Now that another orientation has passed and 1,554 new Bruins have heard the word "diversity" repeated endlessly, I would like to discuss a divisive issue in modern politics which stems from this desire for diversity: identity politics.
I want to draw your attention to a state not often on Brunonians' radar, Tennessee. Instead of deciding between candidates with huge egos and similar policies, voters in Tennessee's 9th District had the choice of two vastly different types of representative. That's why the Democratic primary between Steve Cohen, a white Jew, and Nikki Tinker, a black woman, was so captivating.
Some back-story is necessary. TN-09 is a majority-minority district surrounding Memphis, in which 60 percent of the residents are black. From 1975 until the 2006 race for an open seat (when State Senator Steve Cohen became the representative), the district had been represented by a pair of African Americans. Cohen prevailed in part because he faced fourteen opponents - who, luckily for him, split the black vote. He won the seat with only 31 percent of the votes.
One of those opponents, Tinker, returned for a rematch this summer. She believed that it was a travesty for a white guy to represent one of the nation's few majority-minority districts, which had been gerrymandered to ensure the election of more black candidates. I strongly disagree.
Disclaimer: I don't believe that a House comprised entirely of white men can appreciate the problems other groups face. Different perspectives are needed. But that does not require black voters to substitute a black woman for their white congressman, as Tinker would have everyone believe.
Cohen is a phenomenal member of Congress, especially on issues relevant to the black community. In addition to seeking membership in the Congressional Black Caucus to demonstrate dedication to his constituents, Cohen authored the House's apology for slavery (which, shockingly, had never happened until he pushed for it).
Moreover, he has advocated for more grants to historically black colleges and considers education, crime and civil rights - issues that disproportionately affect the black community - to be among his top priorities.
Tinker's Web site, by contrast, made no mention of crime or civil rights, and altogether ignored historically black colleges. It goes to show that a black candidate does not automatically represent her whole community.
Similarly, when it came to issues relevant to women, Cohen was a vocal supporter. He was rated by NARAL Pro-Choice America as "fully pro-choice," and was honored by a local Planned Parenthood chapter. Tinker, however, made no mention of choice or gender equality in the workplace on her Web site (while Cohen did).
Yes, Tinker is black, and, yes, she is a woman. But that does not mean she would be a better legislator for all African Americans and women.
But don't tell that to members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who rejected Cohen's attempt to join their ranks. It's clear that the CBC, a group of African American congress members, must adapt in order to stay relevant. Why reject a white man dedicated to his community simply because of his skin color? Imagine the anger we would see if any caucus excluded African Americans. While black legislators must continue to lead the fight for racial equality, disrespecting their allies is not the right path.
And it doesn't stop there. Ellen Malcolm, president of EMILY's List, strongly endorsed Tinker. Her group supports pro-choice Democratic women. While too few women have won election to the House and Senate, EMILY's List should spend its time fighting pro-life Democrats and Republicans. Why waste contributors' money by attacking a Democrat who has fought for their principles? Groups that place identity before policy, like the CBC and EMILY's List, should be ashamed.
Thankfully, that is how they eventually felt. Days before the primary, the race became far nastier. Tinker aired an ad (widely seen as racist) that tried to conflate Cohen with the KKK. But even that wasn't enough - shortly thereafter, Tinker aired an anti-Semitic ad attacking Cohen for entering "our churches." EMILY's list quickly stated that it does not "support these types of attacks."
But, in reality, it tacitly does. Tinker's attacks were not extraordinary. Criticizing Cohen for his whiteness and Judaism is the logical extension of theories that support identity politics. Her ads simply show how ugly those ideas are when put into practice.
I still support the existence of majority-minority districts. I think that some congresspersons should be held accountable for their views on issues affecting African Americans. Likewise, I want to preserve the CBC - but as a group based on issues, like the pro-choice caucus. Leaders like Cohen should never be prevented from fighting for their black and female constituents.
Thankfully, the voters agreed. A resounding 79 percent supported Cohen's bid for reelection.
Jeremy Feigenbaum '11 hopes to one day represent Tennessee's 9th district.
