CNN reported that 17 female African-American judges, all Democrats, were just sworn in, making history in Harris County, Texas. The group, which campaigned as “Black Girl Magic Texas” (I am not making that up) won their elections in November and were sworn in Tuesday.
Still, Black Girl Magic Texas belittles their historic achievement when they focus purely on race and party, which is about as tribalist as it gets.
To be sure, the election of so many black women to any county, in any capacity (but especially as judges) is a feat. I applaud the intellect, achievements, and even the groundbreaking moment this represents in history for women, and for women of color.
However, I’m disappointed to see such an incredible emphasis on race and gender in an era where many women hold important roles in society and America boasted a black president for two terms. This isn’t 1970 and it’s silly to pretend it is. If these women were qualified for the roles, why not run, and win, based on merit alone? Why resort to a campaign rooted in a tribalist mentality based on race and gender?
The campaign website of “Black Girl Magic Texas” wasn’t shy about their tribalism: “Help us make history by committing to VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRAT in this year’s 2018 General election, ensuring these 19 women and other Democratic candidates make history and are elected.” But policies supported by Democrats (such as abortion, mandated paid parental leave, and the birth control mandate), often ultimately hurt women, especially black women.
Furthermore, it’s ironic Black Girl Magic Texas would resort to such overt tribalism since Republicans who support President Trump are usually the ones accused of being tribal to the point of toxicity, especially since Trump has made some unusual decisions and displays a unique, often problematic, penchant for drama.
This may certainly be true, but it’s hard to deny that Democrats are often the ones lobbying for candidates purely based on that alone. This isn’t a victory for women or black people if they’re elected purely based on their gender and race. That’s simply another example of its own kind of racist and gender-based tribalism, and it’s no different or better when Democrats do it than Republicans.
