theroot--2020-11-02--America's Healthcare System Failed Black People. So What Does the Future Hold for Us?

Joy Altimare is a master marketer and self-described “ mommy on a mission.
” In her latest position at EHE Health , the company ’ s Chief Engagement and Brand Officer feels an incredible sense of purpose .
“ As a 43-year-old Black woman , I have an intimate understanding of how it feels not to be believed by your healthcare provider , ” Altimare stressed .
EHE Health , which was a sponsor for this year ’ s first-ever Root Institute , is a 107-year-old company rooted in preventative healthcare , although who received said care and attention was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was really focusing on older white men who were executives in our country and really wanted to keep them healthy , ” she said .
As a preventative healthcare expert , Altimare specializes in a holistic understanding of how every part of a person ’ s life—from the gender pay gap to living in a food desert—plays a role in life outcomes .
“ Healthcare , when done correctly , is really pulling across all of those different characteristics of how our society runs and making sure that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those variables , ” she said .
Nonetheless , Altimare is acutely aware of how the American healthcare industry has either completely neglected or abused Black folks .
The Tuskegee syphilis experiment , the story of Henrietta Lacks , and the history of American gynecology are just a few examples of how medical racism shaped Black people ’ s distrust of and dissatisfaction with the medical establishment to this day , even during a global pandemic .
“ That is the shared history this country has around healthcare and people of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has highlighted the inequalities that exist in health care .
But they didn ’ t start today .
The inequalities in healthcare began many , many , many years ago .
And what we ’ re feeling is the effect of ignoring those inequalities and not coming up with policies to combat them.
” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Black Americans are nearly five times as likely to be hospitalized due to COVID and more than twice as likely to die from the novel coronavirus than their white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that healthcare is a top concern for voters ahead of the 2020 election .
And as conversations surrounding the inequalities that exist in healthcare become more mainstream , Joy Altimare grows increasingly hopeful for the future as we continue advocating for ourselves .
“ We should be focused really on understanding the policies that are going to be put into place that will help or hurt us or hurt us for generations to come , ” she said .
Altimare breaks down why we need and deserve a holistic and equitable system in @ @ @ @

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-11-02--Kamala Harris and the Complicated, Burdened Joy of Representation

Though I am American , as a child of Indian immigrants , I have never felt fully accepted as one—a feeling of alienation that grew more acute after 9/11 , and deeper still with the election of Donald Trump .
Not Black and not white , as a girl , I struggled to understand how I fit within America ’ s racial hierarchy .
To be Asian American is to be seen as docile , hard-working , polite , and politically non-threatening .
I never imagined that I could one day share the identity of a politician in the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me .
But after Kamala Harris was nominated for vice president , I allowed myself to envision what the 13-year-old me could not : I re-watched a clip from Harris ’ s presidential campaign speech , in which she describes her mother Shyamala Gopalan , a petite Indian woman .
“ She was a brown woman , ” Harris said .
“ She was a woman who , many times , people would overlook her or not take her seriously .
Or because of her accent , assume things about her intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother proved them wrong.
” The description , which reminded me of my own mother , momentarily brought me to tears .
Harris is a reflection of the America that Donald Trump fears : She is a child of Black and brown immigrants , of a Jamaican-born father and Indian-born mother who protested together as civil rights activists .
In her memoir The Truths We Hold , Harris wrote that after her parents divorced , her mother “ knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would grow into confident , proud black women.
” Harris ’ s very nomination is a rebuke to a president who seeks to “ make America great again ” by emboldening white supremacists and protecting America from a false threat of an invasion of immigrants cast as rapists and criminals .
If the Republican ticket represents the nation ’ s past , thanks to Harris , the Democratic ticket is a more accurate representation of America as it currently exists .
Harris is well aware of the symbolic and historic nature of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event hosted by Asian American advocacy nonprofit , One APIA Nevada , during her presidential campaign : “ I often think about the work that we do of breaking these barriers as being , again , not only about personal achievement ...
It ’ s about making a statement and redefining images about who can do what and how we do it.
” While I agree with Harris , my ability to see myself in her identity has also prompted important questions about how we define representation and what it means to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complicated reality of how Black and brown women are viewed as political symbols—to the left , as progress , and to the right , as threats—appearing always , especially if they are ambitious , as risky .
Like many Black and brown women , my feelings are mixed : I am struggling with how to balance my excitement over the historic nature of her candidacy with my desire for radical political change , underscored by a resentment that I exist in a political system where representation is so sparse that I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a candidate who shares my identity—or the assumption that , because I share in someone ’ s identity , we hold the same values .
Even in the most diverse Congress ever , 78 percent is white , and 76 percent is male .
It is clear that there ’ s a systematic barrier blocking the advancement of women , racial minorities , and other marginalized groups , along with issues that matter to them—lawmakers belonging to minority groups often credit their own experiences and identities as influencing their legislative priorities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , this type of representation—what political scientists call “ descriptive representation ” —does not necessarily lead to “ substantive representation ” —breaking down barriers within these communities .
Representation of identity means little without substance and a political and social context that empowers change .
Politicians can also invoke identity to justify oppression against the very communities they claim to represent : Republicans have used Amy Coney Barrett ’ s womanhood to advance an agenda against abortion and other civil rights that will disproportionately harm women , gay and trans people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their identies intersect .
Nor do I feel any kinship , for example , with Republican Indian-American politicians like former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal , former Trump ambassador Nikki Haley , or former White House press secretary Raj Shah—all of whom broke barriers as Indian-Americans in politics , but did so at the expense of people in the very communities we come from .
In August , when Haley invoked her Indian immigrant background at the RNC to argue that America isn ’ t racist and Trump “ is leading a new era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ashamed .
And so , as an Indian-American woman and a feminist , witnessing Harris ’ s rise brings a complicated , burdened excitement ; the kind of excitement that at times I hold onto as an act of defiance , and other times I experience with denial or even shame .
It has been a delight to watch her patiently and masterfully tear down incompetent white men like William Barr and Brett Kavanaugh with clear , direct logic , a cool demeanor , and a wry smile .
Despite being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has quickly distinguished herself as a star through lines of inquiry that have led to revelatory testimonies .
Her debate performance with Mike Pence was particularly significant in demonstrating the dynamics that Black women encounter in white spaces : She faced constant interruption from Pence and a white woman moderator who allowed him to continuously do so , while Harris remained poised and firm .
And yet , in response , Trump called Harris a “ monster ” and conservatives picked apart her demeanor in the same predictable ways that Black women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when her Senate colleague David Perdue intentionally mangled her Indian name— “ KAH ’ -mah-lah ?
Kah-MAH ’ -lah ?
Kamala-mala-mala ?
I don ’ t know .
Whatever ” —as a way to delegitimize her , my anger at Perdue felt personal .
The behaviors and expectations placed upon her spotlight what many Black and brown women encounter daily , particularly if they seek power .
But I can not ignore that Harris honed her debate skills during a long career as California ’ s self-proclaimed “ top cop , ” where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ a prosecutor who cracked down on criminals and a reformer who wanted to lower incarceration rates , ” as the Washington Post put it .
While she did pursue reforms that included mandating implicit racial bias training and creating a job training program to reduce recidivism , her record is a far cry from the “ progressive prosecutor ” she branded herself to be during her presidential campaign : She fought to keep wrongfully convicted people in prison , refused to investgate officer shootings , criminalized truancy , blocked gender confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed legislation that endangered sex workers .
These actions caused harm to countless people who are disproportionately Black and brown , suggesting that Harris is more likely to become “ an intermediary around Black Lives Matter policy ” as opposed to a strong champion for it , as Purdue political science professor of African American Studies Nadia Brown speculated to the Lily in August .
Nor can I , as an Indian-American , overlook the fact that Harris comes from a high-caste Brahmin family , and that my ability to see myself in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many South Asian Americans don ’ t have .
While Harris embraces her Indianness publicly , there is a wariness about whether she—who in 2017 , welcomed far-right Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the U.S.—will wield her Indian identity to fight against the rise of Hindutva and the atrocities that Modi is inflicting upon Muslim , Dalit , and Adivasi communities—or use it , instead , to further legitimize him .
As Sharmin Hossain , political director of South Asian human rights advocacy group Equality Labs , told ZORA Mag , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jenn M. Jackson , an assistant professor of political science at Syracuse University , wrote in Teen Vogue , “ even amid these newsworthy accomplishments , Harris ’ s nomination challenges what we know about the limits of representation in U.S. politics .
Despite the historic nature of her career and vice presidential nomination , we can ’ t lose our capacity to remain critical of her record.
” I share in the skepticism of Harris ’ s critics and believe that we must strive towards a society that centers marginalized voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their identities .
But Harris walks a tightrope , pledging to reform an overwhelmingly white system while also advancing within it .
My emotions become complicated when I contemplate what her nomination means in the context of the system that we currently have–and the fact that , within the latter , as a Black woman advancing in politics , Harris is confined by standards and expectations that white politicians are not .
After all , she acted , in part , under a series of punitive crime bills that Biden himself shepherded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects of the legislation , which contributed to the mass incarceration of Black people ) .
“ She is a Black woman who was in elected office in an era when that just didn ’ t really happen , ” Mother Jones reporter Jamilah King , who followed Harris ’ s career as a prosecutor , told NPR ’ s Code Switch .
“ I think it ’ s important to look at what she ’ s done in the Senate to really get a sense on who she is and how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office.
” There is cause to feel hopeful that white America ’ s ongoing awakening towards systematic racism will expand Harris ’ s abilities to enact positive change in ways she was not able to in the past .
Under the Trump administration , Harris has one of the most liberal voting records in the Senate : She co-sponsored a bill to block the “ gay panic ” defense , supports legalizing weed , has expressed regret over the truancy laws , and has released a criminal justice plan that seeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private prisons .
But for Wall Street , much of her appeal as Biden ’ s running mate is the view that Harris is a centrist who “ will not push Biden to the left or the right on major policy issues , ” as the head of one financial advisory group told his clients .
As a Black woman , Harris walks a fine line between pushing against the system for change , and advancing her opportunity within it .
And yet , none of these moderate policies shielded Harris from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for president , she was seen as a risk .
“ This focus on beating Donald Trump in 2020 kind of sets her up , and others deemed ‘ unelectable , ’ for failure , ” Howard University political science professor Niambi Carter told Vox .
“ She is not white ; she is not old ; and she is not male ... for those still reeling from the 2016 election , they don ’ t want to risk it all again on a person like Kamala Harris.
” It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse set of political candidates in U.S. history , with candidates more progressive than Harris , the person who won the Democratic nomination was not the one who produced a new vision for America , or offered historic representation .
It was Joe Biden , a white septuagenarian centrist who , as Slate wrote , “ isn ’ t just a literal return to a Democratic status quo ; he is , at this point in his life , its oldest and least competent version.
” The identity that made Harris a risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transformed her into an asset as a running mate .
Within 24 hours of the announcement , the campaign raised $ 26 million .
Following her debate performance against Mike Pence , the campaign raised $ 15 million in just over 12 hours .
She wears Converse with her pantsuits .
She dances to Mary J. Blige at campaign events .
She is more than 20 years younger than Biden .
The story of her immigrant backgrounds is inspiring .
Her nomination “ turned out to be a totally energizing pick for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca Traister told Slate .
“ He got this huge influx of cash—and , I think , a huge influx of energy and excitement.
” But the message that this sends me , as a brown woman , is that our success is most valued and praised when we are in service of a white man .
All of this is a symptom of how both political parties have historically manipulated a desire for increased representation from marginalized people as a political tool to gain power and relevancy .
The Republican Party has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s identity influences their politics , while actively paving the way for a white nationalist president whose very appeal was rooted in his white identity .
Democrats , on the other hand , pay lip service to diversity but embrace it only to the extent that outside perspectives will not disrupt the party ’ s status quo .
The past four years have shown us that , despite the urgency for action , Democrats are unwilling to play hardball against Republicans , consistently cow to “ civility ” over substance , and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership often treats diversity as the answer to our current political mess , but oftentimes fail to actually pursue the policies , or support the candidates , that will bring the change those communities need .
( Party leaders repeatedly dismiss progressive Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Ihan Omar , Rashida Tlaib , and Ayanna Pressley , for instance—four women of color whose agenda has helped inspire a grassroots movement—and fail to support incumbent challengers who follow in this mold . )
These approaches have created an unfair expectation that marginalized people should fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep them out and perpetuates the idea that these communities should be grateful to have their identities reflected at all , as if representation ends there , or as if they vote as monoliths .
But in the face of scarcity , people demand more—not less .
Hunger expands appetites , it does not shrink them .
While I am angry that I find myself caught up in an essentialist representation trap , Harris did not create it .
As Angela Davis has explained , “ it ’ s a feminist approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradictions that Harris ’ s career presents .
And within that context , like Davis , I , too , am excited by what Harris brings to the Democratic ticket .
She has infused an energy into the campaign amid a crucial election that has become a fight for American democracy itself .
But as historic as her nomination is , if she ascends to office , it is necessary that we view this as a starting point—not an end .
Prachi Gupta is an award-winning journalist and former senior reporter at Jezebel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , is out now via Workman Publishing .

