Come again?

The Washington Post has an article this morning on the perception among some gay activitists that he drive for legalized marriage has reflects the "sanitizing" of a previously radical movement. It's an interesting proposition, on which I am entirely unable to comment. But this little line, deep into the article, is remarkable:

This is an old radical narrative. Left-wing labor organizers in the 1930s watched three decades later as unionized workers marched in support of the Vietnam War. Aging black liberationists watch the ascension of such conservatives as Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice.

. I think the point is that the members of a movement's vanguard are frequently fringe radicals, while its later beneficiaries are less so, but I am not sure the Powell/Rice example really works for that. Of course, to be more cynical (which we at RAD always try to avoid)the point may be that Powell and Rice have somehow sold out their race by working for a Republican (a point made humorously here, and less humorously by others such as Harry Belafonte). I am not sure, but it seems at least to be an example of stretching to make a point, and at worst a gratuitious attack on Rice and Powell.
- posted by Anonymous @ 5:09 PM