The Black Republican Double Standard
By rivory | November 3rd, 2008 | Category: Campaigns, General, Opinion/Reviews, Politics | 29 comments
By Charles Badger
Race has thrust its way back on to the national scene as a topic of dialogue in light of recent events in the campaign. I, for one, think some of the statements being made about Senator Obama with a wink-and-nod give me pause for the ugly underbelly of American politics they appeal to. However, in times like these I cannot help but view the current situation through the prism of my life experience as a black person of the conservative ilk. I smell a big, fat double standard; and the stench is wretched.
One does not have to travel back far into history-just to the 2006 elections-to recall a time when dozens of black people ran for federal office around the country. Among the most prominent of these were Michael Steele in Maryland, Ken Blackwell in Ohio, and Lyn Swann in Pennsylvania. All three men are black. All three lost their elections to middle-aged white men. All three were on the receiving end of racists tactics employed against them.
If you are a black conservative, Republican, or libertarian, you can expect to have racist attacks made against you. But don’t expect any of the usual suspect who typically espouse “diversity” and decry racism (when it suits their purposes) to come to your defense. In the elections of Steele, Blackwell, and Swann no one accused white Marylanders, Ohioans, or Pennsylvanians of being racist for voting against Steele, Blackwell, or Swann. But in that same year, in my home state of Tennessee if you were white and didn’t support the black man running for Senate in our state-Harold Ford, Jr. it was insisted by many that you harbored racial prejudice. Senator Race Neutrality himself came to my state and campaigned for Ford. Obama told a black church “I’m feeling lonely up there in the Senate,” not-so-subtly saying: send another black guy (Ford) so I’ll have someone to keep me company!
A double standard is thus constructed. It is okay to paint Michael Steele as a Sambo or to throw Oreo cookies at him, as happened at one campaign event. It’s okay to paint Dr. Rice as a disheveled-looking slave mammy speaking in broken English, or to call her “Aunt Jemima” (remember that?). It is okay to depict Justice Thomas as a puppet of another justice, or to call him a “handkerchief head” as Spike Lee has or wish death on him as economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux has. All of this is perfectly acceptable behavior so long as it is directed at a black conservative. Obama himself after making a race-based appeal for a black Democrat in Tennessee goes to Maryland and campaigned against Steele, in favor of his white opponent arguing that black people shouldn’t vote based on race.
The recently case of James T. Harris is illustrative of this. Harris, a black radio talk show host, recently endorsed Sen. McCain. I saw Harris interviewed on CNN, and the anchor asked him, “don’t you have a sense of pride to see a black man this close?” Just a few days ago Rick Sanchez asked the same “race pride” question to three black conservatives in another CNN segment. Underlying this question is an interesting view of black people. The presumption is that we are all brainless beings, lacking the capacity for action independent of the rest of our race, and must knee-jerk support a candidate because he happens to have a melanin content that roughly approximates our own. There is this presumption that those of us whom are conservative are to ignore our disagreements with Sen. Obama on the vast, vast majority of issues and just surrender over our decision-making capacity to the basal instinct of “I’m gonna vote da guy dat look like me.” If that’s not racist I don’t know what is.
A professor at this college said to me, “There is something wrong with you voting Republican when the Democrats have a black man at the top of this ticket.” I was stunned to here such a thing come from someone with a doctorate. Another outright insisted that I should vote for Obama because we are both “black” (whatever that means). I’ll adopt this newfound racial solidarity creed, concocted out of convenience, just as soon as it’s applied with consistency. If we’re all supporting politicians based on race, then Dr. Rice, Justice Thomas, J.C. Watts, and Michael Steele should enjoy 90% support among black people, like Obama does. I don’t want a black man in the White House badly enough to surrender all my principles in the process.
Charles Badger is sophomore at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. He was a White House Intern in the summer of 2008, appointed McCain campaign Youth Co-Chairman for Kentucky for the 2008 election and serves as Vice-Chairman of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans. Charles also works on issues of juvenile crime and prison reform as an appointee of the Governor to the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. At Berea, Charles chairs the campus chapter of College Republicans, is Editor-In-Chief of the student newspaper, and Speaker of the Student Government Association Senate. Charles was born in Queens, New York and now lives in Nashville, TN.
