“Negro Dialect?”: Harry Reid’s Time Warp.
By HHR | January 11th, 2010 | Category: Opinion/Reviews |
By Nadra Enzi
“Light-skinned” African-American; “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one” is what the accused, US Senator Harry Reid, admitted saying in reference to the current President of the United States. Members of the jury I want it noted that both the senator and the commander-in-chief are members of the political party ( Democrat ) which brands itself as African-Americans secular saviors. I want the record to reflect my shock ( yeah right! ) that a Democrat of such stellar standing would stoop to racist language more fitting a Republican. This imaginary opening statement is from a trial by public opinion envisioned to address these comments. As y’all can see, I’m no fan of racists or Democrats per se.
Memo to Black Folks and progressives: You’ve got your share of ideological Klansman too!! They just mask it better than counterparts on the political Right. We should welcome this revelation about the good Senator as proof that prejudice isn’t conveniently confined to White folks with ” R” for Republican after their names. Lest we forget, Southern Democrats met all 20th Century federal civil rights legislation with rhetorical pitch forks jabbing. These jabs were punctuated by police gunfire and billy club blows targeting down South civil rights protesters. Officers in these violent jurisdictions were proud ” yellow dog Democrats ” since that was the only party in the South at that time. I’ve seen too much racism from Dems local and otherwise to fall for their ” Black people’s best friend ” routine. The GOP has set new lows in modern racism itself but at least their racists are up front about it. I respect honesty over patronizing lies any day of the week.
President Obama’s election has peeled back scabs revealing steady streams of racist rhetoric Left, Right and Center as otherwise sane White folks meltdown over his color and misgivings regarding it. Their misgivings overtake legitimate policy differences. Before some quantum leap to the conclusion that I’m an Obama supporter, I didn’t vote for him. I do believe in giving a brother a break, even one with whom differ like the current Chief Executive. Necks are turning a bit too red about him for Black folks of any ideology to turn a blind eye. Frankly, these concerns are played against the rest of us daily. Liberal racists like Reid; moderate racists and conservative racists unite on one subject: acute discomfort with even the pretense of Black political empowerment, misread as domination. Its hooded head is evident here in Savannah and its shadow sadly covers this nation.
Harry Reid’s time warp is shared by millions occupying in a parallel universe where Black people have their “place” and it certainly isn’t living in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Unlike Captain Kirk, Nadra Enzi aka Capt. Black can’t order mental regime change at warp speed. Individuals broaden their minds by choice and anyone in the 21st Century who still chooses to describe Black speech patterns as “Negro dialect” needs a permanent vacation courtesy of voters in his district. As a Black man and Republican, I’d like to thank Harry Reid for proving my point once again that no party has a monopoly on racism.
A few quick closing questions: Will John Barrow, my district’s congressman denounce Reid’s statement? Will the Chatham County Democratic Commitee here, supported by over 98% of the local Black electorate do the same? What about congressional Dems and comittees nationally?Tune in next episode folks for the answer, same Black time, same Black channel.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK is an inner-city Republican who promotes crime prevention and self-development. Black means: Brotherhood-Loyalty-Ability-Courage-Kindness. nadracaptblack@ymail.com
The fig leaves that President Obama and other Democracts are covering Senate Majority leader Harry Reid is nothing short of amazing. Archie Bunker would have loved him. As for John Barrow denouncing Reid’s remarks, the odds of that happening on his own accord are slim and none. But if enough Black Democracts and those who want to curry favor with Black voters turn up the heat under Congressman Barrow, he’ll denouce Reid. When the Black Democracts send a message to their White counterparts that Reid’s remarks are unacceptable and you can forget about us marching to your cadence, then Harry Reid will have his mouth washed out with soap.
[...] Sacramento, Jan 11, 2010 – Harry Reid racist comment made its way to Washington where even Michael Steele, Republican National Chairman made a comment that he should make a resignation letter after a quote he made on US President Barack… “Negro Dialect?”: Harry Reid's Time Warp. – Hip Hop Republican [...]
Are we going to pretend that there isn’t a dialect/accent that many African Americans have vs non-African Americans? Do all, no but even among educated African Americans one can hear a certain dialect. Mexican Americans born in the US and who are fluent in English very often have an accent (such as Carlos Mencia) that is distinctive in nature. White people from Boston have a distinctive accent. These are just facts.
Negro please……. He should have been saying……. “Can I help the poor negro with some free cheese”……. What he said is racist plane and simple. That it might be true some times and is used as a stereo type is the very definition of Racist.
The issue is not Reid’s overall point which is one we can all debate at some future time ..its hishis blatant casual use of the racially charged word “negro dialect” and its usage in modern society. When a Republican used the word Barack the Magic “Negro”, he stepped down as a candidate for RNC Chair. So, the debate is why is it that Democrats can use such a word and others cant . The word has deep racial undertones and this is why black activist have only just this month got the Census to remove the word.
[...] Harry Reid never fails to deliver controversy: “Negro Dialect?”: Harry Reid’s Time Warp. [...]
Regarding reference to Yellow Dog Democrats bc that was the only party in the South then:
Perhaps not same time period, but I believe it is. Perhaps not same South, but I believe it is. PLEASE READ BIO, “CONDI” by Antonia Felix. Sec. Rice’s father, a pastor, went to register to vote as a Democrat in the South when she was a child. They wanted to charge him a fee. He went over to the Republican Party, registered for free and never looked back. She talks about when he took her to see Dr. King during his civil rights marches…sounds like similar period. THE MODEL of what a pastor can do in his community! Without gov’t help/interference..Very enlightening, very inspiring. Rev. Rice & Mrs. Rice very involved in their daughter’s education, placing high value on education.
Also, another great read & a Black History education MUST READ, “Unfounded Loyalty” by Rev. Wayne Perryman, an impressive Black man working in the inner city of Seattle. http://www.wayneperryman.com