Guest Editorial: Clarence Thomas cries foul over barrage of public criticism – Does he protest too much?

There are those who believe that all Black folk “look alike.” Of course, just a cursory glance at the vast panorama of hues, heights and hairstyles that can be seen within the African diaspora dispel such absurd notions. Similarly, and just as incorrect, there are those who believe that all Black folk “think alike.” But if you believe that hype, we suggest you spend a few hours in any of D.C.’s more popular barber shops, beauty parlors or houses of worship frequented by African Americans and you’ll soon see that Black perceptions are varied and complex. These stereotypes which minimize the diversity of the Black community have become relevant given the latest controversy surrounding Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. On Friday, May 10, during a judicial conference on the Gulf Coast, Thomas lashed out at his critics, denouncing the public scrutiny that he and his family have faced over the past year. To be fair to Thomas, who is now the oldest and longest-serving member on the Court, it was obvious from the moment that he was nominated by President George W. Bush in 1991 to succeed social justice icon Thurgood Marshall, that Brother Clarence had some mighty big shoes...