Comments on: IMG MGMT: Race Card http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/ As relevant as Eric Fischl. New York art news, reviews and gossip. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:05:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 By: Risk http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83297 Risk Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:13:37 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83297 It is obvious that you are using this as a Republican versus Democrat tool. You should consider the words of Frances Rice, chairman of the National Black Republican Association. In the opinion of Rice, the Democratic Party is the architect of modern day racism. Rice has went on to say that Republicans pushed through much of the ground-breaking civil rights legislation in Congress. In her opinion, Republicans stand for empowering blacks to help them out of poverty. In contrast, Rice says, the Democrats push to keep blacks dependent on government handouts and encourage them to see themselves as victims. I would like to know your thoughts on that. Or am I racist for suggesting this? Rice has also said that the Democrats oppose giving blacks the opportunity to become wealthy through Social Security personal accounts and oppose efforts to reform Social Security, even though blacks on average lose $10,000 in the current system because blacks on average have a five year shorter life expectancy. She has also said that most blacks are not aware that from its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party, the Republican Party has been at the “forefront of the struggle for civil rights, which is why Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican.” Did you know that it was the Democrat public safety commissioner, Eugene ‘Bull’ Connor, in Birmingham who let loose vicious dogs and turned the fire hoses on black civil rights demonstrators? Probably not. Did you know that Democrat Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox brandished an ax handle to prevent blacks from patronizing his restaurant? Or that Democrat Alabama Governor George Wallace stood in front of the Alabama school house in 1963 and declared that there would be segregation forever? In 1954, it was Democrat Arkansas Governor Orville Faubus who tried to prevent the desegregation of Little Rock public schools. Did you know that? Did you know that all of the founding Ku Klux Klan members were Democrats? Get the facts. The problem is that people today rant about their views with no knowledge of history to back it! It is obvious that you are using this as a Republican versus Democrat tool. You should consider the words of Frances Rice, chairman of the National Black Republican Association.

In the opinion of Rice, the Democratic Party is the architect of modern day racism. Rice has went on to say that Republicans pushed through much of the ground-breaking civil rights legislation in Congress.

In her opinion, Republicans stand for empowering blacks to help them out of poverty. In contrast, Rice says, the Democrats push to keep blacks dependent on government handouts and encourage them to see themselves as victims. I would like to know your thoughts on that. Or am I racist for suggesting this?

Rice has also said that the Democrats oppose giving blacks the opportunity to become wealthy through Social Security personal accounts and oppose efforts to reform Social Security, even though blacks on average lose $10,000 in the current system because blacks on average have a five year shorter life expectancy.

She has also said that most blacks are not aware that from its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party, the Republican Party has been at the “forefront of the struggle for civil rights, which is why Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican.”

Did you know that it was the Democrat public safety commissioner, Eugene ‘Bull’ Connor, in Birmingham who let loose vicious dogs and turned the fire hoses on black civil rights demonstrators? Probably not. Did you know that Democrat Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox brandished an ax handle to prevent blacks from patronizing his restaurant? Or that Democrat Alabama Governor George Wallace stood in front of the Alabama school house in 1963 and declared that there would be segregation forever? In 1954, it was Democrat Arkansas Governor Orville Faubus who tried to prevent the desegregation of Little Rock public schools. Did you know that? Did you know that all of the founding Ku Klux Klan members were Democrats? Get the facts.

The problem is that people today rant about their views with no knowledge of history to back it!

]]> By: Craig Drennen http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83411 Craig Drennen Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:56:16 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83411 Regarding the previous post, Hodge framed the discussion with the recent presidential campaign ads. That means it refers to Democrats and Republicans. I did not read it as an attempt to cover the the entire history of American race relations through a binary lens of "Dem vs. Repub." Rather I saw it as an attempt create a genealogy of racist imagery, and the cultural neuroses that helped/helps generate it. Regarding the previous post, Hodge framed the discussion with the recent presidential campaign ads. That means it refers to Democrats and Republicans. I did not read it as an attempt to cover the the entire history of American race relations through a binary lens of “Dem vs. Repub.” Rather I saw it as an attempt create a genealogy of racist imagery, and the cultural neuroses that helped/helps generate it.

