Mama Obama
June 5th, 2008Mama Obama
Black and White
While I personally could not care less about the race, or gender, of a presidential candidate - call me crazy, I’d prefer to cast my vote based upon the issues - it’s very clear that many Americans do care about race. Specifically, the race of Senator Obama.
I don’t recall ever hearing about McCain of Clinton being “white”, nor was there ever any suggestion that either of them should recieve votes because they are.
But, hardly an article is published, nor a news report spoken, without mention of the fact that Senator Obama is an “African American”.
A very large number of African American’s are so proud to have a “black candidate”. I guess, if I understand correctly, because he will “feel their pain” - you know, like Bill Clinton, our previous black president. We hear about what a great accomplishment it is that a black man will have the Democratic nomination.
The problem with this “race card” is that Mama Obama is as white as Hillary Clinton or John McCain. In fact, being from Witchita, Kansas, it could be argued that she’s even whiter. You can’t really get more white than the midwest, can you?
Senator Obama is as white as he is black.
It could be argued that this is a good thing… He should be equally compassionate to both blacks and whites. I’m not sure that I believe that, but it would be a valid argument.
The fact of the matter is, Obama’s father left the family (typical?) to study at Harvard when Barack was just two. The last time he saw his father was at the age of 10.
Being raised by his white mother - wouldn’t that make him even more “white”?
So, why do Time, Newsweek, CNN, and all of the Obama supporters insist upon portraying him as “black”, or as an “African American”?
Why is it if you challenge Obama’s position, you’re labeled as “racist” by his supporters? Are you racist against his black or white genes?
And, if you are a supporter of the Senator, don’t assume that “anti-Obama” Americans have chosen that position based upon his race. I am one of that group, and race has absolutely nothing to do with it (Condoleezza Rice was my first choice for president).
If you subscribe to Senator Obama’s socialistic views, follow your heart and vote for him, whether you’re black, white, or other.
On the other hand, if you are a more sensible person, vote for someone else - and keep race out of the equation.
Papa and Mama Obama
(Barack Obama Sr and Ann Durham)
June 5th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Thank you for completely missing the point. While race is not a reason to choose Obama, many have somehow come to the conclusion that winning the nomination is based solely on him being black (e.g. Ferraro). This obviously ignores the 232 year history of this country where every single president has been a white male. Not only that, but every single major party candidate for president has been a white male. What’s more amazing is that it wasn’t until 40 years ago that this country acknowledged that blacks should be treated as equals. Some states had laws banning interracial marriages up until 1967.
We would all love to have a race-blind country, but we’re not there yet. Most in this country who don’t vote for Obama do so because of disagreements with his policies or questions about his leadership. However, there is still a significant portion however who refuse to vote for Obama simply because he is black. What’s significant? I have no idea. Just remember that African Americans make up about 13% of the population, yet somehow, this minority is “stealing the election”.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Eddie said: “However, there is still a significant portion however who refuse to vote for Obama simply because he is black. What’s significant? I have no idea.”
A number that is somewhat less than those who are voting for him simply because of his race.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I was almost willing to see if you had a valid point until your snide little “typical” quip about Obama’s parents splitting up. It’s crap like that that’s makes race continue to be a factor. As if only black men leave divorce their wives. Patently ridiculous since over half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce. But the fact of the matter is, is that in this race obsessed country WHITES were the ones who were absolutely adamant in their classifying anyone one with “one drop” of black blood as black. Now you want to cry about the rules that whites made. Also the very fact that he obviously looks black and would appear to be 100% per cent black to someone who doesn’t know his parentage is also a factor. While you claim to not be a racist ( and then you pull the standard tired but I like other black candidates crap, sounds like the old I’m not prejudiced some of my best friends are {insert group here} defense) hundreds of thousands have PUBLICLY said they will NOT vote for a black man. So instead of whining about why are blacks so proud of a black candidate who is half white, you would be better served by asking why so many whites see a half black person as only black.
June 5th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
EternalSkySoldier said: “I was almost willing to see if you had a valid point until your snide little “typical” quip about Obama’s parents splitting up. It’s crap like that that’s makes race continue to be a factor.”
No, it’s FACTS like that which “make race continue to be a factor”.
In 2006, 23% of all white children lived in single-parent homes.
In 2006, 65% of all black children lived in single-parent homes.
65% = approx 2/3 = “typical”.
That’s the “change” Obama should be shooting for.
Data Source: Population Reference Bureau, analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Supplementary Survey, 2001 Supplementary Survey, 2002 through 2006 American Community Survey.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
isn’t that the whole question of race to begin with? black is the color of his skin. that’s it. but the same color of people have been discriminated against since the beginning of this country. they are only just dark skinned, too. obama is, in fact, black. his skin is dark. he is black. if a white man were raised by his black mother in a black neighborhood in the bronx would you say he is black, too? didn’t think so. what, exactly, is the point of this article? it is definitely a good thing to have a mixed race candidate. there is no question about it.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Excellent post! Rob & i were just discussing this exact issue today and we both pretty much share your views. It reminds me of when halle berry won her oscar and “everyone” touted her as the first african american woman to win an oscar (not true btw… I dont have the resources to look up that exact info right now but i believe butterfly mcqueen won one & so did whoopie goldberg). I always thought it was funny that no one ever mentioned her white mother. Also, correct me if im wrong, but i thought if you had one black parent and one white you were considered biracial. I know that my white friend who is married to someone black is adament about making sure her kids are “classified” as biracial and not white or african american. I personally think biracial people “throw” the african american card out when its beneficial to them. Wait… Isn’t that a form of racism? Btw, halle berry was also raised by a single white mother after her black father left them.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
P.s. I’ve often wondered what halle’s white mother (and obamas too) thought about her classifying herself as an african american. Sorry about the spelling & grammatical errors. Typing on a cell sucks but i had to voice my opinion.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Melanie said: “I personally think biracial people “throw” the african american card out when its beneficial to them.”
You are absolutely correct, and this is exactly the point I was making.
After all, you don’t hear anything about Bob Barr being the “first African American” Libertarian candidate… Unlike Mr. Obama, Mr. Barr is running only on the issues. Yes, this does mean that he will finish a distant third, but I’d rather vote for someone with core beliefs than someone who changes day-to-day, depending upon which way the wind is blowing.