The good ole boy type politikin…

It was a bit too long to type out the entire quote here, but for those of you that have the text (Race & Ethnic Relations by Martin N. Marger), see page 355. It’s a piece of that glazed over patriotic version of history that I previously mentioned during class discussion.
Marger wrote about compensatory policies and among some of the questions asked under that heading: …was it fair to expect African Americans and other racial-ethnic minorities to compete on an equal basis with the white majority? He points out that former President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the government’s intention to address the issue and then plugs in Johnson’s quote as though it firmly sealed the matter.
Well folks, Johnson did exactly what so many other presidents and government leaders did, and that was to get on board and throw the minorities a few bones and paint himself as a hero! You know, like that guy we were taught freed the slaves, Abraham something or other!!!!
Johnson, one of the powerful and rich good ole southern boys was actually opposed to such measures. However, he had to make some compromises in his political agenda if he wanted to continue his climb towards the White House. He was up against the richer, more powerful, good ole northern boys; the Kennedys!
They were both strongly advised to pay attention to the growing civil rights movements; to ally themselves with leaders of the movement. They did, but not by personal choice! Not because they felt any true compassion for the cause! Not because they actually believed in doing the right thing. And certainly not because they wanted to help minorities become their equals!!! But merely to do some damage control while maintaining the dominant group’s position!!!!!!
It irks me to no end that we are still being fed that load of crap!!!!!!!!!!!
S. Ramos, Post #18