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Mr. Badger, when I see all that you have accomplished at such a young age, I commend you. I also commend you on your ideas in terms of you political affiliation. I have this past year thought about changing my affiliation to Republican. I did some research and came to the conclusion that from what I have been seeing this election year and from what I have hearing with my own 2 ears, this group is not inclusive. As I watched the Republican Convention, that group did not look like me, not so much literally, but ideologically. In terms of racism, by African Americans, the problem is not a type of reverse racism, but that of numbers in which the majority of African Americans, are Democrats. I have seen Mr. Steele and listened to his way of thinking and he appears very narrow in his thinking, and does not resonate with me, therefore, I would not vote for him, and would not consider that to be a racist decision. Until Black Republicans, young and old, resonate more with Blacks who are Democrats, and until, White Republicans appear to want to include Blacks, then I think the situation you have described will continue to exist.
Congrats on all your wonderful achievments..
“Another outright insisted that I should vote for Obama because we are both “black” (whatever that means).”
WOW! LOL. Some people are ignorant no matter how education they receive. But if you do have an education and are still ignorant its willful ignorance. We just need to band together and defeat it.
Charlie, you can whine about “Sambo” and oreo cookies all you like.
Blackwell, Steele and Swann lost because the Republican base, CONSERVATIVE WHITES, won’t vote for black people.
PERIOD. End of story.
You can grin, dance and shuffle as much as you want but they’re not going to vote for you.
On the other hand, black Democrats have been elected Governors, Senators and today President of the United States.
You black Republicans want respect?
Stip whining and come up with a real message.
“. If we’re all supporting politicians based on race, then Dr. Rice, Justice Thomas, J.C. Watts, and Michael Steele should enjoy 90% support among black people, like Obama does.”
Sigh. Rice and Thomas are appointees not elected officials.
Watts retired from Congress specifically because of the disrespect shown him by his white Republican colleagues. Read his book.
And Steele is a classic case of a cold blooded hustler who parlayed skin color and Republican party membership into a well paying gig at FOX and GOPAC.
And if you don’t believe that many white people are voting for McCain simply because they won’t vote for a black under any circumstances then you are merely a child who hasn’t seem much of the world.
“Blackwell, Steele and Swann lost because the Republican base, CONSERVATIVE WHITES, won’t vote for black people.”
Even if you want to believe that that is the case, does that justify liberals engaging in racist activities against black Republicans? Especially liberals who claim to be tolerant, inclusive, and non-racist. You really don’t see the double standard and hypocrisy in that? Or maybe it’s the case that you choose to ignore it.
The fact of the matter is you should be just as appalled by this form of racism as you are appalled by racism exhibited by the far far right. It’s racist. Period. If liberals/democrats are willing to depict Michael Steele as a Sambo than what makes you think that they don’t or can’t view you the same way?
Zabeth,
There was a poll in Maryland (where I live) taken after the 2006 Senatorial election where 25% of white Republicans admitted crossing party lines rather than vote for a black.
And as far as your whining about “racist activities against Republican candidates” it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for you when most black Republicans gleefully act as attack dogs against their own people for the pleasure of white bigots.
Did you complain when Star Parker said “blacks have a welfare mentality”? I bet you didn’t.
Did you cry when Jessie Lee Peterson said “if America was run by blacks, in 10 years it would be a ghetto?”
I bet you didn’t open your mouth.
When do black Republicans defend the black community?
When do you stand up for us? NEVER.
You think black people are stupid?
We see the way you are ready to throw yourselves in front of a speeding train for your beloved white folks but you can’t utter one positive thing or exert one degree of energy recruiting your fellow blacks.
“If liberals/democrats are willing to depict Michael Steele as a Sambo than what makes you think that they don’t or can’t view you the same way?”
Because I’m not a hustling self-hating tool of the racist right.
Duh.
Actually, I find Rev. Jessie Lee Petersen apalling and I have said something about it. He has said some very vile things about AAs, AA women, and Africans that I find truly disgusting.
Sometimes standing up for people means pointing out what they’re doing wrong and demanding that they do better. I don’t think blacks are stupid as that would make me stupid. But I do think that we are living below our potential and at some point we’re going to have to own up to it, stop making excuses, and playing the blame game. And personally, I’m not going to defend irresponsible behavior that oftentimes does come out of our community. We as AAs need to move away from the mentality that government owes us something- whether it be welfare or universal healthcare; if that means that I’m agreeing with Star Parker, so be it.
You may not consider yourself to be a “self-hating tool of the racist right” but you are most definitely just a number in the 90% old faithful block to Democrats.