]]> By: Wayne Hodge http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83421 Wayne Hodge Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:08:48 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83421 Did you even read the essay? I am by no means apolgizing for the racist roots of the "Southern Democrats"-In fact, I spoke of the Republicans in terms of "Free-Soil" to link them to a past where there was some commitment to issues of Abolition. Just as the Democrats moved away from a segregationist policy, the "Social Conservitave" policy of the Republicans moved them towards a devisive anti-progressive agenda. This essay was about media images, and the source material that I used spanned the two parties. Yes, Wilson was a Democrat (I don't believe that I presented him in a very kind light either). It does not make McCains campagn ads any less racist or problematic. Did you even read the essay? I am by no means apolgizing for the racist roots of the “Southern Democrats”-In fact, I spoke of the Republicans in terms of “Free-Soil” to link them to a past where there was some commitment to issues of Abolition. Just as the Democrats moved away from a segregationist policy, the “Social Conservitave” policy of the Republicans moved them towards a devisive anti-progressive agenda. This essay was about media images, and the source material that I used spanned the two parties. Yes, Wilson was a Democrat (I don’t believe that I presented him in a very kind light either). It does not make McCains campagn ads any less racist or problematic.

]]> By: tom moody http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83425 tom moody Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:29:57 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83425 Thanks to Risk for the summary of current Republican propaganda talking points (assuming it wasn't satire). The Democratic South of the 1950s is not the Democratic South of today. Nixon's "southern strategy" successfully wooed Southern racists over to the Republic party, or don't you have any knowledge of history? The Social Security system works fine--we should want our money handed over to the private banks who have recently proven to be such adept money managers? (These are rhetorical questions--no need to answer.) Anyway, my question is for Wayne: Did you think the New Yorker cover was racist? Many here at AFC thought it was just good fun and some people were taking it too seriously: http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/07/14/new-yorker-illustration-strikes-controversary-where-there-is-none/ Thanks to Risk for the summary of current Republican propaganda talking points (assuming it wasn’t satire). The Democratic South of the 1950s is not the Democratic South of today. Nixon’s “southern strategy” successfully wooed Southern racists over to the Republic party, or don’t you have any knowledge of history?
The Social Security system works fine–we should want our money handed over to the private banks who have recently proven to be such adept money managers? (These are rhetorical questions–no need to answer.)

Anyway, my question is for Wayne: Did you think the New Yorker cover was racist?

Many here at AFC thought it was just good fun and some people were taking it too seriously:

http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/07/14/new-yorker-illustration-strikes-controversary-where-there-is-none/

]]> By: Risk http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83465 Risk Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:18:06 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83465 Tom, big words coming from a man who does not allow comments when posting controversial opinions on his own blog. So are you saying that Frances Rice is foolish? Let me guess, Sharpton and Jackson are the only black leaders you observe. Those two have made a living by keeping blacks down. The Democrat party has been establishing a new form of slavery for decades now. I could go on and on but you will just deny what I say. Maybe you should talk to some African Americans who support the Republican party so that you can open your mind. Maybe you should learn about the black protests against Obama that have had no press. I find it very offensive that you would call Frances Rice's opinion Republican propaganda. Do you know how many supporters she has in the black community? Are you saying they are not real blacks because they are not bowing down before the throne of Obama? I'd like my money to go where I want it to go. I'd like to have more money in my pocket when I get my paycheck. Thanks to the Democrats I have to fork over a huge percent to the IRS. See how the Democrats keep us all down? Tom, big words coming from a man who does not allow comments when posting controversial opinions on his own blog. So are you saying that Frances Rice is foolish? Let me guess, Sharpton and Jackson are the only black leaders you observe. Those two have made a living by keeping blacks down.

The Democrat party has been establishing a new form of slavery for decades now. I could go on and on but you will just deny what I say. Maybe you should talk to some African Americans who support the Republican party so that you can open your mind. Maybe you should learn about the black protests against Obama that have had no press.

I find it very offensive that you would call Frances Rice’s opinion Republican propaganda. Do you know how many supporters she has in the black community? Are you saying they are not real blacks because they are not bowing down before the throne of Obama?

I’d like my money to go where I want it to go. I’d like to have more money in my pocket when I get my paycheck. Thanks to the Democrats I have to fork over a huge percent to the IRS. See how the Democrats keep us all down?

]]> By: Art Fag City http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83471 Art Fag City Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:45:15 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83471 Risk: I'm glad you're engaging in the post, but it is inappropriate to personally attack commentors. Moody's comment moderating policies are not up for debate here, we are discussing Race Card. As it stands now you have barely addressed any of the subject matter Hodge has written about. Stick to the topic at hand or your comments will not be approved. Risk: I’m glad you’re engaging in the post, but it is inappropriate to personally attack commentors. Moody’s comment moderating policies are not up for debate here, we are discussing Race Card. As it stands now you have barely addressed any of the subject matter Hodge has written about. Stick to the topic at hand or your comments will not be approved.