Prachi Gupta on Politics, shared by Monique Judge to The Root

Though I am American, as a child of Indian immigrants, I have never felt fully accepted as one—a feeling of alienation that grew more acute after 9/11, and deeper still with the election of Donald Trump. Not Black and not white, as a girl, I struggled to understand how I fit within America’s racial hierarchy. To be Asian American is to be seen as docile, hard-working, polite, and politically non-threatening. I never imagined that I could one day share the identity of a politician in the White House, or what that might mean to me.
But after Kamala Harris was nominated for vice president, I allowed myself to envision what the 13-year-old me could not: I re-watched a clip from Harris’s presidential campaign speech, in which she describes her mother Shyamala Gopalan, a petite Indian woman. “She was a brown woman,” Harris said. “She was a woman who, many times, people would overlook her or not take her seriously. Or because of her accent, assume things about her intelligence. Now, every time, my mother proved them wrong.” The description, which reminded me of my own mother, momentarily brought me to tears.
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Harris is a reflection of the America that Donald Trump fears: She is a child of Black and brown immigrants, of a Jamaican-born father and Indian-born mother who protested together as civil rights activists. In her memoir The Truths We Hold, Harris wrote that after her parents divorced, her mother “knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women.” Harris’s very nomination is a rebuke to a president who seeks to “make America great again” by emboldening white supremacists and protecting America from a false threat of an invasion of immigrants cast as rapists and criminals. If the Republican ticket represents the nation’s past, thanks to Harris, the Democratic ticket is a more accurate representation of America as it currently exists.
Harris is well aware of the symbolic and historic nature of her nomination, as she voiced at an event hosted by Asian American advocacy nonprofit, One APIA Nevada, during her presidential campaign: “I often think about the work that we do of breaking these barriers as being, again, not only about personal achievement... It’s about making a statement and redefining images about who can do what and how we do it.”
While I agree with Harris, my ability to see myself in her identity has also prompted important questions about how we define representation and what it means to be represented. Harris’s candidacy illuminates the complicated reality of how Black and brown women are viewed as political symbols—to the left, as progress, and to the right, as threats—appearing always, especially if they are ambitious, as risky. Like many Black and brown women, my feelings are mixed: I am struggling with how to balance my excitement over the historic nature of her candidacy with my desire for radical political change, underscored by a resentment that I exist in a political system where representation is so sparse that I am expected to feel grateful or satisfied with having a candidate who shares my identity—or the assumption that, because I share in someone’s identity, we hold the same values.
Even in the most diverse Congress ever, 78 percent is white, and 76 percent is male. It is clear that there’s a systematic barrier blocking the advancement of women, racial minorities, and other marginalized groups, along with issues that matter to them—lawmakers belonging to minority groups often credit their own experiences and identities as influencing their legislative priorities. But as studies of women in legislatures show, this type of representation—what political scientists call “descriptive representation”—does not necessarily lead to “substantive representation”—breaking down barriers within these communities. Representation of identity means little without substance and a political and social context that empowers change.
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HARRIS’S CANDIDACY ILLUMINATES THE COMPLICATED REALITY OF HOW BLACK AND BROWN WOMEN ARE VIEWED AS POLITICAL SYMBOLS—TO THE LEFT, AS PROGRESS, AND TO THE RIGHT, AS THREATS—APPEARING ALWAYS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE AMBITIOUS, AS RISKY
Politicians can also invoke identity to justify oppression against the very communities they claim to represent: Republicans have used Amy Coney Barrett’s womanhood to advance an agenda against abortion and other civil rights that will disproportionately harm women, gay and trans people, and people of color, particularly when their identies intersect. Nor do I feel any kinship, for example, with Republican Indian-American politicians like former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Trump ambassador Nikki Haley, or former White House press secretary Raj Shah—all of whom broke barriers as Indian-Americans in politics, but did so at the expense of people in the very communities we come from. In August, when Haley invoked her Indian immigrant background at the RNC to argue that America isn’t racist and Trump “is leading a new era of opportunity,” I felt disgusted and ashamed.
And so, as an Indian-American woman and a feminist, witnessing Harris’s rise brings a complicated, burdened excitement; the kind of excitement that at times I hold onto as an act of defiance, and other times I experience with denial or even shame. It has been a delight to watch her patiently and masterfully tear down incompetent white men like William Barr and Brett Kavanaugh with clear, direct logic, a cool demeanor, and a wry smile. Despite being a relatively junior member in the Senate, she has quickly distinguished herself as a star through lines of inquiry that have led to revelatory testimonies. Her debate performance with Mike Pence was particularly significant in demonstrating the dynamics that Black women encounter in white spaces: She faced constant interruption from Pence and a white woman moderator who allowed him to continuously do so, while Harris remained poised and firm. And yet, in response, Trump called Harris a “monster” and conservatives picked apart her demeanor in the same predictable ways that Black women are always picked apart. And, when her Senate colleague David Perdue intentionally mangled her Indian name— “KAH’-mah-lah? Kah-MAH’-lah? Kamala-mala-mala? I don’t know. Whatever”—as a way to delegitimize her, my anger at Perdue felt personal. The behaviors and expectations placed upon her spotlight what many Black and brown women encounter daily, particularly if they seek power.
But I cannot ignore that Harris honed her debate skills during a long career as California’s self-proclaimed “top cop,” where she tried to have it both ways as “a prosecutor who cracked down on criminals and a reformer who wanted to lower incarceration rates,” as the Washington Post put it. While she did pursue reforms that included mandating implicit racial bias training and creating a job training program to reduce recidivism, her record is a far cry from the “progressive prosecutor” she branded herself to be during her presidential campaign: She fought to keep wrongfully convicted people in prison, refused to investgate officer shootings, criminalized truancy, blocked gender confirmation surgery for incarcerated trans inmates, and pushed legislation that endangered sex workers. These actions caused harm to countless people who are disproportionately Black and brown, suggesting that Harris is more likely to become “an intermediary around Black Lives Matter policy” as opposed to a strong champion for it, as Purdue political science professor of African American Studies Nadia Brown speculated to the Lily in August.
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Nor can I, as an Indian-American, overlook the fact that Harris comes from a high-caste Brahmin family, and that my ability to see myself in her comes from a privileged place that many South Asian Americans don’t have. While Harris embraces her Indianness publicly, there is a wariness about whether she—who in 2017, welcomed far-right Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the U.S.—will wield her Indian identity to fight against the rise of Hindutva and the atrocities that Modi is inflicting upon Muslim, Dalit, and Adivasi communities—or use it, instead, to further legitimize him. As Sharmin Hossain, political director of South Asian human rights advocacy group Equality Labs, told ZORA Mag, “she invokes India when it is convenient.”
Jenn M. Jackson, an assistant professor of political science at Syracuse University, wrote in Teen Vogue, “even amid these newsworthy accomplishments, Harris’s nomination challenges what we know about the limits of representation in U.S. politics. Despite the historic nature of her career and vice presidential nomination, we can’t lose our capacity to remain critical of her record.” I share in the skepticism of Harris’s critics and believe that we must strive towards a society that centers marginalized voices, holding all politicians accountable, regardless of their identities.
In the face of scarcity, people demand more—not less. Hunger expands appetites, it does not shrink them.
But Harris walks a tightrope, pledging to reform an overwhelmingly white system while also advancing within it. My emotions become complicated when I contemplate what her nomination means in the context of the system that we currently have–and the fact that, within the latter, as a Black woman advancing in politics, Harris is confined by standards and expectations that white politicians are not. After all, she acted, in part, under a series of punitive crime bills that Biden himself shepherded (Biden has since expressed regret over aspects of the legislation, which contributed to the mass incarceration of Black people). “She is a Black woman who was in elected office in an era when that just didn’t really happen,” Mother Jones reporter Jamilah King, who followed Harris’s career as a prosecutor, told NPR’s Code Switch. “I think it’s important to look at what she’s done in the Senate to really get a sense on who she is and how much her ideas now contradict what she did in office.”
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There is cause to feel hopeful that white America’s ongoing awakening towards systematic racism will expand Harris’s abilities to enact positive change in ways she was not able to in the past. Under the Trump administration, Harris has one of the most liberal voting records in the Senate: She co-sponsored a bill to block the “gay panic” defense, supports legalizing weed, has expressed regret over the truancy laws, and has released a criminal justice plan that seeks to get rid of cash bail and end private prisons. But for Wall Street, much of her appeal as Biden’s running mate is the view that Harris is a centrist who “will not push Biden to the left or the right on major policy issues,” as the head of one financial advisory group told his clients. As a Black woman, Harris walks a fine line between pushing against the system for change, and advancing her opportunity within it.
And yet, none of these moderate policies shielded Harris from the reality that, as a Black woman running for president, she was seen as a risk. “This focus on beating Donald Trump in 2020 kind of sets her up, and others deemed ‘unelectable,’ for failure,” Howard University political science professor Niambi Carter told Vox. “She is not white; she is not old; and she is not male...for those still reeling from the 2016 election, they don’t want to risk it all again on a person like Kamala Harris.” It’s no accident that out of the most diverse set of political candidates in U.S. history, with candidates more progressive than Harris, the person who won the Democratic nomination was not the one who produced a new vision for America, or offered historic representation. It was Joe Biden, a white septuagenarian centrist who, as Slate wrote, “isn’t just a literal return to a Democratic status quo; he is, at this point in his life, its oldest and least competent version.”
The message that this sends me, as a brown woman, is that our success is most valued and praised when we are in service of a white man
The identity that made Harris a risk in the presidential election, however, transformed her into an asset as a running mate. Within 24 hours of the announcement, the campaign raised $26 million. Following her debate performance against Mike Pence, the campaign raised $15 million in just over 12 hours. She wears Converse with her pantsuits. She dances to Mary J. Blige at campaign events. She is more than 20 years younger than Biden. The story of her immigrant backgrounds is inspiring. Her nomination “turned out to be a totally energizing pick for his ticket,” New York Magazine writer Rebecca Traister told Slate. “He got this huge influx of cash—and, I think, a huge influx of energy and excitement.” But the message that this sends me, as a brown woman, is that our success is most valued and praised when we are in service of a white man.
Advertisement
All of this is a symptom of how both political parties have historically manipulated a desire for increased representation from marginalized people as a political tool to gain power and relevancy. The Republican Party has long-dismissed the idea that a person’s identity influences their politics, while actively paving the way for a white nationalist president whose very appeal was rooted in his white identity. Democrats, on the other hand, pay lip service to diversity but embrace it only to the extent that outside perspectives will not disrupt the party’s status quo. The past four years have shown us that, despite the urgency for action, Democrats are unwilling to play hardball against Republicans, consistently cow to “civility” over substance, and have failed to protect our courts. Democratic leadership often treats diversity as the answer to our current political mess, but oftentimes fail to actually pursue the policies, or support the candidates, that will bring the change those communities need. (Party leaders repeatedly dismiss progressive Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ihan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, for instance—four women of color whose agenda has helped inspire a grassroots movement—and fail to support incumbent challengers who follow in this mold.) These approaches have created an unfair expectation that marginalized people should fix the institutions that have long sought to keep them out and perpetuates the idea that these communities should be grateful to have their identities reflected at all, as if representation ends there, or as if they vote as monoliths. But in the face of scarcity, people demand more—not less. Hunger expands appetites, it does not shrink them.
While I am angry that I find myself caught up in an essentialist representation trap, Harris did not create it. As Angela Davis has explained, “it’s a feminist approach to be able to work within” the contradictions that Harris’s career presents. And within that context, like Davis, I, too, am excited by what Harris brings to the Democratic ticket. She has infused an energy into the campaign amid a crucial election that has become a fight for American democracy itself. But as historic as her nomination is, if she ascends to office, it is necessary that we view this as a starting point—not an end.
Prachi Gupta is an award-winning journalist and former senior reporter at Jezebel. Her first book, about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is out now via Workman Publishing.


