More on the "Magic Negro" Story

I had forgotten that it was an L.A. Times opinion piece that started the characterization of Obama as a "Magic Negro."

But the piece was by an African American author, so use of the word "negro" was okay. I know of his racial identification because he spelled it out:

Speaking as an African American whose last name has led to his racial "credentials" being challenged — often several times a day — I know how pesky this sort of thing can be.

I dream of a day when we won't be so deferential
to racial credentials.