September Surprise: Black Folk Well Behaved at Debate

Note: We’re keeping this short this week because we’re both in Washington, DC for Charlton’s wedding. We didn’t forget about our loyal readers, but at the same time, there’s a-celebratin’ to do!

The most amazing part of this week’s Republican candidates’ All-American Presidential Forum, hosted by Tavis Smiley, was the fact that all of the black members of the audience at Morgan State University were polite, relatively quiet, and calm. As for the panel of journalists of color, they, too, were well behaved; not one of them asked a candidate how they’d answer the “muthaf***in’ question.” We were shocked, but pleasantly surprised.

For those whose sensitivity to satire is on the blunt side, we’re poking fun of Bill O’Reilly’s comments this week about how well behaved the black folks were when he dined with Rev. Al Sharpton at Sylvia’s in Harlem. Of course, O’Reilly believes that his comments were complimentary toward African Americans; he can’t understand how the fact that he was surprised – that is, expecting poor behavior at the restaurant – is offensive and driven by racism. There’s been a great deal written about this over the course of the week, and we don’t have much to add.

But as for Thursday night’s Forum, we are at once disappointed that the leading four candidates did not show up (lots has been written on this, too) and glad to see that five of the other Republican candidates did. Additionally, we had a surprise visit from Alan Keyes, who is apparently 1) running for president, and 2) residing in Maryland again even though he ran for an Illinois U.S. Senate seat in 2004. The candidates were relatively direct and candid in their answers. We evaluate the Forum as being relatively free from pandering. That is, the candidates who were respectful enough to show up were also respectful enough not to B.S. the audience. As we noted a few weeks ago, though, there are dangers of being there: giving answers to which the majority of black folks would respond favorably might harm their chances with the conservative base that the candidates need to get elected, but giving answers that are not in line with much of black leaders’ issues positions would make for a quite uncomfortable experience and further alienate a constituency that has not been very responsive to Republican ideas.

The real story, though, was the immense division apparent in the audience to these candid responses that, quite often, cut against that which black leaders and Democrats have put forth. Prominent black Republicans such as Michael Steele were in attendance, but the audience was a mix of minorities and whites, some of whom were positively responsive to the candidates’ responses, and some of whom were not. Bill O’Reilly was probably surprised, but we weren’t.

For many years, black voters have been far less monolithic in their attitudes than pundits have suggested. It’s unlikely that any of these six Republicans will secure their party’s nomination, and we agree with The Washington Times that it’s reprehensible that any of the eventual nominees did not think enough of the event (and, by association, the “every day” people – as Mr. Smiley noted in his introduction – on whose behalf it was organized) to attend. Maybe African Americans should be more open to voting Republican, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be persuaded to vote for someone in 2008 who jilted them so inexcusably. But make no mistake – black voters are conservative and liberal, Democrat and Republican, ready to get out of the war and willing to stick it out a bit longer, pro-life and pro-choice, in favor of gay rights and opposed to them. Don’t expect the Republican presidential nominee to get much of a chunk of the black vote in 2008, but don’t make the mistake that Guiliani, McCain, Romney and Thompson did in assuming that just because folks’ skin is a similar tone that their attitudes and feelings are devoted to a Democratic Party that has taken their votes for granted and not delivered in a way that appreciably improved the quality of life for many racial and ethnic minorities in America.

A Busy Week in Race: Fight Over Public Space Draws Our Attention

We never have trouble trying to find something to write about regarding race, politics and communication. (Stephen pointed out Wednesday [Sept. 19] on the Internet radio program “Outside Voice” that this is evidence in and of itself that we have a long way to go on the issue). Each week, we sift through the stories that have arisen and try to focus on one to analyze. This week was tougher than most. Here were the top contenders:

Fred Thompson joined the list of Republicans bailing out of Tavis Smiley’s presidential forum this coming Thursday.

Cornel West gave a mind-blowing appearance plugging his new CD on Smiley’s PBS program (reinforcing Stephen’s long-time belief that he keeps his Afro not for political reasons, but because his brain is too big for his head, and he needs to protect it from the elements).

Isaiah Thomas revealed that he believes black men calling women “bitches” was not as troublesome as white men doing the same thing.

There was a big turnout for the protests in Jena, Louisiana, as that little town continues to have a spotlight shone on its blatant bigotry.

And, the one we finally decided on. . .

Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley charged spankin’ new alderman Brendan Reilly of caving in to racist attitudes on the part of his constituents who are trying to keep the Chicago Children’s Museum from moving to Grant Park.

