Arizona Republican Proposes Holiday for White People (VIDEO)
Many Outraged at Comments During Black History Month
An Arizona representative stated that his state should have a holiday for white people, if they ever become the racial minority in the state.
State Rep. Cecil Ash of Arizona made the controversial statement during a session of the state legislature, in which state holidays were being discussed.
When asked about the potential for a Latino Day in Arizona, proposed by Rep. Richard Miranda, Ash stated: "I'm supportive of this proposition. I just want them to assure me that when [whites] become in the minority you'll have a day for us."
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Despite the Republican legislator's claims to CBS 5 that he was just trying to "lighten things up that day," many have taken offense to the comments, especially in lieu of his following explanation.
"It was appropriate for the mood that was in the House and I think that if and when the Caucasian population becomes a minority, they may want to celebrate the accomplishments and the contributions of the Caucasian population in the same way," Ash rationalized.
The tense, racially charged atmosphere in Arizona— partially incited by high illegal immigration rates and the subsequent stringent illegal immigration law of 2010— could be exacerbated by Ash's comments.
Many posted on Buzzfeed.com and ThinkProgress.com, where the stories are found, touting terms like "color-blind racism," and "stupid" to describe Ash's suggestion.
"This country already has a holiday/celebration for white people. It's called EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR," posted an annoyed reader.
However, others agree with Ash's perspective, and feel the current census data— Arizona's white majority could decrease to under 50 percent by 2050, according to the legislator— warrants a holiday for Caucasians.
"Good idea … we need something for whites," one woman told CBS 5.
Others agreed, stating that a Latino Day or Black History Month promoted racial inequality.
"Am I the only person on the planet who thinks that Black History Month is a racist concept? ... No race is more important than another. Black people aren't special," one user was pictured writing on Buzzfeed.
Yesterday, Ash attempted to quell the uproar surrounding his remarks by saying they "were not meant to be serious," and that he was trying to "break the partisan tension that was escalating" in the chamber.
"No one should receive 'favored status,'" wrote Ash on ThinkProgress.
A video of Ash's inflammatory statement can be found below:
