Reply #75: The reference to the confederate flag IS offensive [View All]

[mbali]

and I don't think the fact that members of a DNC audience applauded last February changes that. Obviously, a number of Democrats do not find this comment offensive, but that doesn't make it any less offensive to those of us who were disgusted by it.

I was offended when he said this back in February and I'm even more insulted now since it's obvious that it wasn't a slip of the tongue. I've looked at the entire context of what Dean said and that's why it bothers me.

As a black person, I find a number of aspects of Dean's comments offensive. First, his invocation of the Confederate flag was unnecessary to the point he claims he's trying to make and is a slap in the face to people who have a real and visceral reaction to being slapped in the face with such a painful symbol.

It also troubles me that Dean seems to think nothing of reaching out to a group of people whose interests I believe are antithetical to mine. But what's even more troubling is that he either doesn't understand or doesn't care that in order to attract these people into the Democratic camp, he has to make concessions to them. And those concessions will almost necessarily be on issues of importance to me.

It is offensive to me because I know that African Americans have been the most loyal and least rewarded segment of the Democratic base. We stick with our party no matter what, even when we're told repeatedly by politicians "ok, we're going to act like we don't know you since that's the only way to attract the people we think we need to win. But don't worry, we'll get back with you later. So just be quiet about it so that you don't damage the party." Watching Howard Dean reach out to the Confederate flag wavers bothers me greatly, especially in light of his lukewarm efforts to attract African Americans to his campaign. Confederate flag lovers have a choice of party - we don't.

It seems to me that he would be much better off focusing his efforts on shoring up the Dems' loyal base - which is more than sufficient to guarantee Democratic victories - than dissing us in order to chase after people whose interest conflict with ours.

I'm also offended by the notion that, just because some people, even some black people, aren't bothered by Dean's comment, that means the views of those of us who are offended by it are irrelevant. That attitude seems to apply only when it comes to the views of blacks. We rarely hear white people being told that the fact that lots of white people support George Bush means that white people who disagree with him just don't know what they're talking about.

Moreover, I'm offended by Dean's obvious cluelessness about how offensive his remark is to some people. Even if Dean believes that he did nothing wrong and meant no harm, he should at least understand that some people were terribly offended by what he said and that our point of view is reasonable and should be respected. Instead, he just digs in his heels and suggests that anyone who disagrees with him just doesn't get it.

Even more offensive are the nasty attacks his supporters have been launching on his behalf against those of us who are genuinely troubled by his comments. The failure and/or refusal to understand that our point of view is well taken and not deserving of attacks on our intelligence, character and motivations does not speak well for Dean or his campaign. And it's one of the primary reasons that, despite the support of a smattering of black people, he has not gained and is not likely to gain any meaningful traction in the black community.

I hope that straightens it out for you.