This article examines when explicit racial appeals gain acceptance within political discourse.

Political Context: The study looks at how politicians strategically employ race-based rhetoric amidst ongoing discussions about racial status threat.

The findings challenge conventional assumptions by revealing that acceptance often depends on specific audience perceptions of fairness and representation, rather than solely on the appeal's explicit nature.

Using qualitative analysis across diverse political settings in the U.S., we demonstrate a clear pattern: appeals resonate most when they align with existing grievances about inequality or underrepresentation.

This nuanced understanding suggests policymakers must consider racial status threat dynamics more carefully to effectively evaluate and respond to public discourse around identity politics.