The young Mr. Reilly beat long-time incumbent Burton Natarus this past spring to represent the 42nd Ward, which contains the Loop and other parts of central downtown. Property values have soared in the ward where most of the residents are white, and nearly all of the property-owning constituents are very wealthy. This is particularly true in the area near Grant Park where park and lake views from the high-rise condominium buildings drive prices even higher.

The situation arose because the museum has outgrown its current home at Navy Pier. On Monday, Daly, who supports the move, lashed out at opponents: "You mean you don't want children from the city in Grant Park? Why? Are they black? Are they white? Are they Hispanic?” Criticism of Daly’s comments were swift and harsh. A Sun-Times online poll reported that, as of Sunday morning, 79% of some 5,700 respondents do not think that “the opposition to kids [sic] museum is a racial issue.” Well, then, that settles it. An unscientific poll of people, some of whom may not even think that the Jena situation is rooted in race, say it’s not racist.

The truth, however, is that Daly’s claim is disingenuous. There’s no reason to suspect that poor and/or minority children would be flocking to the museum, which charges (at present) $8 per ticket to get in. Children of all classes and colors routinely frolic noisily at the fountain in Millennium Park, so it’s difficult to imagine that kids walking to and from an indoor attraction would be reason for alarm. Residents seem most upset about allowing a for-profit entity in public space.

For his part, Reilly called the mayor’s claims “ridiculous.” That may be going a bit too far. While we are not at all persuaded that the residents’ motives are racial in nature, it’s not ridiculous to consider it. It’s natural that the folks who live in the area would want to protect their investments by keeping property values high. And it’s no secret that part of America’s systemic racism is manifested in housing patterns that result from property values dropping when people of color begin to live or even frequent the area. That’s why “white flight” from urban areas has resulted in “suburban sprawl” until recent “gentrification” of some urban neighborhoods. So while Mayor Daly is wrong in this case, the claim is not “ridiculous,” or, as another opponent of the move stated, unduly “insulting.” Any accusation of racism is an insult to someone who does not believe he or she is racist. As we consistently argue in this space, though, it’s a claim that we all need to take more seriously if we are to move forward toward racial equality.

Like all American cities, Chicago has racial tension and racial issues that are both derived from and perpetuated by its segregated housing patterns. But the Lincoln Park zoo, which is free, is located in the heart of one of Chicago’s most posh neighborhoods. Public space, particularly near the lake, is part of Chicago’s tradition and part of its appeal as a tourist destination. So are its museums. However the current controversy is settled, there will continue to be tension between the haves and those who speak for (or claim to speak for) the have nots and have-too-littles in America’s great urban centers.

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Mark your calendar! It was confirmed this week that we will be debating one another regarding “Who Can Use the N-word” on October 26 in Naperville, Illinois. The debate, which is free and open to the public, will take place in Centennial Hall (White Activities Center) on the campus of North Central College, time TBA. We’ll post more details when the event draws closer. TWIR readers in the Chicagoland area are encouraged to attend and to spread the word to others interested in race, politics and language.

GOP Presidential Candidates Too Busy for Black Folks

As has been widely reported this week, three of the top Republican presidential contenders – John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney – have notified Tavis Smiley that they will not attend his second All-American Presidential Forum – this time for the GOP candidates – on September 27. Most of the reaction has been negative, but the truth is that Republican candidates are in quite a bind with this event.

From the perspective of advocates for persons of color, the event might be read as political strategy in and of itself. It’s a no-win situation for the Republican candidates: If they go, they will inevitably have to either lie (which they are unlikely to do) or profess that any concerns they have about the problems that disproportionately face racial minority communities are better solved by laissez-faire, trickle-down policies. In other words, they will have to admit that they think they know better what is best for black and brown America than African American and Latino leaders. So showing up is either a recipe for election-time disaster by being caught in a lie (or not believed at all) or for publicly taking a revealingly patriarchal approach to these disadvantaged communities.

On the other hand, if they do not go, they risk being accused of not even caring enough about minority communities to show up at the PBS forum. This was the approach all of the Republican candidates took to the proposed Univsion forum; like other Latino-themed events for GOP candidates, the Spanish-language channel invited all of them to Miami, but none accepted. The “top three” in the field have similarly chosen to avoid Smiley’s event, and the fallout began immediately.

Mirror on America correctly asked where all the black Republicans are on this. Remember last year, when so many black Republican candidates ran for statewide office (and lost)? GOP leaders were beating their chest about how the Democratic Party had taken the black vote for granted for too long (which it has), and about how African Americans were starting to realize that the Republican Party was better situated to address their unique concerns (which it is not). We weighed in on this a year ago, arguing that black Republican candidates were in the difficult position of being perceived as “not black enough” to black folks and being “not as black as other blacks” but probably “still too black” to white folks. White Republican candidates are in a similar position at the present: If they show up and answer in ways that will satisfy their conservative base (who they need to win the nomination), they risk looking “racist” in the media and potentially alienating the minority vote for the general election if they do secure the nomination. But if they answer in ways that curry favor with minority audience members and panelists, they run a great risk of looking “soft” on what most conservatives perceive to be hand-out-seeking, personal-responsibility-shirking, white-man-blaming, liberal special interests. We’re glad we’re not advising any of the Republican candidates!