theroot--2020-11-03--How to Watch Day 1 of Election Results on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and More

It ’ s election day in the U.S. , with millions of Americans heading to the polls to vote for either Donald Trump , a hate-filled turd who ’ s determined to dismantle democracy , or his Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
And if you ’ re wondering how to watch the first day of election results live on YouTube , Facebook , Twitch , and more , Gizmodo has got you covered .
At least 99.5 million Americans have already voted through mail-in ballots and in-person early voting , according to CNN , which amounts to roughly 2/3 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 presidential election .
But there are plenty of votes that will be cast today , which could determine the future of American democracy for generations to come .
Some networks , like NBC News , have livestreams that start in the early morning and will be available all day .
But viewers likely won ’ t be getting any real results until the evening , East Coast time .
And don ’ t expect to hear a final winner announced tonight , unless it ’ s a landslide for either candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead by more than ten points in deeply Republican Georgia by tonight , it would likely signal a sea change in the electorate and Trump would almost certainly lose .
But if eastern states like Georgia , Florida , and Pennsylvania are all very close , it could be weeks or months until we know the winner .
Hang on to your butts .
And stay safe out there , friends , especially if you ’ re planning on voting in-person today .
Bring a lawn chair and pack a lunch because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• NBC News has a livestream on with all-day coverage starting at 6am ET/3am PT .
• PBS Newshour has a livestream on starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT .
• ABC News has a livestream on starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT .
• CBS News has a livestream on starting at 5pm ET/2pm PT .
• The Washington Post has a livestream on with election night coverage starting 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT .
The Post also has coverage during the day on at 8:30am ET/5:30am PT and another on at 12:30pm/9:30am PT .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spanish .
• And if you ’ re morbidly curious about what ’ s going on over at Fox News , the pro-Trump propaganda channel has a livestream on starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT .
• PBS Newshour has a livestream on starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT .
• And NBC News has a livestream on .
Joe Biden has a Twitch stream featuring Barack Obama starting at 12pm ET/9am PT , and running until 2pm ET/11am PT .
It ’ s not clear if Donald Trump will be participating in anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has his own page on the video game service .
Reuters TV has options for watching the returns on devices like your iPad , Apple TV , Fire TV , and Roku .
• You can watch Reuters TV on and apps .
• And you can also watch Reuters TV on and .
President Trump has already promised to contest the election results as soon as polls close in states like Pennsylvania .
Trump has repeatedly claimed that any votes counted after election day are fraudulent , a transparent lie intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already barricaded himself in the White House , erecting even more security walls this week to make sure the filthy masses stay out of his sight .
Just do your best to stay calm tonight as the early election results come in .
This election is happening during a pandemic , something that has necessitated an unusually high number of absentee and mail-in ballots .
And this is just the first day of counting the votes .
It will take some time to properly count everything , even if Trump and his army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count .
We probably won ’ t know the winner by tonight , but that ’ s okay .
It means every state is counting their ballots properly .
Every vote should count .
And that ’ s not a partisan statement .
The fact that it could be construed as partisan to want every vote to count shows you just how weird and dangerous things have gotten in the U.S. during the Trump era .
And it shows just how important it is for everyone to go make their voice heard .