]]> By: Saul Chernick http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83478 Saul Chernick Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:33:09 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83478 Risk: Although the Democrats are far from perfect the fact of the matter they are they first of the two dominating parties to nominate a black person for president. I can't understand how that cannot be seen as tremendously empowering? As you point out both parties are guilty of racism in the past but here in 2008 it's clear which of the two is more serious about empowerment and racial reconciliation. Risk: Although the Democrats are far from perfect the fact of the matter they are they first of the two dominating parties to nominate a black person for president. I can’t understand how that cannot be seen as tremendously empowering? As you point out both parties are guilty of racism in the past but here in 2008 it’s clear which of the two is more serious about empowerment and racial reconciliation.

]]> By: Risk http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83500 Risk Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:03:27 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83500 And that is the perfect example of how the race card is being played in this election by the Democrats. Like it or not the Democrat party is using Obama as their token black guy. It is a win win situation for the Democrats. If Obama wins they can rave about how their party elected the first black president. If Obama does not win they will use that to show how racist the Republicans are. The press is also at fault though for their past errors. So maybe the media is playing the race card more than any other entity. I can think of a few black politicians who wanted to be president but hardly got any press. Obama had great press from the start even though his lack of experience did not warrant the praise. Maybe it is because he is black and a Democrat. I sometimes wonder if he would have the same press had he been a Republican. You have to ask yourself if he is doing as well as he has because of who he is or simply because of his image. I wish the media would play some of his botched speeches because the man actually makes many mistakes. People poke fun at McCain but Obama has made more mistakes during speeches lately. When he does it is not mentioned but if McCain does you can bet there will be an articles asking if he is too old to lead the country with little hints that his mind might be going. So maybe it is the media playing the race card as well by keeping as much negative Obama info tucked away as possible and showing every error that McCain makes. And that is the perfect example of how the race card is being played in this election by the Democrats. Like it or not the Democrat party is using Obama as their token black guy. It is a win win situation for the Democrats. If Obama wins they can rave about how their party elected the first black president. If Obama does not win they will use that to show how racist the Republicans are.

The press is also at fault though for their past errors. So maybe the media is playing the race card more than any other entity. I can think of a few black politicians who wanted to be president but hardly got any press. Obama had great press from the start even though his lack of experience did not warrant the praise. Maybe it is because he is black and a Democrat. I sometimes wonder if he would have the same press had he been a Republican.

You have to ask yourself if he is doing as well as he has because of who he is or simply because of his image. I wish the media would play some of his botched speeches because the man actually makes many mistakes. People poke fun at McCain but Obama has made more mistakes during speeches lately. When he does it is not mentioned but if McCain does you can bet there will be an articles asking if he is too old to lead the country with little hints that his mind might be going. So maybe it is the media playing the race card as well by keeping as much negative Obama info tucked away as possible and showing every error that McCain makes.

]]> By: Adam Thompson http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83833 Adam Thompson Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:50:54 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-83833 I think one of the most interesting points is the "feminizing" of Obama in the "Celeb" ad by McCain. I totally agree. Well done viewpoint. I think one of the most interesting points is the “feminizing” of Obama in the “Celeb” ad by McCain. I totally agree. Well done viewpoint.

]]> By: Danielle Abrams http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-85634 Danielle Abrams Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:25:32 +0000 http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/08/08/img-mgmt-race-card/#comment-85634 I agree with Adam Thompson. Not only does the equation between Obama / Spears and Hilton seek to threaten Obama's "masculinity" and mandated heterosexuality. Perhaps these pairings also elicit America's fears about the sexual desire shared between black men and white women. We wouldn't want to create any more of those underhanded mulattoes now, would we? Wonderful job Hodge! Those Currier and Ives' prints are so rich and relevant. And great job in reading between the lines re: Woodrow Wilson and DW Griffith. Thanks for your perspectives. I agree with Adam Thompson. Not only does the equation between Obama / Spears and Hilton seek to threaten Obama’s “masculinity” and mandated heterosexuality. Perhaps these pairings also elicit America’s fears about the sexual desire shared between black men and white women. We wouldn’t want to create any more of those underhanded mulattoes now, would we?

Wonderful job Hodge! Those Currier and Ives’ prints are so rich and relevant. And great job in reading between the lines re: Woodrow Wilson and DW Griffith. Thanks for your perspectives.

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