To Comfort The Afflicted
And Afflict The Comfortable

To Comfort The Afflicted And Afflict The Comfortable

Friday, December 13, 2024

Observercast

Jim Crow Dressed In His Sunday Best

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BY JAMES NIMMO

At least a dozen state legislatures across the country are trying to put some new clothes on a discredited character from America’s post-Civil War history. That character’s name is Jim Crow. By trying to mix civil law and religious prejudice they’re showing poor fashion sense.

How do the religious apologists account for discrimination against people of color and gays who are seen as outside the tribe of the holy sooth-sayers?

We’re seeing a renewed fondness in many states for Jim Crow laws directed at gays just as was used to keep the “colored” segregated in public facilities with religion used as the basis.

Jim Crow attitudes are being dressed up as religious freedom and are seeking protection with the police power of the state. These religious fundamentalists who sit around their mythological campfires telling old stories want freedom but will not stomach the responsibilities that are the other side of the coin of civilization.

What a shameful understanding they have of religion and self-government.

James Nimmo lives in Oklahoma City and is a frequent contributor to The Oklahoma Observer

http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/quigley/2014/02/24/24262-jim-crow-making-comeback

 

Arnold Hamilton
Arnold Hamilton
Arnold Hamilton became editor of The Observer in September 2006. Previously, he served nearly two decades as the Dallas Morning News’ Oklahoma Bureau chief. He also covered government and politics for the San Jose Mercury News, the Dallas Times Herald, the Tulsa Tribune and the Oklahoma Journal.