In a display of political arrogance, Joy Behar, a host on ABC’s “The View,” took it upon herself to tell black conservatives what they should believe about racism in America.
On Tuesday, Behar was quoted as saying, “[Tim Scott’s] one of these guys who, you know, he’s like Clarence Thomas, black Republican who believes in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps rather than, to me, understanding the systemic racism that African Americans face in this country and other minorities.”
“He doesn’t get it, neither does Clarence. And that’s why they’re Republicans,” she finished. On Monday, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) announced his intent to run for President in the 2024 election during a speech in Charleston, South Carolina.
WATCH:
Scott, who had served as a United States Senator since 2013, emphasized the American dream by sharing his journey from poverty to a position of power. He drew from his family history, particularly his grandfather’s experience growing up in the segregated South and working from an early age.
Behar’s comments not only perpetuate a stereotype of black conservatives as being out of touch with their racial reality, but they also imply that all black people should think and vote a certain way—a notion that is not only offensive but also flies in the face of the diversity and individuality that should be celebrated within any racial or ethnic group.
Despite the hardships, Scott highlighted the belief in the inherent goodness of America that had carried his family through. He used his story to underscore that the potential for transformation and success existed for everyone in America.
The announcement received support from others, including former President Donald Trump. Throughout his political career, Scott championed conservative economic policies and focused on education and workforce development.
Clarence Thomas, the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court and a figure of significant influence and success, was also targeted by Behar’s comments. Her comparison of Thomas was a thinly veiled attempt to undermine and ridicule conservative ideologies and values, especially those held by black conservatives.
Behar’s comments were a gross oversimplification of the beliefs of conservatives. Attempts to pigeonhole or stereotype are not only intellectually lazy but also counterproductive.
REACTIONS:
Rich white woman decides she’s the authority on racism…hilarious 🤡
— Michelle Snyder (@mrjrsnyder1) May 23, 2023
If yeast infections had a face. It would be Joy’s.
— Q just watch (@brunahQ17) May 23, 2023
No one better to explain racism to black people than an elderly white woman.
— Aryn Skylar (@arynskylar) May 23, 2023
“Yeah, don’t try picking yourself up by your bootstraps. The system is rigged against you, so it’s best not to even try.”
— LogicallyConsistentMD (@LogicalMD33) May 23, 2023