The Absurdity of Policing Black Political Thought
In a recent incident of complete absurdity, Kehinde Andrews found himself defending the use of terms like “Coconut”, “House Negro”, “Coon”, and “Uncle Tom” in an anti-racist context. He narrates two surreal moments – one involving Professor Gargi Bhattacharyya in court, and the other his own police interrogation regarding describing Calvin Robinson as a “House Negro”.
The historical context of these terms, rooted in the anti-racist struggle, contrasts starkly with their misrepresentation as racial slurs. Laws around racial hatred have a dark history of policing Black and Brown political thought, often targeting activists like Roy Sawh and Michael X in the past.
The ongoing “coconut trial”, exemplified by Marieha Hussain’s case, exposes the true agenda behind laws supposedly aimed at preventing racial discrimination. In a world where diversity is often used as a shield for racist policies, it becomes imperative to challenge the systemic hypocrisy and remind ourselves of our collective interests against White supremacy.
Ultimately, the incidents discussed serve as a grim reminder that racial progress is often a façade, masking deeper systemic issues that continue to plague British race relations.
About the Author: Kehinde Andrews is a Professor of Black Studies whose work focuses on resistance to racism and grassroots organizations. He is the author of several books exploring Black radicalism and the impact of colonialism on the modern world.