ETHNICS IN POLITICS

Ethnicity: What Impact Does It Have on Politics?

Diversified membership bridges unsettled gaps, it under girds the theory that equality and democracy can peacefully co-exist. The influence of varying backgrounds imparts a new language at the policy-making table. Room has now been created to hear those previously silenced.

2007 speaks with raised volume, similar to that of a concert speaker system. Its blare expresses that ethnically-diverse candidates possess political-intellectualism on par with their Caucasian counterparts. Today's society is achieving inclusion via a conscious decision to move forward and alter the global image of past political administrations. In prior eras, ethnicity was not a major focus in any political campaign; diverse candidates seemed to possess and promote the same white-collar political ideas and interests as their Caucasian peers. We were just merely placed in the pot as a dash of spice for a hearty stew! Nevertheless, now this phenomenon that ethnicity is valuable extends beyond the New England region and is playing a part in the hunt for our next President of the United States.

This is a new era! Diversity is the epitome of any political agenda today and moving forward, its voice is sought after and heard loudly!

But why has the focus now changed? The answer lies in the political landscape, which has expanded beyond the limited interests of segregation and integration. Our political figures are now addressing issues that affect every constituent including, but not limited to, adequate healthcare, the quality of public education and public safety with an emphasis on reducing recidivism. Issues such as these were not historically prominent concerns. Policymakers have been forced to consider issues effecting constituents other than those living in plush homes with manicured lawns. They have had to go out and seek viable candidates to campaign in areas where the majority of the population is diverse and have vested interests in the community's development. To illustrate, Boston's City Council members have developed "Team UNITY," which consists of four Councilors of African-American, Asian and Puerto Rican descent. Together they have greater influence and are able to advocate previously overlooked legislation.

Seemingly the voices of the weak are being recognized and considered by their respective advocates. The "No Child Left Behind" Act might be viewed skeptically in the U.S. as a whole, but in New England the concept of those words resonates and motivates our ethnic legislature in their bid for our rights addressed, our voices heard and our problems solved. We have not arrived where we would like to be; yet, we are far from where we came. Our fists are still pushed up in the air, we have seen a shift from the, March on Washington to participating in debates on the House and the Senate floors. Our minds are open and will not stop until we have reached the masses by sharing the value that lies within the corridors of ethnicity.

The time has come to make the myth of political accountability to ethnic groups a thing of the past and to understand that ethnicity is a crucial element of politics. Increasing diversity will benefit the decision-making process, as well as, develop the next generations in their quest to become power brokers early on. Without accountability we are allowing those who have led us astray to continue to divide and conquer, while very few of us even make it into their pool of thought.

Will you walk with those of us already there to continue pushing ethnicity into politics so that the color of the floors does not resemble just those of majority? In the words of Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick, "Together We Can." We are looking for you...

Views by:
Marvin L. Venay, Director
Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus

*Disclaimer: These thoughts only reflect the views of Mr. Venay and do not reflect the views of members of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus.