Crossposted from my
blog at CCN:
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During the 70's and 80's, I grew up more fortunate than others, mostly in an upper middle class suburb in central New Jersey. But as the only dark-skinned American of multi-ethnic decent throughout most of my schooling from Grades 3-12, I've certainly been on the recieving end of many racial epithets, slurs and provocations. So admittedly, .. I've become very, VERY sensitive.
So when a leading 2008 GOP presidential hopeful, Senator George Allen (VA), addressed S.R. Sidarth, as "Macaca", I immediately recognised its racial connotation and became outraged. Sadly, racism persists today because of racial bigots, like Senator George Allen and others, who hold powerful leadership positions, but fail to witness and respect the cultural richness of their own constituency -- in the 'real world' - the real America.
I've read several blogs and its readers comments on this matter, including
Mitch Dworkins' blog at CCN,
Wonkette,
Atrios and
DailyKos. Each blog clearly addressed Allens' racial undertones, when he used the term "macaca." In fact,
Frameshop here at Kos identified 3 definitions, when it's used in a derogatory manner,
Here are the three choices:
1. 'Macaca' - French : racist slang; similar to English 'nigger,' used to describe Arabs.
2. 'Macaca' - English : racist slang; similar to 'nigger' used to describe Arabs.
3. 'Macaca' - English : racist slang; used by American white supremacists in 'insider' talk about African-Americans.
Unfortunately, there's a fourth meaning which I'll argue was the real definition underlying Senator Allen remarks:
4. 'Macaca' - English : racial slang; used to slander a human beings' race to that of old world monkeys:
You see, Allen referred to Sidarth, as a common species of monkey, the
"Rhesus monkey" or "Rhesus Macaque". But to biomedical researchers, the the Rhesus monkey is aka "
Macaca mulatta", or "
M. mullata."
And 'NO', ..that's not a misspelling. It is not aka "Macaca mullethead", or "M. mullethead", although this could certainly explain Senator Allens' lame defense;
Allen said: "I don't know what it means." He said the word sounds similar to "mohawk," a term that his campaign staff had nicknamed Sidarth because of his haircut. Sidarth said his hairstyle is a mullet -- tight on top, long in the back ..."Washington Post"
Some could argue that Allen, unintentionally, failed to distinguish our native American Indians (The Mohawks) from West Indians -- afterall, Christopher Columbus made a similar mistake -- albeit over 500 years ago. :/ Of course, that was a different America then. Regardless, here's how wikipedia describes the 'Macaca mulattas' and its behavior "in nature":
"Inhabiting arid, open areas, the Rhesus Macaque may be found in grasslands, woodlands, and in mountainous regions up to 2,500 metres in elevation. ... The Rhesus Macaque is noted for its tendency to move from rural to urban areas, coming to rely on handouts or refuse from humans. It has become a pest in some areas, perceived as a possible risk to public health and safety.
No, those are not "
mohawks" on these monkeys. However, one could infer that Senator Allen certainly regarded Mr Sidarths' presence in the
'mountainous' 'urban' 'regions' of southwestern Virginia, as a '
pest' and/or '
risk' to his public campaigns'
'health and safety.'
But let's review Allens' remarks again and understand why it was clearly a racial assault:
"This fellow here, over here with the yellow shirt, macaca, or whatever his name is. He's with my opponent. He's following us around everywhere. And it's just great," Allen said, as his supporters began to laugh. After saying that Webb was raising money in California with a "bunch of Hollywood movie moguls," Allen said, "Let's give a welcome to macaca, here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia." Allen then began talking about the "war on terror." Washington Post"
Here's a little more scrutiny at his comments. And why I believe that Allen slandered many minority Americans and its cultures.
- First, "Macaca" is not pronounced, "Mo-haw-ka", that explanation is just too lame and ridiculous an excuse for a defense, particularly since he articulated it twice on videotape. Although there exists 20 different species of the Macaque monkey, only one exists in North Africa, Macaca sylvanus, aka the "Barbary macaque". "Exterminated" in most regions of the African continent, however, it's now found mostly on Gibraltar. We may thank Churchill for this, actually, who believed that "as long as Barbary Macaques exist on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule(wiki)." "Macaca", as a derogatory slur by the French and English, likely derived that root meaning, here. And once one accepts this truth, much of Allens derogatory comments above seem fall into place.
- "Hollywood moguls" is particularly interesting, since it would make a direct inference to the "Mughal Dynasty" of India. Not coincidentally, it's this same empire that once controlled the region of the world, which now spans India and Afghanistan, today.
- "Real world" would certainly evoke a comparison to "Old World" (as in old world monkeys). And yes, Macaca mullatas can still be found there, today, in its natural (ie foreign) habitat.
- And lastly, this is same habitat or region where we're supposedly fighting this so-called, "war on terror". And I'm fairly positive that Macacas' that roam there are not Islamic fundamental extremists.
There should be no doubt that Allens' remarks were racially-motivated and inspired, and were a derogatory attack against Mr. Sidarth. But shamefully, Senator Allens' was also an insult to all Americans of minority decent, as well as to every legal immigrant. To Mr Sidarth, be assured of one fact, Allens' world is not America. Throughout our history, minority Americans and immigrant Americans of every race have especially worked hard to progress our democracy and enrich our country; but the same, who've more often than not, been burdened by the consequences of prejudism and racism because of the words and actions of bigoted leaders like Senator Allen.