Virginia Governor responds to his controversy
Pediatric neurologist and Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam was in a recent controversy, as he was once seen wearing blackface on his Medical school yearbook from 1984. The photo showed Northam wearing blackface next to someone else wearing a white Klu Klux Klan hood and robe. After the photos first surfaced, Northam claimed that he was in the photo but would not confirm which costume he wore. However, the next day he denied being in the photo, but admitted to wearing a blackface costume that same year. On Sunday, Northam went on CBS “Face the Nation,” to discuss his scandal, and when asked if he was thinking about resigning, Northam said, “Virginia needs someone that can heal. There's no better person to do that than a doctor." Northam continued, “Virginia also needs someone who is strong, who has empathy, who has courage and who has a moral compass. And that's why I'm not going anywhere.” The Governor’s scandal comes at a bad time, as there are sexual assault claims against, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax , who would take the spot if, Governor Northam were to resign. Attorney General Mark Herring was also being caught wearing blackface at a dance party in 1980. All three Virginia Democrats are facing public scrutiny.
Questions:
- Do you think Governor Northam should resign?
- Should political leaders be punished for their past actions in the present day?
Well it's a tricky question, I think wearing blackface alone (especially in 1980) shouldn't be immediately condemned as an offence worthy of resigning, but Northam certainly didn't help himself by offering such weak justifications and refusing to own up to his mistake, because that's what this is, a mistake. Blackface was still unacceptable in the 1980s, but if he was able to acknowledge that what he did was wrong, and that he's still a capable, qualified governor representing the population of Virginia, especially emphasizing his contributions to the African American community, I think he could have been allowed to stay. Due to his weak response and unwillingness to take responsibility, I would personally encourage his resignation (preferably after the business with the lieutenant governor is resolved). I think political leaders shouldn't be punished for their past actions, they should be held accountable, and there's a distinction. If they did something that isn't totally irredeemable and take responsibility for their mistakes, we should be able to forgive them, but some things demonstrate that a leader lacks the moral fortitude necessary to lead others.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is only right if Northam resigns. Because of the public outrage and that it is clear that this is not an isolated event for the governor, it would be the best for the state of Virginia if he resigns. Our elected leaders should represent the best in our country and Northam is not that and someone else should be appointed. It would probably be best for a special election to be called to elect a new governor.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tricky subject as many people make rash decisions when they are younger. Such as Northam's decision to wear the costume during medical school. The standards of today are much different than they were when Northam was in college. His actions should not be dismissed, yet that was almost 40 years ago and if behavior similar to that has not resurfaced since then in Northam's life, I do not think that he should resign. I do not think there is one answer to the question of whether political leaders should be punished for their past actions in the present day because it varies from case to case. Although I do believe that when a political leader tries to cover up the truth they should be punished.
ReplyDeleteI think that Northam’s past decisions should affect his life, especially since they seemed to be racist. However, I do not believe that the punishment should be so severe that he steps down from his position. Like stated, the other two Virginian Democrats are also being scrutinized, so if Northam was to step down, the criticism to the Democrat who had to take his place would only be increased. Moreover, I think it was wrong for him to deny and change his position on wearing the blackface costume because this demonstrates he has something he has to hide. However, I do not think that this act should lead to resignation but rather a suspension without pay. His acts in the past cannot be covered by the fact that “he was younger” and “made rash decisions” because at that point in his life (graduate school in the 1980s) he should have already been familiar with societal norms. Nevertheless, I think political leaders should definitely be punished for the past actions in the present day because it seems justifiable to punish someone for an action which they never faced consequences for. However, the punishment must only be somewhat harsh because change always occurs in a person and perhaps change did after that past action. Thus, punishment should be dealt but it should be dealt sparingly.
ReplyDeleteI believe that because of the degree of his actions, it would be proper that he resigns. There is obvious backlash from the public and a lack of support, so I don't think it is fitting that he still continues to govern. It is hard to say whether past actions should be held accountable in present day, but in this case I think that we should be held accountable. It is hard to accept the mistakes that have been made, but they should be faced.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of the previous statements that it would be best if Northam would resign. Although this was in 1980 and younger people do tend to make rasher decisions, I agree with Noah that at this point, he was already in graduate school meaning that he had seen and adjusted to societal norms. This tends to be a recurring thing where more people's past questionable statements and actions are being brought into play and we have seen the negative consequences that follow when you make questionable decisions when you were younger. In conclusion, I believe that the best action to be taken is for Northam to resign and next time rethink his choices.