Matt Novak on Gizmodo, shared by Genetta M. Adams to The Root

It’s election day in the U.S., with millions of Americans heading to the polls to vote for either Donald Trump, a hate-filled turd who’s determined to dismantle democracy, or his Democratic challenger Joe Biden. And if you’re wondering how to watch the first day of election results live on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more, Gizmodo has got you covered.
At least 99.5 million Americans have already voted through mail-in ballots and in-person early voting, according to CNN, which amounts to roughly 2/3 of the entire number of votes cast in the 2016 presidential election. But there are plenty of votes that will be cast today, which could determine the future of American democracy for generations to come.
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Some networks, like NBC News, have livestreams that start in the early morning and will be available all day. But viewers likely won’t be getting any real results until the evening, East Coast time. And don’t expect to hear a final winner announced tonight, unless it’s a landslide for either candidate.
For example, if Biden is ahead by more than ten points in deeply Republican Georgia by tonight, it would likely signal a sea change in the electorate and Trump would almost certainly lose. But if eastern states like Georgia, Florida, and Pennsylvania are all very close, it could be weeks or months until we know the winner.
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Hang on to your butts. And stay safe out there, friends, especially if you’re planning on voting in-person today. Bring a lawn chair and pack a lunch because the lines in many places could be long.
YouTube
NBC News has a livestream on YouTube with all-day coverage starting at 6am ET/3am PT.
has a livestream on with all-day coverage starting at 6am ET/3am PT. PBS Newshour has a livestream on YouTube starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT.
has a livestream on starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT. ABC News has a livestream on YouTube starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
has a livestream on starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT. CBS News has a livestream on YouTube starting at 5pm ET/2pm PT.
has a livestream on starting at 5pm ET/2pm PT. The Washington Post has a livestream on YouTube YouTube at 8:30am ET/5:30am PT and another on YouTube
has a livestream on at 8:30am ET/5:30am PT and another on Univision also has a livestream on YouTube
also has a livestream on And if you’re morbidly curious about what’s going on over at Fox News, the pro-Trump propaganda channel has a livestream on YouTube
Facebook
PBS Newshour has a livestream on Facebook starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT.
has a livestream on starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT. ABC News has a livestream on Facebook
has a livestream on And NBC News has a livestream on Facebook
Twitch
Joe Biden has a Twitch stream featuring Barack Obama starting at 12pm ET/9am PT, and running until 2pm ET/11am PT.
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It’s not clear if Donald Trump will be participating in anything on Twitch, but the president still has his own page on the video game service.
Reuters
Reuters TV has options for watching the returns on devices like your iPad, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku.
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You can watch Reuters TV on iOS Android
on And you can also watch Reuters TV on Roku Fire TV
President Trump has already promised to contest the election results as soon as polls close in states like Pennsylvania. Trump has repeatedly claimed that any votes counted after election day are fraudulent, a transparent lie intended to sow division and chaos.
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Trump has already barricaded himself in the White House, erecting even more security walls this week to make sure the filthy masses stay out of his sight.
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Just do your best to stay calm tonight as the early election results come in. This election is happening during a pandemic, something that has necessitated an unusually high number of absentee and mail-in ballots. And this is just the first day of counting the votes. It will take some time to properly count everything, even if Trump and his army of lawyers try to illegally stop the count.
We probably won’t know the winner by tonight, but that’s okay. It means every state is counting their ballots properly.
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Every vote should count. And that’s not a partisan statement. The fact that it could be construed as partisan to want every vote to count shows you just how weird and dangerous things have gotten in the U.S. during the Trump era. And it shows just how important it is for everyone to go make their voice heard.


theroot--2020-11-03--It's Throwvember Which Means It's Time to Upgrade Those Dusty Old Blankets

Up to 60 % off Throw Blankets | Wayfair The time has come for the blankets on the back of the sofa to make their way down and wrap themselves around you .
As you sink down into them and start to get cozy maybe you realize a stain from wine or a tear from a pet .
It ’ s now Throwvember , the peak month for sofa snuggles .
This means that blanket better be in tip-top shape .
Save up to 60 % on a variety of blankets from Wayfair right now .
I had a blanket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year at college .
The classic navy blue goes with anything and is a solid choice all around .
As the name suggests it is in fact velvety soft .
With a bit of a shimmer to it , this blanket looks cool and feels better .
The Veletloft Blanket ( $ 31 ) is the throw you want to be cuddled up in on football Sunday .
If you ’ re looking for a pop of color Nader ’ s tweed throws ( $ 34 ) comes in 26 shades to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vintage-esque blanket made from fade and stain-resistant polyester .
The knitted fabric and tassels for sure give it that throwback vibe and it ’ s ready for you to be curled up sipping hot cider .
This is the throw for when you need just one more layer of warmth .
The woven microfiber is luxurious to touch and fun to look at with its geometric pattern .
The Dillon Luxury blanket ( $ 19 ) is 62 % off , easy to clean , and comes is a beautiful dark gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Up to 60% off Throw Blankets | Wayfair
The time has come for the blankets on the back of the sofa to make their way down and wrap themselves around you. As you sink down into them and start to get cozy maybe you realize a stain from wine or a tear from a pet. It’s now Throwvember, the peak month for sofa snuggles. This means that blanket better be in tip-top shape . Save up to 60% on a variety of blankets from Wayfair right now.
I had a blanket just like this one during my first year at college. The classic navy blue goes with anything and is a solid choice all around . As the name suggests it is in fact velvety soft. With a bit of a shimmer to it, this blanket looks cool and feels better. The Veletloft Blanket ($31) is the throw you want to be cuddled up in on football Sunday.
If you’re looking for a pop of color Nader’s tweed throws ($34) comes in 26 shades to do it right. Take $16 off the vintage-esque blanket made from fade and stain-resistant polyester. The knitted fabric and tassels for sure give it that throwback vibe and it’s ready for you to be curled up sipping hot cider.
This is the throw for when you need just one more layer of warmth. The woven microfiber is luxurious to touch and fun to look at with its geometric pattern. The Dillon Luxury blanket ($19) is 62% off, easy to clean, and comes is a beautiful dark gray color that will blend with any surrounding.
Free shipping on all orders over $35.


theroot--2020-11-03--Activist Patrisse Cullors Delivers Final Rallying Cry to Black Voters: 'Add to the Power We Built in

Activist Patrisse Cullors Delivers Final Rallying Cry to Black Voters: 'Add to the Power We Built in the Streets'

Election Day is finally here , after a historic early voting period that has seen record numbers of voters turning up across the country to make their voices heard at the ballot box .
But although we are many decades removed from the Jim Crow laws that formally barred Black voters from voting , ghosts of the past will be present in precincts across the country today .
We can expect to see voter suppression visible once again , witnessed in the disproportionately long lines at majority-Black polling stations , revamped Voter ID laws , malfunctioning voting machines and tossed-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network , has an urgent , final pitch to Black Americans : You know what ’ s at stake ; you know the undeniable power of your voice , and you know your vote can bring this country closer to being the place it was long promised to be .
In her “ closing statement ” to Black Americans on behalf of the Black Lives Matter PAC , Cullors reminds viewers of the Black Lives Matter movement ’ s substantial gains this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of people living inside this country , regardless of race or ethnicity , stood with us in solidarity to affirm Black Lives Matter , ” she notes , additionally referencing the movement ’ s growing political agenda , evidenced at this year ’ s Black National Convention in the Breathe Act , “ our modern-day civil rights bill.
” But it ’ s also been a year of immeasurable loss , where the limits of that power were certainly on display just as much as the victories .
“ Our power couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s neck .
We didn ’ t have enough power to make sure Breonna got a good night ’ s sleep .
We didn ’ t have the power to keep Elijah ’ s dance party going , ” says Cullors , referencing just a handful of Black people who lost their lives to police brutality in the last two years .
“ We owned the street , but we didn ’ t own the halls of power.
” But on Election Day , Black Americans have a chance to change that—using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wielded on the streets to help reshape district attorney ’ s offices , state capitols , Congress , and yes , the White House .
This doesn ’ t mean it will be easy , Cullors acknowledges .
“ When you step into the voting booth or fill out your absentee ballot , that ’ s the power we can add to the power we built in the streets , ” Cullors says .
“ Promise me , you won ’ t give that power back .
”

Election Day is finally here, after a historic early voting period that has seen record numbers of voters turning up across the country to make their voices heard at the ballot box. But although we are many decades removed from the Jim Crow laws that formally barred Black voters from voting, ghosts of the past will be present in precincts across the country today. We can expect to see voter suppression visible once again, witnessed in the disproportionately long lines at majority-Black polling stations, revamped Voter ID laws, malfunctioning voting machines and tossed-out ballots.
But Patrisse Cullors, co-founder and executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network, has an urgent, final pitch to Black Americans: You know what’s at stake; you know the undeniable power of your voice, and you know your vote can bring this country closer to being the place it was long promised to be.
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In her “closing statement” to Black Americans on behalf of the Black Lives Matter PAC, Cullors reminds viewers of the Black Lives Matter movement’s substantial gains this year.
“For the first time, a majority of people living inside this country, regardless of race or ethnicity, stood with us in solidarity to affirm Black Lives Matter,” she notes, additionally referencing the movement’s growing political agenda, evidenced at this year’s Black National Convention in the Breathe Act, “our modern-day civil rights bill.”
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But it’s also been a year of immeasurable loss, where the limits of that power were certainly on display just as much as the victories.
“Our power couldn’t get the knee off George’s neck. We didn’t have enough power to make sure Breonna got a good night’s sleep. We didn’t have the power to keep Elijah’s dance party going,” says Cullors, referencing just a handful of Black people who lost their lives to police brutality in the last two years. “We owned the street, but we didn’t own the halls of power.”
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But on Election Day, Black Americans have a chance to change that—using their ballot to extend the power they wielded on the streets to help reshape district attorney’s offices, state capitols, Congress, and yes, the White House.
This doesn’t mean it will be easy, Cullors acknowledges.
“When you step into the voting booth or fill out your absentee ballot, that’s the power we can add to the power we built in the streets,” Cullors says. “Promise me, you won’t give that power back.”
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Watch Cullors’ entire message here:


theroot--2020-11-05--Alabama Voters Approve Measure to Strike Racism From the State's Constitution...But a Lot of Alabama

