After the election, I keep thinking back to Frank Porter Graham's progressive run for U.S. Senate in 1950, one that came down to race and emotion. He ended up on top. Then, weeks later, he lost.
A uniquely clarifying lens on the current state of affairs in our state and nation, Jeremy. One could almost imagine today's Republicans floating a re-tooled version of that poster substituting "immigrants" for "Negroes." We have a loooonnnnggggg way to go toward race, ethnicity and gender equality.
I didn't know any of this and the poster in Smith's support 5 years before I was born is a good reminder both how far we have come and how recent NC society thought like that. In the end, campaigns (Republican almost always) win on fear and emotion.... Willie Smith, Trans inmates getting ex change operations, Illegal immigrants raping and killing. One example can fuel a big turnout.
Thank you for this. I think you nailed it... fear. And speaking of fear, I am struggling mightily with what is ahead. Trying to get motivated to be hopeful. Thanks again for this post.
"They look at demographics. Economics. Events. Ads. Actions. But I tend to think that in the end, these things win out: Insecurity. Emotion. Fear. "
I wish it weren't the case, but I do think you're right.
A uniquely clarifying lens on the current state of affairs in our state and nation, Jeremy. One could almost imagine today's Republicans floating a re-tooled version of that poster substituting "immigrants" for "Negroes." We have a loooonnnnggggg way to go toward race, ethnicity and gender equality.
I didn't know any of this and the poster in Smith's support 5 years before I was born is a good reminder both how far we have come and how recent NC society thought like that. In the end, campaigns (Republican almost always) win on fear and emotion.... Willie Smith, Trans inmates getting ex change operations, Illegal immigrants raping and killing. One example can fuel a big turnout.
I am deeply disappointed that I have agree with you. We haven't come very far, and it's not just North Carolina.
Thank you for this. I think you nailed it... fear. And speaking of fear, I am struggling mightily with what is ahead. Trying to get motivated to be hopeful. Thanks again for this post.