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The Cynicism of Calling Racism and the Racism that Inspires Such Cynicism

Is it racist to oppose the African National Congress?

Of course not. And the very question can reveal a deep-seeded, self-serving cynicism on the part of those who would levy such an accusation.

At the same time, there is one reality that makes that cynicism practicable: While it is not racist to oppose the ANC it is undoubtable that South Africa’s white racists oppose the ANC.  And enough of those racists are vocal in their disdain for the ANC and none to subtle about the motivations so that the very question, while on its face absurd and offensive, carries enough of a patina of implied truth that ANC supporters can pose it as a legitimate query.

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