Alabama Voters Approve Measure to Strike Racism From the State's Constitution...But a Lot of Alabamans Are Still Racist AF

On Tuesday , Alabama voters showed that many of them are genuinely interested in living in the 21st century by approving an amendment that could start the process of removing 119-year-old racist language from the state ’ s constitution .
As of 10:48 p.m. , Amendment 4 had 878,300 yes votes ( 66 % ) in incomplete , unofficial returns .
About 456,867 Alabamians ( 34.2 % ) voted against the measure , a symbolic measure that proponents said would allow the state to show the world that it was trying to move beyond the sins of its past .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service ( LRS ) start a recompilation of the Alabama Constitution , which will reorganize amendments to reflect the county they affect and consolidate scattered economic development language .
The main purpose of the measure is purging the state ’ s governing document of racist language , reflecting its undemocratic origins .
The 1901 Constitution was framed to disenfranchise Blacks and poor whites , and includes language that bans interracial marriage and requires public schools to be segregated .
Don ’ t get me wrong : It ’ s a wonderful thing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not quite racist enough to believe that Black and white kids going to school together is a thing not of God .
But how is it that , in the final quarter of 2020 , the “ keep thine Blacky hands off my heavenly white daughter ’ s undergarments ” passage in the state ’ s constitution is still OK with so many people ?
( I don ’ t know the exact language in their constitution and I ’ m pretty sure 19th century Alabamans didn ’ t know the word “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying . )
According to the Associated Press , the amendment received 67 percent approval once all votes were counted , but the final number who voted against it is over 585,000 .
Mind you , we ’ re not even talking about an amendment that directly makes the changes to the constitution which , by the way , was written in 1901 , according to AP .
We ’ re literally talking about an amendment to recognize future amendments .
In fact , AP reports that Alabama voters rejected similar proposals that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So it ’ s progress and that ’ s great , but damn , a lot of Alabamans still appear to be adhering to the true spirit of “ Make America Great Again.
” Anyway , according to WSFA 12 , Amendment 4 is one of six amendments that were on the ballot in Alabama .
Two of the amendments deal with changing the language of the constitution while others applied to specific counties and districts .
Five out of the six measures passed .
Amendment 2—a measure to make the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less confusing ” ( Yikes ! )
—is still pending , WSFA reports .

On Tuesday, Alabama voters showed that many of them are genuinely interested in living in the 21st century by approving an amendment that could start the process of removing 119-year-old racist language from the state’s constitution.
From the Montgomery Advertiser:
As of 10:48 p.m., Amendment 4 had 878,300 yes votes (66%) in incomplete, unofficial returns. About 456,867 Alabamians (34.2%) voted against the measure, a symbolic measure that proponents said would allow the state to show the world that it was trying to move beyond the sins of its past. The amendment will let the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) start a recompilation of the Alabama Constitution, which will reorganize amendments to reflect the county they affect and consolidate scattered economic development language. The main purpose of the measure is purging the state’s governing document of racist language, reflecting its undemocratic origins. The 1901 Constitution was framed to disenfranchise Blacks and poor whites, and includes language that bans interracial marriage and requires public schools to be segregated.
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Wait a minute...
Don’t get me wrong: It’s a wonderful thing that a strong majority of Alabama voters are not quite racist enough to believe that Black and white kids going to school together is a thing not of God. But how is it that, in the final quarter of 2020, the “keep thine Blacky hands off my heavenly white daughter’s undergarments” passage in the state’s constitution is still OK with so many people? (I don’t know the exact language in their constitution and I’m pretty sure 19th century Alabamans didn’t know the word “thine”...I’m just saying.)
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According to the Associated Press, the amendment received 67 percent approval once all votes were counted, but the final number who voted against it is over 585,000.
Mind you, we’re not even talking about an amendment that directly makes the changes to the constitution which, by the way, was written in 1901, according to AP. We’re literally talking about an amendment to recognize future amendments.
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In fact, AP reports that Alabama voters rejected similar proposals that were on the ballots twice since 2000.
So it’s progress and that’s great, but damn, a lot of Alabamans still appear to be adhering to the true spirit of “Make America Great Again.”
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Anyway, according to WSFA 12, Amendment 4 is one of six amendments that were on the ballot in Alabama. Two of the amendments deal with changing the language of the constitution while others applied to specific counties and districts. Five out of the six measures passed. Amendment 2—a measure to make the rules for governing the state court system “less confusing” (Yikes!)—is still pending, WSFA reports.


theroot--2020-11-04--AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads (Oh My!): Today’s Best Apple Deals

The best Apple deals and discounts of November 2020 are here .
The iPhone 12 is rolling out in four different versions , ranging from the one-hand-friendly iPhone 12 Mini all the way up to the super-sized iPhone 12 Pro Max .
All of them pack in 5G support and myriad other improvements , and you ’ ll pay a fair amount for any of ‘ em as the last models roll out in the coming days .
Looking for a bargain on another Apple device , such as AirPods , Apple Watches , MacBooks , iPads , and older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re always catching wind of hot Apple deals and now we ’ re keeping them all collected here in this roundup , which we ’ re updating regularly .
These are today ’ s best Apple deals .
A pple ’ s standard current-model AirPods are marked down to $ 99 right now , the lowest price we ’ ve seen for them .
They don ’ t have the active noise cancellation or silicone tips of the AirPods Pro , but they deliver great solid and excellent convenience and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re $ 60 off right now .
Or you can g rab the version with a wirelessly-rechargeable case for $ 160 , a $ 39 savings .
The new Apple Watch SE is the best option for most prospective buyers , carrying the most important core features of the pricier Apple Watch Series 6 with just a smidge less power and a $ 120 savings .
Right now , you can get the Apple Watch SE for even less at Amazon , where both the 40mm and 44mm sizes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band included .
Check the color and size options as the discounts have come and gone between the various models .
Apple ’ s latest core iPad is already $ 30 off soon after release .
There ’ s no big redesign here : it looks the same as the last base iPad , but now it has a faster A12 Bionic chip inside that makes it comparable to an iPhone XS in capabilities .
And it still supports the Apple Pencil stylus , like before .
You can get the 32GB model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , while the 128GB version is $ 34 off the list price at $ 395 .
Amazon is already slicing up to $ 25 off the list price of the new Apple Watch Series 6 in certain colors for the 40mm size , while the 44mm models are up to $ 20 off each depending on color choice .
These latest watches are a bit faster thanks to a new processor and add extra health functionality , such as a blood oxygen sensor .
Save $ 30 on Apple ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You get active noise canceling technology to block out the world , along with silicone tips to enhance fit and comfort and a case that you can pop on a wireless charger to top up .
If you don ’ t have standard AirPods or just are ready for an upgrade , now ’ s the time to snag these stellar ‘ buds .
The iPhone 12 recently released at $ 799 , packing in 5G support and a better screen amongst its upgrades .
However , if you ’ re looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snag a refurbished ( renewed ) version of the iPhone 11 at Amazon starting at $ 569 .
Multiple colors are available , and you can pay a bit more for extra capacity on some models .
Save $ 70 off the list price of Apple ’ s thin current-gen MacBook Air laptop right now .
You can grab it at this price in Space Gray , Silver , or Rose Gold , each coming with a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor , 8GB RAM , 256GB storage , and a 13.3 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stellar deal for an everyday laptop , assuming you don ’ t need the high-end computing power of a pricier MacBook Pro .
Save $ 12 0 off the active noise-canceling wireless Beats Solo Pro headphones right now at Amazon in a a couple of colors .
They pair easily with iOS devices thanks to Apple ’ s H1 chip and promise a stellar 22 hours of battery life on a full charge .
The red , light blue , and navy blue colors are still available as of this writing .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is an uncommon one : right now you can save $ 59 off the price of Apple ’ s largest current-gen iPad , the iPad Pro 12.9 ” .
With a massive ProMotion screen , serious speed onboard , and even a LIDAR camera , it ’ s the most perk-packed tablet in Apple ’ s stable .
And if you want Apple ’ s pricey Magic Keyboard for this model , it ’ s also $ 20 off at Amazon .
If you ’ re on the hunt for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take to any network , this iPhone XR deal might be up your alley .
It has a sizable 6.1 ” screen , is available in a handful of eye-catching colors , and the A12 Bionic processor is still plenty speedy compared to the top-end competition of today .
It ’ s more than $ 300 off the original new list price when you buy this certified renewed version from Amazon , which is unlocked .
The price varies slightly based on which color you choose .
Apple ’ s biggest current MacBook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might expect , but at least Amazon is slashing a couple hundred bucks off right now .
The 16 '' Silver base model is $ 3 00 off right now , snagging you a powerful notebook ideal for creative work via an Intel Core i7 processor , 16GB RAM , and a meaty 512GB of internal storage .
Part of that savings comes off at checkout , by the way .
Bump up to the Core i9 version with a 1TB SSD and you ’ ll save $ 300 off of its @ @ @ @

