Observe this member of the band Soulfège get grilled on his support of Obama by a very rude reporter, and come out educating. H/T Momo.
As the video started I thought, My God, it’s like the civics tests for Black (prospective) voters we used to have down here. As it continued, I realized that if Obama really wins the nomination and we need to talk white Democrats and Republicans into voting for him, we need to emulate Ashong’s attitude, and repeat and add to his lines.
Obama won Louisiana yesterday but over 70% of white Democrats here voted for Clinton. Perhaps this is because of the healthcare issue, since very many of those who came out to vote were over 65 and very few were under 30. It could just as easily be because of race for the same reason. The youth vote must come out for the general election.
Half of Louisiana’s Republicans describe themselves as “very conservative.” By this they mean they feel more closely aligned with Torquemada than with George Washington, or believe that the views of the Founders are those of Cotton Mather. Some discussion needs to take place, and Ashong makes a very good start on it.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
This was painful to watch in some ways (as you suggest), but I think you’re dead on it. These are the kinds of conversations we probably need to prepare for. Thanks.
As for your comments: “they feel more closely aligned with Torquemada than with George Washington…”
Nice line. :^D
This reporter thought he had an easy target. Young, black man that he’d badger because he was an Obama supporter. But look how this young man defends himself and turns the table.
This reporter is the kind of which we must be very wary. They sound hip , kool and together, but carry some deep seated prejudices even though they will call themselves liberals. These are the kinds of liberals who will have to look deep into themselves in this election.
Give thanks, Professor Z!
that was something! thanks!
wow! that is the most patient, steady, man on the planet. The next time I lose patience, I will be thinking of him to calm back down.
Ashong is my current hero for this. See also the very interesting video Lumpenprofessoriat posted, on why it is important to vote for Obama *despite* the small policy differences with Clinton.
http://lumpenprofessoriat.blogspot.com/2008/02/lecturers-for-obama.html
Wow. If a reporter did this to a white voter, I would be grateful, but that never seems to happen. It does completely read as racist baiting along the lines of “you can’t possibly know what you are talking about.” I mean, for crying out loud, in fact, you can vote for a candidate for any reason at all–this is a democratic right. My grandmother refused to vote for any candidate who had a beard, but also refused to vote for women. On the other hand, now that O. is a media darling, perhaps his supporters will get different treatment?
Well, here is followup from Ashong:
http://joannao.blogspot.com/2008/02/derrick-ashong-explains.html
Impressive.
What I love about this so much is the way that he takes all of the themes of the discourse on this country on immigration that come out of conservative mouths in one way and makes them mean something entirely different.
Yes – I’d love to use it in one of my classes, we’re about to start an immigration unit, but I’m afraid it will make me look like I’m pushing a political candidate.