Questions for Bernie supporters: NPR interview 'You shouldn't base your politics on your skin color'

[bigtree]

172. exactly

...if we are talking economics, he shouldn't insist that there aren't more importasnt considerations at stake than just a disparity between the working class and billionaires; there's a wide gap between the white working class and black workers income and wealth.

First, a colorblind focus on the working class leaves that disparity in income unspoken and relegates the issues associated with that disparity to a second class role in a political appeal.

Second, the reasons for those disparities aren't entirely economic ones; they include discrimination in employment; housing; political representation; and educational opportunities from early childhood to college; and other historic shortcomings in society.

Third, there are also issues of justice and law, policing, voting rights, which many people of color may reasonably focus on when considering the color of their skin as they vote.

In the broader picture, as you've outlined, considering singular characteristics, traits, and identities can be paramount for voters in making their presidential choices on issues which can't be addressed or remedied by a myopic focus on the economics of the working class.

At best, Bernie's admonitions are short-sighted - perhaps meant to target bigoted political appeals, but missing the mark when considering a vast number of voters and their particular concerns.