The rhetoric has begun as to whether this appointment, by the first African American President, was the best selection. Criticism of her judicial prudence centers around a statement where she said she believes her experience as a a Latina enables her to reach a better conclusion than a "white male who hasn't lived that life." Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, among others, have condemned those comments as "racist," for which she should withdraw her nomination.
The great debate that will soon ensue requires those in power, with their privilege, both around skin color and gender, to confront each of these as a reality that leaves them stuck in a place of their own"dumbupness," as Robert Terry discussed in his "Parable of Ups and Downs." Let's see how those, both as members of the dominate culture and those of the subordinate culture, navigate this conversation. It won't be pretty, but it will be necessary. Let's be clear...racism can not exist, where there is no privilege coupled with power. Judge Sotomayor MAY be prejudice and I'm not certain that is true, but what I do believe is that she is not and can not be a racist.
Here is a commentary from the conservative site, World Net Daily.
Ok Michael..you caught my attention..
ReplyDeleteI had an interesting conversation yesterday evening with a very close friend of mine about this nomination. My friend has developed strong conservative opinions over the past year and while I agree with some of her points of view, I don't always and we remain great friends...not sure if I'm wiser (wouldn't claim to be) but perhaps I have had experiences that have opened my eyes to look at people for what they have done as required by their role in their company, being elected as a public official, or simply being a human being on this earth. My thoughts on what's going on with the back and forth is that both extremes of the spectrum are looking at this nomination and characterizing a person whom they don't know, but they are picking on every word said by Judge Sotomayor to highlight how she is different or the same (depending on the argument by each side) to each side. Interpreting means someone reads something and comes up with a conclusion based on one's understanding and while we want to say that our judges (all levels) will interpret the law or constitution as it was written, that is a false or naive assumption/expectation. No matter what your background is (white, black, hispanic, asian, alien?) it will impact how you understand an issue---now as judges we expect that they don't let their emotions get in the way, but no one can guarantee that to the people as true for all judges (all court levels).
My point is ... let the process go through, listen to the record and how she explains the decisions she has reached from the bench and stop the name-calling that leads to nothing but division--we are the UNITED States not the opposite.
Just my two cents...of course we can go into other conversations, but for now I hope this generates some great discussion...
Gloria
Michael:
ReplyDeleteI think that this nomination does create a voice for a population that in my opinion is an afterthought. With this groundbreaking nomination it must be understood that critics, reporters, etc. are going to analyze everything she says and doesn't say. She was speaking her mind based on the experiences she has gone through.
It's going to be interesting to see how those experiences will play a factor in her decision and ultimately the nation.
Jaime