Race bait and switch
So, some folks decided to use Coretta Scott King’s funeral to make political statements. That’s to be expected, I think. Some folks took issue with using it as a platform for political posturing. And others took issue with others taking issue.
Personally, I think that (like the Wellstone funeral) such posturing for political gain is disrespectful to the deceased. But people can do what they want, I suppose. I think it lessens their message to do so at such an event. But TeeVee time is TeeVee time.
Amusing in all this is the side that decided to use racist caricatures to point out, well, I don’t know what:
Oh lawdy, lawdy, lawdy Miss Mellie, I do decleah these Democrats are so ungenteel! Why, they were talkin’ politics and singin’ and dancin’ and actin’ all Negro and everything!
[snip]
Typically, his supporters’ knee jerk response is to rhetorically lynch African Americans.
Emphasis added for those that need to be told that sort of thing. Digby ends with For shame. That’s an appropriate response to his own post, which consists of unfounded accusations of racism presented in a nice little racially divisive package.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
While I oppose politicking at a funeral, I think everyone expects that if a politician is given a microphone, that will happen.
The solution would be to not invite those guests to speak, doncha know…
February 8th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Not to be too left wing liberal, but the King’s were about justice and liberty for all. They tried to change this world and did some very good work. I would think they would not mind being remembered by others who are trying to carry on their word. And, I do like to hear Mr. Carter and Mr. Clinton preach!
February 8th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
I’m conflicted on this, and need to blog about it. On one hand, a funeral seems like an inappropriate place for some of the criticisms that were made (particularly of the war); at the same time, it’s wholly appropriate to point out that lots of work still needs to be done in terms of civil rights and racial equality. The question becomes how do you distinguish between honoring her life’s work and calling for it to continue, and political opportunism? I think it’s easy here to mistake one for the other.
And concerning the calls for continuing improvements of equality and civil rights, if not there, then where? And if not then, when?
February 9th, 2006 at 11:10 am
trirsch:
– How about on a ceremony during the national day off work most of us get now?
Politicos could stand out on a podium on January 16th and speak to great lengths about the subject. We created a holiday to recognize his great work and sacrifice. IMO, *that’s* the day to speak on his work – not at his wife’s funeral.
February 9th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
_Jon:
So we get one day a year? Wow, how generous of you! :-/