Racist subtext in American politics

mandyv · 03-23-2010, 11:27 AM

Listening to Thomm Hartmann this morning, he talked about how in slave days, when an unruly slaved was disciplined, it was called "breaking him."

With that background, how you can listen to Jim DeMint, R-SC talking about Obama's "Waterloo and how it will break him" and think he is not familiar with that term and wasn't using sly language to rally his racist brethren?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHV4nDS501Y

I'm so tired of the Glen Becks and Rush Limbaughs and even members of Congress using barely veiled, if veiled at all, terms for their racists hopes and beliefs.

I'm worried about the future of our country.

Eilonwy · 03-23-2010, 11:30 AM

If the racism is the subtext, then what could the text possibly be? The racism is right there on the surface, IMO. It's just ever so slightly coded and euphemized.

Boomygrrl · 03-23-2010, 12:49 PM

Or how about Newt Gingrich saying that the Democrats will be voted out next election, similar to when many people were voted out for voting for Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Really, Newt!?! Do you really want that comparison in people's heads? I think we can all agree that those who voted for the Civil Rights Act were on the right (right, as in correct) side of our social morals. They took a stand, even if it costs them.
In context, however, Newt was talking to the Republicans of congress, motivating them to vote against the health care bill and reminding them how funny it'll be to see the Democrats fall. Many of these Repubs probably thought the Civil Rights Act was bad anyways, but cannot vocally admit it.
Whether it hurts or helps the Democrats, at least they finally got the cajones to do something. I was starting to fear that it wasn't in them to do something. I thought they were going to run scared when the Repubs kept telling them this is political suicide.
I really hope our general voting population has enough brain cells to see what's going on. I fear they may not, however.

Amneris · 03-23-2010, 12:52 PM

LOL, what subtext? When you have people openly being called the n-word or the f-word and spat upon, pictures of Obama looking like a monkey, etc. etc. etc. it's pretty much out there. How much more blatant could it be? You have one of your national parties sitting there allowing this to go on or even participating!

The craziest thing to me is that this is over health insurance.... not even the full coverage you guys deserve.... something that is supposed to HELP EVERYONE... and yet apparently there are people in your country who so resent other people having their basic needs met even slightly that they think it takes away from them... and clearly the people they resent having those needs met are those who are racialized and the racialized President who wants to meet them. No subtext there!

Amneris · 03-23-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomygrrl

Or how about Newt Gingrich saying that the Democrats will be voted out next election, similar to when many people were voted out for voting for Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Really, Newt!?! Do you really want that comparison in people's heads? I think we can all agree that those who voted for the Civil Rights Act were on the right (right, as in correct) side of our social morals. They took a stand, even if it costs them.
In context, however, Newt was talking to the Republicans of congress, motivating them to vote against the health care bill and reminding them how funny it'll be to see the Democrats fall. Many of these Repubs probably thought the Civil Rights Act was bad anyways, but cannot vocally admit it.
Whether it hurts or helps the Democrats, at least they finally got the cajones to do something. I was starting to fear that it wasn't in them to do something. I thought they were going to run scared when the Repubs kept telling them this is political suicide.
I really hope our general voting population has enough brain cells to see what's going on. I fear they may not, however.

But many Republicans fought that tooth and nail.... just as they are now.

Springcurl · 03-23-2010, 01:00 PM

What I find so disheartening is that people on the right really do not see this. It's always about people on the left being too PC or people of color being too sensitive.

Here's what someone said on another message board I frequent. This was in regards to the picture of Obama as a monkey.

Quote:

Because if Al sharpton didn't keep racism alive he would be out of a job and no one would talk to him. Before he said something most people would have just looked at that cartoon in relation to the Chimp that was shot in Conn and related to that

mandyv · 03-23-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amneris

The craziest thing to me is that this is over health insurance.... not even the full coverage you guys deserve.... something that is supposed to HELP EVERYONE... and yet apparently there are people in your country who so resent other people having their basic needs met even slightly that they think it takes away from them... and clearly the people they resent having those needs met are those who are racialized and the racialized President who wants to meet them. No subtext there!