ReplyDeleteI think Northam should resign due to his past actions. He denied being in the photo after he claimed he was in the photo. Although racism was more accepted in the 1980s, it still isn't acceptable and he should resign especially since he did not own up to his mistakes. As mentioned by Jordan, he was in graduate school, meaning he was no longer a teenager and has finished four years of college prior, making him mature enough to understand this behavior is not acceptable and will later come back to haunt him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Daniel and Mikayla that this situation is a tricky one being that the standards regarding race 40 years ago is in stark contrast with the current standards and that Northam was still young. However, being that the 1980s was almost 20 years after the Civil Rights Movement that struck down substantial racial inequality and racism in the US, Northram's actions are too inappropriate and he should have known better than to commit such an offensive act, especially since he has way passed the adolescent age. While it may be slightly unreasonable to penalize someone who has commited something in their youth, these actions reveal Northram's inner beliefs and clearly signify that he is at heart a racist. And as citizens, we want the best representative and advocate for us, thus Northram should not be qualified to represent the people of the state containing the 9th largest percentage of African Americans (19.55%). Furthermore, his attempt to cover up the truth further disqualifies him from the position as it shows his lack of ethics.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above that passed actions should, to some extent, be forgiven. However I believe this is only applicable when the person has demonstrated clear personal growth from the action and treated the controversy with complete honesty and professionalism. In the case of Governor Northam, while his affiliation with racist actions may be considered excusable to some due to the time period in which it took place, I do not think his response demonstrated high morals or professionalism. Like Daniel mentioned, he offered weak explanations by using his job position of a doctor to excuse his past actions rather than directly apologizing and justifying his actions. He appeared to even try to avoid the accusations all together by providing contradictory statements, and this lack of professionalism may demonstrate an inability to professionally complete his job as Governor. In all, I believe it would be justified for him to resign.
ReplyDeleteI believe that his actions were inappropriate and should have never been done. However, he should be forgiven. Everyone deserves a second chance no matter what they do, and never over that. I know that everyone is calling it a sticky situation, and it is, but you should not force someone to be remove based on past actions. Over time, people change their opinions and what they stand. Past decisions should not be taken in for account unless the person has repeatedly been doing and there was no change in their personality. And yes, I agree with everyone that he should've came forward about it when it was presented earlier. With an action like this, he needed to just come forth with it and speak the truth of his actions.
ReplyDeleteWhile his past actions are definitely inappropriate, and that he should face consequences and backlash for his past actions, I feel that going all the way to remove him or force him to resign from office is perhaps a bit overkill. However, his comments towards the public regarding this particular situation seem like he's just trying to sweep the situation under the rug, which doesn't seem like he's changed much, which might be cause for concern. Overall, while he could have come out positively from this situation by handling it properly and accepting fault for his past mistakes, instead he tried to hide and instead looks like a much worse human being.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that it was in the past, it was definitely inappropriate. He should face backlash for his actions but he should not be forced to resign or leave office. He should not have tried to make his mistakes seem less important. He could have handled the situation better by making a public apology and to prove that he can repent from his past mistakes
ReplyDeleteTo answer your second question, I have to agree with Ian in how he should receive backlash for this. There is no way he should be able to roam around as if it never happened. He should have handled the situation differently in how to be more vocal and own up to your mistakes before the news find it first. Opinions and future choices may change because of this and only time can tell if it is beneficial or worse in the end.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the yearbook photo alone is enough of a reason for Governor Northam to resign. People change over time, and, as Mikayla stated, the norms of society also change as well. There needs to be more evidence to justify the push for his resignation. Moreover, I think it would be necessary to analyze his current ideologies and beliefs as opposed to those of his past. I don't think it's absolutely correct to judge someone based on their past; otherwise, everyone would be hating everyone else for something that happened ages ago.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I meet the accusations of Fairfax with some scrutiny because they were only announced after Fairfax was chosen to replace Northam... I also think that Daniel offers a very interesting point about past mistakes. On one hand, I agree that people should not be punished for their previous mistakes, but I can not disregard the TWENTY years since the Civil Rights movement that gained so many rights for black people and that he STILL wore blackface after growing up at the peak of the civil rights movement. So, not only because of his poor response to the black face but also because of his actions do I think he must step down from his position. There are many other capable people to replace Governor Northam.
ReplyDeleteI am more concerned by his defense of his actions than the action itself. Obviously dressing in blackface was an insensitive and irresponsible decision and I understand the public outrage. However, that in itself is not a big enough offense to warrant resignation. The fact that he tried to defend his bad decisions is concerning and may be an indication of his character.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Justin that this photo from over 30 years ago, while highly offensive, does not wholly justify his possible resignation. Governor Northam has received a massive amount of public backlash, and as I see it, his association to blackface alone is enough punishment. Although people should understand that offensive actions are inexcusable, having an intolerant mindset towards past mistakes also discourages others to change their behavior. I hope that Governor Northam (and the nation as a whole) can use this unfortunate incident as a sign that more effort must be made to educate others on how harmful these actions are, and encourage others to be proactive against perpetuating discriminatory stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the other comments that we have to take in his actions from the perspective of the 1980s, when the photo was taken. To this extent, I don't believe his past actions are enough to warrant a resignation. However, his actions were inappropriate and insensitive and the public outrage over this photo is completely understandable. Furthermore, his attempt to excuse and defend his past insensitive actions is concerning. I don't believe his past actions is enough to warrant his resignation and a complete judgement of his character.
ReplyDeleteDespite the origin of this scandal, the bigger issue here is that Gov. Northam was being dishonest with the public. As a public figure, he should have known that vague and suspicious explanations for past actions will not appease those in the public that have been offended by his actions. Even though the scandal is regarding the past, Northam should be held accountable for all his actions especially being the leader of a whole state. Personal feelings aside, I am not entirely sure if the best thing for Northam is resignation especially with the allegations against the Lt. Gov. I do, however, believe that Northam should apologize for his actions and be held accountable for them as long as he is in office.
ReplyDelete