By Elizabeth Roach (bettanne@online.no)
In my last commentary, I took up the inflammatory language used in the McCain campaign. I pointed to the rabble-rousing directed at Barack Obama. Through the use of innuendo, tone of voice, code words, and a uniformed policeman on the podium, Palin was creating a climate in which some people in her audiences felt free to shout "traitor", "terrorist" and kill him". I also pointed out that "the fear-mongering tone of the McCain campaign was nurturing latent racism." Not until there was an outcry from viewers who were shocked to see and hear these outbursts, did McCain begin to repudiate them.
Since my commentary, Congressman John Lewis, the legendary civil rights activist of the 60´s with "the scars to prove it", found the language so offensive that he issued a statement criticizing the McCain campaign. The following quotes from both men will show you how illogical McCain´s response was:
LEWIS: "What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history. Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse. George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans ... Because of this atmosphere of hate, four little girls were killed on Sunday morning when a church was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama."
McCAIN: "Congressman John Lewis´comments represent a character attack against Gov. Palin and me that is shocking and beyond the pale. The notion that legitimate criticism of Sen. Obama´s record and positions could be compared to Gov. George Wallace, his segregationist policies and the violence he provoked is unacceptable and has no place in this campaign. I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I´ve always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events ... I call on Sen. Obama to immediately and personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments."
LEWIS: (A careful study of my remarks) would reveal that I did not compare Sen. John McCain or Gov. Palin to George Wallace. My statement was a reminder to all Americans that toxic language can lead to destructive behavior."
It is clear that Lewis referred only to the toxic rhetoric of the campaign, and in doing so, he gave a poignant example of how situations could get out of hand if allowed to continue. And he certainly did in no way mentioned or maligned the character of "the thousands of hardworking Americans" who attend his rallies.
McCain´s feigned indignation is a two-pronged diversionary tactic:
1. First he obfuscates Lewis´ real point by introducing into the discussion, something that was not at all at issue in Lewis´ criticism - "hard working Americans". He does this in order to deflect attention from what Lewis was really talking about - i.e., the toxic rhetoric.
2. Then he hurls a barrage of emotionally charged words at Lewis - "Shocking", "beyond the pale", "outrageous", "brazen", and "baseless" - all words that are more descriptive of the tone of McCain´s campaign rather than of Lewis`criticism! Here, McCain tries to portray himself as the victim of a character attack.
These diversionary tactics turn the discussion from being not about McCain´s toxic language, but about his character (good ploy because who would dare criticize the character of a war hero who has "the scars to prove it"? ) Unfortunately, talk show hosts fell for it hook, line and sinker, saying that Lewis had crossed the line.
If McCain really doesn´t understand the psychology of toxic language, he should not become President - and if he does understand, then that´s even more reason why he should not become President!
America has a diversity of ethnic groups. Her history lies buried in their genes. Toxic words can conjure that history up in the blink of an eye!
McCain, if the shoe fits, wear it.> > >
1 comment:
I agree with your entire commentary. I commend you on your intelligent breaking down of the use of language from both John Lewis and John McCain.
I have said from day one that the rhetoric that McCain and Palin are spewing is very reminiscent of George Wallace and his "Segregation Today, Segregation Tomorrow, and Segregation Forever" mantra of the 60's.
The thing that McCain and Palin tries to act like they don't understand is that the use of the types of words they have been using is far more dangerous than an actual race related physical attack. At least you know what to expect with a physical attack, but when people start using words like "pro-American", "you in the heartland", "tax paying citizens" in the presence of a large rallying group that looks exactly like you, then you are doing nothing but planting the seed for people, who are not going to go home to research the rhetoric, to repeat the mantras and let hate fester in their minds and hearts.
The even lower tactic is that McCain has Palin, out parading as if she's this innocent, little ol' me hocky mom, spewing most of the hateful rhetoric, under the guise of womanhood and feminity. She very much reminds me of the women who followed the KKK leaders and often came across as these nice women, but as soon as you turn your back, will be the first to cut you down, allure you to your death. She is the most dangerous kind of white person, one who tries to relate to the everyday "joe the plumbers" but will sent Joe and his friends to the wolves in a heartbeat.
The most disturbing part of the turn that this campaign has taken though, to me, has been the way that McCain and Palin have used this same rhetoric to convince their constituents they are the better candidates, by appealing to what I like to call, the lowest common denominator of intelligence, which is pure ignorance. Basically, McCain and Palin are saying to these people that come to the rallies, No, we don't think your smart enough to make up your minds on your own, so we will spoon feed you because we know that you are never going to go read our plan of action for policies and you damn sure aren't going to read Obama's. So just listen to us and believe everything we say just until we get into office and then, oh well, we will see you when we see you, because you know they will not set foot back in the so-called "heartland" after this election is over, especially if they get elected. Much like Bush couldn't bring himself to step foot into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
I commend John Lewis for standing up and saying what he said and Sen. Obama for not bowing down to McCain's request for him to denounce Lewis' remarks. If McCain were truly sorry, he wouldn't have let it happen in the first place.
Post a Comment