Eric Holder: America a "Nation of Cowards" on Race
Eric Holder is suggesting, with his "nation of cowards" remark, that people ought to be more tolerant about one another and more frank in discussing race relations. The idea was praised by civil rights leaders, but was taken to be not only confrontational but also more than a little bit hypocritical by others.
Hotair's Allahpundit suggested that having a "frank conversation" about race is code for agreeing with the leftist view on the issue. Allahpundit also noted that the "nation of cowards" remark came on the same day that a New York Post cartoon was being attacked for being racist.
Michelle Malkin was even blunter. "Funny. When I think of racial cowards, I think of Barack Obama at Jeremiah Wright's church, sitting there week after week, year after year, saying nothing about the separatist demagoguery echoing from the pulpit to the pews."
Others have noted the irony of the first African American Attorney General appointed by the first African American President tossing out rhetoric about "nation of cowards" about race. Barack Obama was elected on the premise of ushering in a "post racial" society, in which the subject of race would not matter. The fact of an African American US President, elected on the strength of white votes, would suggest that racism was no longer much of a problem.
Apparently that is not the case, though. The problem with Eric Holder's suggestion of a "frank dialogue" about race is that race and accusations of racism are too effective political weapons to be given up, just for the sake of "frank dialogue." America may well be a "nation of cowards" when it comes to race, but that may only be because being accused of racism is about the worse thing in the world. Almost anything, even mild criticism of an African American politician, can bring about accusations of racism. Better, therefore, to exercise, if not cowardice, then prudence and not say anything.
Perhaps there has altogether too much talk about race, with its emphasis on differences and historical grievances. One has a modest suggestion. Instead of having a "frank dialogue" on race, how about an uplifting celebration of our common humanity?
There was a poster once that depicted a sailing ship, with the caption: "No Matter What Ship We Came on, We're Now All in the Same Boat." Eric Holder-and Barack Obama-should find copies of that poster and put it up on the walls of their offices to remind them of that salient fact.
Sources: U.S. a 'nation of cowards' on race, 1st black attorney general says, Josh Meyer, Chicago Tribune, February 19th, 2009
New AG Holder: When it comes to race, America is a "nation of cowards", Allahpundit, Hotair.Com, February 18th, 2009
Holder: "A nation of cowards", Michelle Malkin, Michelle Malkin.Com, February 18th, 2009
Published by Mark Whittington
Mark R. Whittington is a writer residing in Houston, Texas. He is the author of The Last Moonwalker, Children of Apollo, Dark Sanction, and Nocturne. He has written numerous articles, some for the Washington... View profile
- Places to Visit in New York City for Black History Month There are many famous black history sites to visit in New York City during February which is Black History Month. This list highlights five places that are prominent places in the black history of New York City. Many...
- Submission for Black History Month A look at American History and why is Black History still not a part of our educational institute textbooks.
- Why Do We Need Black History Month? Black History is a foreign study for me. Therefore, I am writing this series of articles on black history notables to educate the public and myself on black history in the United States.
-
Reed Middle School Closes Black History Month with a Twisty Tune!
February marks Black History Month. Students and teachers have some good fun on this year's event at Reed.
-
5 Youtube Videos that Teach About Black History for Black History Month
Here is a collection of 5 YouTube videos that teach about black history in America.
- Black History Month Events in the Kansas City Area
- Celebrating Black History Month in Pennsylvania
- International Repsonses to Black History Month
- Black History Month? is it Gone or Forgotten?
- Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Major Contributor to Establishing Black History Month
- Queens College Salutes Black History Month
- Celebrating Black History Month is Necessary
|
|
10 Comments
Post a CommentYoutube has a whole host of videos that are racist towards blacks and other non-whites. I'm disgusted that misogyny towards black women isn't taken seriously. Yet if any videos bashing gays were uploaded on youtube they would never see the light of day. Nor would any videos bashing white women. I believe that the worst racists are those so called anti-racists. They are so phony and hypocritical it is sickening.
The only non-racists are people who take individuals as they see them.
Eric Holder is a racist pig!
Mark, a well written article. I am afraid there will always be those like AG Holder who will use his office for nonsensical political and personal reasons rather than use htme for the purpose of said office. The only solution to the Holder issue is for him to resign or the President to fire him. Wonder which will happen? Or not.
Eric Holder, and I wont even refer to him
as mister, has to be a "classic" A___ole,
for making such an assinine statement. I
served my country for eight yrs., during
the Viet Nan conflict, and I married a girl
with a bi-racial baby, whom I then adopted
and now have four bi-racial grandchildren,
and am damn proud of them and the fact I
am the God fearing open-minded person that
I am. If he was standing before me right
now, I would surely slap his mouth. And
being a retired Cop, I know that would be
considered assault, but he actually does
deserve a lot more "action" from me. In his
position, he is a "disgrace" to his race
for being such an obvious Racist !! May God
have mercy on his racist soul.
S. Sciortino (Retired Cop from Ohio)
Eric Holder, and I wont even refer to him
as mister, has to be a "classic" A___ole,
for making such an assinine statement. I
served my country for eight yrs., during
the Viet Nan conflict, and I married a girl
with a bi-racial baby, whom I then adopted
and now have four bi-racial grandchildren,
and am damn proud of them and the fact I
am the God fearing open-minded person that
I am. If he was standing before me right
now, I would surely slap his mouth. And
being a retired Cop, I know that would be
considered assault, but he actually does
deserve a lot more "action" from me. In his
position, he is a "disgrace" to his race
for being such an obvious Racist !! May God
have mercy on his racist soul.
S. Sciortino (Retired Cop from Ohio)
Eric comments are downright a mirror or a voice of reason about embedded raw dark racial resentment. Open dailog is scaring because one has to be politically correct.In other countries e.g Africa tribal differences has been the social fabric of most civil wars and genocide.Genetic color code has bearing to racia phobia.Only way to change is to show our next generation that we are color blind even though we see color.
Very well spoken.We are.Like a childish high school click, we revolve in circles depending on our needs.Why are we not smart enough to see that we are a nation,A world, that needs each other in this time of extrordinary change?Because we have taken so much?Because so much has been taken?Is it because to know light, we must know darkness?
I suggest that every individual take a close look in a mirror and notice what shade of skin they see on the face in the mirror; and having done so, ask themselves whether the skin color they see is really of any significance whatsoever, or whether, in fact, the real issue is what is going on inside the skull in the brain that is looking at the face in the mirror. Racial discrimination, of course, is illegal, and if instances of racial discrimination are taking place, Mr. Attorney General, see that they are prosecuted. Otherwise perhaps we can agree that skin color is irrelevant and focus our attention on things that actually do matter.
Mark, I love the sailing ship poster mention. I was surprised by Eric Holder's comment but I see his point, that a lot goes unsaid and simmers under the surface when it could be addressed and resolved.
Same goes with criticism of the border issue, only it is even more ridiculous because we are speaking of foreigners, not Americans, with respect to the border issue and the mass migration of Mexicans into the border states this past 10 years. And they are not simply taking jobs Americans don't want, but some jobs in construction that have now cost even the returning Iraqi war vets their jobs and homes. I think at this point it seems to be only the blacks that have an "issue" with race relations when it is convenient for political purposes, just as the race card in the illegal situation is played - although the most immigrant supporting group is called LaRaze - "The Race." Ironic.