Right Wing News, a popular conservative Facebook page with more than a million fans, recently posted a meme to prove how much they love black people. With more than 10,000 shares and 19,000 “likes,” the meme has been popular. Unfortunately, it smacks of racism and ignorance, and essentially sends the message of “See, we know some black people! That’s proof we’re not racist!”
The subtitle ?– “we believe in setting people free” — is one of the most cringe-worthy aspects of the meme. These black people — or as I call them, people — don’t need anyone to “set them free.” They are free. It’s like they’re saying that black people who aren’t Republicans aren’t free. Or are they touting the fact that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican? I don’t know.
Smaller version (for viewing on smartphones):
Whoever created the meme is a bit short-sighted, however. While he/she included such notables as rappers Easy-E and Fifty Cent, the meme artist overlooked Dr. Ben Johnson, former RNC Chairman Michael Steele, and Bush Republicans?Gen. Colin Powell and former Sec. of State Condoleezza Rice.
The comments range from semi-sensible to utterly priceless.
The ones who really don’t want the rappers in their party.
The guy who saw an opportunity and just went for it.
The?guy who is probably mad all the time anyhow and loves this page cuz, well…
The ones who can’t spell or use proper grammar and make themselves look ignorant.
The guy who hates education.
The woman?whose point we don’t get.
The woman who points out the obvious.
The guy who gets it.
The guy who totally gets it.
The woman who not only has black friends, but thinks it’s cool that some black people are smart!
And the simply belligerent.
We’ve seen these types of memes before. The one below, for example, which shows many of the same people as the one above but handily has some names attached to the photos. Still no Dr. Condi Rice or Gen. Colin Powell. Weird. Are they deliberately (gasp!) trying to distance themselves from Bush appointees? Hmmmm…
Again, this sends one message and one alone: “we love black people….really we do!” Typical Republican tone-deafness. If you have to so blatantly point out that your party has people of color, you may have a race problem.
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
