I wrote recently about ‘the talk’ that black parents give their adolescent sons in order to try and keep them out of trouble. Writer John Derbyshire decided to publish his own ‘nonblack version of the talk’. It included such gems as:
(10a) Avoid concentrations of blacks not all known to you personally.
(10b) Stay out of heavily black neighborhoods.
(10c) If planning a trip to a beach or amusement park at some date, find out whether it is likely to be swamped with blacks on that date (neglect of that one got me the closest I have ever gotten to death by gunshot).
(10d) Do not attend events likely to draw a lot of blacks.
(10e) If you are at some public event at which the number of blacks suddenly swells, leave as quickly as possible.
(10f) Do not settle in a district or municipality run by black politicians.
(10g) Before voting for a black politician, scrutinize his/her character much more carefully than you would a white.
Although Derbyshire has a long history of writing things that flirt with racism and sexism, this was too much even for The National Review Online, where he was a frequent contributor, and they have said they will no longer publish his work.
What the fuck? This is a perfect example of Poe’s law. It shows that it really is impossible to parody these creatures. They are parodies of themselves.
During my first read through, I thought, Wow. That’s jaw-droppingly racist. Then, upon further reflection, I thought, “At least he’s being honest.” Sadly, I know several individual who have said variations on this article. Very sad.
And that’s what got him canned. The NR’s fine with racism as long as it’s not too obvious.
Remember folks: This is the way Derbyshire has always thought.
He hasn’t changed his bigoted opinions, he’s simply chosen to completely expose himself. And like anyone who gets exposed as a flasher, those who once associated with him now disavow him.
Interesting. Covert racism is supported, but overt racism is not. Mano -- I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on this distinction.
I think this has always been the dirty secret of modern politics, that you can use code words and dog whistles but not say outright what you think.
Another horribly hilarious quote from that article:
“In that pool of forty million, there are nonetheless many intelligent and well-socialized blacks. (I’ll use IWSB as an ad hoc abbreviation.) You should consciously seek opportunities to make friends with IWSBs. In addition to the ordinary pleasures of friendship, you will gain an amulet against potentially career-destroying accusations of prejudice.”
Does this mean hi own amulet done wore off?