https://www.npr.org/2019/03/04/700084752/despite-his-own-blackface-scandal-virginia-ag-says-governor-has-lost-public-trus
The news of Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring wearing blackface (similarly to Governor Ralph Northam) in 1980 as a 19 year old college student surfaced just days after he called for Governor Ralph Northam to resign. Herring says he sees no contradiction in calling on Northam to resign despite both men wearing blackface in the past. Herring says he felt as if Northam had lost the public's trust due to Northam coming out with a contradictory story to his past surfaced actions. Thus Herring proposed that Northam needed to resign because without public support and trust, he will no longer be able to lead going forward. Northam says he is focusing on how to repair the damage made over the last month in Virginia. Since blackface is an American cultural phenomenon and has special and negative cultural meaning to Americans only, it does not have a connection to international relations.
Questions:
1. Do you think it is contradictory or even unfair for Herring to call on Northam to resign because of their similar past actions?
2. Should Northam resign due to not only his past actions, but his contradictory story?
3. Should Herring receive the same backlash as Northam has for his actions?
I don't think there's anything inherently unfair about Herring's actions. Why he called on Northan to resign is not specifically the action, but the weak denial and inability to take responsibility. While Herring admitted that he did it without someone having to drudge it out of his yearbook, expressed how he made a mistake and pledged to move on, Northam tried everything to distance himself, by claiming the person wasn't him, or that he had an excuse. The issue that Herring is attacking is not the blackface itself, but the inability to own up to mistakes that Northam has displayed. I think that if Northam doesn't admit his wrongdoing, it's reasonable to expect his resignation, but if he's properly contrite I see no reason why he should resign, it was legitimately a different time and mindset, and what matters now is whether he can serve all people of Virginia, regardless of race, in the present. Herring shouldn't because he acknowledged his mistake and admitted wrongdoing.
ReplyDeleteHerring and Northam have very similar stories, with both of them wearing blackface during college. I believe that it is only unfair for, Herring to call Northam to resign if he does not so himself. Both men were doing disgraceful actions that does not put a good representation of the state of Virginia. In Herrings case he was more open about his past actions then, Northam, but I think it is in the best interest for both men to step down from their positions. I do believe that Northam resign, because his controversy has caused more bad than good. Northam also does not seem to accept his actions, which might indicate his inability to take responsibility for his other actions. Herring did acknowledge his mistake, but I think it would be best him he stepped down form his position.
ReplyDeleteDespite having done the same horrible act, I do not think Herring is contradictory for calling on Northam to resign. However, I believe that since he believes that such an action lost public trust and thus Northam should resign, he is also saying that he should resign as well. Herring should receive at least the same backlash if not more lest he does not admit to his wrongdoing and own up to his mistake. Overall, both have committed a wrongdoing in the past, and they must openly admit to it and actively try to prevent such actions from occurring in the community in order to continue being supported. Only by showing that they have changed may the backlash potentially lessen.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is contradictory for Herring to call on Northam to resign since they both have been accused of similar actions. I think both Herring and Northam should be receiving the same amount of backlash for their actions because they both have similar stories of wearing blackface as college students without malicious intent. Therefore, they should both be equally criticized by the public for their actions even if Northam was the only one to try to avoid public backlash by telling a contradictory story. I also think that Northam should definitely resign after trying to cover up his wrongdoings instead of just accepting the public backlash. He now has a loss of support and trust from the public that probably indicates that he should resign.
ReplyDeleteI think it is unjust. They both did the same action yet Herring is calling for Northam's resignation without considering his own. If he thinks Northam has lost the public's trust, what does he think he's done? They should both be receiving the same amount of backlash. Both of them should resign in my opinion. There is just too much of a controversial past. I am glad that they are regretful of their actions, but people are always going to be questioning both of them about this past action. It is such a horrible act that it is going to outlive their political careers. There isn't really a way to "spin" it.
ReplyDeleteI think in both cases they should issue an apology and most likely resign considering they themselves admitted they have lost public trust. It seems that the only injustice that is righted is often what gets the most publicity and media attention. In terms of controversial pasts being brought up, certain actions are more forgivable than others. If an individual proves they are reformed and genuinely has learned from and apologizes for their actions they should be given a second chance,especially if their action was minor and forgivable. However, in this case, both senator´s actions do not seem to be forgivable and neither of them have appeared to make an effort towards genuinely apologizing for their actions nor have they made efforts to win back the public´s trust.
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