Being a Black girl in politics comes with a novel set of challenges. There’s the burden of being the “first” in any function and the heightened scrutiny that always comes with it. The remedy of Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas serves as a first-rate instance of this.
She made headlines in Could 2024 when she prompted backlash from the precise after calling GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body” in response to Greene’s personal feedback about Crockett’s look.
Now, Crockett has seemingly offended the precise by allegedly harming Tesla’s fame by partaking with a gaggle of protesters planning a peaceable picket exterior a number of dealerships nationwide. Crockett, who didn’t manage nor attend the protest, merely interacted with the protesters, making her a first-rate goal for right-wing outrage.
Preliminary opposition got here from Greene—nonetheless seemingly nursing a grudge over Crockett’s earlier insult—and far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who is rarely one to overlook an opportunity to tout her racist bonafides.
In a barrage of social media posts, the 2 ladies falsely accused Crockett of enabling “terrorism.” Greene even went so far as calling for the FBI to analyze Crockett, regardless of there being no proof of any wrongdoing on her half.
Then, Lawyer Common Pam Bondi rapidly escalated the state of affairs, warning Crockett to “tread very carefully” and demanding that she apologize to Tesla shareholders. Bondi even echoed Greene’s requires Crockett to be censured.
“She needs to unequivocally denounce the violence,” Bondi stated on Fox Information on Monday. “[Crockett] must apologize immediately, not only to all Texans but to our country, to the American shareholders of Tesla, because she is promoting violence.”
Sadly, Crockett isn’t the primary Black girl to face this sort of vitriol from the precise.
Simply have a look at former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was viciously attacked after former President Joe Biden introduced that he ended his reelection bid and endorsed Harris to take his place. In not-so-subtle digs, Republicans like President Donald Trump, accused Harris of being a “DEI” rent and tried to tie her rise to the highest of the ticket to former President Barack Obama.
As absurd as these arguments would possibly sound, they resonate among the many proper as a result of they goal to decrease the accomplishments of Black individuals—particularly Black ladies—who many Republicans don’t need in politics.
And underneath Trump, who has a well-documented historical past of racism, it’s hardly stunning that the White Home wouldn’t defend Crockett however double down, persevering with to assault her for one thing she by no means even did.
What’s extra, the Trump administration additionally promoted clips unrelated to the Tesla protests, accusing her of inciting violence in a clear try to color her as uncontrollable and radical.
“Here’s another unhinged Democrat inciting violence. Crockett says you should ‘punch’ your opponents,” Trump’s speedy response group posted on X on Monday.
These feedback have been, in fact, taken out of context. In the course of the interview, Crockett was requested how Democrats can win extra races, and she or he responded by saying that they should be extra aggressive slightly than submitting to Republicans and Trump.
After Crockett’s feedback, a Fox Information article labeled her as “far-left” and included a slew of statements from conservatives attacking her.
All of that is only a brouhaha geared toward punishing Crockett for one thing she didn’t do—specifically, the violence in opposition to Tesla, for which Republicans have by some means determined she’s accountable.
What all of those assaults in opposition to Crockett neglect to say, in fact, is the function that Tesla CEO Elon Musk performs in dragging down his personal firm.
As a substitute of holding Musk—whose personal reckless actions and management have already harmed Tesla—accountable, the precise has determined that Crockett, a Black girl, is the better goal.
Let’s be clear: Any outrage directed at Tesla is a direct results of frustration with Musk, who, in his new function with the so-called Division of Authorities Effectivity, has launched a relentless assault on federal businesses that tens of millions of individuals depend upon, all underneath the guise of “efficiency.”
Earlier than Crockett even spoke out, Tesla’s inventory was falling, and its European gross sales have been plummeting. The corporate’s actual challenge is Musk himself, however it’s extra handy for Republicans to scapegoat Crockett.
Ought to the vandalism of Tesla automobiles proceed, Republicans are prone to take the chance to censure Crockett, simply as they did with fellow Texas Democrat, Rep. Al Inexperienced.
Regardless of widespread dissatisfaction with Musk, the precise continues to keep away from holding him accountable. As a substitute, the default response is guilty a Black girl—as a result of that’s a better story to promote.
