We all know xenophobia and racism are not new in this country, despite the ongoing “this isn’t who we are” hand-wringing. It continues to astound me that each new expression of hate, ignorance, and ugliness that comes from 45* and his cult is so often met with shock and surprise, as if these are somehow new to him, to the Right, or to the country. I wish I knew what the formula was for breaking the desire for upholding and maintaining white supremacy. I wish I knew what it would take to wake up white voters in this country and convince them that it's not our history that makes us great; it is in overcoming that white-centered history that our potential for greatness exists. And since I have no magic answers, I continue with what I know: sharing the history that is rarely found in our textbooks; highlighting the connections between then and now; questioning the assumptions I was raised with; and seeking, searching, and questioning. Today, because of the work schedule I’ve had over the past few days, I’m reversing my usual text-in-the-morning, tweets-in-the-gloaming order, and the written content will appear tonight. Today, just some glimpses of our history from period posters and illustrations; tonight, a story of what happens when xenophobia, corporate greed, and willing puppets intersect.
Guess the year (or at least the decade; no search engines allowed!)
Always blameless, never to blame (Wilmington Insurrection of 1898)
Before #VoteLikeBlackWomen
Zero sum racism
Remember the children. Because these children probably weren’t.
These are the folks who now think they’re going to make America great [again].
And regarding my opening question? The answer is 1950. But don't be surprised if you see something similar for 2020, because there's no dog whistling anymore.