I was taught that race and gender have no baring whatsoever on one’s ability to do anything. So those that think it’s the ultimate qualifier or disqualifier and those that try to push that mentality confuse me.
Since Sotomayors judgement history and comments clearly state that she has not the experiance, mentality or ability to fullfill the job of a member of the scotus those who support her cling to race and gender as their only viable option support.
While I know there are racists and sexests, I still don’t understand the mentality behind it. Everytime I ask someone who makes racial comments they tend to respond only with personal attacks. I thought I might get an honest answer here.
Only if it's their race.
The honest answer is that Liberal are hypocrites.
They are racist and sexist. That is nothing new.
The mentality, as you put it, behind racism and sexism -- as the left practices it -- is as a means to their end, power. The left's power derives from what's called "identity politics" -- treating Hispanics, women, blacks, etc. as discreet, homogeneous groups -- and pandering to their wants and needs.
That's why the only credential the left can cite for Sotomayor's candidacy is "her life story" -- i.e., as a Latina woman. So far as they are concerned, judicial qualifications don't mean squat -- so long as she will be a reliable liberal vote on the bench.
And that amounts to the only reason why they're supporting her -- because they believe she'll be a reliable vote in advancing their agenda. Her race and gender "qualifications" are designed to appeal to their voter base. And browbeat a few Republican Senators into voting for her because they're fearful of being called "racists" if they don't.
Hope that helps...