Last of Many Employment Lessons from the World of Politics in 2008

I’ve drawn many employment lessons from this year’s remarkable political events — at least, I’ve tried to. It’s appropriate to end 2008 with one more.

As reported by the New York Times and the Washington Post, Chip Saltsman, one of the candidates seeking to chair the Republican National Committee recently sent a music CD to members of the committee, presumably to call favorable attention to his campaign. It’s drawn plenty of attention alright, but most of it has been unfavorable.

One of the songs on the CD is called “Barack the Magic Negro.” According to Saltsman, it was meant to be a light-hearted gift, nothing more than a parody intended as good humor. It’s sung to the tune of “Puff the Magic Dragon” by a character meant to be or sound like the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Should this disqualify Saltsman from being chair of the Republican National Committee? Of course — just like it should disqualify someone from being the CEO of a company. Assuming that there was no racist intent and that it was intended as a funny parody, it’s still stupid and shows bad judgment. The last time I checked, not hiring someone because of stupidity was still a legitimate reason.

Saltsman’s supporters accuse those critical of the CD of hypersensitivity. I don’t think so. It’s important that late night comics, other comedians, and even dim-witted politicians not be reticent about going after Obama because of the color of his skin. Going after someone with humor is always like walking a tightrope. Given our country’s racial past, it’ll be just a little more so with Obama.

If one of your employees happens to get a copy of Barack the Magic Negro and passes it around at work, I probably wouldn’t fire him. I would have a serious counseling session with him and let him know if anything like this happens again, he’ll be leaving your workplace and going to a land called honah lee.