A Push for Resignation in Virginia Post-Blackface
Earlier this month, Virginia’s governor, Ralph Northam, was rumored to have appeared in a controversial high school yearbook photo. The photo pictured two men, one in blackface and the other in a Ku Klux Klan costume. Now, 35 years later, the photo has been leaked by a conservative news website. This slew of events is in a way reminiscent of Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings and President Donald Trump’s sexual assault scandals. Amidst the governor’s apologies, many are calling for Northam to resign.
When the photo was released, the governor originally admitted that he was in it. However, the following day, Northam claimed that he was not affiliated with the photo. Currently, Northam is saying that he is not part of the photo taken in his 1984 medical school yearbook, although he did admit to wearing blackface during a dance contest the same year. There are voices from both sides calling for Northam to resign. A poll taken on Feb. 9, directed by The Washington Post, reveals mixed views among Virginians. According to the poll, 37 percent of African Americans and 48 percent of white Virginians believe that Northam should step down.
After the photo was leaked, Northam discussed his future plans as governor, which includes refusing to step down and planning a tour about race. Northam has announced a “listening tour,” where he will travel the state to discuss opinions about race with his constituents. If Northam does step down, the person who would take his place, Virginia’s Attorney General Mark Herring, has also admitted to wearing blackface in the past.
When political figures are accused of these type of offenses, their party affiliation remains important. In Kavanaugh’s case, there were a higher number of Democrats who had called for his resignation. However, this factor is just one of the many that were considered due to the severity of both his position and his case.
In Gov. Northam’s situation as a Democrat, he is receiving calls for resignation by Virginia’s former Democratic governor, Terry McAuliffe. President Trump also tweeted about Northam’s actions, deeming them “unforgivable.” Northam is receiving mounting pressure from Democrats, including those of McAuliffe and past governors, to resign.
Northam’s future goals for the commonwealth were ignited by his recent scandal. For the remainder of his term, Northam intends to talk about racial equality. Such a proposal can appear farfetched to many, considering the broad approach he has taken. However, Northam has voiced his plans about investigating the controversial subject of Confederate statues, noting the recent events as an “awakening for Virginia.”
The yearbook photo with Northam has sparked discussion once more regarding the ever-growing internet and present politicians. The power of the internet is daunting when the lives of current politicians can be discovered and analyzed with the simple click of a mouse. Northam’s scandal is one of many in Virginia. As sexual allegations against the lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, also arise, the political climate for the state is an environment of tension.
These allegations bring back questions that were discussed with the Kavanaugh and Trump situations. Although one’s past actions may not be related to their current ones, the public will be looking at Northam in a different light—one that will affect his position with Virginia and the rest of the country. And although Northam may have changed, an apology will not cover his past actions. Yet, while his planned talks about racial equality do not prompt total forgiveness, they are good first steps. And the entire country will be watching.