Editorial: When prejudice comes out of the closet
Friday, May 19, 2023 -- It was a moment of unintended candor that provided clear insight into what too many of those who occupy seats in the North Carolina General Assembly believe but rarely state so directly.
Posted — UpdatedImplicit in his question was the premise for it. Black people, particularly those who were educated in North Carolina’s public schools, lack the innate ability to succeed, are a burden and only achieve because of unfair advantages bestowed upon them. Such bias permeates the rhetoric, motives and actions of too many who lead and control the General Assembly today. The legislature’s Republicans tolerate and appease racist views many it its caucus hold.
Before Jones could respond to McNeely’s stunning question, Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Robert Reives rose to interject: “I'm hoping I wasn't the only one that got shocked by that comment that the only reason you (Jones) went to Harvard was because you were Black and an athlete."
House Speaker Tim Moore, a Cleveland County Republican who was supposed to be presiding and paying full attention, later confessed that he was reading notes on his cell phone and not completely focused on what was going on – and he cut McNeely off.
A day earlier, during the debate on overriding Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the 12-week abortion ban issue, amid an emotional deeply personal recollection by state Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams, registered nurse and Black Democrat, D-Cabarrus, of her own abortion. “I am someone who has grown up in the church and believes in the power of God,” she said.
More than a lack of decorum or respect, these remarks reveal the deep prejudice that permeates too many and too much of what goes on in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Words of apology and regret at this point, no matter how needed and appropriate, must be more empty rhetoric. They must be matched by actions and legislation that doesn’t perpetuate prejudices but embraces the dignity, potential and obligation to serve all in North Carolina regardless of race, ethnicity, personal gender identity or faith.
Related Topics
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.