laurla | It's just something symbolic on Jan 23, 2009 @ 03:10 pm
It's just pretty monumental that the nation as a whole has been able to get past it's personal stigmas and elect somebody (supposedly) based on ability, whilst disregarding colour. He's become a symbol. |
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Anonymous
| I agree with laurla on Jan 24, 2009 @ 06:08 am
I think that people of color have always felt that there was a glass ceiling that they could not break through that Obama has now broken through that for them. As for black colleges, scholarships, stations etc. Someone on the other side of the things could argue that most tv stations reflect a more mainstream culture so why shouldn't someone have a tv station. As for scholarships, there are many scholarships out there for various cultures so I do not think that is that out of the ordinary. In terms of Obama and the media focusing on his black heritage, that is because that is what stands out as different from past presidents. |
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missjudy | I see where Anonymous #1 is coming from... on Jan 24, 2009 @ 10:06 am
I think what the first poster meant was - why is it ok to display black pride (and for the record I think this is a great thing!), but arrogance racism for others to display white pride, especially when it's deliberately non-racist context? If there were colleges that specifically catered to Irish-Americans or whatever, minorities would be horrified - yet there are plenty of Native American and African American colleges. I'm not sure about those of Asian heritage... and could you imagine the outcry in the US if there was an Arabic American university? It's shameful that such a thing is not realistic!
What is great about Obama is - he's both white and black and he has an Arabic middle name (not that he is), so it's like he brings all these things together.
I agree with Anon #1: there shouldn't be a need to trumpet this or that minority if we as a culture are truly beyond these prejudices. Clearly though, we are not. |
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bubblybunny | agreed w/ laurla too on Jan 24, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I think the breakthrough in this presidential election was the fact that this president is different: he's not a Caucasian. Had Obama been Chinese or Indian or any other non-Caucasian ethnicity, this election would have been just as crazy. If it was another ethnicity, then the media would've focused on whatever suffering this particular race went through in American history. Also, if Hillary Clinton had won the election, then everyone would be all over the oppression of women in the past. So I totally agree with Laurla. Obama is a symbol of change; furthermore, I think Obama is symbol of acceptance in America. I think the fact that Obama had won the election, fair and square, it really shows how far America has coming along and this is something every American should be proud of. |
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mizzrobin | Yep... on Jan 24, 2009 @ 10:59 am
I agree with bubblybunny! Obama is a symbol of acceptance in America and if Hillary won it would have been all about how far women had come. I think what is important is not his ethnicity but that he represents working together to move forward. America has waited a long time for a leader that can inspire a people. |
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misschickie | I agree on Jan 24, 2009 @ 06:07 pm
I also think that as far as programs directed towards specific race groups it is about preserving culture more than anything else. It is a way to keep people connected to their roots. I can see how some could perceive it as reverse discrimination but I don't think that is the intended purpose at all. Think about it like this: if you were living in Saudi Arabia, would you be interested in going to a Canadian college to stay in touch with your roots?
I agree with BB that if a woman won or any other ethnicity, it would have been a similar reaction. In Obama's case though, he has a tremendous amount of respect that added to that significantly.
I'd just like to see the day when everyone has a deep respect for each other regardless of colour or race. While most of us feel that way already, there are enough that don't unfortunately. And it's really because of the ones that don't that it is still a big deal. |
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Anonymous
| Excited About Life Again on Jan 25, 2009 @ 02:04 am
The main issue with racism IMO is that its all nonsense. The idea that any of us is different is absurd and because of that.. theres no inteligent way to discuss race.
Physical appearance has everything to do with the geological location of your ancestors. Lots of sun.. darker skin.. lots of cold.. tiny body.. etc.
What stands out with Obama is that so far.. i havent seen even a speckle (is that a word:) of BS from him. He appears to be an intelligent, sophisticated.. real human being who genuinely wants to change the world by changing America back to what it was.. A place where freedom is a right that is enjoyed by all.
I am tired of watching the old faces wrapped in expensive suits on the news talking about this party and that legislation and mavericks and so on and so forth. Its worse than watching a bad soap opera. Its disgusting to know that people are starving all across the planet because old fat rich people want to argue about who gets to steal the most tax payer money this term.
Obama is a sign of the times.. no longer can these crooks and cronies hide behind the whitehouse doors and lie to us. TV and the internet is forcing them to be honest and keep their word and hopefully.. being under the microscope will weed out the 2bit hustlers and pimps from politics and put them back on the streets and trailor parks where they belong.
I want to be proud of the country i live in again. I want to feel safe when i travel. I want the monsters of the world to know that the good guys are back and this time were not just trying to steal oil from them. |
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Anonymous
| I agree with miss chickie on Jan 25, 2009 @ 07:06 am
But at the same time there is practically no one in america who is from
here.. so if we are saying that black colleges exist to keep in touch
with their "roots" then wouldn't it be safe to say there should be an
exclusive college for every different background in america?? The real
question is would that be permitted, or would the naacp make a racism
issue out of it? |
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amelie | not one above the other on Jan 25, 2009 @ 08:29 am
I'd like to see more discussion about the other parts of Obama's "heritage", like others have said. Talking about his white relatives and honoring them (instead of all this about his father who, don't forget, apparently was a deadbeat dad) is not at the expense of his black roots. It annoys me that it's all about one thing, when he embodies so many more. Also his childhood in Indonesia - it's a footnote where it should be more. Those were formative years! JMO |
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misschickie | I see what you're saying on Jan 25, 2009 @ 09:24 am
My main point is that the day when everyone sees each other as human beings, and our differences only as something interesting that we can learn from, is the day we won't even have to discuss race or gender.
I do believe Obama's win had nothing to do with his race and everything to do with who he is and what he stands for. |
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