The Problem with Carson’s Comments
Although it’s been a few days since 7th District Congressman Andre Carson’s comments regarding some members of the Tea Party hit the national scene, the debate still continues. Carson himself has started to backtrack somewhat from his rhetoric that there are some members of Congress who would like to see blacks “hanging from a tree”, what is bothersome are the comments of those who are blowing off the remarks as Carson merely “reflecting the sentiments” of his constituents.
Here is the problem with that line of thinking. Let’s say there is a debate on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives over entitlements and welfare spending. And let’s say a Congressman whose initials are Y.T. gets up and gives a speech about how the government needs to cut spending on these programs. And while Y.T. is on the House floor he says “It’s time for those inner city porch monkeys and picaninnies to get off their big black behinds and the government dole.” Y.T.’s comments may be offensive and inappropriate, but they are also now perfectly acceptable. By excusing Carson’s remarks as merely “reflecting the thoughts of his constituents” his supporters have now given carte blanche for the previous hypothetical to occur.
I have always found it odd and bizarre that when Blacks behave badly, there is a segment of the Black population excuse bad behavior that they would find unacceptable if it were done by other ethnic groups. When I came back to this country in the early 1990s, I was shocked at the attitudes that excused the predatory behavior of young black men in urban neighborhoods as simply being products of their environment. I told them I’ll remember that the next time I’m a cross burning and remind people that your friendly neighborhood Klansman and white supremist is merely a product of his environment and his “seig heil” is just his way of saying “hello” or flagging a cab.
When we excuse the outrageous remarks of elected officials as simply “reflecting their constituents” we open up a political Pandora’s box and we lose the right to call them on the carpet and the political discourse only gets worse and no good can come of that.