You said it exactly! That's what's so sad, that so many Americans don't care about their fellow citizens and see anything that helps their neighbor as a loss for them. Not to mention that it's a money-saver in the long run.

We are a nation of idiots! I hate to keep saying that but the examples are too many to count.

Sometimes the subtext is subtle and oftentimes it's ugly and overt.

The New Black · 03-23-2010, 03:41 PM

I was trying to reserve judgment until I heard the comment in context. I was looking for a tone of voice, something that would make it not as bad as it first seems. I didn't find it.

It's like he wants to teach Obama "his place." Ugh.

frau · 03-23-2010, 04:31 PM

i'm not sure that it matters whether it's racist or not.
obama is in office and he's getting what he wants done.
people can tear their eyes out for all i care.

SpinCycle · 03-24-2010, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amneris

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomygrrl

Or how about Newt Gingrich saying that the Democrats will be voted out next election, similar to when many people were voted out for voting for Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Really, Newt!?! Do you really want that comparison in people's heads? I think we can all agree that those who voted for the Civil Rights Act were on the right (right, as in correct) side of our social morals. They took a stand, even if it costs them.
In context, however, Newt was talking to the Republicans of congress, motivating them to vote against the health care bill and reminding them how funny it'll be to see the Democrats fall. Many of these Repubs probably thought the Civil Rights Act was bad anyways, but cannot vocally admit it.
Whether it hurts or helps the Democrats, at least they finally got the cajones to do something. I was starting to fear that it wasn't in them to do something. I thought they were going to run scared when the Repubs kept telling them this is political suicide.
I really hope our general voting population has enough brain cells to see what's going on. I fear they may not, however.

But many Republicans fought that tooth and nail.... just as they are now.

I'm not seeing the Republicans that fought that legislation tooth and nail:

Quote:

The bill came before the full Senate for debate on March 30, 1964 and the "Southern Bloc" of 18 southern Democratic Senators and one Republican Senator led by Richard Russell (D-GA) launched a filibuster to prevent its passage. Said Russell: "We will resist to the bitter end any measure or any movement which would have a tendency to bring about social equality and intermingling and amalgamation of the races in our (Southern) states."

Totals are in "Yea-Nay" format:

The original House version: 290-130 (69%-31%)
Cloture in the Senate: 71-29 (71%-29%)
The Senate version: 73-27 (73%-27%)
The Senate version, as voted on by the House: 289-126 (70%-30%)

By party

The original House version:
Democratic Party: 152-96 (61%-39%)
Republican Party: 138-34 (80%-20%)

Cloture in the Senate

Democratic Party: 44-23 (66%-34%)
Republican Party: 27-6 (82%-18%)

The Senate version:

Democratic Party: 46-21 (69%-31%)
Republican Party: 27-6 (82%-18%)

The Senate version, voted on by the House:

Democratic Party: 153-91 (63%-37%)
Republican Party: 136-35 (80%-20%)

Racism is ugly and is on both sides of the aisle. Just as someone mentioned in a previous thread, some forms are more overt and some subverted. Dems are not immune to this character flaw either. I'll leave it at that, since I know Republicans are in a vast minority on this board and I prefer not to start a flame war as I have witnessed in the past. I would not have read racism into that comment until it had been fully picked apart. Was he wrong? Definitely, but let's lay blame where it is due.

curlyarca · 03-24-2010, 03:49 AM

Like Obama said, this isn't (or rather shouldn't) be about him.....but it's easy to act like a ****** got into office and is now helping himself and his "kind" (i.e., brown people or people who are lazy and slovenly in general, because only real, white Americans work hard). And John McCain is right there down in the dirt with the rest of them.

Myradella3 · 03-24-2010, 05:50 AM

In 1964, the Republican candidate for president, Sen Barry Goldwater ran on a platform against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. I was alive and kicking and unable to swim in the nearest swimming pool. I remember asking why he didn't want us to swim.

Cali Chik · 03-24-2010, 09:02 AM

Honestly, they can't keep doing and saying dumb sh*t like that and think that they are going to win over young supporters/members of the republican party. The younger generations are becoming increasingly liberal. A lot of ppl's best friends and family members are of different ethnic backgrounds and economic backgrounds. This old southern white male bull sh*t will die and die soon.

anonymous_29030 · 11-06-2010, 06:33 PM

Not American and not that well versed in American politics....

