Ta-Nehisi Coates, one of America’s most prominent voices on racism, recently opened up about the response to his latest book, “The Message,” and how his exploration of Palestine has provided him with a broader understanding of global issues. In an interview, Coates discussed the book’s themes, particularly the connections he draws between the experiences of Palestinians and broader issues of oppression.
Coates’s new work arguably could have been titled “Between the World and Me,” (a nod to his acclaimed 2015 bestseller) as it traverses various locations such as Senegal, South Carolina, and Palestine. In doing so, he delves into subjects including the African diaspora, book censorship in the U.S., and the realities of Israeli apartheid. With accolades like a MacArthur fellowship and a National Book Award, Coates has established himself as a keen observer of racism in America and a powerful voice articulating Black experiences. This latest book, however, expands its focus beyond previous works.
The chapter on Palestine stands out as a centerpiece. Coates spent time in the West Bank and Israel, engaging with groups such as the Palestinian Festival of Literature and Breaking the Silence, which consists of former Israeli soldiers who oppose the ongoing occupation. His firsthand experience revealed the systemic humiliations Palestinians face daily, from segregated roads to oppressive checkpoints. He describes an encounter in Hebron where an Israeli soldier demanded to know his religion, only allowing him to pass after he identified as Christian. Coates asserts that Israel has established an advanced form of segregation, stating, “Israel had advanced beyond the Jim Crow South and segregated not just the pools and the fountains, but the water itself.”
He reflects on his trip, noting a stark contrast between the Palestine he observed and the narratives often depicted. “The Palestine I saw bore so little likeness to the stories I read, and so much resemblance to the systems I’ve known,” he says. His critique extends to the American media landscape, which he describes as often avoiding the realities of these conversations.
In response to criticism he encountered, particularly during a tumultuous interview on CBS Mornings, Coates emphasizes a broader systemic issue: the media’s reluctance to engage openly with topics like apartheid. He voiced frustration over the focus shifting from addressing apartheid directly to debating manners and ethics within the media. Coates underscores that real dialogue should challenge the facts he presented, rather than becoming a discussion about decorum.
When discussing the role of Black voices in international discourse, Coates posits that there seems to be a historical pattern of suppression whenever Black individuals dare to address global issues critically. He recalls the legacies of figures like Paul Robeson and Muhammad Ali, suggesting that such a targeted suppression persists today. “There’s tremendous pressure not to have this conversation,” he reflects, highlighting how journalists grapple with the implications of discussing sensitive topics like Israel and Palestine.
As our conversation shifted towards the political landscape, Coates expressed skepticism about future leaders disrupting entrenched systems, emphasizing the need for a broader political awakening. He sees writing and discussion as crucial in expanding public awareness and challenging outdated narratives.
Finally, Coates concludes with a powerful assertion about the importance of dialogue: “People should think about what they lose by not talking about Palestine.” He emphasizes that these conversations are not just a matter of academic interest but vital for understanding complex historical and contemporary dynamics of oppression, fostering a more nuanced perspective on the interconnected struggles for justice worldwide.
