Conspiracy Theory: Enough Monkey Business
‘Macaca-gate’ gives Sen. Allen some serious questions to answer
By Leela Pereira, senior writer
Posted on September 11, 2006

Head butting, name-calling and finger pointing; while amusing, these unscripted antics in the media made for a very childish summer. And as an adult, or at least an adult-in-training, I can’t help but cringe at the way our media starlets are carrying on, as if they are unlikely playmates in a great big sandbox. From outside the sandbox, peering in, the situation looks pretty grim. In particular, I refer to Sen. George Allen’s ridicule of a Virginia-born Indian named S.R. Sidarth and his handling of the situation thereafter.

Allen’s “macaca,” or “monkey” slur recalls a familiar trend in the realm of political jousting. Liberals have long favored monkey-themed jokes, as well, often juxtaposing photos of President Bush with photos of chimpanzees. However, Sidarth is not Allen’s direct opponent. Allen’s comments made Sidarth an unwitting political target for reasons irrelevant to the senatorial election campaign. And, as is the case when a child in a sandbox wantonly tosses sand at another child’s eyes, Allen’s comments stung.

Like Sidarth, I too am a Virginia-born Indian. I have also been singled out for my appearance, and even “welcomed to America,” on occasion. However, such instances were almost always earnest mistakes, tinged by a genuine interest in my ethnicity — never as an impromptu stand-up routine at my expense. I identify with Sidarth and other American-born children of immigrants who, despite our natural assimilation, somehow continue to invoke the “immigrant” label our parents warned us of.

The macaca incident also appeals to my status as a Virginia voter. In my past few years at JMU, I have observed Allen’s warm welcome at this university and in Harrisonburg; he was even the university’s commencement speaker last May. However, Allen’s recent misconduct makes me question if he is the kind of man we should be welcoming to Virginia, or more specifically, to our diverse campus.

In April, Allen told Harrisonburg voters, “A country that cannot secure its own borders cannot control its own destiny,” according to an April 13 article in the Daily News-Record. Allen’s harsh comment on illegal immigrants seems in tandem with his attitude toward all immigrants or those whose appearance suggests they are immigrants — if the macaca incident may be interpreted in a broader scope.

Was Allen’s apology to Sidarth insincere, then? Is it reminiscent of what one recalcitrant sandbox tyke would mutter unconvincingly to his playmate at a parent’s urging? Regardless, Allen’s apology does not clarify his stance on both illegal and legal immigrants, and he risks the misinterpretation of his opinions.

Furthermore, Allen’s delay in apologizing to Sidarth did little to remediate his blunder. As he stalled, Allen’s racially charged comments provoked a proliferation of anecdotes and rumors which allude to a racist past. A photo suggests Allen sported a Confederate flag lapel pin in high school. Unsavory excerpts from a memoir by the senator’s sister, Jennifer Allen, portray the senator as a violent bully toward herself and their other siblings. Are the allegations accurate?

If he expects to salvage his political aspirations (including those projected for 2008), Allen must speak publicly and unequivocally about his past and present values — particularly those regarding immigration and racism — and amend any misconceptions. Otherwise, the senator might find himself lumped with sandboxes, nightlights and the Tooth Fairy. Potential constituents will have outgrown him.

Leela Pereira is a senior history major.