The Truth Behind Mississippi Politics

It comes up while at line in the grocery store or when I'm sitting at my desk at work. I hear about it on the television, and I receive mail about it in ads promoting different candidates. In Mississippi, the biggest political issue has to do with homosexuality. Many people here are terrified that a liberal is going to get into office and give gay people equal rights.

Down here, below the Mason-Dixon Line, that is not something that is met with open arms. Ads are blasted telling us all that marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. Bumper stickers are placed on cars denoting that same ideology. Bible verses are thrown around to support this belief. Southern people are very passionate about keeping gay people in the same position they kept African Americans decades ago, under their thumb so no damage can be done.

The Bible plays a large role in Southern politics. In many ways, the separation of church and state was lost in this state. An agnostic or atheist running for office in Mississippi would be a rare find, and chances are that he or she would not get very far once the dirty secret was exposed. Because of the influence of religion, many politicians feel they must take a stand against homosexuals.

Sadly, this stand is often welcomed. Republicans and Democrats alike are expected to take the popular role and draw the line between heterosexual and homosexual people. It would appear that the majority of people in Mississippi find a certain amount of superiority inside of themselves for their heterosexuality.

It is because of this superior feeling, and because of these beliefs, that a Democrat will not carry this state in the general election for the presidency. Here, many Democrats are thought of as immoral because they allow the gay community to have a sense of belonging, and give them the feeling that someday, they might actually be considered equal. That kind of thinking will not get a politician far in the South.

The Mississippi state capitol building.

Credit: Shawn Lea

Copyright: Wikimedia Commons