Kansas Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins got super stupid in Hiwatha last week when she told conservatives that a "great white hope" would stop President Barack Obama's political agenda. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, Jenkins told the crowd:
"Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope,"Then Jenkins listed off a bunch of white Republicans as her "hope" for the future. Real nice.Jenkins said to the crowd. "I suggest to any of you who are concerned
about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican
minds in Washington."
Jenkins has apologized:
"There's no doubt the Republican Party has gone through some dark and challenging times in recent years, but thankfully bright young leaders have stepped up to lead the party into the future and she hopes to be a part of it. That was the intent of her comments -- nothing more and nothing less. Congresswoman Jenkins apologizes for her choice of words."
Guess that makes everything better.
To hear Jenkins promise a "great white hope," watch the video below.
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Great White Hope has been a tag phrase used in boxing. It started out as a clearly racist term. During the 60' 70's 80's and 90's, it really became a put down of the white boxer. It meant, "here comes another white boy to get his ass knocked off" Gerry Cooney ring a bell?. If jenkins or anyone with her mind set is the next Great White Hope, I think the later meaning is fitting.
What is saddesst of all is that the people of kansas in her district elected this twit.
This speaks volumes of the voters in this state. What is even worse is that there are people out there that are buying this crap that the GOP is spreading. THe lies are stacking up.
Rich, White Republicans,our leaders, look what they did to our country, and why we are in the predicament we are in today.
Oh by the way, they run our banks, our corporations, and city government, then, political people in her position make uneducated remarks as such.
You wonder why blacks and Hispanics have such disdain for politicans, & Ceo's, and white republicans as these.
you know she will get re-elected unless the illegal mexicans and the blacks vote.
No way she will lose.
Lynn is the next Palin
I'm with Mitch on this one. The Pitch should have a list/guide to knowing your hot politicians. Maybe a calendar.
THC - yea, I'm sure you are right. She probably didn't know that the phrase has racist connotations. so, it just proves she's ignorant. What's the difference?
Those of you who are defending this comment, and throwing around other words or phrases that include color words, in order to diffuse the seriousness of her choice, would do well to look again at the etymology of each of those terms on their own. Implying that "black coffee" is the same is woefully ignorant, or intentionally disconcerting.
The "great white hope" was most certainly brought into language in a racist context - a white populace desperate to dethrone an African American winner. How on earth do you not understand that using it now is also using the discrimination that was behind it then? It simply doesn't mean anything else.
At least if people are uncomfortable with a bi-racial leader of our nation, they should acknowledge it and learn from it. We all have biases and rooting them out is the way we grow - as an individual and as a people.
Extremely poor choice of words, no question. Racist, no proof of that. Using the phrases, �Black hole,� �White wash,� �Blackout,� �Angel food cake,� and ordering black coffee, are certainly not proof of racist tendencies. That�s like saying someone is a racist for using the term, �White House.� Branding someone a racist is a very serious accusation, and merits more than just using words with white or black in them.
As for the statement that all Republicans are dirty, is as absurd as saying that all Democrats are dirty. And the statement that, �Democrats would never say or do anything racist,� is entirely untrue. Who calls black Republicans, �Uncle Tom�s?� The Democrats. Who threw Oreo cookies at black candidate Michael Steele when he ran for the Senate? Democrats again. Were Colin Powell and Condi Rice nominated by Democrat administrations? Nope. No pass here for the Democrats.
I am disappointed that the apology came from a spokesman and not her. A personal apology would have come across more sincerely and genuine, and not opened the door for allegations of using spin tactics.
My guess is that she didn't know he origin of the phrase. "great white hope" has been kicking around the language so long and used in so many contexts that she probably just thinks it means some shining source of hope. She still sucks, though.
I agree with Dan Zee entirely because as he points out she is selective in her use of the
"great white" modifier. For example, she did not say that the Republicans were looking for the next "great white hope" for angel food cake. Dan Zee points out correctly that she reserves this modifier for presidents (people) and not ordinary things. As he says this is the true mark of a racist since all racists are entirely consistent at all times as I sure Dan Zee knows quite well. As far as I know she
has yet to ask if President Obama intends to paint the White House black - she probably intends to get to this when she has more time.
Yes, all Republicans are so undeniably dirty. Democrats would never say or do anything racist, dishonest or immoral. It's comforting to know that blanket stereotypes are the foundation of the mainstream American political discussion.
She was also caught using the terms "black hole," and "white wash." And people overheard her order her coffee "black!" She also mentioned a "blackout," and that she had cooked "angel food cake!"
She is clearly racist!
This is just another example of how dirty the Republicans really are and why the majority of Americans voted for Obama.
What's worse - what she said or that everyone in the audience sat idly after she said it as if they were in agreement?
Yea. Clearly racist undertones and leanings. Funny how her spokeswoman tried to spin it.
What a bunch of loosers. Hell, if you believe that, then believe it and stand on it. Historically, racists have always been cowards though. I guess they kind of go hand in hand...
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