The People's Country Club

South Carolina stands out among the states. It is and has been exceptional throughout its history. The state where secession began and the place where the "stars & bars" (Confederate Battle Flag) could be seen until far too recent history flying above its Columbia, SC, capital building. Yes, the Palmetto State sticks out in an American historian's mind.

But, just as in the past, the black population of the state weighs heavily on the minds of American politicians. Obama and Clinton are both trying to romance the African American vote in South Carolina. National Election aside, black voters have the important vote in the Democratic Primaries that loom in the near future. I was reminded of this while clicking through my electronic version of the New York Times this morning. In it a reporter wrote and videotaped a feature on the "Beauty Shop Vote".

What the feature presents is a case that may seem shocking to most Americans, especially the reading audience of the NY Times. Unlike elsewhere in the country, the African American vote matters in South Carolina, at least in the Democratic Primary. Blacks make up around 30% of South Carolina's population. This is far from the antebellum demographics that made blacks a majority in the state and turned state level politics upside down during Reconstruction by electing a majority black state congress.

But now, how are these women, those credited as holding the "Beauty Shop Vote" in the balance, viewed. For that matter what legacy of South Carolina's black political past remains? The scene opens in a beauty parlor where women sit conversing with a white reporter from and, at times, a white female representative for Obama's campaign. The reporter is surprised to find out that beauty parlors are places of political action. The reporter seems even more stumped when the clientèle is less than eager to express definite political opinions to her. No one makes any commitments to vote either for Clinton or Obama. Most striking of all to the reporter is the frequent fear and concern expressed for Obama's safety. Some women, while reserved when expressing political opinions, readily express worry that Obama will be assassinated.

The legacy of violence is one that haunts the series of interviews. Considering that Obama was given a secret service detail earlier than any candidate other than Clinton who's protection carries over from her days as First Lady, this concern is anything but misplaced. One wonder's how much public concern is expressed for the life of our current president, who remains in low esteem for the majority of Americans. No one has talked of assassination attempts in his regard. In the case of Obama, "they" remain a threat. Who are "they"? The government, terrorists, racists, or some of each? One thing was for sure, the women in South Carolina poised at the intersection of race, class, and gender with the ability to decide and influence a candidacy, think Obama should watch himself.

As the election approaches and the public begins to wonder just what the Bush Administration can come up with in its last few days in office, all eyes focus on the Democrats. This is their election to loose. Who will it be: a woman or a black man? That is, after all, how the candidates are viewed. The "Beauty Shop Vote" would like to consider more though. They're more sophisticated than that. They don't want to be given the choice of a black man or a woman. No, they want to weigh the stances and merits of candidates. All of this as the result of and in spite of South Carolina's sorted political past. And why should they care if a New York reporter suddenly wants to hear what they have to say? If anyone knows, they do, that politics are trifling at best and reality is here to stay. And so with polite statements like "I'll have to pray on it" and "I hope the Lord takes care of whoever is elected" and "you never know", the women dismiss the politicians with a smile. This is the first example of self respect and poise I've seen in this election.

Photo taken from the NY Times article. For the NY Times video: click here.