“That Conversation about Race” category archive
They Are Afraid, but of What? 0
You have seen and heard examples of the magnetic hold Donald Trump has over many of his supporters. The Republican rank and file continue to support him, even as establishment Republicans jump from Trump. Indeed, the loyalty of many defies reality, such as the woman my brother told me of seeing on television:
She said was afraid it was her last opportunity to vote for a man with morals and ethics.
The premise of that statement, that Trump has “morals and ethics,” is not simply insupportable, it’s jaw-droppingly discounted from reality.
In Sunday’s Inky, John Kaag and Michael Ventimiglia delve into the seemingly magnetic hold Donald Trump has over his core supporters. Their conclusions echo the conclusions that Richard Hofstadter reached about American political extremism the almost 70 years ago: status anxiety and fear of loss of privilege. Here’s an bit:
This explains, at least in part, the visceral reaction that Trump and his supporters have to “political correctness.” Politically correct language is, to their ears, the soundtrack of an alien uprising . . . .
Still Rising Again after All These Years 0
You’ve heard of Mosby’s Rangers?
Meet Trump’s terrorists.
“The callers were threatening to come over and burn down the building and to shoot up the building,” John Swaine, the museum’s CEO, told the News and Observer. “They’ve lessened in frequency this week, but they’re still coming in.”
(snip)
Swaine said that he denied the Trump campaign’s request for a tour on Sept. 20 because the campaign asked for the museum to be closed for five hours and for Trump to be videotaped walking through the exhibits.
“You Have To Be Carefully Taught . . . .” 0
In the Bangor Daily News, Julia Hathaway wonders why so many persons are angered by the concept that black lives might, indeed, matter. Here’s an example of what she refers to (warning: autoplay; also, disgusting). She remembers her growing up and notes that it starts when you are young. Here’s a tiny bit:
Fear Is a Defense (Updated) 0
At the Boston Review, Simon Waxman examines a recent Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that a black man’s running from the cops is not in and of itself an offense. Rather, indeed, it can be justifiable due to a history of police conduct. Here’s an excerpt; follow the link for the full article.
On appeal, the SJC determined that the vague description of Warren and his companion, and their flight from officers, were insufficient grounds for a police seizure. In doing so, the justices validated, to some degree, black men’s fear of police.
The ruling acknowledges that, in light of enduring police misconduct, black men have good reason to flee the police.
Addendum, Later That Same Day:
In the Vice Presidential Debate, Mike Pence said it’s better not to talk about this sort of stuff so as to avoid hurting the fee-fees of the po-po.
Addendum Afterthought:
The creative thinking of those who would defend racism and racist behavior does tend to amaze, does it not?
Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt 0
C&L points out that it also racism’s and the racists’ strongest ally:
Follow the link for the full essay.
Still Rising Again after All These Years 0
Or,”If you want them to have a work ethic, don’t spare the whip.”
Words fail me.
The View from Afar 0
Leonard Pitts, Jr., wonders how they do it.
Coinage 2
Badtux agrees that we need a new word and suggests that we adopt the term, “whitesplaining”; methinks yon penguin has a point.
Follow the link for the full rationale.
Immunity Impunity, the Poisoning of Flint Dept.
0
Unspeakable venality.
All That Was Old Is New Again 0
Back in the olden days, when I was a young ‘un, segregationists would always claim that civil rights demonstrations were the work of “outside agitators” because, according to them, “our darkies are happy darkies.”
I guess it’s comforting that some things haven’t changed.