Why are many progressive organizations, as well as the Republican and Democratic parties, still so white?
This election year, both parties are taking credit for
their supposed progress on the ever-ticklish topic of race. The
Democrats are giving Barack Obama a prime-time starring role while
Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie makes repeated
references to "celebrating a milestone achievement in our party's
connection with America's minorities." One of the delegates to the
Republican Convention, Dominican American Fernando Mateo told me, "In
terms of minority representation, the party has grown by more than 70
percent since (2000)." Of course, a closer look at the convention
showed the Republican Party is still an overwhelmingly white
institution, a glorified gated community where non-whites (excluding
those propped up for photo opportunities) sweep, caretake and do almost
everything except exercise power. The claims of inclusiveness don't
stop with the rhetoric of Democratic or Republican leaders.
Peace-minded protesters, progressive organizations like United for
Peace and Justice (UPJ) and others outside of the politico-corporate
consensus claim similar advances. [more ]
Article originally appeared on (http://brownwatch.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.
]