A tale of two Sarahs: CRT vs. Central High History

How does a new governor balance white supremacist rhetoric with faux inclusion? Host a MLK Day prayer breakfast at the governor’s mansion, of course!

Governor Sanders, on the heels of banning Critical Race Theory and “indoctrination” in our public schools, hosted the event last week with the state’s MLK commission. She signaled to attendees that she is not racist by emphasizing the impact Central High School’s history had on her, specifically the 40th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine. Inviting people of color to the governor’s mansion is certainly one way to create congestive dissonance around your political messaging, especially when that messaging harms the same group of people you invite into your home.

Another way to walk the “I’m not racist” tightrope is to have a Black county judge give the invocation at your inauguration, have a Black marching band play, and have a Black choir perform. The tactic gives white people permission to not feel bad about really shitty policy and messaging, apparently.

Be sure to follow Sarah for more tips on how to pander to both Black people and white supremacists while in public office.