A CNN panel on “Newsnight” descended into chaos Thursday night during a heated discussion involving Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Michael Eric Dyson, a professor of African American studies at Vanderbilt University. The fiery debate centered around the correct pronunciation of Vice President Kamala Harris’ name, with accusations of racism igniting a fierce back-and-forth.
The discussion began with Dyson acknowledging Mace as a “wonderful human being” but criticizing her for dismissing the importance of pronouncing Harris’ name correctly. Dyson remarked, “You can call her whatever you want,” quoting Mace’s previous comments, and then explained, “I know you don’t intend it to be that way, but that’s the history and legacy of white disregard for the humanity of Black people.”
This prompted a strong reaction from Mace, who immediately fired back, “Oh, so now you’re calling me a racist? That is b.s. That is complete b.s.” As the conversation grew increasingly tense, both participants began talking over each other. Dyson clarified his position, stating, “While I didn’t call you a racist, you don’t have to intend racism to accomplish it.”
Dyson continued to emphasize that Mace’s perceived disrespect towards Harris was part of a broader pattern of racial insensitivity. “Your disrespect of Kamala Harris is part of a tradition of disrespect,” he argued, further fueling the confrontation. Mace, visibly frustrated, insisted that Dyson was implying she was racist, which she found deeply offensive.
“You are intending that I am racist and that is offensive and it’s wrong,” she retorted, continuing to speak simultaneously with Dyson. Despite Dyson’s repeated assertions that he wasn’t labeling her as a racist, Mace remained adamant. “You are. You absolutely are and that is disgusting,” she doubled down, refusing to back down from her position.
The panel’s tensions culminated when Dyson insisted that Mace correctly pronounce Harris’ first name. When she failed to do so, the rest of the panel, in unison, loudly corrected her, shouting, “Kah-muh-la!” The heated exchange took another turn when Democratic strategist Keith Boykin accused Mace of intentionally mispronouncing Harris’ name. “You’re doing this on purpose congresswoman!” Boykin shouted, adding to the already charged atmosphere.
The segment highlighted the deep divides and sensitivities surrounding discussions of race and respect, especially in the context of political discourse. Dyson’s assertion that “You don’t have to intend racism to accomplish it” served as a focal point for the debate, underscoring the complexities of intent versus impact in matters of racial sensitivity.