Why Donald Trump Uses ‘Peekaboo’ to Insult Letitia James
President Donald Trump's use of the term 'peekaboo' to address New York Attorney General Letitia James is no accident. It shows a deliberate attempt to employ derogatory language that evokes familiar terms without crossing the explicit racial slur line. This article delves into the underlying motives and tactics behind such usage, exploring the cultural and rhetorical context.
Understand the Context: The Use of Derogatory Terms
President Trump's choice of language is deeply rooted in a history of racial slurs and coded language. The term 'peekaboo' fits into a pattern of terms like 'jigaboo,' which are derogatory terms used to describe black people. These words have long been out of usage due to societal progress, but Trump's use of 'peekaboo' indicates an attempt to tap into the racist sentiments of his supporters while providing plausible deniability.
A Distracting Strategy: MAGA Rubes and Subversive Honeymoon
Trump's supporters, particularly older white voters, have adopted and adapted strategies to avoid direct confrontation by using terms that are close to but not quite the same as explicit racial slurs. These strategies include using symbols like the #9996; (OK) symbol, a term like 'Let’s Go Brandon' as a euphemism for 'Fuck Joe Biden,' and now 'peekaboo.' Each of these has a veneer of normalcy but carries a hidden coded message.
The OK Symbol
The 'OK' symbol emerged as a 4Chan prank, but white supremacists began to adopt it, leading to a situation where those who questioned its meaning would be seen as jumping to false conclusions. The 'OK' symbol now serves as a shield for those who use it, allowing them to claim they are not promoting white supremacy while still signal that they align with certain extremist views.
Let’s Go Brandon vs. Fuck Joe Biden
'Let’s Go Brandon' was a term initially used benignly to describe a NASCAR racer's victory. However, it has since been co-opted to mask more explicit language. Similarly, Trump's use of 'peekaboo' shows a similar pattern—its proximity to the term 'jigaboo' allows it to skirt the line of direct racism while still serving as a coded term to single out and insult Letitia James based on her race.
Generational Divide and Political Rhetoric
The use of 'peekaboo' is part of a broader political strategy aimed at older white voters. Phrases like 'peekaboo,' 'jigaboo,' and 'thug' are familiar and culturally significant to this demographic, which Trump often tries to court. By using terms like these, he evokes negative stereotypes and reinforces a narrative of racial division.
In Conclusion: The Persistence of Coded Language in Politics
The phenomenon of using coded language, such as 'peekaboo,' to evade explicit racism is a persistent feature of political discourse. This practice, while subtle, helps to maintain a facade of deniability while still allowing for the dissemination of harmful stereotypes. As society continues to evolve and combat racial injustice, it's crucial to remain vigilant and informed about these tactics.