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Apple Watch Series 7 (Green) | $339 | Amazon
The best Apple deals and discounts of the month are here.
If you’re an Apple fan, then you know that the company’s popular iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watch, and AirPods don’t come cheap—and sales can be sporadic.
Luckily, we watch Apple bargains like a hawk here at Kinja Deals, and we’re always keeping an eye out for the best deals across all Apple devices. Scope out some great prices on AirPods Pro, iPad Pro, and M1 Macs below, and stay tuned: we’ll be updating this roundup regularly.
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Have you been just itching to get an Apple Watch Series 7, but the full price of $399 is a bridge too far? Well, lucky you, it’s on sale at Amazon right now for $339—that’s $60 off, or enough to pick up an Apple Watch accessory like a new sport loop band. This deal is only on the base GPS watch, and only the green one, but listen, if you’re on a budget and you haven’t invited an Apple Watch into your life yet, I can attest to it being one of the most useful pieces of tech on the market right now.
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If you’re one to work in one fixed location, the 2020 iMac is on sale for $150 off. The 21.5" all-in-one 1080p desktop computer and monitor has 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD. As is standard, it comes with the Apple Magic Mouse which can scroll in all directions like a touchpad on top and is just a delight to use—especially for artists. That discount brings it down to $950.
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Sick of your phone dying on you when you’re out and about? Well if you’ve got an iPhone 12 or later, you can just slap a MagSafe battery pack onto the back of it. No cables dangling around to connect to a powerbank. This uses the wireless charger in the back of the phone and stays magnetically connected to it. The whole thing fits right in your pocket, just bit more snug. Normally goes for $99, but you can get it for 9% off right now.
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Discounts on Apple’s new MacBook Air model with the powerful M1 chip have been steadier lately, and right now you can save a strong $100 off the 512GB model in silver or space gray. The M1 chip makes the MacBook Air “extraordinary,” thanks to fantastic battery life and better performance than some much pricier Windows-based rivals. If you’re on the hunt for a speedy, reliable new laptop, jump on this bargain! For folks who don’t need that much storage, the 256GB version is also $100 off bringing it to just $899.
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The deluxe AirPods Max are the over-the-ear option from Apple which normally run for $549. Right now, Amazon is offering roughly $70 off for a selection of different colors. If you’re looking for a comfy, fashionable, great-sounding set of headphones to seamlessly work with your other Apple tech, now may be the time to jump on board.
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The latest Apple TV in 4K is discounted over at Amazon. Only by $10, but hey. If you were in the market for an Apple TV and haven’t pulled the trigger yet, you might as well save $10. Get the 32GB version for $169 or the 64GB version for $190. I will say, the Siri remote is excellent to use so you can avoid typing in the shows or movies you want to pull up with just the arrow buttons and on screen keyboard.
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If you’re an iPhone user with some cash to blow, skip the pretenders and even the lesser AirPods to go for something better. The AirPods Pro step the game up with rubber tips, active noise cancellation, better overall audio quality, and a wirelessly-chargeable case as standard. They’re a bit expensive normally, but right now you can get ‘em for $59 off the list price.
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Just looking for something simple? Apple’s standard 2nd gen model AirPods are also on sale at Amazon. You can snag yourself a pair for $50 off. These earbuds are rechargeable via the case and cable and produce quality sound. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, you can save quite a bit of dough going with this previous generation version.
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Apple released the latest set of Bluetooth wireless earbuds in its AirPods 3. With an original price point of $179, you would expect it to fall somewhere between their old AirPods 2 and the $249 AirPods Pro. Well, you’d be exactly right. The AirPods 3 are a step up from the 2, adding some of the features we saw come with the Pro like spatial audio support and water resistance. They also have a redesign aesthetically. The most notable absent feature from the Pro is the lack of active noise canceling. Right now Amazon has them for $10 off.


theroot--2020-11-05--Mississippi Finally Votes for a Less Racist State Flag

Mississippi had long been one of the few remaining states to have Confederate iconography as part of its state flag , but t hat will finally change after voters selected a new design during Tuesday ’ s election .
According to NBC News , the new flag , dubbed “ The New Magnolia , ” received 68 percent of the vote .
The public referendum was a simple yes or no on the new design , which features a magnolia in its center , a wreath of stars surrounding it , and the quote “ In God We Trust ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted no on the design , legislators would have had to commission a new design for the 2021 session , but the old flag would not have returned .
This was not the first time the state voted on changing the flag ; in 2001 a statewide vote was responsible for keeping the stars and bars on the flag .
The old Mississippi state flag was first chosen in 1894 and featured blue and white stripes with the Confederate battle flag in the corner .
The new flag , designed by graphic artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators after 3000 designs had been submitted .
State legislators voted in June to replace the flag , following the nationwide protests surrounding the death of George Floyd , and a threat from the NCAA that championship games won ’ t be played in the state if they didn ’ t change the flag .
Nothing like threatening that sweet , sweet tourism income to get the ball rolling on doing the right thing .
Mississippi ’ s Department of Archives and History released a statement saying the new design “ represents Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the Magnolia often blooms more than once and has a long blooming season.
” They added the magnolia in the center is “ a symbol long-used to represent our state and the hospitality of our citizens.
” Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) , who believed changing the flag should be decided by voters , has said that changing the flag isn ’ t going to solve the divides currently facing the state .
“ We must find a way to come together , ” Reeves said during the legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ To heal our wounds , to forgive , to resolve that a page has been turned , to trust each other .
With God ’ s help , we can.
” I mean , that ’ s pretty fucking rich coming from a dude—who , just this year—declared April to be Confederate Heritage Month .

Mississippi had long been one of the few remaining states to have Confederate iconography as part of its state flag, but t hat will finally change after voters selected a new design during Tuesday’s election.
According to NBC News, the new flag, dubbed “The New Magnolia,” received 68 percent of the vote. The public referendum was a simple yes or no on the new design, which features a magnolia in its center, a wreath of stars surrounding it, and the quote “In God We Trust” at the bottom. Had the public voted no on the design, legislators would have had to commission a new design for the 2021 session, but the old flag would not have returned.
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This was not the first time the state voted on changing the flag; in 2001 a statewide vote was responsible for keeping the stars and bars on the flag. The old Mississippi state flag was first chosen in 1894 and featured blue and white stripes with the Confederate battle flag in the corner.
The new flag, designed by graphic artist Rocky Vaughan, was selected by state legislators after 3000 designs had been submitted. State legislators voted in June to replace the flag, following the nationwide protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, and a threat from the NCAA that championship games won’t be played in the state if they didn’t change the flag.
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Nothing like threatening that sweet, sweet tourism income to get the ball rolling on doing the right thing.
Mississippi’s Department of Archives and History released a statement saying the new design “represents Mississippi’s sense of hope and rebirth, as the Magnolia often blooms more than once and has a long blooming season.” They added the magnolia in the center is “a symbol long-used to represent our state and the hospitality of our citizens.”
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Gov. Tate Reeves (R) , who believed changing the flag should be decided by voters, has said that changing the flag isn’t going to solve the divides currently facing the state.
“We must find a way to come together,” Reeves said during the legislative debate regarding changing the flag in June. “To heal our wounds, to forgive, to resolve that a page has been turned, to trust each other. With God’s help, we can.”
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I mean, that’s pretty fucking rich coming from a dude—who, just this year—declared April to be Confederate Heritage Month.
White people gonna white people, y’all.


theroot--2020-11-04--Massachusetts State Trooper Fired After Using Racial Slurs During an Off-Duty Confrontation

While everything may be in flux today , there is one thing that will always be a constant : cops being mad racist/dumb as hell .
The latest instance of a cop being a dumb racist takes us to Massachusetts , where a rookie state trooper was fired after using a racial slur during a confrontation .
According to NBC News , the trooper was off-duty when he got into a confrontation last weekend with a motorist .
The trooper , who is currently unnamed , was a rookie in the Massachusetts State Police .
They were a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , and were still under a year-long probationary period .
The races and names for either person involved in the incident weren ’ t given .
According to CBS News , the confrontation began after the trooper approached a man sitting in a parked car .
So the trooper was off duty , a man was minding his business in his car , and the cop decided “ you know what ?
Let ’ s start some shit.
” Well , good job trooper .
Now you ’ re out of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed by the conduct that occurred , which is the antithesis of the standards of conduct and personal behavior we expect and demand of our members , ” the state police superintendent , Col. Christopher Mason , said in a statement .
“ This subject is not fit to wear the badge or call themselves a member of the Department , ” Mason added .
“ We will have no tolerance for such conduct.
” He went on to say the decision to fire the trooper came on Tuesday , after the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has asked the office of the state attorney general to launch an investigation into the incident , for any criminal or civil rights violations .
Mason was appointed superintendent of the state police last year by Gov .
Charlie Baker ( R ) .
At the time , officials said Mason ’ s appointment was intended to bring reforms to state police .
These included better police accountability , promoting women and people of color to positions of power , and changing training to be less militaristic , focusing on de-escalation techniques instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trainee , I ’ m incredibly curious how those efforts are going .

