Why do so many black people embrace the Democratic Party? Ask a black person why he is a Democrat. Better yet, ask a black person why he isn’t a Republican. That will be more telling. Why do so many black people distance themselves from the Republican Party? Ask any why question regarding party affiliation and the figurative winds of racism begin to whip and churn like a cyclone. Tumbleweeds of reasoning whirl across the dusty road of Emancipation Proclamation located in the forgotten ghost town between the Mississippi Plan and the Civil Rights Act of 1964; while the crescendo of race politics stifles the attempt at civil discourse and dissent; the random, unlocked gate violently opening and closing, again and again…the creaking sound of blind devotion is overpowering.
Intermittently, the wind quells, silencing the gate. It is in that moment of quiet when black Democrats have a chance to take a breath and survey the land, should they choose to do so.
Gone is the overt de jure racial divide of yesterday, but present is the subtle de facto racial divide of today. Even to this day, Reverend King’s words ring remarkably true, “…when you stand at 11:00 on Sunday morning…you stand in the most segregated hour of Christian America.” King’s observation is a
euphemism regarding America’s self-segregation.
Gone are the dignified men and women singing spirituals and praying for those who would harm them, but present is that choir of rapt souls who sing racism to mute anyone who or anything that challenges their needlessly assigned, yet readily accepted minority status. Today’s emaciated shadow of the glorious Civil Rights Movement has no room for timeless faith in the Almighty, the very essence of what kept the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and those courageous individuals knit together and assured that better days were ahead- an honest Hope.
Juxtapose today’s slick music videos with the ubiquitous grainy, black and white reels showing fire hoses and dogs let loose on the helpless crowds scattered in the streets and it’s mortifying how the post-Civil Rights generation goes on and on about racism as if they experienced cross burnings and Colored/Whites Only signs. They know nothing of what it’s like to endure the genuine oppression of that time and it’s the greatest insult to equate today’s shortcomings with yesterday’s true racism.
Considering the eerie still photos of lynched men in trees with the perpetrators standing on the ground as if posing for elementary class pictures, it’s blasphemous how the pre-Civil Rights generation goes on and on about racism as if yesterday’s rampant injustice is the same as today’s coveted tolerance. They know everything of what it’s like to endure those unspeakable acts and it’s shameful they denounce the very civil rights advancements that allow them to decry to their heart’s content without fear of yesteryear’s reprisal- a proven Change.
Contemplating those iconic Civil Rights images underscore how today is drastically different from then. To believe time has stood still, such that racism is the only cause of all life’s hardships, is to deny the tangible progress of our country.
Someday has arrived. Conversely, to believe there’s no residual effect of that time is to deny the strides we have yet to make. There’s still plenty to Overcome. It’s possible to appreciate accomplishments and yearn for better without clinging to the refined racism of gracious altruists who desperately white-knuckle the handlebars of such programs as affirmative action because they are convinced it is the only way such minority groups can succeed; or without clinging to the insidious racism which lends itself to like-minded congregation where closed-door conversations are laced with thoughts and words that wouldn’t double-dog-dare be repeated in public.
By: Cynthia Shaffer
Cultural and Political Blogger
Wow, those are some powerful words! Thank you for writing about this topic. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I appreciate your frank and honest assessment.
Great read Cyn! I’ve always enjoyed your bloggs. You not only speak the truth, but from the heart. I find this administration disturbing. Turning the American people against each other. As a Republican Asian voter, I see and have many black friends who are scared to announce their political status in fear of being ridiculed by the black community. We have seen protests from tea parties to OWS. And the only movement we see this administration back is the one that supports their own agenda. But little did OWS know, they were protesting the banks when they should’ve been protesting the government for funding failed companies, running private companies.
I find it disgusting that ANY demographic group can be so taken for granted by a political party that they can be “tagged” as either democrat or republican simplay based on their demographics. I heard a news report not long ago talking about the military as a “Republican stronghold” but, in my 21 years in uniform I met a ton of fellow soldiers who were avowed democrats. I have had the same experiences with people of color. While there is no doubt racism in our society, I get outraged by those who fan those flames for their own aggrandizement. You know the “Usual suspects” of which I speak. I get equally outraged by those who seek to limit the speech of others because they are “offended” by that speech. Where in the Constitution does it say we are protected from being offended?
I am very interested in hearing why people are either Democrats or Republicans. I hope this article opens a genuine and respectful dialogue between both parties. I am a Republican because I do not believe in government control in all aspects of my life. The downside to that is if something bad happens I do not have someone to blame, sue, or get help from as far as the government is concerned. I believe as people we should help each other…but that opens a whole other can of worms. Good article Cynth!
