Word association

With Harry Belafonte, Al Sharpton, et al, making their anticipated attacks on Conservative presidential candidate Herman Cain, I thought we might play my version of word association.

When asked by Joy Behar, what he thought of Herman Cain’s comments, that he doesn’t believe racism holds anyone back. At first Belafonte pretended not to know who Herman was, then he said: “it’s hard to have an opinion on someone who is denied intelligence…someone who is denied a view of history such as he reveals, he knows very little…[he’s isn’t] authority on the plight of [blacks].” He went on to say that for some people blacks like Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Herman Cain are heroes, but for a lot of us they’re not. HE called Cain a “bad apple” and said that “prayers weren’t created for [Cain].”

Professor Cornell West said, Cain “needs to get off the symbolic crack pipe and acknowledge that the evidence [of racism] is overwhelming.”

Al Sharpton on his radio show, said that Cain is either “socially ignorant or playing games to get votes,” because someone who grew up in the south and saw what he saw, should understand it’s not the fault of many blacks that they are suffering. He also said that people supporting Cain now, will not vote for him. His guest commented that Herman isn’t your stereotypical black man, because he has a black wife, he went to Morehouse College, he grew up in the south, and he sings in church. The guest continued with, blacks who have spoken to him say there is something about him – they “walk away with a sold out spirit.” Sharpton mockingly sang “Old Man River.”

Herman Cain said, while racism exists, it doesn’t matter that much. It’s more about working hard and making opportunity for yourself. He said, “I left the Democrat plantation a long time ago…the only tactic that they have to try and intimidate me and shut me up, is to call me names.”

Based on the above referenced comments and those who made same – which of the following words and definitions, would you say best describes Sharpton, West, Belafonte, or Herman Cain? On your paper place each word beside the name of the person(s) it best describes.
1. Racist: A person or persons practicing discrimination or prejudice based on race.
2. Racism: The belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and
that racial differences reproduce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
3. Bigot: A prejudiced person who is obstinately intolerant of any opinions differing from
their own.
4. Race-monger: A person who trades on race as currency for the purpose of achieving political
and/or social goals by exploiting ignorance and prejudice.
5. Statesman: One who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship.
6. Patriot: One who loves his country and supports its authority and interests.