I Apologize for, And Repudiate, A Post I Made Last Week.

[Mike03]

Last week I tried to argue that the alleged sexism and racism flying in this election was not sincere bigotry but rather a lazy smoke-and-mirrors shorthand way of reducing the complex issues at stake.

I was dead wrong.

Both sexism and racism have not only become a part of this race, but were there before in cryptic and subconscious ways.

But it's not a one-way road. Both Obama and Clinton have been subject to various indignities, invasions, misinterpretations, malignments, slanders, smears, libels and impudences.

Anyway, I was a damned fool to believe that we had overcome these dual obstacles of Racism or Sexism. That post was the product of hope, wishful thinking, naivete, idealism and myopia, rather than realistic examination of the situation.

I couldn't see it. Or more likely, I was too ashamed and embarrassed to see it.

My apologies.

[goldcanyonaz]

1. Amen!

[xultar]

2. AWESOME POST. Yes. People always deal with racism first...sexism is

pretty much the accepted no-no. Glad you're looking at it from a clearer path.

[Captain Hilts]

4. It has been a cold shower of reality. I wish sexism was as unacceptable as racism. nt

[xultar]

11. If everyone is equal no on can be on top. We're all about who's #1 someone has to be on the bottom

[Captain Hilts]

14. VERY interesting point. nt

[JuniperLea]

5. Hehe! I tip-toed around that in my post...

You came right out and said it! Bravo! Should have known:)

[JuniperLea]

3. Well said!

:applause:

It takes a big person do say this. Thank you.

It's been my experience that when racism rears its ugly head, it can usually (but not always by any means) be seen and is pounced on with much fervor here on DU. Sexist remarks are more insidious and slip past a lot of people. That may just be my perspective as a woman, I'll freely admit that. I just like putting it out there so people can be more aware and make up their own minds.

Good OP.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

6. I don't think it's either or...

I actually think it's BOTH. :shrug: Yes, some of it is purely political gotcha/race-sex baiting, but I think it has flushed out the genuine article in many.

And good on you for noticing! :hi:

[Arkansas Granny]

7. Sometimes it can be painful to see things that you wish were not so.

Don't be too hard on yourself. We've all done the same in one way or another.

:hi:

[yardwork]

8. Thank you. Also, homophobia exists as well.

Too often, concerns are dismissed here on DU as "faux outrage."

[Political Heretic]

9. Yeah, well said. BOTH sexism and racism in all sorts of ways:

overt, covert; consciously understood and subconsciously manifest; deliberate, accidental; as political tactic, as political accident

Sexism and Racism are very present. What stinks though is that both sides have become so fast and loose with the accusations of sexism and racism that it almost tends to cause people to shut down and tune out and just think that all of the talk of sexism and racism is bunk.

That's the read danger I see.

[11 Bravo]

10. !

:toast:

[myrna minx]

12. K&R.

:applause: It is through epiphanies like this that we not only lean and grow as individuals, but also as a Nation.

[phrigndumass]

13. "This is where perfection begins"

Kicked & Rec'd

[Forkboy]

15. But will you renounce and reject yourself?

:P

Good post! Very thoughtful and honest.

[Mike03]

16. I just wanted to thank those of you who responded to this thread.

Of all the posts I've made over the years, in some way this was the most humiliating to write, because I was SO fooled, or I so fooled myself.

The environment in which I grew up was unusual, probably, for its time, so I assumed everything was peachy-keen for my generation. But it wasn't true. It's not true. As long as people are still suffering or in pain due to their race or sex, things desperately need to be repaired and fixed.

Hopefully we can do this over the next eight years of Dem leadership.

[JohnnyLib2]

17. Thanks.

We have a chance to move away from the -isms this year, IMO. Seeing them clearly is an important, painful step.