It never ceases to amaze me how Americans can hold insanely differing representations of reality in their head about race in this country without just, going POOF. A friend who is doing calls for the Obama campaign told me about one man who said he couldn't vote for Obama because he was not "sufficiently grateful for the actions of the North during the Civil War," while a friend's dad stated during the MA primary that he was "voting for the colored boy."
I have generally managed to stay optimistic, that is until today's "this is your reality on crack," moment.
Whilst John McCain, his several surrogates and the Traditional Media (do I get a cookie, Kos?) go the distance to claim that Barack Obama is playing the "race card" by noting that he is, in fact, black, the New York Times reports today that:
The Secret Service is wary of discussing threats against the people they protect, but with Mr. Obama poised to become the first black presidential nominee, there are special worries. While law enforcement officials say there are no specific, credible threats against Mr. Obama, they expressed concern about low-level chatter on Web sites frequented by white separatists who spew hate about Mr. Obama’s race and what they perceive as his liberal agenda.
So basically white racial separatists (apparently missing the grand old days when uppity negros could easily be taught their place) are chattering about doing nasty things to Obama because he is black, but Obama is running a problematic campaign because he acknowledges that he is black?
Is it that white separatists aren't playing a race card (you know, the white people are better one), or is it more that black race cards are "high" cards, kinda like an Ace?
Also, does anyone know if race cards are transferrable? Maybe I could pick up some potting soil at Home Depot.