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Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates - Ta-Nehisi Coates is a senior editor for The Atlantic, where he writes about culture, politics, and social issues for TheAtlantic.com and the magazine. He is the author of the memoir The Beautiful Struggle. More

Born in 1975, the product of two beautiful parents. Raised in West Baltimore—not quite The Wire, but sometimes ill all the same. Studied at the Mecca for some years in the mid-’90s. Emerged with a purpose, if not a degree. Slowly migrated up the East Coast with a baby and my beloved, until I reached the shores of Harlem. Wrote some stuff along the way.

Bump for black paternalism

By Ta-Nehisi Coates
Aug 21 2008, 4:30 PM ET Comment

Alright white folks, here's your shot. You too can be portrayed as one-dimensional by the mainstream. You too can now have a go-to mouthpiece for lazy reporters and cable-news clucking heads. Your choices are indeed staggering. But there can only be one. Who will be megaphone-bearer?

UPDATE: Polls close tomorrow, white folks. You will be awarded your spanking new racial spokesperson at on Monday. I'd like to say that, thus far, I've heard all your voices and understand your strong desire to see Jeff speak for you. Even if it isn't expressed in poll numbers. I know it's expressed in your heart, and I would know because I've watched Seinfeld, played some Toby Keith and even considered a cucumber sandwich. Hey come on, I read Stuff White People Like too!






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