I watched from start to finish last night, with minutes-long intervals in which I waited for my browser to load (stolen wireless). Very tasteful, yes. Even more–familiar. Among the guests last night were Al Sharpton, the King children, Barry Gordy, that rambly Senator lady (who ever called this dude white?! ) Along with the Jackson family these were members of a bygone generation of black leader. It triggered something in me watching them embrace, then seeing Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory up onstage. I’m ambivalent about that time. On one hand they were never fit to be leaders on that scale, but on the other hand they really had Black peoples’ back no matter what.
The reaction of black Americans has been tremendous, on the scale of OJ stan-ness. And white people are rallying too, but the level of protectiveness from blacks has been overwhelming. Unfortunately, Jackson was in need of support years ago–from his eulogizers’ emphasis on his early years and their defensiveness of his later years, this is quite clear.
Still, it’s heartening to see his family embrace and support each other in public. Watching them brought to mind this quote from Richard Powers, which has proven to be one of my favorites. I’ve never been completely clear on what its meaning is in context:
How good they’ve all been, her family. A blackness big enough to absorb all strains.
But I think you can substitute “love” for “blackness” here. I think that’s the point.
