Boston's Mayor, Michelle Wu, took an unexpected spin on holiday cheer this year, inviting the City Council to a holiday party but excluding white members, stating it was a mistake. This incident sparks a broader conversation about the continuous emphasis on race and divisive politics.
The approach by Wu's office left many questioning the biases of such parties and ceremonies. Cynics pointed out the continuing trend of separate graduation ceremonies and dormitories rooted in racial distinctions. Some even speculated if figures like Vice President Harris and Barack Obama could attend these events, considering their interracial marriages.
Questions arose about figures like Vice President Harris, who is of mixed race, and her White Jewish husband. Similar doubts rose about former President Barack Obama, who has a White mother and grandmother. The criteria for inclusion in such events is being called into question, especially considering the increasing rate of intermarriage in the US.
A significant point raised is the impact of such racial divisions on the children of interracial marriages. The confusion around the boundaries surrounding race seem to increase as officials keep putting race at the forefront of the agenda.
Wu was asked to explain this apparent bias and responded that this was a group that had been together for a significant time. She emphasized that the city celebrated all connections, identities, cultures, and heritage. According to her, the error lay not in the idea of the party but in who was invited. She maintained that the city aimed to be a place where everyone's identity was embraced.
However, critics argue that this approach fosters divisiveness rather than fostering community spirit. They highlight the failing attempts at inclusivity, especially coming from government officials. Critics believe that such racially divided events, instead of the purported claims of embracing diversity, end up widening the gap between communities. They accuse the officials of using such tactics for political gain at the cost of harming community harmony. They express skepticism about the public's desire for such racially divided events and call for a shift towards a truly post-racial and inclusive society.