Thanks for checking in! If you have time please write back and tell us more specifically what you’re thinking about…
I think it’s interesting you brought up OWS. I’ve been thinking about your statement, “turning American people against each other”…instead of race, I think it’s by money/income. People talk about “rich people” in a derogatory manner– without regard: very similar thinking like when people used to call black people names without regard. Somewhere along the line, some people then draw their own conclusions as to what “stereotype” falls into what income category. To a certain extent they categorize (stereotype) “without realizing it”. You know?
“Military” is a misunderstood demographic. Those espousing “Republican stronghold” should do their homework and further breakdown the military population between Officer/Enlisted– after all, the military is the last bastion of “legal segregation” and the ramifications are fascinating! I think military absentee voting suffers from the military being misunderstood.
As far as the Constitution, people are selective when they want to use it to support their Cause. It’s something I’m learning about myself…do I REALLY want to have a “Constitutional government”? Yeah, I do, but I have to ‘undo’ many of my thoughts and ‘re-do’ the application and often times I’m really not happy with the outcome. I’m not saying I’m right, but I am looking for my fellow man to argue the Constitutional merits, and not EMOTION.
Very true!!!
lee, one more for the road: as my husband says, “we never leave Jr. High”…seems a lot of us still want to be ‘liked’ even at the cost of not standing up for our principles. My druthers is for your friends to face the music, but I understand the fear of being labeled. Who needs the name-calling and judgement? I encourage them to KNOW what they believe and WHY they believe it…it is empowering and sometimes, without even saying a word, they can be a huge influence based on the way they LIVE! Hard to name call when there is real admiration.
Tawni, I appreciate the sentiment– civil discourse seems to be a lost art. What you propose would be so helpful. People coming together to DISCUSS their differences and opinions so that we might have a better chance of considering as many aspects of a problem/proposal. Not that I’m cynical in the goal being “understanding”, but I’m more hopeful of “appreciating”. This kind of conversations can lead to government making better decisions…more inclusive decisions, but more importantly, CONSTITUTIONAL decisions!
And I’m all for opening up that can of worms!!! I believe the same.
As far as the ‘downside’ you present, I would agree as far as the FEDERAL government, but certainly not the STATE government. The 10th Amendment reserves to the States those powers not delegated to the Feds, nor prohibited to the States; so, if a State wants to implement more “social help” policies they may. This is exactly the reason why it’s not contradictory for then Gov. Romney to support State healthcare in MA, yet reject Federal healthcare. It is a most clear example of the 10th Amendment in practice.
And I’m all for opening up that can of worms!!! I believe the same. The beauty of private vs. public help is the ‘giver’ is satisfied because they chose the ‘receiver’ and how/what help is given/received. There is a high level of mutual accountability. There is a desperate lack of accountability in public help at the Federal level…the governing/managing folks are too far removed.
Ms. Shaffer, I wonder what it would be like if there had not been an Emancipation Proclamation. Would you be here? Would you have the ability to move about so freely? Live where you want to live? Can you imagine the United States of America without it? Abraham Lincoln that great Republican president. I chuckle to think of another Abraham who many, many years ago led people to their freedom. And you know it wasn’t without troubles or struggles. Excuse you but there are no “figurative winds of racism” — the winds are real. People may not want to believe they are. Never before in the history of this country has an American president been treated with such disdain. From the very beginning of his presidency when Justice Roberts could not properly administer the oath of office to John Boehner in a tirade and calling the President a liar to elected officials slandering him and calling him a monkey. What’s with all of that? You should take some time and read several news articles on POTUS and FLOTUS then scroll to the bottom of the page and read the comments, then tell me what you think about this “figurative wind.” Better yet, let me give you a little taste of the “real wind.” From the headline Montana judge who sent racist e-mail steps down these comments followed: Would I tell a monkey joke about Michelle because she is black? or because she LOOKS LIKE A MONKEY!?!!?! John F; Dale wrote: She looks like the result of that relationship between Buckwheat and Aunt Jemimah!!; what did he forward? Obama’s “Angry Blck man” clip? Arioch; what was the joke, something about Obama being born cuz his mama had relations with a monkey? Might be funny, in which case its no reason to step down. Lighten up people and get a sense of humor. “Q: Why has America gotten past our racist past? A: Because we picked a black man to clean up our mess!” hahahahahahaha! Just another black janitor!
You dare to disparage people’s rights to choose which political affiliation they prefer by calling their ideals “tumbleweeds of reasonings”; while pretending to want a civil dialogue. Perhaps you might have won some folk over, but you add fuel to the fire by referring to their opinions as violent and blind devotion. You don’t realize how many perhaps have surveyed the land and it wasn’t as clear as it appeared with hidden stones and sticks, and other such that makes it unsuitable for planting let alone harvesting.
