Matt Walsh challenges Ibram X. Kendi to live debate on slavery after viral social media exchange
Daily Wire Host Challenges “Anti-Racist” Activist to Debate Over Slavery
Daily Wire host Matt Walsh has issued a challenge to “anti-racist” activist Ibram X. Kendi after Kendi criticized Walsh’s perspective on slavery, calling it “the ultimate White savior statement.”
Kendi took offense to Walsh’s response to a post about slavery, where Walsh stated, “Slavery is world history. White people did not invent it, and were not the first to practice it, but were the first to abolish it. The last place in the world to still have legal slavery was Africa. It wasn’t fully legally abolished on the continent until 1981.”
Slavery is world history. White people did not invent it, and were not the first to practice it, but were the first to abolish it. The last place in the world to still have legal slavery was Africa. It wasn’t fully legally abolished on the continent until 1981. https://t.co/ZfTvdLXydt
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) February 6, 2024
Walsh’s statement received widespread support, including from Elon Musk, owner of X, who simply replied, “True.” With over six million views, Walsh’s post sparked a significant response, including Kendi, who quote-tweeted Walsh and labeled it as “The ultimate White savior statement.”
In response to Kendi’s comment, Walsh offered a live on-camera debate, saying, “Why don’t we have a conversation live on camera about this issue? You can explain to me in person why my statements about slavery are wrong. What do you say @ibramxk?”
Why don’t we have a conversation live on camera about this issue? You can explain to me in person why my statements about slavery are wrong. What do you say @ibramxk?
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) February 8, 2024
As of now, Kendi has not publicly responded to Walsh’s offer for a debate on camera. Kendi, known for promoting Critical Race Theory, gained prominence after the death of George Floyd in 2020. He has authored books and engaged in speaking engagements to push his ideas. In 2021, Kendi received a $625,000 grant for research from the MacArthur Foundation. However, he has faced criticism for his belief that America is systemically racist and for charging high fees for speaking engagements.
In addition to his work, Kendi started an education center at Boston University focused on “anti-racist research.” However, the center faced controversy last year when around 20 staffers were fired, leading to an inquiry into its culture by the university.
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Kendi has faced criticism for his book “How To Be an Antiracist,” where he promotes the theory that all racial disparities are due to racism. He has also received backlash for his children’s picture book, “Antiracist Baby,” which introduces young children to the concept of anti-racism.
Leif Le Mahieu and Mairead Elordi contributed to this report.
What are some alternative methods to a civil and informed debate for challenging someone’s perspective?
Better way to challenge someone’s perspective than through a civil and informed debate?”
This exchange between Walsh and Kendi is representative of a larger conversation surrounding the history of slavery. While Walsh emphasized the role of white people in abolishing slavery, Kendi took issue with what he perceived as a “White savior” narrative. It is important to examine both perspectives and evaluate the historical context in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Slavery is undoubtedly a part of world history, spanning across various civilizations and cultures. While white people did not invent slavery, they did play a crucial role in its eventual abolition. The Atlantic slave trade and the subsequent transatlantic slavery system were perpetrated predominantly by Europeans, bringing millions of Africans to the Americas as slaves. It was due to the efforts of abolitionist movements, primarily led by white individuals, that slavery eventually came to an end in many parts of the world.
However, as Kendi rightly pointed out, the narrative of white people as the sole saviors of slaves can be problematic. It disregards the agency and resistance of enslaved individuals themselves, as well as the contributions of black abolitionists and activists throughout history. While white individuals played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, it is crucial to acknowledge the broader network of individuals and communities that fought for freedom and equality.
The debate between Walsh and Kendi offers an opportunity to delve deeper into this complex historical issue. By engaging in a respectful and informed discussion, both parties can present their perspectives and provide insight into the nuances of the topic. This would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the history of slavery, its impact, and the ongoing issues related to racism and inequality.
It is essential to approach this debate with an open mind and a willingness to learn from different viewpoints. By engaging in dialogue, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of history, acknowledging the contributions and struggles of all individuals involved. It is through these conversations that we can foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and work towards a more inclusive and just society.
In conclusion, the challenge issued by Matt Walsh to Ibram X. Kendi presents an opportunity for a fruitful and enlightening debate about the history of slavery. By engaging in respectful dialogue, both individuals have the ability to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. This exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in civil discourse, acknowledging different perspectives, and continuously striving for knowledge and understanding in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
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