While everything may be in flux today, there is one thing that will always be a constant: cops being mad racist/dumb as hell. The latest instance of a cop being a dumb racist takes us to Massachusetts, where a rookie state trooper was fired after using a racial slur during a confrontation.
According to NBC News, the trooper was off-duty when he got into a confrontation last weekend with a motorist. The trooper, who is currently unnamed, was a rookie in the Massachusetts State Police. They were a part of a recruit training group that graduated in May, and were still under a year-long probationary period.
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The races and names for either person involved in the incident weren’t given. According to CBS News, the confrontation began after the trooper approached a man sitting in a parked car. So the trooper was off duty, a man was minding his business in his car, and the cop decided “you know what? Let’s start some shit.”
Well, good job trooper. Now you’re out of a job.
“I am disgusted and disappointed by the conduct that occurred, which is the antithesis of the standards of conduct and personal behavior we expect and demand of our members,” the state police superintendent, Col. Christopher Mason, said in a statement.
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“This subject is not fit to wear the badge or call themselves a member of the Department,” Mason added. “We will have no tolerance for such conduct.” He went on to say the decision to fire the trooper came on Tuesday, after the department found out about the incident. Mason has asked the office of the state attorney general to launch an investigation into the incident, for any criminal or civil rights violations.
Mason was appointed superintendent of the state police last year by Gov. Charlie Baker (R). At the time, officials said Mason’s appointment was intended to bring reforms to state police. These included better police accountability, promoting women and people of color to positions of power, and changing training to be less militaristic, focusing on de-escalation techniques instead.
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Considering this person was a recent trainee, I’m incredibly curious how those efforts are going.


theroot--2020-11-04--Bored of the Same Old Supermarket Treats? Upgrade Your Indulgence to the Best Snacks on the Internet

I ’ m not a huge snacker really and when I do snack , I ’ m picky .
The snack has to have the right taste and texture , smell , and have a fabulous presentation .
So , for this roundup , I teamed up with my wife to sample a variety of snacks fit for even the most discerning palates .
While there are some “ healthy ” options in the mix , our goal was to find the most delicious snacks : sugar and carbs limitations be damned .
If you ’ re looking to upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , and get the best of the best delivered to your door , read on for my account of the two weeks we spent wrangling packages , testing , and snacking to bring you the very best .
Do you love chocolatey , sugary goodness ?
Then look no further than Lekkco Belgian dark chocolate spread .
Rich and decadent , this delicious concoction is perfect for smearing on toast or dousing strawberries with , but who are we kidding—you ’ ll eat it by the spoon , won ’ t you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anything but Plain If you prefer savory snacks , these Barnana plantain chips should do the trick .
Slightly sweet , we tried the spicy version , they are made with avocado oil and have the satisfying crunch of great chips .
Try these with a smashed avocado and some lime , or a container of hummus if that suits your fancy .
While I ’ m not a fan of mints myself , my wife loves them and needs to be caffeinated daily .
She tells me that these Viter caffeinated mints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strange aftertaste some products like this have .
Two mints did the job of a cup of coffee , and she stayed happy and caffeinated throughout the day .
Just the Right Amount of Chocolate I ’ ve been a huge fan of chocolate dipped nuts for a while now , but SkinnyDipped takes the fun to a whole new level .
I wasn ’ t expecting to like them , because I ’ m a huge chocolate fan and these have less of it than the ones I ’ m used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the PERFECT ratio .
We ’ ve snacked on these and even added them as a topping to ice cream .
The world ’ s first peanut butter whiskey is the perfect adult snack all on its own .
My wife drank it straight up and says it tastes like ice cream .
I , however , prefer it on a few scoops of vanilla ice cream .
Whichever way you indulge , this is a treat you need in your life if you are a drinker .
When I asked my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s It fruit bars , she told me that the texture was just right .
I agree .
Lots of fruit bars stick to your teeth and feel plain weird in the mouth ; these , on the other hand , are pleasantly tasty .
Sold in packs of 122 , our consensus is strawberry tastes best .
Now these I couldn ’ t wait to pop them in the oven .
First , let ’ s talk about shipping .
These are shipped with dry ice and come frozen .
20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mouth and are simply in heaven .
Naturally gluten-free , Brazi Bites are crunchy on the outside and gooey cheesy delight on the inside .
Have a craving for a salty , briny flavor ?
Giusto Sapore Italian olives hit the spot in the savory snack department .
Imported by a small family business in Italy , you can try them on their own , add them to a cheese board , or enjoy them in pasta .
This mixed assortment gives you the best of all worlds , letting you taste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret to making the best shish kabob is tenderloin and really good yogurt .
Maple Hills Yogurt delivers on flavor , texture , and quality , making it the perfect choice for snacktime or kababs .
Find 16-ounce containers if you often indulge , or the standard size for an occasional snack .
And , all the while , know you ’ re supporting 150 small family farms in upstate New York as a bonus .
Whether you ’ re a vegetarian or just appreciate a good mushroom , this mushroom jerky is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ texture is a big thing for me , but these really feel like jerky .
The taste is ... interesting .
It took a few bites to get used to it , but once I did , I was an instant convert .
For When Sweet Isn ’ t All You Need Sometimes , sour is needed to hit the spot .
Sour Punch Straws was a childhood favorite snack sold in the snack cart at the pool , one I ’ d count my pennies to sneak a pack of on occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were later replaced with a bougie “ re-imagining ” of the same product , Sour Punch Straws still get the job done on their own .
Chow down until your face goes numb .
All Cheese All The Time Well , hello !
As a total cheesehead , born and raised in Wisconsin , how could I not love Parm Crisps ?
If you love dips , add these to your cart and dip away .
If not , these are perfect right out of the bag .
They are oven-baked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go wrong with that combination .
A delicious upgrade to the standard granola bar , This Saves Lives bars are appley named .
When you buy one , they donate food to children in need .
This one features wild blueberries with pistachios , honey , oats , almonds , and pumpkin seeds .
The perfect pick-me-up , and a snack that should be a staple in your pantry .
Morgan and I devoured a pack of these Bare Natural coconut chips .
Such a simple snack not very sweet , crunchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little restorative snacking .
Bare Natural makes all kinds of chips out of fruit including those coconut chips , banana chips , and apple chips .
The apple chips have no added sugar , baked for the crunchy apple snack you need .
Have a hankering for luxurious , dark chocolate ?
If you haven ’ t tried Alter Eco truffles , you ’ re missing out .
With a hard shell that gives a satisfying crack as you bite in , the center is gooey with just the right touch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boatload of added sugar .
These truffles are the lux goodness you need .
In the small package , it ’ s easy to pop one in your lunchbox , in your bedside table , or anywhere you might need some sweetness .
If you miss the festivals or have a taste for the carb-filled goodness of childhood carnivals , try out these fabulous , gourmet soft pretzels .
This pack comes with a mustard dip and that salt topping that makes the pretzels so amazing .
First of Its Kind Cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold coffee connoisseur .
She ’ s probably tried 20 or more brands over the course of the last six months , in search of the perfect can of coffee .
Taika oat milk lattes come pretty near perfect .
Taika boasts calibrated coffee that won ’ t leave you jittery or over-anxious .
Try out the sampler , which includes a first-ever made macadamia latte .
These plant-based protein bars are rightly described as having a “ soft , cookie-dough-like texture.
” R.E.D.D makes these delicious bars in five flavors , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the protein : Chocolate , Peanut Butter , Salted Caramel , Mint Chocolate , and Oatmeal .
Made from a combination of pea , hemp , and pumpkin seed protein , they hit the spot without gluten , dairy , or any byproducts .

Chaya M Milchtein on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Top Product: Emerald Nuts, 100 Calorie Variety Pack | $9 | Amazon
I’m not a huge snacker really and when I do snack, I’m picky. The snack has to have the right taste and texture, smell, and have a fabulous presentation. So, for this roundup, I teamed up with my wife to sample a variety of snacks fit for even the most discerning palates. While there are some “healthy” options in the mix, our goal was to find the most delicious snacks: sugar and carbs limitations be damned.
If you’re looking to upgrade your snacking experience, support some small businesses, and get the best of the best delivered to your door, read on for my account of the two weeks we spent wrangling packages, testing, and snacking to bring you the very best.
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Packing in your necessary daily intake of healthy nut fat can be challenging at times. But not with the Supernola Superfood Clusters. This gluten-free, snack packs organic nutrients into one dense bar, so it’s easy getting all the plant-based health benefits that you need. Chewy and delicious, these bars will help you sustain your energy to last the whole day. Plus, they are vegan, paleo, and keto certified! So, they really fit in with any diet.
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I don’t know about you, but I LOVE pretzels, especially honey pretzels. The Quinn Touch of Honey Pretzel Snacks are free of most common allergens, like corn, nuts, dairy, and soy. No corn starch or preservatives here! Only nutritious ingredients with farm-to-bag transparency.
Your New Midday Pick-Me-Up
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La Colombe Draft Latte Variety Pack is a fantastic cup of coffee for on the go. With flavors including triple, vanilla, double, and mocha, this variety pack has all of the delicious tastes that your heart could desire. Save money and get more bang for your buck by cashing in on this delicious pack. Plus, these lattes come with five delicious grams of protein, so you stay full and caffeinated with one drink.
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USDA-organic, vegan, and plant-based, the Moonshot Climate-Friendly Crackers are often paired with cheese, hummus, and dips. Ingredients include sunflower oil and heirloom wheat but are without artificial preservatives, flavors, and added sugars.
Moonshot also has a commitment to carbon-neutral farming practices and recycled packaging. Not only are these cracks climate-friendly, but they are delicious too!
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GoMacro Macrobar Organic Vegan Protein Bars are my new go-to protein bar of choice. They are certified vegan, gluten-free, USDA organic, and R.A.W. Note that the variety pack comes in four flavors: blueberry and cashew butter, dark chocolate and almonds, and mocha chocolate chip.
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Annie’s Organic Strawberry and Berry Peely Fruit Tape is a certified organic snack that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. These bunny-shaped snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with your 100% daily intake of vitamin C. Note that this product does not contain any artificial flavors , synthetic colors, or high fructose corn syrup.
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I have the best memories of eating raisins during lunchtime at school. Why not indulge in a great memory with Sun-Maid Organic California Sun Dried Raisins? This snack is made with dried fruit only and no added sugar. Note that raisins are an antioxidant powerhouse, so not only are they tasty but good for you. Plus, this snack is non-GMO verified.
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Lotus Biscoff Cookies are my guilty pleasure. These caramelized biscuit cookies are crunchy and delicious with every bite. In Europe, they are known as speculoos cookies and are often paired with coffee. They can be easily t ossed into your purse or backpack. Made in Belgium, these cookies are vegan, non-GMO verified, and do not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
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I’m completely addicted to Kind Bars. They’re a great snack to grab at gas stations on road trips or just to pull out of your purse when you’re on the go. The ingredients are clean and act as a good source of fiber to ensure a balanced digestive system. And with 5g of sugar and 0g of trans fat, there’s no need to feel a shred of guilt while enjoying this snack.
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At my last job, it was all about having a great offering of healthy snacks, one of which was Veggie Straws. Made from potatoes and vegetables, these chips have 30% less fat than potatoes chips and no cholesterol or trans fat. This variety pack has sea salt, ranch, cheddar, and apple cinnamon flavors, all available in a pack of 24 servings. Plenty of options to go around.
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From almond milk lattes to almond butter granola, I am an almond fiend! However, having a nut variety is always the best. This variety pack comes with dry roasted almonds, natural almonds & walnuts, and roasted & salted cashews. As one of the best vegan snacks around, this product comes with three delicious grams of protein in each bag.
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Looking for a yummy keto snack? Look no further than The New Primal Cilantro Lime Turkey Meat Stick. With a cilantro and lime flavor, this stick is made with free-range turkey, raised without antibiotics or added hormones. These sticks are a great sugar-free snack, portable for whether you’re in a meeting or in the carpool line.
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My favorite blue corn tortilla chip, the Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips (Pack of 24) is a delicious and healthy snack for any time of the day. Certified organic, made with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or hydrogenated oils, these chips are kosher certified and made with organic blue corn. Plus, they are even better when paired with your favorite dip or salsa.
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Sparkling juice is a great mid-day pick-me-up when you’ve hit your desired caffeine intake for the day. IZZE Sparkling Juice, 4 Flavor Variety Pack includes sparkling blackberry, sparkling clementine, sparkling apple, and sparkling grapefruit flavors. These drinks are made with 70% juice and a splash of sparkling water. Note that no sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients are added to this beverage.
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Parents are always on the hunt for healthy snacks for their kids, and Pirate’s Booty Cheese Puffs is a great option. This product contains 24 individually sized snack bags that are perfect for kids’ lunches or on-the-go snacks. Note that these puffs are gluten-free, as week as peanut and tree nut-free. Therefore, there is no need to worry if your child has an allergy.
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think! Chocolate Fudge High Protein Bars offer 20 grams of protein with zero grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners. With 10 bars in one pack, this product offers tasty chocolatey goodness in every bite. As think!’s highest protein bar, this is one of the best pre-workout snacks, supporting lean muscle and growth and recovery.
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Eating a healthy and nutritious breakfast is the best way to start any day. Kellog’s Nutri-Grain Bars make coming up with that breakfast, easy peasy. These bars are a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as fruits and whole grains. You can stock your pantry with these super convenient snacks that are perfect for the busiest of mornings.
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How many of us ate our fair share of Clif Bars in college? I know I did. After all, Clif bars are one of the best healthy snacks for when you’re on the go.
Formulated with the perfect balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, these bars ensure that you can stay active at that exact moment your energy starts to drag. With 9-11g of protein in each bar, this variety pack has eight different flavors, including chocolate chip and crunchy peanut butter.
And for all of the sustainable consumers, don’t fret! Clif’s recipes feature a host of non-GMO plant-based products, including organic rolled oats.
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Click the subscribe and save option and save an extra 20% on your first order from Amazon.
This story was originally published by Chaya M Milchtein on 11/04/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 09/07/2021.


