Ta-Nehisi Coates — The Secret Lives of Inner-City Black Males

Paul Ryan's explanation for urban poverty isn't much different from Barack Obama's. Why did it make liberals so angry?

The Atlantic
The Secret Lives of Inner-City Black Males
Ta-Nehisi Coates

There are two separate issues here. First is the racism endemic to the United States. Secondly, is the use of racism as a political tool by the GOP since Nixon's Southern strategy. Both are despicable but they are different.

There is little more cynical that a politician claiming not to be racist using coded racist strategy and tactics for political advantage. That is why liberals were angry.

With regard to endemic racism that makes such a political strategy not only viable but worth resorting to, ending is a primary national challenge that America has not yet risen to. It's difficult because it has become endemic, but that's no excuse to ignore it, or, worse, blame the victims.