Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor's remarks that "a wise Latina would come to a better conclusion than a white male judge" have been mis-quoted out of context ad nauseam in right wing media. The spin on this has bled over into more neutral media as well, as her statement is nearly always printed out of context. This has been trotted out over and over again as indication of racism on the part of Sotomayor. Her remark, when manipulated by these linguistic dog and pony tricks can seem disturbing. What she said was that "in cases related to racial discrimination" she believed that a "wise Latina would come to a better conclusion than a white male judge" What no one in the media seems willing to say is that this is so obviously true that is rises to the level of self-evident.
My understanding of this is informed by my experience as a white gay man in America. This allows me a different, and I would argue, clearer viewpoint for the observation of bias. I am able, at my choosing, to have a foot in both "sides" of the culture wars. I know what is it to be a white man of privilege. I also know what it is to be on the receiving end of bigotry, stereotyping, harassment and discrimination. I KNOW that my judgement in matters of discrimination (at least as far as gay issues are concerned) is informed by a sharper sensibility than that of someone without that particular life experience.
These attacks are part and parcel of the right's bizzare mania for claiming that rich, old, Christian white guys are somehow being discriminated against. Realizing that they cannot block her nomination, the right has decided to use the hearings to advance their ideas about "activist judges." All "activist judge" means is "I disagree with that particular ruling." It would be far more intellectually honest to state their case in those terms. Prepare yourselves for an avalanche of the weird mental gymnastics which assert justice should be colorblind when people of color are discriminated against, but should take great pains to protect the "rights" of white people.
Following the Sotomayor discussion on right leaning forums is an exercise in Orwellian doublespeak. Statements so shockingly racist as to be unrepeatable are routinely coupled with the assertion that Sotomoyer is a "reverse racist."
Newsflash - there is no such thing as "reverse racism", there is just racism, and surprise; "everybody is a little bit racist." (thanks to Avenue Q for that.) There is convincing scientific evidence that we all carry genetic markers that make us fear that which is different. It is an essential part of being human that we try to rise above our inbred, bestial fears and practice understanding. This is called empathy, and despite the Republican howling to the contrary, it is not a vice.
When your worldview becomes so pleistocene as to be repugnant to most people, I understand you may feel that you are being "discriminated" against. That doesn't make it true.
- It is NOT discrimination when you are not permitted to make all children in public schools pray the way you want your kid to.
- It is NOT discrimination when you are not permitted to enforce your religious views about abortion, marriage, or birth control on everyone in this country.
- It is NOT discrimination when a Christian Air Force officer is asked not to evangelize Jewish and Muslim troops under his command.
Believe what you want, but leave the rest of us free to do the same. That shining ideal is the real genius of the framers of the Constitution.
Given these things, I'd much prefer the "wise Latina" on the bench.
(Especially since we've already got a bunch of rich old white guys there...)
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