“But I do think that we are living below our potential and at some point we’re going to have to own up to it, stop making excuses, and playing the blame game. And personally, I’m not going to defend irresponsible behavior that oftentimes does come out of our community. We as AAs need to move away from the mentality that government owes us something- whether it be welfare or universal healthcare; if that means that I’m agreeing with Star Parker, so be it. ”
See this is the rhetoric that really pisses me off about black conservatives.
You are ready to lump us all together when it comes to issues of crime, “making excuses” and irresponsible behavior and that is just what white racists do. Racialize dysfunction.
Zabeth, I hate to break it to you but there are millions upon millions of black people who played by the rules, do the right things for the right reasons while no one but their family and friends are watching.
I don’t know of any black person who feels like the government owes them something. That is garbage and racist rhetoric.
Government has a role and as a taxpayer I want a return on my contribution. Like when there is a natural disaster like Katrina, I feel the government should be right there assisting people who’ve had their lives disrupted and/or destroyed.
Whose making excuse? For what? Who excuses criminality?
These are all empty rightwing slogans designed to demonize Black people.
The perversity is that black folks like you are helping them perpetuate these lies.
“You may not consider yourself to be a “self-hating tool of the racist right” but you are most definitely just a number in the 90% old faithful block to Democrats.”
It makes a helluva lot more sense than being a flunky for white bigots.
Steve,
Please do not put words in my mouth as I did not lump black people into a bucket. If you re-read my response I didn’t bring up or make assumptions about crime either. I did not say “All black people…” I recognize that there are millions of AAs who work hard, are successful, and play by the rules- I’m not denying their existence. What I am saying is, is that there is nothing wrong with demanding the best out of people no matter who or what they are.
If there isn’t a segment of the AA population that does not think that the govt owes them something than what is the reparations argument? What is the universal healthcare argument then (please note that I am not saying that is a debate exclusively of AAs as many whites feel the same way but it does go to a mentality that government is responsible for your well being)? What is the affirmative action argument then? Just to name a few. And maybe you have not met any AAs that feel that the government owes them something, but I certainly have (and yes I’ve met white people who think that way too) and I THINK it’s a mentality that is unmotivating and does more harm than good.
“If there isn’t a segment of the AA population that does not think that the govt owes them something than what is the reparations argument?”
I don’t hear anyone even mentioning reparations except rightwingers.
I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it because I know it will never happen.
This nation will never really acknowledge what it did to black people.
But think about it.
We gave this country 200 years of free labor. Provided it with it’s original foundation of wealth.
Served and died in every war since the Revolution. Paid taxes long before we had full class citizenship.
Had a government sanctioned system (Jim Crow) designed specifically to KEEP us in second classed citizenship.
Did this happen to any other group of people in the United States, the so-called land of free and home of the brave?
As far as universal healthcare is concerned, every developed nation in the world already has it and it works fine.
I’m convinced the reason why we don’t have it here is because many white conservatives recoil at the notion of some ghetto blacks or latino immigrants benefitting from their tax dollars.
If America were 90% white, there’d be universal healthcare tomorrow.
“What is the affirmative action argument then?”
Sigh.
Again, I don’t hear anyone arguing for AA these days. If you do, who is it?
It ran it’s course and the majority of beneficiaries were white women.
Yet, racial discrimination in hiring and promotions against black people never went away and is alive and well.
But of course, you black righties don’t want to talk about THAT.
Women didn’t have rights until 80 years ago, no right to vote, no right to a jury of peers, no right to ownership of anything. Women’s suffrage was voted in by a newly sworn in Republican Congress. The Republican Party introduced 40 acres and a mule for freed slaves, but the Democratic Congress voted it down. The Democrats have been promising a better life for AA’s for generations…don’t you get it? The DNC needs the AA community more than the AA community needs them. A built in voting base. What is the issue with self reliance? The world’s first black woman billionaire made her way and her money in this great nation. It is there for everyone!
Uptown,
You are blowing away the Black GOP as usual….
“The Democrats have been promising a better life for AA’s for generations…don’t you get it? The DNC needs the AA community more than the AA community needs them. A built in voting base.”
That and the Democrats need AAs to stay angry, to stay in poverty, to stay disenfranchised, to steady believe that the cards are stacked against them, and to fear “Republican racism” in order to MAINTAIN that base and 90% electoral block.
