I have heard people wonder about the fact that the Republican Party that has been tagged as racists in some circles is supporting a Black candidate for the United States Senate in the Georgia Runoff. I find it more intriguing that the two African American candidates that are running come from two different historical constructs.
Ralph Warnock comes from the confines of Martin Luther King Jr. Ebenezer Baptist Church, a major symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and Herschel Walker was one of the greatest stars in college and professional football. One (Warnock) represents an effort to separate from life under the shadow of White America and the other (Walker) doing just the opposite.
Racism and antisemitism in America have two different points of departure. Racism has been an undertone of life in this country that has emerged as a powerful force because of the fear on the part of a White superstructure, becoming a minority. The United States is in a century of change that predicts a greater participation of what used to be minorities. This change is creating fear among many that see themselves as part of the ruling class.
Donald Trump, the leader of the Republican Party has even gone as far as to call for suspension or even abolishing Constitutional rule in order to regain the presidency and maintain power for himself and his racial following. In their minds, majority rule is only good when it is represented by them.
Antisemitism goes back to the time of Moses and before. The Jewish community was persecuted from the very beginning because of their faith in the One God. Their belief system was a major difference with their contempo- raries and led to a history of war and suffering. The Old Testament is full of stories of a religion that functioned as the structure for life and law for its people.
They lost their independence many times and suffered because, even in captivity, their faith stayed strong. The Roman Empire, for example, had the Jewish community on a short leash because of their beliefs and rebellious nature.
Antisemitic feeling came in waves as Jews were targeted as part of historical events such as the Crusades that saw Christians fight to take and hold the Holy Land. Their plight eventually came to a head during the Hitler era and the Holocaust where so many millions died at the hands of Nazis.
As a Child, I was taught to honor the Jews because they were the people Chosen first by God. Perhaps there is resentment and discontent on the part of many because of this. One of the Chosen, Jesus Christ, came to create a new covenant with the Jewish community and was refused. Perhaps there is unspoken dissatisfaction with the fact that Christianity was a second-hand gift to the gentiles.
In any case, it is the White racists that march to the phrase “We will not be replaced,” that can speak to both Jews that will not go away and people of color that are emerging in our national leadership. America is changing in this regard and it is creating turmoil.
In this time of great turbulence for our country, it is important to make sure of our priorities. The danger to our democracy is very real and that has to be our number one issue.
Racism and antisemitism can only be addressed in the context of the freedom that has blessed our history. We have been there before and we will endeavor to persevere.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.
