Coates understands much of the backlash embodied by Trump and his white nationalists allies as a direct and logical response to a black presidency—and one not without ample historical precedent. Elsewhere in the world he observes various right-wing movements and Brexit as similar responses to nonwhite people gaining more of a foothold in traditionally white-dominated societies.
To Coates, Obama’s ascension didn’t signal the arrival of equality but confirmed that “it was always the case that individually gifted and lucky African-Americans could go far,” he explained. “The fight for equality is really the fight to be mediocre.”
Coates said that a 150-page book couldn’t possibly carry the burden of complete representation, nor should it. Instead, there should be more opportunities for different kinds of people to write books.
“I want to be really clear about this: It’s not the fact of white people are reading this book that is depressing. It is the notion that a book that started with my friend getting killed becomes about what white people care about.” The audience erupted in applause. “It’s like, ‘Well, what about me? Can we talk about me and my feelings again?'”
“It’s gotta be something internal that says: ‘If I don’t say this, write this sentence, I’m gonna slit my throat.'”
