Tea Party Candidate Herman Cain Turns His Back on the African-American Community

alternet.com

While stumping on the fundraising circuit in Nashua, New Hampshire last weekend, prospective Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain gave a speech right out of the black conservative playbook.

Cain spun a tale of his own childhood that was part Leave it to Beaver mated with a healthy dose of The Andy Griffith Show. He colorized these nostalgia-laden versions of Americana and whiteness -- lies wrapped around a fiction -- by adding an anecdote from his own experience as a young man encountering the evil that was Jim Crow America. In Cain's telling, he was denied admission to the University of Georgia based on his race,even though he ranked second in his high school class. Rather than show righteous anger and indignation at how his basic life chances were threatened by the (il)logic of white supremacy, Herman Cain "never lost faith in America" and oddly "found inspiration in the experience" as it reinforced the values his parents had instilled in him.

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In their roles as race pimps who deal from the bottom of the "race card" deck on behalf of the Republican party, Cain and many other popular black conservatives run from the history of communal struggle and obligation that is a mark of pride in the African-American community. Moreover, they recycle conservative fantasies of self-made men and women, the dime-novel Horatio Alger tale, and embrace the myth of meritocracy. The latter is doubly ironic for black conservatives given America's long history of economic, legal, social and political privileges that were -- and often still are -- the exclusive province of white people.

Just as Herman Cain did in his speech in New Hampshire, popular black conservatives perform their designated roles as mascots and apologists for white racism. They are "the good ones": black folks who do not complain or protest, who trust in white benevolence, and never rock the boat. Thus black conservatives fulfill a fantasy role for white conservatives who seek to minimize the role that centuries of discrimination, violent oppression and racism continue to play in contemporary American life.

For example, take this anecdote Cain told to Matt Lewis of the conservative Daily Caller Web site:

"We were at the bargain basement department store one day,” Cain told me recently, “and my mom was looking on the rack and we asked if we could go get some water. And mom specifically said, make sure you all drink out of the colored fountain. And then, typical young boys, we kind of went hmm, nobody’s looking." Cain continues, “My brother went first while I stayed on the lookout. Then he was on lookout while I sipped the white water."
I asked Cain what lesson he learned from this experience. “We looked at each other and said, the water tastes the same! What’s the big deal?"

I feel two ways about this article.

1). There are, of course, a number of African Americans on the political right. Michael Steele gets most of the media attention but there are certainly others. I'm sure there are quite a few self-made men and women who truly believe that they have lifted themselves up by their own bootstraps and that anyone in America can do the same. The Horatio Alger story is one that we all have been raised with and I can understand why so many people want to believe they can rise to riches and perhaps fame through their own righteousness and perseverance.

2). On the other hand, I can also understand why some in the African American community might think he's a sell-out. It was through unity and perseverance that black people fought and are winning the battle for equal rights and equal opportunity in all spheres, not just the right to sit at the table with white people. I'm inclined to agree that Mr. Cain is just pandering to the racists and knows very well that a lot of us Caucasians would very much like not to be reminded of our past injustices and want to believe we are now completely free of racism in all its forms and do not want to hear about the subject at all. It makes us feel guilty.

I've had some very prejudiced people in my family and still do. During the civil rights period, I had a grandfather who believed that "the bluebirds should fly with the bluebirds and the blackbirds with the blackbirds." He was not conscious of his racism and usually treated the individual African Americans in his life fairly and as well as he was able to. He did not realize that his belief system was the root of the oppression of an entire ethnic population and was causing a great deal of suffering. There were, and are, many like him.

I'm among those white people who think that we, as a society, are not nearly where we should be in terms of racial equality. We have made progress, but there is still a distance to go.

I believe President Obama is walking a fine line between recognizing and acknowledging racial prejudice and also attempting to move us beyond our anger and toward a better future. I think there are many Americans who dislike being reminded that the president is black and would welcome a black man who denied his race and the ways in which it has shaped his life. In other words, an Oreo.

reply to post by TheImmaculateD1


Well if that makes us Caucasian's racist how about such wonderful racists like Al Sharpton ? The left has had decades to do something about him and his activities! Honestly do you think the right has a monopoly on racial issues?

Originally posted by hangedman13
reply to post by TheImmaculateD1

 

Well if that makes us Caucasian's racist how about such wonderful racists like Al Sharpton ? The left has had decades to do something about him and his activities! Honestly do you think the right has a monopoly on racial issues?

Sharpton and Company do not speak for the left. Got it?

Are you putting party above nation?