Lots of folks were excited about this event. The African American Environmentalist Association even publicly proposed a list of questions about environmental racism that they wanted to see addressed. They’ll be disappointed if the top three don’t change course.

For his part, Smiley is understandably incensed. He wisely predicted that these candidates’ opponents are going to certainly use this in campaign commercials (if not now, in the general election or in the future). During the week, Smiley went on a media blitz and told various audiences (including viewers of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) that he’ll keep an empty podium on the stage for each candidate who does not show up. Ouch. Such a gesture is generally reserved for someone who dies – perhaps this symbolizes the death of the candidates to minority voters. Like Mirror on America, Smiley wants to know where all the black Republicans are. African American Political Pundit does, too, noting that there are a number of black columnists who are finding time to go in front of cameras to support the war and the bush Administration, but who are quite silent on this.

Even David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network thinks that not showing up at the forum is a mistake. Look folks, when Pat Robertson’s network comes out against you for snubbing minority groups, you are clearly screwing up. We hope all of the candidates show up and answer directly and honestly the questions from the panel composed completely of journalists of color. It’s more than symbolic (though that would be enough); it’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about issues that are too often absent from other debates.

Black Men: Read A M****F***** Book!

For the past few weeks, BET viewers and ‘Net surfers have been buzzing about a new hip-hip song by Washington, DC-based MC Bomani “D’Mite” Armah, who claims to actually not be a rapper, but “a poet with a hip-hop style.” Whatever he is, he’s ruffling some feathers, and with good reason: his song “Read a Book” is a cutting jab at black men who, according to D’Mite, need to: read a book, brush their teeth, raise their kids, wear deodorant, buy some land, and drink water, all shouted “crunk”-style over a catchy hook from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

It’s difficult to know exactly what is intended or, quite frankly, what is going on in the song or the video. One reading is that D’Mite is following other so-called “positive” rap artists who have created music designed to effect change in their communities. It’s inarguable that issues such as consumerism and deadbeat fatherhood have contributed to problems that plague black America. Black leaders have spoken out for years to try to urge black men in particular to be conscious about these issues (e.g., Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Million Man March in 1995). D’Mite throws in the face of young black America their heroes, mocking them throughout his animated video for the song, as they enjoy booty shakin’ (and ass slappin’) in clubs, ride on expensive “spinnin’” rims, shoot automatic weapons, and watch large projection-screen televisions. This reading has D’Mite using effective means to communicate a message that runs counter to that which he views the current hip-hop culture portraying.

Another reading of the song is that D’Mite is buying into stereotypical portraits of black men, and, thus, reinforcing and perpetuating them with his song. Further, he’s developing new stereotypes. Is there really a problem with body odor, dehydration, and tooth decay among black American men today?

Yet another reading is that D’Mite is actually making fun of black spokespersons who are continually “preaching” to young black men (e.g., Bill Cosby). The laundry list of bad behavior in the song borders on absurdity. D’Mite may very well be asking, “What’s next from you old farts?”

Jesse Jackson, for one, wasn’t having it. A couple of weeks ago, he issued a statement from Rainbow/PUSH condemning the song for its “crude language,” “lack of creativity,” and overly simple and repetitive rhymes. Others, however, love it. Jack and Jill was way out in front of this, and sharply criticized Rev. Jackson for denouncing the song. The Conservative Voice likes the message, but predictably is upset about the language used. Still others, such as Think 2wice, are ambivalent, seeing the potential for multiple interpretations and not being sure what to think.

As TWIR readers know, we generally avoid speculating on intent. (D’Mite tells the Washington City Paper that he was writing the song for himself, to encourage him to do what he needs to do.) As social scientists, we are concerned with effect (or potential effect). Communicative acts have two distinct parts: the message from a communicator and the way a message is processed by a receiver. This exchange is dynamic; the same message will be processed differently by different persons based on a host of factors related to their attitudes, lived experiences, and the context in which the message is received. So while young black men might be offended by “Read a Book” or moved to make changes as a result of its message, the song will likely work differently on black women, members of other minority groups, or white folks.