You, my dear, should take another look –juxtapose those black and white reels showing fire hoses and dogs let loose on helpless crowds to overcrowded prisons in virtually every state in the nation-see who’s getting sentenced and who’s doing the sentencing; juxtapose the crossburnings and colored/whites only to neighborhoods across this country and focus on the hunger, poverty, the lack of sufficient any thing to meet their needs and the exceeding high costs in these areas-see who owns the property, the stores, etc. Get a good clear look. It is blasphemous for you to denegrate what people gave their lives for to “coveted tolerance.” I read a few years ago a piece from a governor out west, I forget which state. His lecture entailed how to keep black people from progressing—it involved drugs in their neighborhoods, welfare, imprisonment and several other things. I say to you to have been there and to have experienced what these people did, you would not treat it so frivolously. You say they denounce those civil rights advancements. I say they understand it better than you can even begin to imagine. Had these folk not had the moral fiber to step forward, you may not be enjoying the pleasures of life you have. By the way, ask Romney about those closed-door converstions that aren’t suppose to leave the room.
Paula Clark
Independent Voter
Paula, you spend a lot of time giving examples which do not address my main question: “Why are you a Democrat?” Are you willing to answer the question?
I’m asking the question because I truly want an answer, but ironically, even in your lengthy reply you don’t give a single reason for your party affiliation. You sign off, “Independent Voter”, but what does that mean?
Peripherally, my favorite and your most insightful line is, “You don’t realize how many perhaps have surveyed the land and it wasn’t as clear as it appeared with hidden stones and sticks, and other such that makes it unsuitable for planting let alone harvesting.” Fair enough. THAT’S the kind of observation which spurs on civil dialogue. Hidden stones and sticks…what are they? What makes the land unsuitable? What can we do to reap a harvest? Oh, dear, I’m afraid we’d have to do the heavy thinking of what is considered a harvest!
Thank you for your time. I am curious, who is your “another Abraham”?
@Paula Clar,
Paula, remember it was a Republican president who signed the emancipation proclamation. It was an overwhelming Republican Congress that passed the first civil rights in 1865 to have a Democratic president, Andrew Jackson, veto the act. It tooa year later to pass with a 2/3 vote with the Republican party leading the charge. Lets not forget about the KKK. They were founded in Tennessee in 1865. Not to kill blacks out of racism, no that came later, it was to discourage blacks and whites to vote Republican. And do I dare say it? Started by the Democratic party. Don’t believe me? Do your homework. So before you start spewing your liberal rhetoric views, claiming to be independent, please, in the words of the most
Transparent president, “you acted stupidly.” How about sneering Cyn’s question instead of dancing around it like obama in a debate.
*answering cyn’s questiin.
A question for you, Paula…did you read Part II?
Well said!
Yawn, typical response. Lets go back to civil discourse. Paula is an independent voter that votes in favor of the positions she supports. At different times both parties have had different positions (as you have pointed out). Ones loyalty should be with the issue you support not the party. Labels can be dangerous.
Respectfully disagree. I am not fazed by popular opinion but look at positions that candidates take on what matters to me. As a matter of fact many people I know take this approach as well. I’m an independent thinker from the mid-west that just happens to be a democrat. I relocated to the Deep South and oh yeah, and I’m black. Yes, there have been times I have voted republican when the candidate supported my position. Not many though. For the most part I disagree with the national platform of the Republican Party. On local policies, it just depends on the issue. I watched the republican debates, ALL of them. I studied the national platform as well. I investigated the candidates. Here is my conclusion; I fundamentally disagree with their positions on just about everything. It is just that simple. I actually like the democrat’s platform! No blind following here! I like what I like. As Americans we have that choice. We are a 2 party system and I like it that way. Regardless of race, everyone has a right to choose the platform and positions they like and vote accordingly. Instead of asking why African Americans vote democrat, how about asking what republicans plan to do to get us to vote republican. Don’t stop there; devise a plan for other communities as well. The goal SHOULD be how to bring more people into the political process from ALL communities. Peace.
Just saw this! Sure, a little more specific…I just appreciated hearing from your perspective that our country has made progress in the area of race relations since the sixties. I liked your juxtaposition of examples from the past with examples from today. I like how you acknowledged that there are still some obstacles to overcome, but you also didn’t discount process that has been made. I would say it’s unusual to read such an honest/open/non-hostile assessment.
Thanks for circling back around! Not sure if you’ve had a chance to read all the comments, but I’m always fascinated how reactions shake out…another woman had a completely different take than you. I replied, but have not heard back.
I hope you continue to visit reelurbannews.com and share your insight!
Cheers,
Cynthia
What happened to my reply to Ms. Coleman?
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