Sounds to me like who ever wrote the article is angry at white people and the white culture. How dare a black man not act like a "typical" black man. He is a shame and a disgrace to all the black folks who live on thrive on racism (and some poor white souls as well).
I don't think he should be sugarcoating his upbringing but for the love of hoby jebus what is different about him from any other politician , they all make their living on lying.
Dems, Repubs,Tea Partiers they are all the same,, one is no more racist than the other but don't try to tell that to the pitiful souls who have no other answer for someone who disagrees with them.
Politicians don't get elected by saying they are wealthy people lookin to secure a future of increasing retirement benefits and perks while in office. The get elected by tellin you that they feel your pain and can relate to what youre going through.
EVERYONE who claims racism on any political group or anyone who doesn't live up to their "typical" race can take it and stick it right back up their sorry as...........

reply to post by TheImmaculateD1


Herman Cain don't speak for the right. Got it?
And to clarify, I am not left or right, but i see hypocrites left and right in both of the damned parties. Both of the damned parties are really good at putting the party before the nation, and tearing everyone apart. To hell with both of them.

reply to post by Primal Scream


The problem is not the man himself. The problem is that the PARTY promotes the man as an exemplar of a successful black man in America. A man who says "hey, segregation wasn't so bad. Black water fountains tasted the same as white!" is probably not the ideal model of a post-racial individual! He is, however, very useful to bring out whenever the GOP is labelled racist. "No, we're not racist. See? We have a handful of black guys!"

Who wrote that RACIST article? HOW DARE BLACK PEOPLE TRY TO GET AHEAD ON MERIT AND EFFORT? Don't blacks know they are supposed to live on the welfare doled out by Democrats instead of trying to succeed by the application of honest effort? How sad it is that some black people should use their God given intelligence and talents to succeed in a "white man's world" instead of using the system of racial quotas that allows a mediocre candidate to flourish simply based on his race?

[/sarcasm off] Isn't it great to see black people being successful. The person who wrote that article sounds like they cannot stand a successful black man in America.

Originally posted by TKDRL
reply to post by TheImmaculateD1

 

Herman Cain don't speak for the right. Got it?
And to clarify, I am not left or right, but i see hypocrites left and right in both of the damned parties. Both of the damned parties are really good at putting the party before the nation, and tearing everyone apart. To hell with both of them.

Since the Baggers have no National Committee means every person who flies the Bagger banner speaks on behalf of it. If y'all had centralized leadership then the national committee could've easily condemned him and all like him but since there is none no distinctions are to be made from now on out.

At least if a GOP or a dem did something the national committee did not approve of it would issue a statement slamming the policy and condemning the act.

reply to post by TheImmaculateD1


What you just said has to be the most illogical thing I have ever heard in my entire life. Are you serious? And just in case you haven't heard, the tea party is part of the GOP now, and has been for quite a while now.

Originally posted by TKDRL
reply to post by TheImmaculateD1

 

What you just said has to be the most illogical thing I have ever heard in my entire life. Are you serious? And just in case you haven't heard, the tea party is part of the GOP now, and has been for quite a while now.

Which further proves one point, since the RNC in DC refuses to say something about it means the RNC supports fully, unequivocally everything said by members of either the GOP or The Baggers.

For me to take the RNC serious again it needs to slam and condemn actions like this and to no longer put it's weight behind these dangerous elements.

reply to post by TheImmaculateD1


So everytime any democrat or left winger says something offensive to anyone, their leaders come down on it hard? Right.... you are too funny dude. Both sides do the same exact thing, and their members eat it up like a fatass eats their icecream, while ignoring the same behavior on the other side. There is racism on both sides. There is religious biggotry on both sides. Both sides both sides both sides. I wish people would wake up....

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Do you Baggers need more definitive proof that only rich, white males who vote GOP matter and screw everyone else.

The facts continue to come in making my case even more firm and solid that the entire Bagger Klan is the modern wing of the Ku Klux Klan/Aryan Brotherhood/Nazi's.

So the party in which I assume you identify yourself with would be the Democrats right? They had decades to expel their racists and Ku Klux Klan sitting congressman; should we instantly label the whole of Democrats as such? According to your twisted spiteful logic, yes.

It is apparent throughout your postings that you have a serious problem with others of different ideas. Point being your reference to those that like the ideals that the Tea Party profess to hold as being "Baggers"...which I am also going to assume you would like to use the full term "Tea Baggers". If that is the case, don't be a pansy and back down from your rhetoric. It makes you look weak.

What facts are pouring in in regards that the 'entire Bagger Klan' is the modern wing of those groups you listed?

--------------------------------------

As for the OP, the article has a tone that we often here whenever there is a black American that has conservative ideals. They are an Uncle Tom! They are apologists! Sell out! God forbid Mr. Cain have his own mind, his own ambition and own constitution to not allow the sins of America's past hold him down to this day! How dare he!

Originally posted by ownbestenemy

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Do you Baggers need more definitive proof that only rich, white males who vote GOP matter and screw everyone else.

