism, apologized to readers in \u201cA Note to Readers,\u201d and fired Riley.<\/p>\n
McMillen explained that Riley was asked to leave, as her post \u201cdid not conform to the journalistic standards and civil tone that you expect from us.\u201d<\/p>\n
No, Liz, the problem with Riley’s piece is that she was asking African-Americans to put aside their hatred, to turn the page of history and get on with their lives, freed from the shackles of victimology. Liz, they just don’t want to hear that.<\/p>\n