Comments on: Does Conservative mean Racist? – Part I

By: Carmen D.

Carmen D. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:07:49 +0000

Given that observations of racism and the “Tea Party” conservatives have come mostly from white moderate to liberal people, I am not sure how the ‘white privilege’ analogy works. But I’ll just let it sit.

I appreciate the selected examples that you posted. Although again, I don’t understand how these isolated observations stack up next to the conservative embrace of Beck, Limbaugh and to a much lesser degree Hannity, Pat (it’s so hard to be white…) Buchanan and the constantly lying World Net Daily. I don’t see a parallel in the progressive community.

But in the excerpts you chose, I have always believed Garofolo was overly broad. But I did observe the “angry white folk” current and linked to examples in my posts. I had not seen the Clyburn statement before, but his comments were also overly broad. Regarding Politico and The Nation I think they were clear and straightforward. I don’t see how they are damming an entire movement as racists.

When your own party head talks about white people being afraid of him…maybe, Andrew, there is something to what many of us are observing.

MARTIN: But your candidates got to talk to them. One of the criticisms I’ve always had is Republicans — white Republicans — have been scared of black folks.

STEELE: You’re absolutely right. I mean I’ve been in the room and they’ve been scared of me. I’m like, “I’m on your side” and so I can imagine going out there and talking to someone like you, you know, [you're like,] “I’ll listen.” And they’re like “Well.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/michael-steele-some-white_n_351159.html

By: twiston

twiston — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:22:10 +0000

On the same token, many White folks have a tough time seeing “White privilege” but I know that it exists. To Black folks, I am sure that it is a very real daily obstacle. Blanket accusations of racism that target the G.O.P. are very similar. It is a visceral thing… it is also tangible. here are some examples.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8659….

graph 4
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/458119/ra...

http://michellemalkin.com/2009/02/19/top-democr...

and on this one, TEA parties are not affiliated with the G.O.P. ( I co ordinated for Md. and got a boat load from the TEA folks about non partisanship)
http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/back-sto...

I wrote this post in reaction to Juan Williams being told to “go back on the porch.” I was trying to highlight a double standard. Before you judge, wait for parts 2 and 3… then you can throw stuff at me.. or not!

By: CarmenD

CarmenD — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:48:39 +0000

I don't see where you are pushing back against racist conservative behavior. I see you saying that conservatives are too often labeled racist without any context as to why that might even be true. I am not seeing it. Mostly I see conservatives saying that they are being called racists. Click through the blogroll, you will not see the term 'racist' being thrown around willy nilly in standard discourse.

So again, specific examples would really help the discussion of this important topic.

By: twiston

twiston — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:37:05 +0000

“Perhaps if conservatives would push back against those you would lable “fringe”
I thought that's what I was doing here… Intolerance is a double edged sword and
I am trying my best to do my part.

By: CarmenD

CarmenD — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:13:24 +0000

I have a problem with your premise on two levels. First, I don't see “every” conservative idea or proposal being called racist. It would be helpful for me to see a couple of specific examples where you see that happening. I know more parts are coming, but maybe here in comments you could give us a peek.

My second BIG problem, is that you ignore the fact that self-identified conservatives continue to relentlessly attack President Obama's identity. I actually listen to Rush Limbaugh – when I can stand it- and as you and I have discussed he spews racist crap. Perhaps if conservatives would push back against those you would lable “fringe” more publicly then I would be more persuaded by your argument.