Posted on 08/24/2004 4:38:09 PM PDT by Willie Green
CHICAGO — Some people, particularly those who are tone deaf to the ironies of life, have a problem with Barack Obama's race. They have a hard time deciding what it is.
Ever since the front-running candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois burst onto the national stage with a riveting keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, I've been hearing from readers who question why the media, including me, insist on referring to Obama as "black" or "African-American" when he is "really" biracial.
Are we trying to render his white Kansas mother irrelevant? No, I say, we're just recognizing that the realities of race have more to do with psychology, sociology and politics than actual science.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Yeah, well, he already has his black power base, so it's "safe."
I am not saying that blacks do not have issues about color between themselves. I'm saying that, based on the black people (almost all Dems of course) that I talk to you, are related to, etc. all of them gush over Obama.
Obama's "blackness" or supposed lack thereof is a nonissue among blacks, as the polls seem to reflect.
He is very Bill Clinton-esque in his dealings with the people, especially the black people. Aside from his blackness, not much of anything else seems to matter to voters either considering his position on abortion.
It is true what you say. Again, it is because of political advantage and also because embracing such a wordly identity is seen as 'betrayal'. It could also be good old fashion hatred of white male christians.
I believe your son has a right to identify himself in any way he wishes to. Keep in mind that your son (I assume, correct me if I am wrong) was born in a different time than Obama. In 1961, most whites and blacks disapproved of interracial unions, today most are accepting of them and their offspring.
Very true, unfortunately most blacks are hard core Democrats so it doesn't matter what his positions are.
You're half right. My son was born in 2000. But no, when the time comes, he will not have the right "to identify himself in any way he wishes to." If I ever hear him identify me out of who he is, I'll kick his butt, even if I'm 80 by that time. People don't have the right to identify themselves dishonestly.
You are also right. Looking at the scope of social history, I wonder why people are not more amazed at how wonderful and fast America has changed.
If you raise your son right, he will not do that. A father is to guide a son in the way he should go. Every parent instills their values into their children.
Hardcore democrats... well that is most unfortunate. If people are going to believe that government will save them, electing conservative people to government would be wise. That way the elected official will write policies to save them from that crippling mentality. It is my opinion that people should not look at who is in the republican party, which is what I suspect many black people do. Look at what policies,etc. the republican party has traditionally endorsed as opposed to democrats. That would require an investment in time though.
"1 drop rule"
Even though I am a blue-eyed blond, I guess that makes me an African-American, Arab-American, Native-American. Do I check them all off or go with what ever suits on any given day?
Case in point: Tiger Woods. 1/2 Thai, 1/4 black 1/4 ?-
Pardon me, but what the hell do you mean by that? (and don't tell me: his ma married a white dude and they had a kid, I understand that much)
Okay, I admit, if you're not a huge "King of Queens" fan, there's no way that you'll get that joke.
WELL TOO BAD!
I happen to think it's one of the best situation comedies on network television.
Leah Remini:
You bet your ass it is, buddy!
I happen to appreciate the fine comedy King of Queens every now and again. Perhaps he should be elected senator in place of Obama.
And you know how hard that is for a fictitious rival to FED-EX.
Hey, I was in Queens for over eight hours this past Saturday.
YAY!
That's a personal best for me.
Well I got the first line ;)
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