African American Tea Party Supporters: Explaining a Political Paradox

(Hardback)

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To their critics who celebrated the election of Americas first African American president, black Tea Party supporters are self-loathing race traitors. In African American Tea Party Supporters: Explaining A Political Paradox, Kirk A. Johnson interviews thirty elected officials, radio personalities, military veterans, and other black Tea Partyers to reveal a group with deep regard for African Americansand even for Barack Obamabut also divergent perspectives on race, religion, government, and Tea Party racism. Johnson argues when viewed in the context of their family structures and life experiences, black Tea Partyers unusual political choices are knowable, understandable, and rational.

Reviews

Why do a very small minority of black Americans support the Tea Party, a movement of agitated white people with suspect and often outwardly racist motives And should we care Kirk Johnson seeks an answer by interviewing 30 black Tea Party members and he is surprised by what he finds. This is a brave book. Yes, Johnson exposes more than a bit of misinformation and prejudice. But in his sociological presentation black Tea Party members come alive as mostly nuanced, thoughtful, and principledand not as racist or duped. This book made me think. -- Roger Berkowitz, Bard College
By examining a group with such an unexpected political affiliation, African American Tea Party Supporters is an intriguing exploration of a little-studied aspect of the Tea Party movement. Kirk Johnson provides a detailed account of the backgrounds, motivations, and attitudes of African American members of the Tea Party. This book shows how this uniquely positioned group manages complicated relationships with white members of the Tea Party and with other black people. Readers of all political leanings will be surprised at times and frustrated at others, but engaged and better-informed as a result of this book. By providing insight into the politics of African American Tea Party members, Johnson contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary conservative politics. -- Corey D. Fields, Georgetown University, Author of Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans

Author Bio

Kirk A. Johnson is associate professor of sociology and African American studies at the University of Mississippi.