Feminist
Pro-Queer
Anti-Racist
Gaming

Apparently after Obama was elected (months ago, I realize) there has been a rise in hate crimes. As reported at http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/11890:

"Signs hang on the office door of University of Alabama professor Marsha L. Houston, Thursday, as Houston posted a message against racism after someone defaced a previous poster of Barack Obama and his family with a death threat and racial slur. (AP Photo)

By JESSE WASHINGTON

Cross burnings. Schoolchildren chanting "Assassinate Obama." Black figures hung from nooses. Racial epithets scrawled on homes and cars.

Incidents around the country referring to President-elect Barack Obama are dampening the postelection glow of racial progress and harmony, highlighting the stubborn racism that remains in America."

The report highlights a few of these incidents. There have been more - of that I'm certain.

Worry not because according to this site, these are all "isolated incidents" from people without any real power. To recite an oft used expression, "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." I simply can't see how an entire history of racism in this nation can be ignored by stating that incidents such as these are isolated. To me, it is clear that they are not isolated, but are cumulative. Isolated incidents of racism (or sexism, heterosexism, etc) are impossible because they reflect a complete history of such actions and the beliefs and fear that motivate them.

While on a family visit, I was asked if I had seen the new quarter. I sighed and stated that I hadn't. Then, I was presented with a picture of a quarter with Washington's face colored black with a Sharpie. I can't remember what else was said though I believe a joke was made about his assassination. Classy. I've been spoiled. Typically, I surround myself with liberal-minded folk. Add to this the "Barack the Magic Negro" song:

and it becomes difficult (in my mind) to pin racist sentiments and actions on "isolated" individuals with little real power. There is power in individuals banding together. Could Hitler have ever caused the mass persecution of Jews and homosexuals by himself? Of course not. He relied on mass sentiment and used fear to feed hate to the masses. To me, this seems to be painfully obvious. I suppose, though, that if people were to acknowledge the cumulative nature of racism (and other isms), it would mean calling to question their own privilege.