Black Repulicans are all uncle toms, because you are being used by a large majority of McCain supporters that hate you, because you are black. Some things are a little more important than money, and economics. How about pride, and a spine. I refuse to back a candidate whos base is speaking of killing 102 Black people, and spew racial epithets at their rallies. What would you do at your McCain rally when Bubba next to you says “Kill the nigger”?, say, well I make my own money? You are all sell-outs, and your “black cards” are provoked lol!
Malik and Zabeth
Your rhetoric is old and stale.
Keep buckdancing and grinning for the GOP if you like.
In case you didn’t notice, your party and ideology was resoundingly rejected last night.
You negroes just don’t get it.
uptownsteve/Thrasher:
I’m a black Republican and I’m glad Obama won. Because now there are no more excuses left to be made. White America absolved itself of any guilt it had left over slavery or racism. You can no longer complain about “the man” when you are “the man”. At the end of the day speeches and good looks will only get you so far. Four short years ago Republicans had the majority across the country. The pundits lamented the death of the Democratic Party and the end of liberalism. The GOP failed to deliver on its promises so here we are four years later.
Gloat for today and make fun of other blacks who have the courage to think for themselves. Socialism has never worked anywhere it has been tried. The novelty will wear off. Those idealistic young whites, who voted for Obama yesterday will (in four years) get married, buy homes and have children. The appeal of having their hard earned tax dollars squandered by a bunch of politicians will fade their exuberance. Same as it did for the hippies in the 60′s. You see we’ve been here before. In 1976 a young peanut farmer rode into office on a wave of public dissatisfaction with the GOP and the memories of Vietnam. Four years later we had Ronald Reagan.
I hope because above all else, I’m a patriot that Obama serves the country well. But don’t fool yourself for a second into thinking that the feeling you have now is anything more than temporary. Politicians always break your heart, which painfully will be the case for those that voted for “HOPE” yesterday. The real fools are the ones who think that the government or any politician for that matter can make their lives better. That my fellow AA is the lie you’ve been sold on so eloquently…see you in four years.
If the Democrats over reach too early, we’ll see you in two years at the mid-term elections, a la Clinton in the early 90′s. If I were you, I would pray to the Gods liberal socialism (no pun intended I know you don’t really believe in God) that he avoids the strategic mistake of raising taxes during a reccession.
AAW, you are right and on point.
Personally I think it’s great that Obama won especially on the historical front. I also think that this election and it’s results will require BOTH sides to examine themselves. I also think his election raises the bar and it’s going to be a lot harder for AAs to blame racism and “the man” for the problems facing AAs when we have an AA president who wouldn’t have been elected if it weren’t for white America and “the so called man.”
AAW
One of the reasons why you black Republicans will never gain any traction in the black community is because all you do is repeat the same lies and garbage that white Republicans and conservatives do.
I have never met a white person who felt guilty about race or the plight of black Americans in my life.
I know of no blacks who sit around whining about the “man”. We’re too busy doing our jobs, paying our bills, raising our children and just plain living to conform to your tired stereotypes and caricatures.
In case you haven’t noticed, the world is passing you by.
People of all hues and progressive ideology rallied around the candidacy of a black progressive.
Young people of all races and backgrounds fully accept black folks in positions of leadership and influence.
And you are still peddling the same ol tired bull.
I personally feel that this is the dawn of a new era.
And you rightwing negroes will be left holding a lantern on massa’s lawn where you belong.
Derek,
RIGHT ON!!!
Actually Steve it’s the other way around. CA, the UK, France, and even Germany are moving further right and have elected right leaning leaders. Sarkozy, Brown, and Merkel are friends to Bush. In CA they are moving away from socialized medicine and are seeking private health care options as well. We are the only country that has just taken a big step leftward. Secondly, if you have not ever witnessed white guilt or AAs citing how the role of “the man” and racism in their lives has prevented them from moving ahead and doing what they need to do than you are either in denial or living in a parallel universe. Or maybe we just have different life experiences- and that’s fine too. Afterall, you are the only one on this blog who is constantly talking about racism, re-read your 4:50pm post. What I don’t understand is if you have so much contempt for us and what we believe than why do you keep patronizing this blog? I don’t waste my time on websites where the views are drastically different from my own.
“Secondly, if you have not ever witnessed white guilt or AAs citing how the role of “the man” and racism in their lives has prevented them from moving ahead and doing what they need to do than you are either in denial or living in a parallel universe.”
You’ve been watching too much Fox TV and blazploitation flicks while spew their talking points and perpetuating stereotypes.
