Liberal Condescension Toward Minorities

Joe Biden, of course, is just the latest example. But as Mary Katherine Ham points out, liberals tend to assume minorities cannot achieve anything in this country without their help. When black Republicans achieve success on their own, they're viewed suspiciously.

Question. Why is it always liberals who seem so genuinely, overtly surprised when black candidates are viable candidates, and in their surprise, evoke old, damaging stereotypes about them? If you'll excuse a Bushism, I think it's because much of their political philosophy and existence depends upon misunderestimating minorities.

Minorities are getting lower grades than other students. Lower the standards! Minorities aren't getting into colleges at the same rates as other students. Give them special race-based admissions programs! Minorities need help. Give them expensive social programs of questionable efficacy!

The liberal solution to these problems has never been one that grants minorities the dignity of achieving success. In fact, it assumes they are incapable of achieving it without extensive help from liberal government programs. When you come from the school of pat-on-the-head public policy for minorities -- as Joe Biden does -- I guess maybe it is astonishing that a black man could be outstripping you in your run for president.

Read it all. Something else liberals ought to consider when Republicans disagree with blacks on matters political: It's about the issues, not their skin color. Is that so difficult for them to understand?