Are Black People ALLOWED to Criticize President Obama (& other Black stars)?

Cornell West is certainly taking a beating. His crime? Criticizing President Obama. Since the election of our fearlessly fair-skinned leader, Black pundits have been uncharacteristically silent on many of the President's proposed bills, vetos, and general conduct. His wife's non-coutour fashion choices have somehow united the usually catty and critical fashion world.

The Obamas certainly are a likable pair, especially in contrast to our last two or three Presidential couples. Their Mid-western friendliness is certainly a welcome change to the pronounced stodginess, coldness, and downright orneriness or his predecessor.

I will contrast a visit to the White House prior to Obama thusly-an armed sentry glaring at tourists who dared to come near the White House barriers (couldn't even get close to the gate at that time).
Post Obama: tons of happy smiling tourists able to take pictures right on the White House gate.

But does this kinder, more accessible president mean his policies are not up for debate-ever?

Not only does President Obama seem to be off limits, but quite a few Black celebrities avoid public censure, despite questionable career and personal choices. Many "Black movies" enjoy the same protected status, even when the stories, casting, acting, and direction are lackadaisical.

As a semi-professional critic, I know the value of being scrutinized and yes, even criticized. Constructive criticism forces one to choose their words carefully, to be ever mindful of the ramifications of hasty decisions, and to constantly strive for the ever elusive goal of perfection. Criticism can be harsh, even emotionally devastating, but isn't that what we sign up for when we choose to live among other people?

Most high achieving people, particularly artistic people, are continually subject to their own internal critic- so public criticism is never as debilitating as their own self-view.

So I say put away the pitch forks, tar, and feathers. Nothing's wrong with mocking the president if he wears mom jeans. If the First Lady enjoys wearing "regular" clothes, the fashionistas have every right to jeer or cheer. If a Black actor delivers a terrible performance, groan and throw popcorn. How else will he know he stinks?

And for heaven's sake, if a well known over-achieving scholar wishes to berate the president for some political gaffe, shouldn't he be allowed?