The norm I have in mind is whatever total the subset comes out of. For inmates, I compare them against the total U.S. population; for votes cast, I compare against the eligible electorate and/or registered voters (depending on the question). Which means that, in the normal way of things, black voters are usually disproportionately under-represented: they make up a smaller percentage of voters than they do of the eligible electorate. If it happens that every eligible PoC turns out and they cast (the following figures are made up) 50% of the votes when they make up 40% of the population, I would also call that disproportionate. But unlike the people generally talking about this, the only problem I have with it is that it means we still have a bunch of people not exercising their right to vote. In the meantime, I'm cheering on all those PoCs who have made their voices heard.
If this boosted turnout just means PoC voters are turning out in about the same numbers as whites -- say, 75% of both groups vote -- well, that's good progress, and in the meantime let's try to get that other 25% out there, too. Unfortunately, you're right: a lot of people would call that disproportionate, too.
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yati
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Date: 2008-10-22 10:03 pm (UTC)If this boosted turnout just means PoC voters are turning out in about the same numbers as whites -- say, 75% of both groups vote -- well, that's good progress, and in the meantime let's try to get that other 25% out there, too. Unfortunately, you're right: a lot of people would call that disproportionate, too.