The facts continue to come in making my case even more firm and solid that the entire Bagger Klan is the modern wing of the Ku Klux Klan/Aryan Brotherhood/Nazi's.

So the party in which I assume you identify yourself with would be the Democrats right? They had decades to expel their racists and Ku Klux Klan sitting congressman; should we instantly label the whole of Democrats as such? According to your twisted spiteful logic, yes.

It is apparent throughout your postings that you have a serious problem with others of different ideas. Point being your reference to those that like the ideals that the Tea Party profess to hold as being "Baggers"...which I am also going to assume you would like to use the full term "Tea Baggers". If that is the case, don't be a pansy and back down from your rhetoric. It makes you look weak.

What facts are pouring in in regards that the 'entire Bagger Klan' is the modern wing of those groups you listed?

--------------------------------------

As for the OP, the article has a tone that we often here whenever there is a black American that has conservative ideals. They are an Uncle Tom! They are apologists! Sell out! God forbid Mr. Cain have his own mind, his own ambition and own constitution to not allow the sins of America's past hold him down to this day! How dare he!

I am an American above all else, politically I am a Centrist leaning liberal. If a Dem were to spew rhetoric make no mistake the DNC would sit the person down and order them to backoff all while telling them that if they do not that The DNC will no longer back them during the next cycle and will look for someone else.

What I find vile and disgusting that there are more then one idiot who will be quick to defend the individual over nation and those who do not see anything the matter with what is being said or implied. Apparently and evidently neither group knows how to properly vett its candidates.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Do you Baggers need more definitive proof that only rich, white males who vote GOP matter and screw everyone else.

The facts continue to come in making my case even more firm and solid that the entire Bagger Klan is the modern wing of the Ku Klux Klan/Aryan Brotherhood/Nazi's.

As stated previously in another thread no more distinction will be made from now on out and everyone who identifies themself with this racist group will be declared instant racists!

How about them apples? Y'all have had nearly 3 years to expell your racists element and now since you have failed no more distinctions will be made. No one wants to do a thing about it so you now have to suffer.
See what staying silent has gotten you? Equated with trash and racist scum.

edit on 18-3-2011 by TheImmaculateD1 because: (no reason given)

Dear God...no.Not this

BTW,why is it that no one seems willing to tackle the subject of anti-White racism?
Better to sweep it under the rug,eh?

Mod Edit Profanity/Circumvention Of Censors – Please Review This Link.

reply to post by ownbestenemy

I think my OP presented both sides of the argument fairly.

In the final analysis I think I lean toward the "sell-out" position but have acknowledged and carefully described the arguments of each.

Certainly there is a powerful case to be made for conservatives of color.

Originally posted by AngryOne

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Do you Baggers need more definitive proof that only rich, white males who vote GOP matter and screw everyone else.

The facts continue to come in making my case even more firm and solid that the entire Bagger Klan is the modern wing of the Ku Klux Klan/Aryan Brotherhood/Nazi's.

As stated previously in another thread no more distinction will be made from now on out and everyone who identifies themself with this racist group will be declared instant racists!

How about them apples? Y'all have had nearly 3 years to expell your racists element and now since you have failed no more distinctions will be made. No one wants to do a thing about it so you now have to suffer.
See what staying silent has gotten you? Equated with trash and racist scum.

edit on 18-3-2011 by TheImmaculateD1 because: (no reason given)

Dear God...no.Not this s*** again.

BTW,why is it that no one seems willing to tackle the subject of anti-White racism?
Better to sweep it under the rug,eh?

Another fool who flat out refuses to id racist elements amongst them. Yes, it is this yap again.

There is no such animal as Anti White Racism so stop right there. \

Stop defending party above nation or else be risk being labeled as "Anti American" as well!

Originally posted by Sestias
reply to post by ownbestenemy

 

I think my OP presented both sides of the argument fairly.

In the final analysis I think I lean toward the "sell-out" position but have acknowledged and carefully described the arguments of each.

Certainly there is a powerful case to be made for conservatives of color.

Hence why Michael Steele was fired as Chiar of The RNC because he was the "token black". No African Americans, Hispanics, Arabs, Indian GOP anywhere. Jindahl, seriously?

The GOP and Baggers are guilty by association.

reply to post by TheImmaculateD1

There is no such animal as Anti White Racism so stop right there.

What planet are you living on ?!?!?!?!?!?!??!
Mod edit : All Caps – Please Review This Link.

Originally posted by AngryOne
reply to post by TheImmaculateD1

 

There is no such animal as Anti White Racism so stop right there.

WHAT PLANET ARE YOU LIVING ON?!?!?!?!?!?!??!

Since the LA Riots has there been any Caucasians attacked based upon their race?