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Detroit News opinion page editor Nolan Finley is among those who decry the clear message behind what he calls "a rallying cry to Detroit’s worst instincts" during the mayoral debate.
He refers to challenger Coleman A. Young II's opening and closing statements that "it is time to take back the motherland."
Twitter graphic by Candice Fortman.
In a tough column Thursday, Finley rips "that blatant bit of racial politicking" and notes that "Detroit has been led before by race baiters such as Young."
It was an ugly throwback to the era when the hallmark of elections in Detroit was racial fearmongering.
It will play well, perhaps, with some elements in the city who still cling to the conspiracy theory that rich, white businessmen want to take over Detroit and drive out all of the black residents.
But it will embarrass and distress those who have embraced a more hopeful vision of Detroit, and who believe that the revival of downtown is the vanguard of a broader, citywide comeback.
Detroit has changed. It has moved beyond the time when an election could be won by beating the white bogeyman. And Young will not win by dividing a city that is striving to pull together. . . .
Detroit has been led before by race baiters such as Young. Those were not exactly its glory days.
What Young demonstrated Wednesday night was that he'd be the mayor of Detroit's past, not its future.
The editorial page editor, like other critics, links the Detroit candidate to a certain national politician:
"I'd invite anyone to tell me the difference between Young's 'Take back the Motherland' and Donald Trump's 'Take back America,' which was widely viewed during the presidential campaign as an appeal to white nationalism."
Portion of debate transcript posted Thursday by Detroit Public Television.
Original post, Wednesday night:
While others analyze who fired more on-target shots in Detroit's mayoral debate, as our editor does here, let's appreciate a line destined to go down as . . . well, the most parody-worthy.
It's this instant classic from state Sen. Coleman A. Young's opening statement and also his finale Wednesday night:
"It is time to take back the motherland. It is time to take our freedom back."
Talk about a satire-ready gift to wisecrackers. Sweet ribbon on that present, senator.
Social media double-takes, a hashtag and other playfulness were nearly instant:
Add “It is time to take back the motherland!” to Things We Did Not Expect To Hear During #DetroitMayoralDebate
— Ashley C. Woods (@Ash_Detroit) October 26, 2017
Goodnight. #DetroitMayoralDebate pic.twitter.com/9QLtjYOYUK
— Candice F. (@Cande313) October 26, 2017
When people ask me where I am from starting today..... #DetroitMayoralDebate pic.twitter.com/mzKg6G07XC
— Candice F. (@Cande313) October 26, 2017
Other reactions include historical reminders of a word that's, ahem, a dog whistle and an odd choice in 2017. In Detroit. From a mayoral candidate.
These are among comments posted:
- Well, now I know what I'm wearing to the Black Panther [movie] premiere. -- Malcolm Morris
- I had to do a double take. -- Justin Hayes
- You know who he’s speaking to. -- MoReno Taylor II
- I always thought the motherland was a reference to Germany. -- Rox Petoskey?, Mt. Pleasant
- There he goes again. -- Kevin Everett
- Playing the Trump card -- division. Similar to make America great again. -- Ken Elkins
- Just wow is all I say to that. I hope Detroiters are smarter than this. Young is a classic divider and race baiter. -- David Russell [two tweets]
- What the hell is the motherland and all these mentions of apartheid? Dude is scary. -- Cam, Royal Oak
