Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
Nov 5th 2008, 5:50 pm
#76
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Nov 5th 2008, 5:51 pm
#77
Junior Showtime
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Singapore
Posts: 3,759
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
I've had just about enough of this nonsense.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bring race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bring race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
Nov 5th 2008, 5:58 pm
#79
Bloody Yank
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: USA! USA!
Posts: 4,186
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
I've had just about enough of this nonsense.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bring race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bring race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
The race card argument is misplaced. It was played by the conservatives who attempted to discuss his half-whiteness (as if that somehow changed anything) and the extremists who mislabeled him as a Muslim (as if that wouldn't be acceptable.)
The reason that there is a dysfunctionality between the races is because the majority created it. They laid down the ground rules, defined it, and used it to their advantage.
Until those who benefited from the privilege that comes from being part of the majority recognize that they are the true beneficiaries of that old-fashioned version of affirmative action, and until they admit that they themselves may have gotten more than they deserved by virtue of that affiliation, we will never move past this.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:10 pm
#80
...
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,165
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
Why on earth would you move to Europe when you can moved to a land where great kings and Future Presidents of America have origins.....
Move to kenya, in Africa, the Obama family don't seem to have done to badly and I am sure you will be welcomed with opened arms. Good luck future chief yank
Nov 5th 2008, 6:11 pm
#81
...
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,165
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
+1 to that.
The race card argument is misplaced. It was played by the conservatives who attempted to discuss his half-whiteness (as if that somehow changed anything) and the extremists who mislabeled him as a Muslim (as if that wouldn't be acceptable.)
The reason that there is a dysfunctionality between the races is because the majority created it. They laid down the ground rules, defined it, and used it to their advantage.
Until those who benefited from the privilege that comes from being part of the majority recognize that they are the true beneficiaries of that old-fashioned version of affirmative action, and until they admit that they themselves may have gotten more than they deserved by virtue of that affiliation, we will never move past this.
The race card argument is misplaced. It was played by the conservatives who attempted to discuss his half-whiteness (as if that somehow changed anything) and the extremists who mislabeled him as a Muslim (as if that wouldn't be acceptable.)
The reason that there is a dysfunctionality between the races is because the majority created it. They laid down the ground rules, defined it, and used it to their advantage.
Until those who benefited from the privilege that comes from being part of the majority recognize that they are the true beneficiaries of that old-fashioned version of affirmative action, and until they admit that they themselves may have gotten more than they deserved by virtue of that affiliation, we will never move past this.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:15 pm
#82
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,367
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
+1 to that.
The race card argument is misplaced. It was played by the conservatives who attempted to discuss his half-whiteness (as if that somehow changed anything) and the extremists who mislabeled him as a Muslim (as if that wouldn't be acceptable.)
The reason that there is a dysfunctionality between the races is because the majority created it. They laid down the ground rules, defined it, and used it to their advantage.
Until those who benefited from the privilege that comes from being part of the majority recognize that they are the true beneficiaries of that old-fashioned version of affirmative action, and until they admit that they themselves may have gotten more than they deserved by virtue of that affiliation, we will never move past this.
The race card argument is misplaced. It was played by the conservatives who attempted to discuss his half-whiteness (as if that somehow changed anything) and the extremists who mislabeled him as a Muslim (as if that wouldn't be acceptable.)
The reason that there is a dysfunctionality between the races is because the majority created it. They laid down the ground rules, defined it, and used it to their advantage.
Until those who benefited from the privilege that comes from being part of the majority recognize that they are the true beneficiaries of that old-fashioned version of affirmative action, and until they admit that they themselves may have gotten more than they deserved by virtue of that affiliation, we will never move past this.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:21 pm
#83
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 719
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
I've had just about enough of this nonsense.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite of his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bringing race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
The fact that you even have to explain that says a lot about some Americans. Some people deny that racism has always been (and to some extent still is) an issue in America. Some people believe that dinosaurs lived at the same time that humans did. Some people deny the Holocaust. A plant can deny photosynthesis - that doesn't mean it isn't affected by it every single day.
