Art McGee wrote: "This is self-evident to most Black people, and it's fascinating to me watching 'white' intellectuals try to debate the obvious, or make claims as to what they thought Malcolm was about, or whose 'friend' he was.
"In the end, the only people with the real say are those who he had the most influence over, Black people, and they frankly don't care anymore what most 'white' Leftists have to say."
KL: From whom would you prefer white activists should draw lessons? If you don't care, why is it fascinating to watch? Why waste time reading and posting to this list?
Art: "You can put out a resounding resolution from every 'white' Left and Socialist organization saying 'Malcolm Did Shameful Things!', and all the Black people would send back a response that said 'Fuck You!'."
KL: In the LBO debate, the main attacks on Malcolm X, and accusations of shame, have come from one who proclaims himself to be a Black intellectual; the support for Malcolm, from some who are white. That is the reverse of what you described. How do you account for that odd result?
For what it may be worth, my personal guess is that people participate in these exchanges for one of two reasons. Those who build careers based on scholarship dedicated to discrediting the left and soothing liberals monitor this forum for grist. Those who advocate the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism hope to broaden their understanding, and increase their bonds with others who share that aim. (The sad exception are those habituated to permanent Left Opposition postures. For them, potshots take precedence over progress any day.)
Ken Lawrence