It's Not Easy Being a White Democrat in Mississippi

[TexasTowelie]

Note: The title of the thread is what appeared with the article. I recognize that it's not easy to be any race, creed, color, or orientation of Democrat in Mississippi.


In a recent post-election post-mortem in the Jackson Free Press, editor Donna Ladd advances ideas about why Democrats lost almost all power in the Mississippi state government. One of her thoughts has to do with cowardice in the Mississippi Democratic Party, in the way that white men who control the party have been too timid to advance progressive values, or even uphold a plank in the national party platform for the bodily autonomy of women.

Ladd's story resonates with me because of the many times I've contemplated courage and cowardice in Mississippi and its politics.

I moved from Iowa to Mississippi in 2010 to prepare for retirement in a warm climate close to a coastline. My Mississippi cousin, Mike, helped me accomplish the move to a remote rural location south of Hattiesburg, which is touted as a retirement destination. I had been a Democratic voter in Iowa, part of a small-town caucus that had stood for Barack Obama the first time, and I planned to vote for him again. What it meant to be a white Democrat in Mississippi was unknown to me, until I was invited to a holiday party at the camp of some friends of my cousin Mike.

Yvonne and Bob (not their real names), elderly and retired in a deep rural location in Lamar County, welcomed me to their home. Yvonne hugged my neck, called me darlin', and admired my hair and clothing. Darkness came early while the men gathered around the smoker outside, where huge slabs of barbecued meat fell to pieces in redolent splendor. Inside the tin-roofed barn, the air was thick with cigarette smoke and shouts of merriment. A rock band was plugging in and tuning up on a little stage where a Confederate flag was the backdrop.

Read more: https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2019/nov/12/opinion-its-not-easy-being-white-democrat-mississi/

[moose65]

1. Interesting article

I've never been to Mississippi (one of the few states I haven't visited), and I don't really know a lot about the state of politics there, but it seems to me like the Democrats there, with white people in charge, are advancing the same timid appeal-to-Republicans nonsense that we have seen in other states. Democrats in Mississippi need to EMBRACE the black community and realize that that is where their strength is, not in trying to appeal to "moderate" Republicans. Mississippi is almost 40% African-American. It should be close to being a blue state, IF those voters are energized.

[Phoenix61]

2. It's about racism. It always has been.

It’s why Twitler carried the region. While it can be “in your face” most often it’s a more subtle kind of racism. It’s hidden in the clubs, churches, and stores. It’s closing the historically black elementary school instead of the white one when student enrollment drops. It’s putting a four lane w/median right through the middle of the black business district bull-dozing business that had been there for generations. It’s the 1,000 cuts that you don’t see unless you live here.

[Peace06]

3. Mississippi

Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Ms. You are correct! Its about racism. I moved away at age 21. Hopefully, it will change, and the current governors race really encouraged me since about 42% voted Democratic. Fortunately, for me, my faith discredited the racism and taught me early that all were created equal. Some of what i witnessed would make you sick. I hope for change, but it will be slow. I feel for you!

[Zaphod42]

4. Thanks for this!

She made several keen observations. It is tough to be a white Democrat down here...I really need to try and find the FB group she mentioned.

Thanks again!

[TexasTowelie]

5. You're welcome.

Some of the best gems are found in the local alternative newspapers.