I would like to believe that we have gotten beyond race and gender in our political discourse and our political activities. I have watched the Democratic nomination process with a lot of amusement. What is a liberal party to do when its two main choices are a white woman and a black man? If they support the black man, then they must be sexist. If they support the white woman, then they must be racist. At least that’s what they say about Republicans whenever they support a white man–that they are both racist and sexist.
They really need a black female candidate. And it would be all the better if she were an acknowledged lesbian.
Why can’t we just seek the best possible person to be President of the United States? For me that person is Alan Keyes, a black man. Some people have tried to draft Condoleeza Rice, a black woman. I think she would make a fantastic President, although I’m not sure her I would like her platform completely. What’s significant about my saying that I would support these two people as President, is that I am a very staunch Conservative (or Libertarian, according to ”The Shortest Political Quiz in the World.” I’m one of those white guys who supposedly would never vote for either a black person or a woman. Yet, here I am saying in all sincerity that our black, female, unmarried Secretary of State would make a terrific president.
But so would Fred Thompson, and he’s as white as white could be, and he’s also all man, as his romantic history shows. Does the fact that I would support Mr. Thompson as President mean that I’m racist and sexist? No, particulary in light of what I wrote above.
So why are Obama backers accusing Clinton supporters of being racist? And why are Clinton backers accusing Obama supporters of being sexist? And where’s the unity and tolerance in that?
For further reading:
“Race, Gender Permeate Presidential Race” by Bonnie Erbe
“Obama, Clinton, Misogyny, Racism” by Doug Feaver
“Women Supporters Blame Clinton’s Imminent Defeat on Sexism” by Tim Harper
“In ‘08, Place, As Well As Race, Is a Divide” by Chuck Raasch
3 responses so far ↓
helenl // May 23, 2008 at 4:34 pm |
RG, so you “would like to believe that we have gotten beyond race and gender in our political discourse and our political activities. ” Then why are 100% of our presidents both white and male? Seems like we’d have a bit of diversity if we “beyond” that.
renaissanceguy // May 23, 2008 at 4:38 pm |
Do you think that in 1789 we would have elected a black person or a woman as President?
And, if the Democrats are not racist or sexist, then why haven’t they/you elected a black or female President?
Looking at all levels of government, there’s a lot more diversity now than there used to be.
helenl // May 23, 2008 at 8:39 pm |
No.
Who on earth said Democrats aren’t racist?
And yes, there’s improvement. Improvement isn’t equality. Equality is the unfinished goal of the civil rights movement of the 60s.
RG: Thanks. I agree with you on all counts. Perhaps we are closer in our understanding than I thought. I know that the goal is unfinished. And thanks for admitting that there are racists among the Democrats.