by guest blogger Rebecca
http://conservativedailynews.com/2012/01/reality-check-racist-politicians/
While most of us know when a clip or line entry is taken out of context, the reporter in this video clip has a good point, during the recent political battle for any coveted position; every single candidate has been called a racist!
· So I ask… is it possible that every one of us has some extent of racism in us?
· Does it slip out unbeknownst to us?
· Is it racism or just insensitive comments…are they the same thing if said with this intent?
I can’t believe that every single candidate running is racist, hopefully they are just ill informed and need to be schooled in politically correct language use??
Rebecca
Hi, Rebecca --
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, please tell me this post came up on your facebook news feed and you chanced upon it haphazardly. In other words, please don't tell me that you regularly read the Conservative Daily News!!! : )
Also, please note the collegial undertones of that last comment as indicated by the smiley face (what I assume is a universally recognized sign for good natured ribbing).
Second, one might add that not "every single candidate running" is accused of being racist. Every single Republican* candidate running is accused of being racist. Without such distinction, we would be doing a disservice to groups such as The Democratic Party and The Green Party, which have faced very few accusations of racism.
Finally, on a more serious note, I think you bring up a very good point when you ask "is it possible that every one of us has some extent of racism in us?" While I don't necessarily believe that everyone is inherently racist (prejudice, maybe, but racism demands the power to oppress), I do agree that racism is deeply embedded within American society, and is especially embedded within political culture. Therefore, it isn't surprising to me that political candidates who have long been in the public eye, and are now thoroughly investigated are facing scrutiny for past decisions and proclamations.
I should note here, Rebecca, that I am in the computer lab and my headphones stink. So I am basing most of this comment on your comments, and what I already know of the situation.
Hope you had a nice break!
Sincerely,
Courtney
Do you think that since most candidates are older that maybe they are more apt to be prejudiced or let it slip through somehow? It seems to me that a lot of the older generational population has tendencies to be prejudiced. Either through their choice of not being politically correct in their language usage or in their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteAccording to this article (abiet a bit old)
Deletehttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/01/todays_median_age_voters_grew.html
and census data (not old)
http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p20-562.pdf
Average voting age is mid 40s. The census data of groups says 45-54 followed closely by the 35-45 range.
It isn't only the candidates that are older, so are the voters. Most people taking college classes do not fit into that age range. Are people writing the news stories that age as well? The older voting population might let it slip more than the young voting population in addition to the candidates not thinking it is as prejudiced.
Your bias all depends on what environment you are subject to. I cannot speak for politicians..nor can I tell you what to believe but there are very obvious signs of racism(such as stereotypes and when people "accidentally slip at the tongue") and there are somethings that people want to make into a racist or biased comment just to create that feeling of empathy. People will take their true intentions to the grave so finding out why is out of the question. All that matters is deciphering the roses from the dandelions.
ReplyDeleteI will like to comment on the part of your question that asks (para-phrasing): "....is there a trace of racism in everyone of us....?" This is a very sensitive question yet relevant as the case may be. Racism in opinion gains momentum or stems from the concept/perception of the 'other' which we have formulated in our minds based on information and experience we have acquired regarding the 'other'.
ReplyDeleteIn other words the way I will likely react towards you will be mainly based on the perception i have created about you. There is a likelihood that i may either act egocentric or respectful if i find reasons to. It's all based on perception.
However, the perception which was previously created can be adjusted based on information as well- to bring about more tolerance and acceptance of the 'other'. So we see a process of freezing, de-freezing and freezing again; a process paradigm-shift coming to play here.
It is also my opinion that this is the role that this blog plays...