Race and the Election: It Has Come to This…

by joannameng

I’ve come across two especially smart (and entertaining) pieces of commentary on race and the election recently. The first is a K Chronicles comic (by Keith Knight):

The second is “An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you” by Carmen Van Kerckhove of Racialicious. Here are some excerpts:

Dear white voter,

Sorry, was that too direct? Sarah Palin loves calling you “Joe Six Pack” and “hockey mom.” Perhaps I too, should use one of 68 possible euphemisms to refer to you instead.

I want to ask you a simple question: Which candidate — McCain or Obama — do you think has a higher opinion of your character?

…

Judging from their messaging, they seem to be stereotyping white voters as closed-minded, paranoid, naive, xenophobic, and just a tad bit racist.

…

Contrast McCain’s view of you to that of Obama’s.

Despite the harsh realities of racism in America — his being placed under Secret Service protection earlier than any other presidential candidate in history, for example — Obama has never expressed anything but unfailing faith in you.

The thing is, Keith Knight and Carmen Van Kerckhove aren’t just complaining. They aren’t just being clever. And they aren’t just glorifying the candidate they support.

There are some seriously racist campaign strategies (and supporters) being implemented right now that go well beyond influencing the presidential election.

See this disturbing video for a run-down. And check out the campaign at ColorOfChange, where you can sign a petition to tell the McCain/Palin campaign that their actions (and inaction) are unacceptable.