Ian Masters interviewed UW Political Science Professor Christopher S. Parker for his radio program “Background Briefing with Ian Masters” on KPFK-FM Los Angeles. On the January 16, 2017, Background Briefing Masters discussed “A Congressman Who is Boycotting Trump’s Inauguration; Trump’s Public Feud with Congressman Lewis; & Race Relations in a Trump Administration” with his expert guests.
Professor Parker responded to African-American celebrities, like Martin Luther King Jr.’s son, Jim Brown, and Steve Harvey, meeting up with Trump by noting that it is “distasteful” and “extremely problematic” that they are “committing themselves to be a photo-op” for Trump and thereby vouching for him. In response to Trump describing African-American neighborhoods as war zones that are “crime infested,” Parker argued:
“[Trump] needs to read. He really needs to do some reading. For him to characterize all black neighborhoods like he did is just riven and shot through with arrogance as well as ignorance.”
In addition, Parker shared his thoughts on Trump dogding the draft, his business’ housing discrimination, and John Lewis’ remarks about Trump not being a legitimate president. Ultimately, he concluded that “racism, sexism, xenophobia won’t go anywhere anytime soon.”
The Background Briefing is “a radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers, and critics offering analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural, and social issues.” Originally from Australia, Masters is a BBC-trained journalist and filmmaker. Listen to the full 20-minute segment.