Lots of factors involved in the election results. Racism certainly one factor, but not the only one. I am a bit dismayed, among the USA folks, none of whom, I think, are from the south, to see that the racism factor is attributed only to the south. Racism in the south is more overt but no more pervasive or extensive. It is simply more covert than overt in other parts of the country. Look at the rural/urban divide. Easy to assume that divide is about racism also, but I think one would be wrong in assuming that. Regardless of race, rural areas tend to be more conservative than urban areas, at least based on the dictionary definition. I think it likely one would find that rural Black populations are much more likely to be opposed to same sex marriage than are urban Black populations. Just for example.


The only map I have really studied is the North Carolina map, and so far, only the US Senate race. The urban population centers of NC voted for Kay Hagan by a narrow margin. The rural areas voted for Tillis by a slim margin. (pretty close to the same statistics with respect the the marriage constitutional amendment that passed 2 years ago.) Looking at a national map that simply shows which states went red and which went blue, it seems the same holds true. I don't think that means that people who live in urban areas are smarter and people who live in rural areas are dumber. I think it means it is easier (or less difficult and resource intensive) to "get out the vote" in urban areas, even among people with who otherwise feel disenfranchised. Plus, I think people in rural areas in general are devalued, and among the disenfranchised.

Dumbfuck, ignorant hicks, regardless of race, who don't know any better. Eh?

Progressives - as with all things personal or otherwise - what we have the capacity to change is our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Rather than blaming others, focus on what each of us can do to be more effective.