‘Racist’ headline: Why mention race?

Tue, 01/10/2006 - 4:57pm
By: Letters to the ...

I strenuously object to the blatantly racist headline, “Black Republican to run for county comm.” found on the front page of the Jan. 4, 2006, edition of The Citizen.

For the life of me, I just cannot understand how a thinking reporter or an observant editor could allow this headline to be published.

Moreover, if this headline is to be condoned, please explain to me why other candidates and office holders who are identified in the same article do not have their races identified.

Why are not Roberta Salaam or Robert Horgan identified as “black” or “white” or whatever their race may be; or maybe thinking and sensitive people just should not be concerned about a candidate’s race, but rather about the candidate’s abilities.

Shant J. Harootunian
Peachtree City, Ga.

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Submitted by 1bighammer on Mon, 01/23/2006 - 12:29pm.

Racist! If you only knew what constitutes Racism!

Websters defines racism as : 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2: racial prejudice or discrimination

I'm not sure which of those two this headline, or the story, which was very complimentary, falls under. I'm sure that the headline was not the best choice for the article but it is by no means "RACIST".

Submitted by DWP33 on Thu, 01/12/2006 - 1:23pm.

I mean come on, dont people have anything better to do with there time,than to worry about how a editor headlined an article. We as Fayette co taxpayers have the right to know who is running in our county. It is important to know as much as possible about all the candiates running for our offices. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror. Why does this upset you so much, could it be your a racist. If not then why worry so much about something so little. The editor was not in the wrong. Racism got you down? Maybe you need to take a step back and re-evaluate your life and priorities.

Submitted by CNP2000 on Thu, 01/12/2006 - 1:02pm.

People need to quit raising such a stink about the "Black Republican" headline. The editor never said any racist remarks in his article. Maybe people should look up the word "racist" and know the meaning of it before they accuse someone of being that. Calling a man "Black" is not a racist statement and people who think it is are ignorant.

Submitted by historybuff on Thu, 01/12/2006 - 9:29pm.

Emory Wilkerson is black and a republican. The citizens need to know that he is an honest, conservative candidate. He is a Ronald Reagan Republican. The voters will look past his color and judge his character. They will like what they see. He will make an excellent elected official.

Submitted by DWP33 on Fri, 01/13/2006 - 1:41pm.

Come on man , anyone with a 2nd grade education knows he's not in it to help fayette co. He's in it to ruin fayette co. and make it another clayton co. This guy dont have a chance. He will get some North fayette votes, but the rest is history.

Submitted by historybuff on Fri, 01/13/2006 - 11:05pm.

Not funny. What is the basis of your supposition? Do you know Emory Wilkerson? I think not. Even a second grader has better grammar and thought processes than you.

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