As late as the 1960s some (but not all) white politicians used race-baiting as a way of trying to obtain or cling to power. Until the mid-’60s state elections often centered on racial issue.
There were some notable exceptions. In 1969 Moon Landrieu was elected mayor of New Orleans, promising to integrate city government – and he did. John McKeithen, who made race-baiting statements when running for governor, became a strong supporter of civil rights issues once elected.
In 2009 some (but not all) black politicos are using race-baiting as a way of trying to obtain or cling to power. Ray Nagin, who was first elected mayor with the enthusiastic support of the white and black middle class, resorts to it occasionally.
Forty years after Landrieu’s triumphant campaign to deliver social justice, Nagin’s Sanitation Director, Veronica White, uses race-baiting as a shield. Her ploy of releasing the e-mails of white city council members cannot be anything else but racially motivated. So too are the efforts to recall Stacy Head, one of the brightest and most inquisitive minds ever elected to the council.
As in any city in the world, there are certain inequities among races but it has to do more with economic class than with race. Truth is, the black and white middle classes share more in common with each other than with the less fortunate or more privileged of either race.
Those who want to exploit race as a way of holding on to power do not want to admit it, but, overall, black people and white people get along pretty well in New Orleans. Last month the city celebrated Zulu’s centennial. This week is the feast of St. Joseph which, in New Orleans, is an honored days among blacks as well as Sicilians.
Next month New Orleanians of all colors will dance at the Jazz Fest to music played by musicians of different stripes. When locals lament about the loss of Deuce McAllister or cheer Chris Paul, they are not seeing skin color but heroes.
Talk to the younger generations, especially those who have graduated from college within the last decade. Racism is as removed from their minds as a slide rule or a hi-fi phonograph.
Where there is racial tension it comes primarily from one place – City Hall. That’s where it is stirred up. It is all about power and there is little dignity. Stacy Head should be cheered rather than having to face the muck of political intrigue.
As the population becomes better educated, race-baiting will be less effective as a tool. That day, we hope, is coming soon. There will still be those who need to find some cheap device to further their cause. But maybe by then they will find no other option then to just go away.
Let us know what you think. Any comments about this article? Write to errol@renpubllc.com. For the subject line use RACE-BAITING. All responses are subject to being published, as edited, in this newsletter. Please include your name and location.
Krewe: The Early New Orleans Carnival- Comus to Zulu by Errol Laborde is available at all area bookstores. Books can also be ordered via e-mail at gdkrewe@aol.com or (504) 895-2266.
