black…MYstory

Was it a slip of the tongue or a Freudian slip? I can’t call it but, this time, the racial rhetoric is heating up because of a statement made by Rep. Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland.

In introducing Democratic senatorial candidate Ben Hardin on Sunday, Hoyer had some comments about Michael Steele, the African American Republican lieutenant governor and Cardin’s opponent. One comment, in particular, caught the attention of the Steele campaign. Hoyer told people in attendance that Steele had a history of “slavishly supporting the Republican Party.”

Umm…hold the phone! Did he say “slavish” in reference to a black candidate?

Whether they are using this to make political hay or not, Steele and his people have a right to raise hell about this. If someone made a slavery reference about me, they would get called on it quickly.

Of course, Hoyer offered an apology:

“I should not have used that word. If Mr. Steele did in fact take offense, let me assure him that none was intended.”

But, he did mean to offend him, even if the racial component was unintended. He was calling Steele a “slave” to the GOP agenda. The problem is that, with this country’s history of slavery, this reference takes on a painful, historical significance for African Americans. So, no, Hoyer should not get a pass on this.

I’m no fan of Michael Steele. For the past several years, he, like too many Republicans, have acted like being conservative and possessing rational, independent thought are incompatible. But, Steele, like any other black person, has a right to be offended by racially-tinged comments, unintended or not. When black people hear these references, our antennae do go up and we have to wonder whether these comments should be taken at face value or if there is some hidden racism on the part of the user.

So, Rep. Hoyer, be prepared for more heat and, next time, understand that making slave references in regards to black folks is a big no-no.

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