The Black Conservatism of Clarence Thomas.
Liberals don’t get him. Conservatives don’t get him either (though they’re more likely to think they do). That’s because most White folks don’t know the history of Black Conservatism (a very distinct tradition from what is today called “conservatism”), and its characteristic pessimism on race relations.
Thomas has unfortunately been typecast–either as an “Uncle Tom” or as the triumphant proof of American meritocracy. This is unfortunate, because neither is true and he thinks neither is true. Taking Thomas seriously requires taking his actual ideology seriously, and that will lead to some uncomfortable moments for his enemies–but more so for his friends.