Lost in the Labyrinth of Race

Real Clear Politics ^ | 31 may 09 | Victor Davis Hanson

[rellimpank]

The Sotomayor Nomination and the Politics of Racial Identity

One of the unexpected results of the Sotomayor nomination is a refocusing on the politics of racial identity and the fossilized institutions of affirmative action-or the belief that the U.S. government should use its vast power to ensure an equality of result rather than a fairness of opportunity.

In the last fifty years, United States has evolved into a complex multiracial state. Race no longer is necessarily an indicator of income or material success-as the record of, say, Japanese-Americans or, indeed Asians in general, attests.

And what criterion constitutes race itself nowadays, when almost every family has someone who is half-Hispanic, a quarter-Asian, one-half black, or part Pakistani? What percentage of one's lineage ensures purity of race

[rellimpank]

-ping-

[sthguard]

One of VDH’s better columns, I think— as always he’s careful in his use and interpretation of evidence, and manages to turn the logic of affirmative action and “equal” opportunity on its head.

[I see my hands]

Benediction at Obama 's inauguration, Rev. Joseph Lowery:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen"

Go to Hell.

[rellimpank]

—I am one of those who feel that VDH writing can only be categorized as “good, better or best”—

[UCANSEE2]

Very interesting article. Thanks for posting it.

IMHO, the use of ‘race’ is just a diversion from the reality that our elected officials seems to be mostly greedy criminals.

And they know that turning one ‘race’ against the other, helps keep the populace from watching the money disappear.

[sthguard]

True enough!

[blueplum]

this article should be required reading in every junior high in the nation

[kellynla]

"why should a Barack Obama qualify for special consideration in college? His mother was white; the grandparents who raised him were as well. His absent father was African-and not part of the historical American trauma of racism and discrimination accorded African-Americans."

[Tolik]

"... in matters of racial politics, we deal now only in fantasies rather than reality"

    Victor Davis Hanson Ping ! 

       Let me know if you want in or out.

Links:    FR Index of his articles:  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=victordavishanson
                His website: http://victorhanson.com/
                NRO archive: http://www.nationalreview.com/hanson/hanson-archive.asp
                Pajamasmedia:   http://victordavishanson.pajamasmedia.com/

[listenhillary]

It’s time for whites to insist on being treated as a minority.

Typical white person...

[gargoyle]

...”True enough!”. Aren’t you being a little Politcally Incorrect? How about, True dat? ;-)...

[maica]

The concluding sentence of VDH’s passionate article: You see, in matters of racial politics, we deal now only in fantasies rather than reality.

*****

The Obama regime deals in the same fantasy in every action it takes.

We are the frogs in the pot and the water is getting a lot warmer.

[sthguard]

Nah, the politically correct version would be “True for you!”