Two Black Identities in the Republican Party

Alan Keyes






Colin Powell



Jessie Peterson





Lt. Gov. Michael Steele



By Dell Gines


I want to introduce a new term into our vocabulary, Black Concussed Conservative and I have what I think is a solid reason for doing so.

By all measurements, I could be considered a ‘conservative’. I believe in states rights for the most part, small government, lower taxes, business and economic development, self-determinism and basic morality. I am pro-capitalism and I am vehemently anti-abortion. I believe many blacks are similar to me. However, where I categorically disagree with blacks who so often call themselves ‘Republican Conservatives’ or ‘Right Wing Conservatives’ are over issues of economic and social justice for black folk, and the aforementioned conservative’s ignorance, arrogance, and unwillingness to truly address racism, and the effects of historic racism that have left us as blacks a perpetual underclass.

So I have created a term which does not apply to the socially conscious and progressive black conservatives like me, and others who share a similar political and social philosophy. This term ‘black concussed conservative’ is aimed at defining those ‘black conservatives’ who choose to intentionally, sometimes maliciously, and all the time ignorantly ignore the very real effects of racism, whites supremacy and historic inequities of ‘America’ and the consequences past and present that have damaged the progress of blacks.

Why concussed you ask? Besides the obvious alliteration of c’s, a concussion does a few things to an individual:

1.It can cause loss of consciousness
2.It can cause blurred vision
3.It can cause confusion
4.It can cause temporary short term memory loss

Hummm…interesting, lets examine the ‘black concussed conservative’ according to these four concussion effects a little deeper.

Loss of consciousness. For those of us who have grown up in the community, we know what consciousness means. It is a positive view of ourselves and an understanding of our circumstance and struggle as black individuals in America. It is a commitment to our black community, and pride at being a black male or female. The concussed conservative has lost this sensitivity, and ‘consciousnesses’ about themselves, their heritage, and the struggle we as black folks still face. Until of course they are pulled over and harassed by a racist cop, or are unfairly ignored or singled out in a grocery store or a bank.

Blurred Vision. The concussed conservative has taken the positive ideals of conservatism, and because of the inability to ‘see’ correctly, has instead used them as an additional burden on the backs of black folk. For example, blurred self-determinism has the concussed providing simple and clichéd statements such as ‘why can’t you blacks just get a job’ or ‘so many of us blacks are lazy’. Blurred morality has the concussed marginalizing and simplifying the complex sociological burden of black life through statements of, ‘she should just keep her legs closed’ or ‘he is a thug, lock him up and throw away the key’.

Confusion. Confusion is defined as an ‘impaired orientation’ and a ‘disturbed mental state’. The concussed conservative’s orientation is impaired when it comes to evaluating statistics that STILL show the tremendous gap in all ‘health’ indicators, economic, social, and physical between black Americans and white Americans. Instead they hold onto a very disturbing mental state, justifying every act of conservative behavior as in the best interest of the country and blacks, and any blacks who oppose this behavior as race baiters or individuals who play the race card.

Short Term Memory Loss. Probably the most damaging aspect of the black concussed conservative’s mentality is that they seemingly block from all memory, past and present barbaric acts of racism. To them, the civil rights movement is antiquity even though it was only forty years churches were being bombed, dogs were being sicked on children, and legislation had to be passed to legally make us equal. All current acts of demonstrated racism is considered ‘blown out of proportion’ or the product of ‘poverty pimping preachers’ exploiting ignorant blacks as if it isn’t part of the long history of racism and discrimination in this country.

So as you can see, the term Black Concussed Conservative moniker aptly fits those so-called black right wingers who refuse to acknowledge the reality of race, racism, and their own history, struggle and place in the fight for true parity in America. I refuse to be that kind of conservative and I suggest apply identifying the ‘conservative’ Tom’s who are concussed.


Dell Gines is the President of the The Urban Center for Economic Education and Development, . He has been blogging since June 2005 at Dellgines.com AKA Adequate Defense, and discusses a vast array of topics dealing from Urban Culture, Politics, and Faith. He is also a contributor to HipHopRepublican.com