The chains of signification being mobilized in this last leg of the presidential race — Obama – Hussein – Anti-American/Other (“doesn’t see America like you and me”) -Terrorist – Muslim – Arab — is almost too stunning to catch. 
By never having to say “Black,” McCain’s campaign and followers are able to disavow race and disassociate themselves from overt anti-Black racism while invoking and reproducing a racialized nationalism and xenophobia that undermines African American political legitimacy all the same. Obama then carries a doubled-up burden of needing to repudiate the racialized attacks without naming the attacks as raced, while also invoking a xenophobic nationalism (“Borrowing money from China to give to Saudi Arabia”) that threatens to exclude him. And this is topped off by the only permitted public confession of hurt being McCain’s white pain at being called racist. Undoubtedly, when Obama is sworn in as president, everyone but him will be noting the historical event his election represents. He will have to claim it as a victory of “all Americans coming together” that has no special significance for a racially subordinated population. Right?
(With thanks to Jacque for the photo.)
3 Comments
Wow, that photo is really something else, the truest thing I’ve seen in awhile. Thanks to jacque indeed.
i still spew what’s left of the sinus salt rinse in my nose every time i see this effing picture.
Hah, yes it is amazing.
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