Comments on: ATR 100 – Yes We Did http://www.addictedtorace.com/2008/11/10/atr-100-yes-we-did/ Fri, 28 May 2010 12:18:48 -0700 hourly 1 By: eb http://www.addictedtorace.com/2008/11/10/atr-100-yes-we-did/comment-page-1/#comment-240360 eb Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:53:12 +0000 http://www.addictedtorace.com/?p=215#comment-240360 I would like to comment on another aspect of McCain's mention of race in his concession speech. When talking about the significance of a racially mixed president he said, "..America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it." Then goes on to say, "let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship." Although this sounded positive at first it later reminded me of the argument often told by the right that assumes there is a level playing field. It is their argument that racism ('racialism') doesn't exist, so affirmative action programs, for instance, aren't necessary. Also, who is he accusing of not cherishing their citizenship? There was a time, not long ago, when people were considered anti-American if they expressed disapproval of any of George W. Bush's policies in Iraq. There are a smaller group of Americans, perhaps in McCain's 22%, who believe that to be an appreciative, acclimated citizen means you must not just follow the ideals upheld by the Constitution but must also conform to the social practices of the majority. McCain's concession speech seemed to mask the same classist agenda which American's rejected in the election. I may be reading between the lines here, but there are those on the far right who will read the same but instead take it as encouragement for their agenda. I would like to comment on another aspect of McCain’s mention of race in his concession speech. When talking about the significance of a racially mixed president he said, “..America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it.” Then goes on to say, “let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship.” Although this sounded positive at first it later reminded me of the argument often told by the right that assumes there is a level playing field. It is their argument that racism (’racialism’) doesn’t exist, so affirmative action programs, for instance, aren’t necessary.

Also, who is he accusing of not cherishing their citizenship? There was a time, not long ago, when people were considered anti-American if they expressed disapproval of any of George W. Bush’s policies in Iraq. There are a smaller group of Americans, perhaps in McCain’s 22%, who believe that to be an appreciative, acclimated citizen means you must not just follow the ideals upheld by the Constitution but must also conform to the social practices of the majority. McCain’s concession speech seemed to mask the same classist agenda which American’s rejected in the election. I may be reading between the lines here, but there are those on the far right who will read the same but instead take it as encouragement for their agenda.

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