The Anti-Racist Majo
But,...
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Author:
Peter Arsenault
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Time:
02/27/2008 12:15
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Text:
Interesting article. I'm not convinced tho. As a leftwing, white, working class union activist, I don't see much progress at all in the three areas I find most white workers fall down. These are: affirmative action, welfare and the death penalty. Sometimes people give me a hearing when I point out the lack of people of color where I work (or in the local school dept, firefighters, police, utility workers and other good paying union jobs).
When push comes to shove I usually say people of color are either systematically excluded from these jobs or you think they're inferior and don't "deserve" to work them (too lazy to apply, poor test takers, etc are often the excuses given).
Now, working in New Bedford, MA we have the issue of undocumented workers front and center since the March 6, 2007 Michael Bianco ICE raid. New Bedford is a city decimated over the last 30 years by manufacturing plant closings. Over 20,000 good paying, mostly union jobs lost. Ultra-right wingers especially local radio talk shows really attack these workers denying they have any rights at all and should all be deported now.
Little empathy and solidarity from workers I know who usually have good class stands. Little willingness to listen to neoliberal reasons workers are forced to become economic refugees to survive and provide for their families.
Main point I'm making is this issue of the undocumented has TONS of racist undertones. I think if large numbers of white Canadians were the undocumented here, the response would be far more sympathetic.
I appreciate the info given and will try to keep an open mind concerning the "anti-racist majority". I do think a lot of Obama's support is a rejection of Hillary Clinton and all her husband did as President. I'm hoping and actively working to ensure most white workers don't reject Obama because of who he is. Support him for what he stands for as compared to the disaster in waiting, McCain.
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Peter Arsenault
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02/27/2008 12:15
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