As I said before, the main problem with you black Republicans is that you believe that you are the only blacks with reasoning ability, an appreciation for work and family and a respect for patriotism and law and order.
You hate being black and you hate black people.
Deny it all you like but you are full of negativity and contempt for your own people and I find it pathetic.
I live in a community of black strivers and achievers.
I was raised by black folks from humble beginnings who took advantage of every opportunity presented to them and whose greatest hope was that their children lived better lives them.
It’s all that I want for my sons.
I don’t what kind of existence you have.
Don’t be ridiculous- none of the things you’ve said describe me. I don’t watch Fox and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blaxploitation flick nor do I watch blaxploitation TV (Flavor of Love, I Love New York, Real and Chance). You’ve proven yourself to be the one who spews stereotypes and makes assumptions. If you don’t want “the existence I have” for your sons than use your anger constructively to help raise them. Don’t worry about me, I’m an adult.
I was wondering how long it would take for you to spew yet another rightwing label.
“anger”.
There is nothing angry about me. That is merely your epithet for any black who isn’t a grinning flunky for white rightwingers.
I’ll leave you alone Zabeth.
You coonservatives will need a lot of time to figure out what you are going to do with yourselves over the next few years.
Take my word for it. Your white Republican buddies have no more use for you.
Good, because I see no point in continuing to engage you either.
uptownsteve:
This election was a referendum on a failed and very unpopular President, nothing more. If you think for a second that socialism is stronger than free market capitalism. Take a look at Socialist Countries, the history of socialism and the quality of life in those countries versus the United States (even in our current state). Take a look at socialist policies that have been tried here, take a look at the QOL for AA in cities that are or have been traditionally Democrat. Black people have voted Democrat for 50 years and we have what to show for it. Every four years they come along promising hope and prosperity…and every four years they forget all about us until the next election. You might say well what do the Republicans do for us…and therein lays the beauty in being a black Republican. They do nothing for us; WE don’t need the government to wipe our behinds for us. All I need Uncle Sam to do is make sure I have a free country to wake up in everyday and I’ll do the rest.
You know what really angers people like you about me. It’s the idea that people like me make it without you or your clique. That we do it on our own and on our own terms. That we have the audacity to not sit around and wait for our 40 acres and a mule. You’re the guy who made fun of the smart kid in school and told him he was “talking white”. You’re the guy who didn’t do his homework and got his girlfriend pregnant in high school and never really got his life on track. But you can’t blame yourself for your own failings so you need someone else to blame. And who better than the rich white Republican and his toady Negroes. The same people you’ve been jealous of all your life. All you can do is what all liberals do when they can’t beat you intellectually they spew hate and silly epitaphs. Uncle Tom…sell out…sambo…toady…that’s all you’ve got because that’s all you’ve got!
If you are who you say you are then tell me something. Why did yesterday matter so much to you? Other than the fact he’s mixed I mean really, whats Barack Obama going to do for you or for anyone else for that matter, that they can’t already do themselves. Do you honestly think we won’t have any more wars? Do you think poor people will stop being poor? The sick will no longer be sick? Barack Obama can’t make people do their homework, he can’t make you be a father to a child, he can’t make you pay your bills on-time. He can’t do anything more than any other politician. He can, if he’s very good, establish the conditions by which anyone can succeed or fail on their own…and that’s it.
If you are who you say you are and your friends are who you say they are you’ve succeeded using the same conservative principals of hard work and self reliance that claim to hate. The sad fact is that anyone who believes that the government can grow wealth and solve their personal problems is truly lost. Lost in a well packaged and very eloquent lie.
If Obama fails and like I said earlier I hope he doesn’t because I love this country, his legacy will be no different than that of any other failed President.
Like I said earlier, you negroes are walking caricatures.
You really think you’re the only blacks who’ve made it? Are you crazy?
Hard work, education and responsibility are “conservative’ values? No liberals practice them?
Nah buddy.
You are the classic self hating clown who thinks he’s special because he listens to Brian Eno, digs hockey and white folks tell you what a great guy you are.
You’ve internalized white racism and you despise what God made you.
I feel sorry for you.
“You’re the guy who made fun of the smart kid in school and told him he was “talking white”. You’re the guy who didn’t do his homework and got his girlfriend pregnant in high school and never really got his life on track. But you can’t blame yourself for your own failings so you need someone else to blame.”
Wow, you pulled out every stereotype in the book there huh?
You’re probably the long lost love child of Star Parker and Ward Connerly.
Poor thing.