One of the ways that identity politics fascinate me is the way that the labels we use for specific groups evolve over time. Apparently we are seeing Senator Obama contribute to one such evolution right now.
Once upon a time, we referred to people who were living on the American continent before European explorers arrived, and their subsequent descendants, as Indians. Then we started referring to them as American Indians. The term after that was Native Americans. The Smithsonian Institution is home to the National Museum of the American Indian. Yet now we see a new term emerging, borrowed from our neighbors in Canada: First Americans.
A New York Times story earlier this week, an ode to the wonderful Obama campaign, refers to his outreach efforts for their votes:
“Few have been ignored by Washington for as long as native Americans – the first Americans,” said Mr. Obama, telling this crowd that he intended to appoint a Native American adviser to his highest ranks of his administration if he wins.
Yesterday the Obama campaign released an updated top staff list, and most of the buzz was about Patti Solis Doyle, formerly top aide to Hillary Clinton, as the chief of staff to the Vice Presidential nominee, whoever that ends up being. But I noted as well that one of the constituency outreach directors is the “First Americans Vote Director.” He also runs a Community blog on BarackObama.com for “First Americans.” This particular vote director is Wizipan Garriott, who is currently a vice president of Night Shield Entertainment, which apparently provides hip hop music targeted at young “First Americans.” He’s also a former aide to Sen. Tom Daschle. I’m sure some English professor can leave a comment about how “First Americans” represents a linguistic empowerment, etc etc.
Last 5 posts by Daniel- Tom Barrett's Savings Plan - June 8th, 2010
- C.J. Abrahamson on J. Stevens - April 11th, 2010
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- Suhr on Nixon on Health Care - February 23rd, 2010
- Did the USCCB Foresee Dead People? - February 8th, 2010
That “passionate conservatism” slogan ring a bell? Or how about “I am the guy you would drink a beer with.” It is about double standards Daniel. I have more faith in you than your posts suggests.
Compassionate Conservatism was a farce. Conservativism is inherently compassionate – it doesn’t need a qualifier.
As a conservative, I’d like to see a Republican stand up and disavow the idea of compassionate conservatism.
I’m voting for Obama. He’s cutting taxes for anyone making less than $75,000.