Virginia scandal has US discussing race

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Nolan Cleary

Staff Writer

In an age of information, word spreads quickly. This became apparent in Virginia, when a photo of Governor Ralph Northam (D-VA), allegedly wearing blackface, surfaced to the public in February.

The image, found in a medical school yearbook, shows one man wearing Ku Klux Klan garb and another, presumably Northam, wearing blackface.

Northam initially admitted he was in the photo, but has since revoked his admission. He later admitted to darkening his face in imitation of Michael Jackson on a separate occasion.

The controversy awakened a national debate about race issues in America.

Many Democrats have called on Northam, a member of their own party, to resign. New York Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, who is running for President, has also called on Northam to leave office.

The controversy had Hudson Valley Community College students discussing politics and race with peers.

Some disagreed with the majority idea that Northam should step down. “There should be no resignation, just a statement,” said one student who wished to remain anonymous.

“I don’t agree personally with what he did, but that doesn’t mean he has to resign,” another anonymous student said.

David, a student, is on the fence about whether Northam should leave office. “It is important that he’s admitting it,” he said. “He’s obviously stayed away from it if he hasn’t continued doing it.”

Other students weren’t as forgiving toward the Northam.

Raheem, a student, felt that the situation is complicated. However, he stood firm in his opinion. “I think he should [resign],” Raheem said.

According to Matthew Whitaker, professor of political science, there are lessons to be learned from the incident. “One lesson for these elected officials in Virginia is they need to understand the pain and the hurt and the insult that blackface causes to people of color,” Whitaker said. “They need to understand the impact and its meaning and harm.”

Northam’s actions and response were polarizing and calls for his resignation have grown louder, but if Northam does step down, things could get more complicated.

Next in line to take Northam’s position would be Democratic Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax. However, Fairfax has been accused by two women of sexual assault. Attorney General of Virginia, Mark Herring, is third in line but admitted to wearing blackface as well.

If all three resigned, state lawmaker Kirk Cox would become Governor, turning the office over to Republicans.

“I hope [all three] resign,” Whitaker said. “These people are holding offices of honor and trust and it’s unfortunate that they [are] choosing to say ‘I did some things wrong but I’m gonna stick with it.’”

In spite of the controversy surrounding Fairfax, many students are convinced he shouldn’t leave just yet.

“It sounds like [the accuser] is pretty credible,” David said. “[But] we should probably wait for more information to come out.”

The controversy ultimately re-sparked a debate about race in America. “We’ve seen a lot of reminders of the effects of race in politics,” Whitaker said. “They’re further dots on this line that has been a constant in politics.”

“We still have a long way to go,” another anonymous student said.

Northam recently stated he had no intention to resign. Many are left wondering how the situation in Virginia will affect the 2020 election.

“It’s going to hurt [Democrats] a lot… In order for them to expect to win in 2020, they need to take care of the situation now,” Marco, a student, said.

According to Whitaker, a lot can happen until the 2020 election. He is unsure how this will affect the election, but is certain it will have an impact.