Scaring white people

by Willie Jones - The political strategy called “Scaring White people” is far and away the most often used and the most successful in the post 1960’s era inAmerican history.  And it's happening again.

Popular similar strategies like, “they’re coming for our guns,” “abortion kills babies,” and “homosexual marriage will destroy the institution of marriage,” can’t hold a candle to “Scaring White people.”  

Brilliant in its simplicity, here’s an analogy.  A lighted cigarette is tossed out the window of a moving car onto the dry grass just beyond the shoulder of the road. Who is driving the car is not important.  The burning cigarette starts a small fire, first bright, then diminishing into embers, unnoticed by anyone, except the wind. The wind, in a gust, lifts the embers, carrying them beyond the next hill, into the next valley, touching down in the dry tinder and starting the next fire, and the next, and the next, until much of the forest is ablaze.

For the past 18 months we’ve seen small fires here and there, we’ve seen them repeated here and there.  I’m certain they will continue, with increasing intensity, until election day, this November. Some say the American people are smarter than that; they won’t fall for it; not this time.  I say, hogwash, the American people will fall for it, just like they did the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that. This stuff works!!

The Scaring White People strategy requires shameless hyperbole, outrageous  dishonesty, and a serious, thoughtful look on your face as you address the camera . A kernel of truth will do if one is handy, if not, don’t worry about it, just tell a lie and make it sound like the truth. Chances are the reporter doing the interview will either say nothing or give a discerning nod, an indication that you may continue.

Recently a U.S. Senator said violent crime is up in Arizona, while on another channel, another U. S. Senator said Arizona is the kidnap capital of the United States.  Neither statement is true but both will serve the purpose of Scaring White People.  The recent incident involving the New Black Panther Party, was, in name only, a JACKPOT. Stevie Wonder could see there was no story here, however, with a name like New Black Panther party, who needs a story, just keep saying the name, over and over and over and over. Scares the hell out of White people. 

It is possible that you think I’m dissing White People, or that I’m saying White people are easily spooked, pun intended. I declare that I am not saying any of that.  The Scaring White People strategy is designed to stir White People, rouse them, energize them and shape their thinking as the election approaches. 

This is a call to action.  

Your next question is probably, do I think White People are stupid enough to fall for this scurrilous approach to politics?  Here is my honest, sincere answer. Each time I become aware of one of those small fires, talk radio, television, the internet, in print, I pause and I whisper, to myself, maybe, just maybe, it won’t work this time, maybe the truth will prevail. 

We’ll know soon.