Racism

Today in Racism

This ad, from former Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), aired during the super bowl for some viewers.

Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), currently running to unseat Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), is the latest to try to stoke anti-Chinese fears for political gain. His new ad, entitled “Now”, shows a woman in what’s meant to be rural China speaking broken English and thanking Stabenow because “we take your jobs.” “Your economy get very weak, ours get very good,” the woman says. “Hoekstra’s mock website hosting the ad features Chinese characters adorned with two Chinese flags.

This isn't funny, and it doesn't make a point. It's simply racist.

Sure, some of Hoekstra's supporters were probably amused by it, just as they are amused by Rush Limbaugh's ching-chong voices, but for the rest of us it's just tasteless, stereotypical garbage.

This is your modern Republican Party, America. The racist party.

By the way, because Hoekstra is running for a seat in Michigan, it's worth pointing out that China is General Motor's largest international market. More cars are exported to China than are sold within the continental United States.