Summary

1. v=Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of "law and order" for several strategic advantages. Framing segregation as a matter of "law and order" appealed to the white supremacist sentiments prevalent in the South during the Jim Crow era. By positioning segregation as necessary for maintaining social order and stability, politicians could appeal to white voters who were invested in preserving the racial hierarchy and maintaining their privileged status. Using the language of "law and order" provided a veneer of legitimacy to discriminatory policies and practices aimed at perpetuating segregation. By framing segregation as a legal and moral imperative, politicians could justify policies such as segregation laws, voter suppression tactics, and police brutality as necessary measures for upholding societal norms and preventing supposed chaos and disorder. By invoking "law and order," politicians could mobilize support among conservative white voters who were fearful of social change and perceived threats to their way of life. This rhetoric allowed politicians to exploit racial anxieties and rally support for their segregationist agenda, positioning themselves as defenders of traditional values and protectors against perceived threats from racial minorities. Framing segregation in terms of "law and order" helped divert attention away from the economic injustices faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups. By focusing on issues of crime and social disorder, politicians could deflect scrutiny from the systemic inequalities and exploitation that underpinned the Jim Crow system, thereby maintaining support for the status quo among white voters.
2. Yes, the Southern Strategy continues to influence American politics, particularly in shaping discussions around race, crime, and social policy issues. One example supporting this assertion can be found in the ongoing debate over voter suppression efforts targeting minority communities. In "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness," Michelle Alexander discusses how voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws and voter roll purges, disproportionately impact African American and other minority voters. These measures are often justified under the guise of preventing voter fraud and maintaining the integrity of elections, echoing the rhetoric of "law and order" used in the Southern Strategy. By enacting policies that make it more difficult for marginalized communities to exercise their right to vote, proponents of voter suppression efforts effectively disenfranchise minority voters and perpetuate political inequalities. This echoes the goals of the Southern Strategy, which aimed to maintain white political dominance in the South by suppressing the political power of African Americans. Furthermore, the use of racially coded language and appeals to "law and order" remains prevalent in contemporary political discourse, particularly in discussions around crime and criminal justice. Politicians continue to exploit racial anxieties and stereotypes to garner support for tough-on-crime policies, such as mandatory minimum sentencing and the expansion of the prison-industrial complex.