Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley is finding herself on defense again after she said “I had Black friends growing up” during a town hall as she sought to clean up remarks she made aroun…
You’re looking for reason in her statements, but the fact is that it’s a dogwhistle kind of emotional code, and she’s not speaking to reasonable people, she’s speaking to consumers of propaganda for whom these dogwhistle statements are tailored to incite an emotional response. Squid’s correct in referring you back to the social origins of the phrase, because in that context it has a very strong meaning, yet one devoid of apparent reason.
Not trying to argue with you, because your question and reasoning are solid. The people you are speaking of, Nikki Haley and her base, are . . . not.
Having a black friend, in Republican eyes, excuses you from all racism forever.
Yeah, that’s still not what I’m talking about. Whatever.
You’re looking for reason in her statements, but the fact is that it’s a dogwhistle kind of emotional code, and she’s not speaking to reasonable people, she’s speaking to consumers of propaganda for whom these dogwhistle statements are tailored to incite an emotional response. Squid’s correct in referring you back to the social origins of the phrase, because in that context it has a very strong meaning, yet one devoid of apparent reason.
Not trying to argue with you, because your question and reasoning are solid. The people you are speaking of, Nikki Haley and her base, are . . . not.