I'm referring to the ad where the young white woman says she met Ford at the Playboy Super Bowl party and coyly says "Harold... call me!"
For one thing, I'm glad to see that a black man can run in a state governor election, something that would not have been possible years ago. I definitely approve of interracial relationdhips (I'm in one) so in a way, it's kind of cool that the ad has an interracial theme. But two questions:
1) Was it necessary to use a white woman? If it had been a black woman in the ad, this would not even be an issue.
2) Is it also possible the ad was to call attention to the fact that Ford (an extremely light-skinned man who could pass for white) is actually black? I mean, was the real purpose to call attention to his ethnicity to those who might not have known he was black?
2006-11-02 04:06:28 · 9 answers · asked by Bryan C 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
He's running for Senator and would have been the 1st black Senator elected from a former Confederate State since Reconstruction (1877) Why was it necessary to have any woman, white or black propositioning him? What does this have to do with politics? This was thought to be a very dirty ad by most commentators.
2006-11-02 04:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
No. I don't think it was racist in the slightest. Actually, I think hyper-sensitivity to perceived inter-racial couplings is racist. If someone is offended by the idea of a white woman with a black man, that's their personal problem. To suggest that the makers of the ad were banking on a perceived presence of racism in the area is absurd.
I think the ad was unnecessary and in bad taste, but it wasn't racist. Since when is it unacceptable to imply that a white woman could be attracted to a black man?
He's black. She's white. Why is that a problem? The real issue should be the attempts on both sides to smear the other candidate's reputation based on (sometimes) dubious evidence or anecdotal events (like attending a Playboy-sponsored party)
2006-11-02 04:12:05 · answer #2 · answered by Lanani 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, it's racist. They're playing on the anti-interracial relationship bias in the South.
If you think Tennessee doesn't have a problem with interracial relationships, then spend several days with a member of a different race and the opposite sex in that state. Go to several mostly (or all-) white establishments. Go to the Grand Ol' Opry. Count how many ugly stares you receive. You'll be amazed.
2006-11-02 04:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by got_da_scoop 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely the ad was racist geared to influence those who themselves are racist; or could be influenced with interracial interactions. However; the RNC pulled the ad, after running it for two days. The damage has been established and the results to the ploy will be noted on Tuesday. Once again, we have fallen into the trap of not debating real issues, but blindsided with false allegations.
2006-11-02 04:17:47 · answer #4 · answered by Swordfish 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Maybe it was because he was actually chasing white tail at the Playboy party? Should that fact that a candidate running on 'values' not have the fact shown that he attended a Playboy party, with the usual bevy of mostly white playmates, because it might offend tender racial sensibilities or something?
That's the best counter? That the truth is racist? Sheesh!
2006-11-02 04:22:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
The irony is, the one's it is directed to reach, racist white rednecks, ALREADY vote Republican. So, it really backfired.
It also allowed Ford to speak on values, from his church, something he couldn't av done if it weren't in response to the other ad.
It is just refreshing that the attack ads aren't having as much effect this year. I'm glad that is benefitting us, but I hope the trend continues.
2006-11-02 04:28:45 · answer #6 · answered by Russ C 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Apparently race is still an issue in the Democratic party.
It wasn't rasict. Desperate attempt from the left.
Not to mention Ford is a pro tax cut, pro gun, pro life Democrat
2006-11-02 04:11:44 · answer #7 · answered by John 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
No, I do not. Why would that be racist? White women can't date black men? We're past that. It was tactless and crude, but not racist.
2006-11-02 04:12:42 · answer #8 · answered by MEL T 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is racist for exactly the reasons you explained.
2006-11-02 04:10:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