On the Cutting Edge: New Race and Politics Research

We spent the past four days at the annual American Political Science Association conference in Chicago. We thought it would be of interest to TWIR readers to see the assortment of papers related to race that were presented at the meeting (including ours, of course, but don’t get your hopes up – we had some data problems). You can search the papers yourself, or you can read the abstract and/or get a copy of a paper that we feature below by putting in the author’s name and downloading it. The search page also allows you to find and read APSA papers from conferences dating back to 2002.

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Ariely, Gal, Canetti-Nisim, Daphna and Halperin, Eran. "The Role of Security Related Perceived Threats in Producing Hostile Political Attitudes toward Minorities: Evidence from Israel"

Avery, James, Fine, Jeffrey and Voss, D. Stephen. "Does Turnout Matter? Minority Turnout and Substantive Representation in Congress"

Butcher, Charity. "Ethnicity, Rivalry and Territory: The Interactive Impact of Ethnicity on International Conflict"

Caliendo, Stephen and McIlwain, Charlton. "Black to Reality: Entertainment Television as a Priming Agent for Race-Based Evaluations of Candidates"

Chen, Elsa. "’In the Furtherance of Injustice’? Prosecutorial Discretion and Racial and Ethnic Sentencing Disparities in California"

Craemer, Thomas. "Slavery Reparations and Non-Conscious Racial Attitudes"

Dowley, Kathleen and Silver, Brian. "Political Institutions and Minority Group Perceptions of Democracy"

Ericson, David. "The ‘Three Races’ and State Development in the Early United States"

Flaherty, Anne. "This Land is My Land: The Politics of Indian Land Claims Settlement"

Gomberg, Paul. "Race and Contributive Justice"

Goren, Lilly. "Fact or Fiction: Are We Ready for the First Female or Minority President?"

Hardy-Fanta, Carol, Lien, Pei-te, Sierra, Christine Marie and Pinderhughes, Dianne. "A New Look at Paths to Political Office: Moving Women of Color from the Margins to the Center"

Henry, P.J. and Reyna, Christine. "A Model of Value Expressions"

Jackson, Melinda. "Priming the Sleeping Giant: Latino Political Identity in the 2006 California Gubernatorial Election"

Jencik, Alicia. "An Application of the Political Performance Model at the Local Level: New Orleans Before and After Hurricane Katrina"

Jones-Correa, Michael and Ajinkya, Julie. "Immigration, Gender and Political Socialization"

Jordan-Zachery, Julia. "Policy Interaction: The mixing of fatherhood, crime and urban policies"

Kellough, Edward and Williams, Janelle. "Contracting and the Bureaucratic Representation of Minorities and Women: Examining Evidence from Federal Agencies"

Lee, Jongho. "Transnational Engagement as a Catalyst for Latino Immigrants’ Political Involvement in the United States"

Lien, Pei-te. "Transnational Political Behavior Among Asian Americans"

Lowndes, Joseph., Novkov, Julie and Warren, Dorian. "Race and US Political Development"

Maxwell, Rahsaan. "Segregation or Integration? Geographic Context and Ethnic Minority Political Participation in France"

Miller, Edward. "Digital Disparities and the Health Care Internet: Race, Ethnicity, and Online Information Searches in the United States"

Newswander, Lynita. "Love, Lust, and Capital: Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon as Political Theory"

Orr, Scott. "The Theory and Practice of Ethnic Politics: How What We Know about Ethnic Identity Can Make Democratic Theory Better"

Patten, Alan. "Immigrants, National Minorities, and Language Rights: Towards an Acceptable Normative Theory"

Sabella, Jonathan. "Strategic Considerations of Minority Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives"

Sanchez, Gabriel. "Is Perception Really Reality? An Investigation of the Presence and Source of Perceived Discrimination Within the Latino Community"

Sanchez, Jose. "Puerto Ricans in the House: Community, Media, and Power in the Legislative Process"

Sanguino, Laurencio. "Selective Service: Civic Activity among Indian, Polish, and Mexican Immigrants in Chicago"

Schmidt, Ronald. "Latinos and Language: Why No Political Movement for a Bilingual Language Policy?"

Sharp, Elaine. "Culture, Segregation and Tolerance in Urban America"

Shingles, Richard. "Race and the State: The Importance of Original Incorporation in the Development of the United States for the Current Political-Social-Economic Status of National-Origin Groups"

Stow, Simon. "’By What Moral Authority Do They Tell Us How to Conduct a Black Funeral?’: Frederick Douglass, Democracy, and African-American Public Mourning"

Von Vacano, Diego. "Race and Republicanism in Latin American Thought"

Wadsworth, Nancy. "Religious Bridging: Evangelical Racial Reconciliation as a Race Project"

Waismel-Manor, Israel. "Getting into the Voting Rights Act: The Availability of Translated Registration Materials and its Impact on Minority Voter Registration and Participation"