It’s Getting Snarky In Here, This Time The Charge Is White Privilege

I hope you had a chance to read my post about defending against the claims of my being a racist because of my support of the ACLU voting rights case. There were a lot of numbers and details there but it told a story that hadn't been told before. I figured that was the final chapter for me and then this. A guy from Portland pops in and starts with "white privilege".

Really? Hear we go with some numbers you might not have seen presented this way about Yakima's November historic election. The writing style of my response reflects the patience I no longer have for this!

His name is Dave Fulton and on facebook he writes:

Dave Ettl it's nice being white and privileged. That privilege allows you to maintain the status quo in an environment where you no longer statically represent your population base. Conservative or not a desperate cling to power is short sided and proves you no longer qualified to represent anyone. Good luck old white guys, there is a reason Yakima is rapidly becoming more of an embarrassment to Washington state then it ever used to be.

Dave Ettl

Hello Dave Fulton, I couldn’t help but notice from the photo that you appear to be “white” as well. (or is that photo a cultural appropriation? -Cuz if it is, I’m going to need a moment and a safe space to recover from such a bold micro-aggression) Since my “whiteness” is really all you know of me, can I assume that being white is your lone criteria for determining my “privilege”? If so, may I point out the ridiculous irony of your whiteness calling out mine? How’s your white privilege working out? Or are you working yours off by calling out others? Please explain.You say my “privilege” allows me to “maintain the status quo where [I/ME/WE/WHO?] No longer statistically represent your population base.” You want to talk statistics, let’s check the statistics .

The 2000 census says Yakima’s population was 71,845 with an Hispanic population of 24,212 or 33.7%. The 2010 census says the city has 91,067 with an Hispanic population of 37.610 or 41.3%. So yes the Hispanic population is growing. But here’s the thing David, People are one thing, Eligible voters are another and Participating voters are something else again.

Hispanics make up 41.3% of the population but are only 22% of eligible voters. In last November’s “historic” election, that 22% returned just 1,646 of 8,703 Hispanic surname ballots mailed-- out for a return rate of 18.9%. By way of comparison. that was less than half the Anglo rate of 39%. So that’s an impact of just 19% of the total potential of 22%.

Be honest if you can-Does that sound like white privilege at work preserving the status quo? Because with all due respect, it sounds like an underrepresented Hispanic population - due to a large number who can’t vote for a variety of reasons –too young, not registered, not legal- AND a larger number of the smaller number who CAN vote who FAILED to vote --and in Washington, that means just failing to “mail it in”.

SO here's the issue. The city's voting system has been judicially altered and despite the limited numerical performance, Yakima now has 3 Latina council members. Good for them...but good for the city under this system? Is this the answer for unity and progress? Old conservative white guys can handle change, they just like it to come with a side order fair and square.

So on behalf of old white guys, the actual statistics don’t yet support your claim. Clearly that day may be coming and frankly that’s fine. Populations shift and change and government must flex and change as well BUT the point is to let it come on its real terms, fair and square without expedition by judicial favor…which I guess you could call a form of…say it with me… “Privilege”?

You assume facts not in evidence with your “cling to power” and “no longer are qualified to represent anyone” comments. They might carry more weight if you said anything that actually indicates you know what you are talking about instead trolling in with liberal catchphrases…and not to be a jerk but the term is “short sighted” not “short sided”, sorry.

By the way, the qualifications to serve on council are pretty minimal, heck even you could run if you were a resident. But you are not, and so I wonder why you feel the need poke?

Anyway, here we are, I don’t know you, you don’t know me but you sure seem to have strong opinions about me and Yakima and you’re willing to jump right in and share them with the whole world. That’s bold and I’m feeling a little unsafe again so I’ll have to be excused. As far as embarrassment to Washington goes, I’m proud of Yakima. Like all cities, we have our faults but the election system wasn’t one of them. The numbers speak for themselves, maybe you could think about letting them speak for you next time? Thanks. Have a great weekend.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Categories: Yakima News