BUT having visited America pre-Obama and after the commencement of his presidency, I must saw that I felt racial tension much more on visits to America after Obama became president. The oppressed/oppressor tension was much more pronounced. Americans really seem to be battling it out over this thing called "race".

The people on NC are generally quite open but the average White American that I routinely meet outside of America is shockingly racist, particularly the bible thumpers which always leaves me feeling baffled and glad I have no dealings with organized religion, especially Christianity. Recently met a plump White Christian American Woman whose racism, sexism, and homophobia were quite astounding. Have no idea how people reconcile their hatred with God.

BekkaPoo · 04-12-2011, 10:03 AM

Public Policy Polling: Barbour, Bryant lead in Mississippi

Quote:

We asked voters on this poll whether they think interracial marriage should be legal or illegal- 46% of Mississippi Republicans said it should be illegal to just 40% who think it should be legal. For the most part there aren't any huge divides in how voters view the candidates or who they support for the nomination based on their attitudes about interracial marriage but there are a few exceptions.

anonymous_59737 · 04-12-2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BekkaPoo

Public Policy Polling: Barbour, Bryant lead in Mississippi

Quote:

We asked voters on this poll whether they think interracial marriage should be legal or illegal- 46% of Mississippi Republicans said it should be illegal to just 40% who think it should be legal. For the most part there aren't any huge divides in how voters view the candidates or who they support for the nomination based on their attitudes about interracial marriage but there are a few exceptions.

Thanks, Bekka... I still laugh (and thank Savage lovers) whenever I come across Rick Santorum's name... The frothy mixture of lube and

thelio · 04-13-2011, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabi2009

Not American and not that well versed in American politics....

BUT having visited America pre-Obama and after the commencement of his presidency, I must saw that I felt racial tension much more on visits to America after Obama became president. The oppressed/oppressor tension was much more pronounced. Americans really seem to be battling it out over this thing called "race".

The people on NC are generally quite open but the average White American that I routinely meet outside of America is shockingly racist, particularly the bible thumpers which always leaves me feeling baffled and glad I have no dealings with organized religion, especially Christianity. Recently met a plump White Christian American Woman whose racism, sexism, and homophobia were quite astounding. Have no idea how people reconcile their hatred with God.

YES!!!! after a black man became president, its like every white person let their guard down and just stopped "pretending" to be color blind. I have friends of people colors, but i found myself having to pull up some of my white friends and correct them. I love them to death, but i realized that even though i may not be 100% black, i'm their only non-white friend and they were completly naive about race relations. I believe white people have become afraid of black people, black men in particular, and having a black man running the country is freaking them out.

rolltidegal · 04-13-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Chik

Honestly, they can't keep doing and saying dumb sh*t like that and think that they are going to win over young supporters/members of the republican party. The younger generations are becoming increasingly liberal. A lot of ppl's best friends and family members are of different ethnic backgrounds and economic backgrounds. This old southern white male bull sh*t will die and die soon.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to disagree with you. I go to school in the deep South, and the ridiculous bible thumping crap is going strong down here.
A lot of younger conservatives I know are single issue voters. Didn't you know that Democrats kill babies and hand out drug money in inner cities and encourage people who love each other but happen to have the same parts in their pants to get married?!

BekkaPoo · 04-13-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeralFeminista

Quote:

Originally Posted by BekkaPoo

Public Policy Polling: Barbour, Bryant lead in Mississippi

Quote:

We asked voters on this poll whether they think interracial marriage should be legal or illegal- 46% of Mississippi Republicans said it should be illegal to just 40% who think it should be legal. For the most part there aren't any huge divides in how voters view the candidates or who they support for the nomination based on their attitudes about interracial marriage but there are a few exceptions.

Thanks, Bekka... I still laugh (and thank Savage lovers) whenever I come across Rick Santorum's name... The frothy mixture of lube and

Hehe.. Dan Savage is my hero.