Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on 'Bob Edwards Weekend'

25 April, 2008 01:54:00

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Photo by Mark Stehle

The author and social commentator evaluates the candidacy of Barack Obama and the fate of Black America.

Bob begins this episode with a homage to broadcasting pioneer Edward R. Murrow, who was born 100 years ago on April 25th. He remembers his journalistic hero with an essay, complete with clips of some of Murrow’s best-known reports.

Then, forty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Michael Eric Dyson evaluates the fate of Black America -- how it has advanced, where it hasn't, and how black leaders can best affect racial justice going forward. Dyson speaks with Bob about the candidacy of Barack Obama, the comments of Rev. Jeremiah Wright and about the history and legacy of hip-hop culture and rap music. Dyson’s most recent book is titled April 4, 1968: "Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death and How It Changed America."

"Bob Edwards Weekend" is a two-hour interview showcase, in which celebrated host Bob Edwards highlights the life and work of interesting people, from newsmakers, historians, and authors to artists, actors, and regular folks too. The show is produced by XM Satellite Radio and distributed nationwide by PRI.

More "Bob Edwards Weekend"

Comments (9 posted):

Chuck Berlemann on 26 April, 2008 11:27:12

I find it interesting that Mr. Dyson can put words in Martin Luther King's mouth 40 years after he was murdered. I also don't believe a word of Mr Dyson's BS. He is simply trying to polish Jerrimiah Wright's image by saying the MLK was saying the same thing. Shame on him !

B. Walker on 27 April, 2008 01:07:34

Thanks for the show, this was my first time listening to Bob Edwards. Mr. Dyson was on point with everything he had to say. Many in Black America have felt this way for a long time.

UppityWoman on 27 April, 2008 01:46:18

I am very disappointed Bob Edwards chose to put Eric Michael Dyson on to spout his racism.
I worked at the same institution Dyson did--and it was amazing how much time off from the classroom this BUSINESSMAN got to peddle his books, peddle his speeches--he was just NEVER in he classroom.
I find his books to be very full of personal anecdotes, personal opinions, and short on real data to back up his opinions.
I would be called racist if I were to reveal my identity--but Dyson is WRONG WRONG WRONG to label all 'white brothers and sisters' or 'white america' as HAPPY with Dr. King's assassination.
I know this is true because my then 50 year old REPUBLICAN WHITE father and mother were noticably saddened by his death.
It is also WRONG for Dyson to label
white america as upset with King's turn against the Vietnam War.
My Republican Father and Mother were planning to spirit my brother to Canada so he would not get caught up in the meatgringer of Vietnam.
Dyson WAS ELEVEN YEARS OLD and KNEW NO White people in Detroit.
When will you have Erica Jong on to discuss the sexism Hillary has had to deal with, Bob?

Eric Abdullateef on 27 April, 2008 05:32:45

I enjoyed your interview with Michael Edward Dyson so much that I listened twice.

Wisson West on 27 April, 2008 10:04:38

Michael Dyson is the voice of progressive America which needs to be heard. Thanks to Bob and NPR for taking a positive step and interviewing Mr. Dyson who accurately assesses contemporary issues in politics and society in general. He deals with the raw facts and figures. For those who have open minds and wish the best for this society, we will correctly analyze the history of this country with regard to race, gender, the poor, the physically challenged, etc. Any reasonable or sane person would conclude that great injustices have been committed and there must be a reconciliation. Dr. Dyson's voice is one which should be heard.

ilyas on 27 April, 2008 11:17:52

I enjoyed the show tremendously. It gave me a new insight as minority in America/ Black America. This was my fist time listening to Bob Edwards show, it was great interview with of Dr. Dyson. Dr. Dyson was great!!

I enjoyed his lyrics / perspective/ ideas.

Thanks you both ! keep up the good work.

Salim Muwakkil on 28 April, 2008 02:31:17

Dr. Dyson is an entertaining interview. His take on Dr. King, Sen. Obama and Rev. Wright was insightful and provocative. He was right about Bob Edwards's ability to lucidly summarize difficult truths, as well. I also like Dyson's take on Hip-Hop, a genre that has been unfairly demonzied -- especially by the black middle-class. Dyson's verbosity can sometimes come across as glib and even a bit shallow. But his torrent of words usually reveals more jewels than it obscures.

Michael A. on 04 May, 2008 01:00:35

Hotep, I certainly appreciated the commentary of Bro. Dyson and you as well Bob. I sincerely miss you and your level headed adult presence on NPR and the "Morning Edition" Ifound very interesting the comments posted herein, regarding Dr. Dyson's opinions and positions on Race, King and the music genre "Hip-Hop". As one of your commentators stated, I'm personally not a fan of this genre, though Ihave found some of the artist and their music worthy of praise. Happily, Dr. Dyson has studied the genre sufficiently to bring about greater appreciation for those of us who've not invested such interest and study. Please continue to bring such intellect, study, and research to such under valued persons and topics leading to enlightened and interesting commemts amd an eminently qualified perspective. Everyone is indeed entitled to their own opinions, however only the informed opinions are valid... Thanks and keep up the best of your work. I do however wish to hear you again on Morning Edition, if even as a regular contributor. Additionally, I too felt as David Mamet regarding my listening to "Morning Edition".. Peace

Michael A. on 04 May, 2008 01:13:32

Excellent show! I'm a great fan of Dr. Dyson and commend you Bob for your insight and open minded attitude to what some may perceive as a controversial perspective. Please have Dr. Dyson back to discuss more his lates book. Miss you in the Morning, but the weekends are nice too... Peace!