theroot--2020-11-04--Black Women Voted Against Trump En Masse, But Don't Call Them Your Saviors

After a long night of anxiety over vote tabulations in Florida and slow vital Midwestern swing states , Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden seems increasingly poised to win the electoral college .
He ’ s also handily winning the popular vote , comfortably surpassing President Obama ’ s 2008 numbers for the highest number of votes ever cast for a presidential candidate .
This should all be reassuring news in light of disappointing Democratic Senate and House races .
Instead , the results have sent pundits into a tizzy , already performing an autopsy on the Democratic Party and Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the final count shows , this election was clearly not the rejection of Trumpism that many on the left and center hoped it would be .
There are some bright spots : Biden is on his way to flipping Arizona and his support in Atlanta and its suburbs have turned red Georgia into a tossup state .
But in the midst of a pandemic that has left more than 230,000 Americans dead thanks to Trump ’ s irresponsible leadership , voters continue to embrace the president and the jingoism that propels his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency , large swaths of the country readily support the ruthless right-wing ideology and Trumpian bluster that defined the Trump years .
But there ’ s one demographic that has largely managed to resist the temptations of Trumpism : Black Americans , namely Black women .
Yes , Trump did make some inroads with Black voters in 2020 , increasing his share of support among especially among Black men .
This is concerning , almost as much as Trump ’ s tendency to pose with Black celebrities like they ’ re prize-winning fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive gains with Latinx voters and his steady grip on white Americans—including white women , who , exit polls suggest , didn ’ t move away from Trump in nearly the numbers that white men did—Black people have remained largely immune to the vision of America Trump has proposed .
According to exit polling , 91 percent of Black women voted for Biden and eight percent for Trump .
Among Black men , 80 percent voted for Biden and 18 percent voted for Trump .
And among young Black voters , 88 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump .
Once again , Black women are relegated to the role of America ’ s moral arbiters , dedicated to making sure Trump ’ s America does not continue to prosper .
Following the 2016 election results , well-meaning but endlessly irritating white liberals used Black women voting patterns to foist a savior-like image upon them .
“ Black women will save us !
” they screamed and gleefully hashtagged , with some Black women also joining in on this characterization as the nation ’ s guardian angels .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst .
Most Black women do not have the luxury to marvel at the nation ’ s abject evils , of its insidious racism , inexorable sexism , and suffocating classism .
Black women do not vote with petrified white women who would rather be at brunch in mind .
Black women are not a monolith , but we tend to vote Democrat because it ’ s usually the least shit option , even when the party ’ s politicians work against our best interests .
Our vote is one little morsel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or simply living day to day in a nation—a world—fueled by misogynoir .
We ’ re often disillusioned , hurt , and dismayed , but we do it because the alternative is worse and our communities can not afford worse .
Our tactical electoral strategies are just that : tactical .
They are not inspiring acts of bravery , they ’ re perfunctory acts of survival in response to a country we do not trust .
The idea of regarding Biden ’ s win whether large or narrow as a repudiation of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cruelty that white masculinity has wrought—is laughable .
These ills existed long before the Trump years .
The only difference is that the cult of Trump has managed to encourage the most appalling sentiments to be expressed loudly , boldly , freely .
This is not new .
This is America in its ugly glory , and it ’ s as American as cherry pie .

Ashley Reese on Politics, shared by Genetta M. Adams to The Root

After a long night of anxiety over vote tabulations in Florida and slow vital Midwestern swing states, Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden seems increasingly poised to win the electoral college. He’s also handily winning the popular vote, comfortably surpassing President Obama’s 2008 numbers for the highest number of votes ever cast for a presidential candidate. This should all be reassuring news in light of disappointing Democratic Senate and House races. Instead, the results have sent pundits into a tizzy, already performing an autopsy on the Democratic Party and Joe Biden’s failings.
Regardless of what the final count shows, this election was clearly not the rejection of Trumpism that many on the left and center hoped it would be. There are some bright spots: Biden is on his way to flipping Arizona and his support in Atlanta and its suburbs have turned red Georgia into a tossup state. But in the midst of a pandemic that has left more than 230,000 Americans dead thanks to Trump’s irresponsible leadership, voters continue to embrace the president and the jingoism that propels his ideology. Even if Biden wins the presidency, large swaths of the country readily support the ruthless right-wing ideology and Trumpian bluster that defined the Trump years.
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But there’s one demographic that has largely managed to resist the temptations of Trumpism: Black Americans, namely Black women.
Yes, Trump did make some inroads with Black voters in 2020, increasing his share of support among especially among Black men. This is concerning, almost as much as Trump’s tendency to pose with Black celebrities like they’re prize-winning fish. But compared to Trump’s impressive gains with Latinx voters and his steady grip on white Americans—including white women, who, exit polls suggest, didn’t move away from Trump in nearly the numbers that white men did—Black people have remained largely immune to the vision of America Trump has proposed.
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According to exit polling, 91 percent of Black women voted for Biden and eight percent for Trump. Among Black men, 80 percent voted for Biden and 18 percent voted for Trump. And among young Black voters, 88 percent voted for Biden while nine percent voted for Trump.
Once again, Black women are relegated to the role of America’s moral arbiters, dedicated to making sure Trump’s America does not continue to prosper. Following the 2016 election results, well-meaning but endlessly irritating white liberals used Black women voting patterns to foist a savior-like image upon them. “Black women will save us!” they screamed and gleefully hashtagged, with some Black women also joining in on this characterization as the nation’s guardian angels. But this is corny at best and dehumanizing at worst.
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Most Black women do not have the luxury to marvel at the nation’s abject evils, of its insidious racism, inexorable sexism, and suffocating classism. Black women do not vote with petrified white women who would rather be at brunch in mind. Black women are not a monolith, but we tend to vote Democrat because it’s usually the least shit option, even when the party’s politicians work against our best interests. Our vote is one little morsel of harm reduction while we busy ourselves organizing or simply living day to day in a nation—a world—fueled by misogynoir. We’re often disillusioned, hurt, and dismayed, but we do it because the alternative is worse and our communities cannot afford worse.
Our tactical electoral strategies are just that: tactical. They are not inspiring acts of bravery, they’re perfunctory acts of survival in response to a country we do not trust. The idea of regarding Biden’s win whether large or narrow as a repudiation of America’s most base instincts—boldfaced individualism and a cruelty that white masculinity has wrought—is laughable. These ills existed long before the Trump years. The only difference is that the cult of Trump has managed to encourage the most appalling sentiments to be expressed loudly, boldly, freely.
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This is not new. This is America in its ugly glory, and it’s as American as cherry pie.