If Rachel Dolezal Duped Us Into Believing She's Black, Blame Ourselves

Los Angeles Times ^ | 6/13 | Frederik DeBoer

[nickcarraway]

I's hard to think of a more bizarre story, or one more representative of contemporary America, than that of Rachel Dolezal. Dolezal is an academic and activist who represented herself as African American for many years, earning a degree in Africana studies, even ascending to the position of president of the Spokane, Wash., chapter of the NAACP.

As police killings show, the African American community needs more change As police killings show, the African American community needs more change Dolezal's parents, however, have recently made matters uncomfortable for her, telling the media that she is in fact Caucasian and showing photos of her as a younger woman with blond hair and blue eyes. The NAACP is standing behind Dolezal, stressing that “racial identity is not a qualifying criteria or disqualifying criteria for NAACP leadership.” But there are additional questions regarding, among other things, her position on a local police council. When applying to the Spokane police ombudsman commission, she indicated a racial category of black, which if untrue would violate the city ethics code.

Dolezal, for her part, acknowledged that her biological parents are two self-identified Caucasians, but has thus far refused to elaborate.

The story has predictably been catnip to our pundit class, provoking commentary ranging from the outraged to the sympathetic to the amused. Almost everyone, however, has been shocked — shocked that someone would act this way and shocked that someone could pull it off. I am shocked that people are shocked. Rachel Dolezal was inevitable. We made her.

[Awgie]

America has become a sick parody of itself. Our once brave, noble, strong, prideful and yes superior nation, has been relegated to clown car freak show status, while the hyenas of the world close in, waiting for the moment of the kill.

[BwanaNdege]

...indicated a racial category of black, which if untrue would violate the city ethics code.

...indicated a racial category of black, which if untrue would violate the city ethics code.

This whole story accentuates the absurdity ( and illegality) of "racial/minority preferences". Chose a different race or minority to prefer and we are back to Jim Crow.

[Awgie]

Bingo! I think you hit the most relevant point. If NAACP doesn't condemn her charade, they are opening the flood gates for anyone to claim black status and thus hop on the gravy train of affirmative action and preferential treatment.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

i could be completely wrong.

(I-might-be-totally-wrong-but-I'm-a-)
Dancin' Foo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ool...
-Frank Zappa

[Awgie]

If there is such a thing as “ people of color” does that make me a “person of non color?” “Uncolored”? “Colorless?” Just asking so I can fit smoothly into the New America melting pot of misfits and losers.

[Tallguy]

The keyword from the article is “self-identified”. There are bureaucratic rules that sometimes allow the applicant to claim a particular racial background without having a shred of proof — even making it improper for the interviewer to inquire.

My ex-wife was a Marine-brat born in Honolulu to a Slovak father & an Irish mother. She attempted to game the system on a scholarship application while in grad school by claiming “Asian-Pacific Islander” heritage because she knew they “couldn’t ask”.

[silverleaf]

Ok folks, time to demand “transracial” as a choice on those job, loan and college applications

[savedbygrace]

does that make me a “person of non color?” “Uncolored”? “Colorless?”

It makes you a taxpayer.

[xzins]

I agree, he is Transgender. She is TransRacial.

I am TransPresidential

And I want Obama to get out of my office.

[Awgie]

Yes! Another great observation! How dare a privileged WHITE PERSON, who already has all the advantages and guarantees of preferred racial status, covertly pass herself as an aggrieved down trodden disadvantaged minority, thus stealing one more small crumb of a high paying do nothing “activist” job from an otherwise deserving true negro!

I wonder how the person who was pushed aside to allow White Girl to have this plumb position, is feeling now?

[Spok]

It’s also a perfect fit for someone with menchausen syndrome who craves victimhood.

[FlingWingFlyer]

White womyn of color and lesbians are becoming very popular in this country. Girlymen love voting for them.

[peteyd]

Her hair dresser knows.

[Bon of Babble]

It's hard to think of a more bizarre story, or one more representative of contemporary America, than that of Rachel Dolezal.

No, stories like Rachel Dolezal's are becoming the norm.

It was "Bruce" Jenner last week, now this.

Before that it was Michael Jackson - born a black child, died a white woman! Rachael was born "wrong skinned," just as Jenner was born "wrong gendered" - after all skin color and gender are social constructs, right?

And who are we to judge?

//sarc

[Henry Hnyellar]

Check one box one an application and you are set. Years ago, when I returned to college to continue my education, I started receiving letters to join various black groups/clubs and offers of black-based scholarships. I wondered why until I happened to review my initial application for the college. I guess I was in a rush or wasn’t paying attention and I checked the wrong box for race. I wonder what would’ve happened if I showed up to one of these black groups with my invitation letter and my blonde hair and blue eyes?

[Drew68]

Blame ourselves because we have been put in chickensh#t mode we are afraid to question anyone who is black

Let's not question anyone who says they're black. Everyone should check the "African-American" box on employment and college applications.

It's time to starve the beast of Affirmative Action. While we're at it, let's all "self identify" as women and deal the death blow to Title IX.

Liberals just gave us the tools to kill both these abominations and they didn't even realize it.

[ModelBreaker]

I love this quote. Only an incredibly earnest lefty could write this:

“Dolezal, for her part, acknowledged that her biological parents are two self-identified Caucasians . . . “

[Drew68]

I wonder what would’ve happened if I showed up to one of these black groups with my invitation letter and my blonde hair and blue eyes?

You could always tell them your homo Erectus ancestors were making stone tools in Tanzania 2 million years ago.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

Everyone should check the "African-American" box on employment and college applications. It's time to starve the beast of Affirmative Action. While we're at it, let's all "self identify" as women and deal the death blow to Title IX.

I like it. Just call me "Shlamekia".

[ROCKLOBSTER]

I wonder how many other ‘black leaders’ (and other, so called, oppressed people) are pulling the same stunt, even now.

Eric Holder, he don't look so black. What about the Halfrican "American" in the oval orfice?