I'm 42 years old and witnessed forced integration via school busing first hand in Texas. It wasn't pretty and I'll never forget how scary it was for everybody. At that time is seemed that we would never reconcile the racial divide. That was only 30 years ago and what I saw was nothing compared to what my parents generation witnessed in the 1950's and 60's - and the years before that were unspeakably dark and horrible times and as a country we still bear the scars today. I understand Brits not being as psychologically connected to racism in America - you didn't experience it so how could you know? On the other hand, I am saddened and disappointed when I come across Americans that still just don't get it.
The reason that there is so much reason for celebration today is because this country has come to the point where maybe finally race really is no longer an issue for the majority of us. The election of Barack Obama is symbolic to those of us that care about finally putting the race issue to bed. If Hillary had won we'd be celebrating the fact that (hopefully) sex would no longer be an issue.... and as a woman I would be very proud of her - just as many black people must be feeling about Obama. Why deny them this moment? Why not join them? I'm proud of this country today and I'm proud that the world is watching and the world is just a little bit impressed with us too.
Furthermore, I'm excited that we can finally put phrases like "playing the race card" to rest. After today we can honestly say there is no longer a need for such a thing or even the accusation of the use of such a thing. For those who don't understand the meaning of the phrase - it is the insinuation that a minority is using the disadvantage of his own race to obfuscate something negative about himself. Since Obama has already won the election there really is nothing for him (or his supporters) to obfuscate because it is resounding clear that he WON the election. Why would Obama supporters even need to "play the race card" (so to speak) at this point in the game? The time to play the race card would have been BEFORE the election. How on earth can celebrating this historical event be construed as "playing the race card"? It boggles the mind. Perhaps the ones using the phrase don't even know what it means? I don't know the answer to that question. Besides, Obama did not get elected because of his race. He was elected in spite of his race - and that is exactly the opposite of "playing the race card". The Obama campaign practically did backflips to avoid bringing race into their campaign - yet they still get accused. Totally unbelievable.
The historical significance of having the first black president is a singular and exciting event. The fact that we have a new president and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (thanks to 8 years of Republican mayhem) is a distinctly separate and completely unrelated situation. The former is an exciting and uplifting event - and no amount of sour grapes by the losers will ever change that. The latter is an still an unanswered question - as is the election of any new president.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:27 pm
#84
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,367
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
It was sort of a weird way to get around the bend though.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:31 pm
#85
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
Because this country has a horrific recent racial history and is still a very racist country in many respects, so the fact that someone like him (black or mixed race) has been elected is a massive step forward. I really dont understand why you dont get why that is important. I personally I think that he will make a good president regardless of his skin colour, but the black community and this society in general have every justification to celebrate the fact that a non-white person has been elected leader.
However he should still be judged by the same standards that any other President would be judged by. Celebrate now, but once the euphoria has died down his performance should be treated exactly the same as anyone else.
However he should still be judged by the same standards that any other President would be judged by. Celebrate now, but once the euphoria has died down his performance should be treated exactly the same as anyone else.
The man would be described as black or african american in ANY other context and it absolutely has a bearing. It did not influence the way I voted, or perhaps the way you did, Tracy, but there were plenty who were influenced by it both directions.
hmm, looks like there are some other good posts here to read.
Nov 5th 2008, 6:44 pm
#86
Bloody Yank
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: USA! USA!
Posts: 4,186
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
I agree and in my heart know that my post is superficial and does no real justice to the subject or the significance of yesterday's events. Honestly, I have no idea how to talk to people who are of the mentality that any discussion about race is somehow wrong or unnecessary.
BTW, your post wasn't superficial in the slightest.
Nov 5th 2008, 9:03 pm
#89
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
Whether you like it or not (and you clearly don't) it IS a big deal - you don't think it's worthy of note that a man of colour who was born in a time when much of his own country operated under a form of apartheid and when people like him were often denied the vote and other rights of full citizens could grow up to be president of that country? Really?
And for those who are determined (as they do frequently) to take what I say backwards - I am saying it is a shame it IS a big deal to a bunch of ppl in this country.
If I said the sky was blue, a few of you would find a way to argue with me.
Nov 5th 2008, 9:48 pm
#90
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Barrack Obama, YES WE CAN !!!!!!
It shouldn't be a big deal, but of course it is a big deal.
Can't really add any more except let's get behind the new man
Can't really add any more except let's get behind the new man