Agree Quote by Shelby Steele
“What the Clintons have always done is embraced challenging. They can't have enough photo opportunities with Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. They communicate to blacks that they agree with their challenging identity. So, in a sense, Hillary is blacker than Barack Obama. Their alignment with this black identity makes them 'black' in a metaphorical sense, I guess.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Race and Politics, 2005
The quote suggests the Clintons use Black symbolism to appeal to Black voters, portraying themselves as aligned with Black identity for political gain.
In simple terms: The Clintons use Black imagery to win Black votes.
Recognize political symbolism in identity politics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- media analysis
- voter outreach
- public relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does symbolic alignment affect voter trust?
- Is identity politics effective or manipulative?
Critics argue this reduces complex identities to mere political tools.