“As a result of this turn, it became possible to talk about a group’s culture while disavowing any claims about its intrinsic racial nature, although over racial claims still persisted…”
In this quote, I believe that a very interesting point was brought up. here the writer describes the way that by separating the idea of culture as its own independent factor, it was easier for politicians and also people, in general, to talk in a racist manner by deeming it “culture talk”. I think this is very true, and it still is very evident today. many people talk openly about another person’s culture and may speak down on it in a racist manner yet, it is overseen as a tall about culture rather than the obvious racist message behind it. I think this is a practice that is done too often and is wrong because though culture may be separate from race, there is a fine line that is still crossed sometimes making the comments someone may say “undercover racism”.
I thought your interpretation of that quote was spot on and fit in well to the overall message of the passage. I have also noticed this trend where people would cover their racist message and insist they are just making observations on cultures. It is very common and not pointed out enough so I am glad you related it to this quote as it shows the true ideologies of certain people. Very nicely written!