What Obama's Presidency Doesn't Say About Race

The media on MLK Day showed us just how far we have to go.

On NBC, The Today Show headlined with contrasting photos of President Obama and….50 Cent. No kidding. Throughout the next hour, they proceeded to offend their thinking viewers by asking who, of the two, has more influence.

NBC insisted on pursuing this nonsense, flashing photos of Obama, walking through the Capitol, meeting with dignitaries, in his suit and tie and 50 Cent, wearing a thin white tank undershirt and rapping surrounded by a partying crowd. They continued their President vs. rapper theme as they welcomed journalist Gwen Ifill for an interview. Today Show host Meredith Vieira tossed her the opening question while moving her hands up and down, like a scale, “So Gwen, Obama or 50 Cent?”

Excuse me? No offense to 50 Cent, but can someone please explain the comparison? As far as I can see, they are both black. And breathing. Beyond that, I’m hard pressed to see the relevance in this comparison that Today wouldn’t let die.

Race no longer an issue? When was the last time a news program compared Bush to Eminem?

AIUSA welcomes a lively and courteous discussion that follow our Community Guidelines. Comments are not pre-screened before they post but AIUSA reserves the right to remove any comments violating our guidelines.

90 thoughts on “What Obama's Presidency Doesn't Say About Race

  1. Marda, your use of the plural importantly points out that this happens frequently. Thanks for posting.

  2. I completely agree with you. It’s a pointless and insulting attempt at a comparison and certainly one that I can’t imagine a major network making about any prior President.

  3. Marda, your use of the plural importantly points out that this happens frequently. Thanks for posting.

  4. I completely agree with you. It’s a pointless and insulting attempt at a comparison and certainly one that I can’t imagine a major network making about any prior President.

  5. In an age where "responsible journalism" has become an absent notion, I am not at all surprised at such buffoonery by NBC. Let us assume for one second that such silly comparisons have a point/relevance: Would it not make more sense to compare President Obama to Chuck D of Public Enemy? MOS DEF? Talib Kweli? COMMON (a native of shy town)?

  6. It was a ridiculous comparison and when I saw how they were approaching it I turned the channel to Good Morning America

  7. Now let’s see 50 Cent a street rapper, former drug dealer, turned millionaire by selling the stories of the hood, burned his home so his baby momma could move out vs. Obama who struggled to get thru school, took care of his family, helped his community and became President. I think I will pick Obama. In today’s world, we put to much faith in the socialites than in what really matters. He we have a man who against all odds rose to the challenge. These reality shows and polls only bring light to the fact that the media needs to be taught the meaning of the following words: morals, value and respect. No disrespect to 50 cent, but his struggle is not Obama’s struggle. However, if they want to compare presidents, why didn’t they compare Bush to Kid Rock or Vanilla Ice?

  8. Double H, it is funny that you say you turned the channel to GMA. I did the exact same thing. GMA was airing a segment on the Tuskegee Airmen attending the inaugural which was significantly more relevant and an important commentary on race in America. That said, this isn't an endorsement of one program over another b/c Hisham's comment about mainstream journalism is well-taken.

  9. Shareen, you have me laughing. I wish I'd thought of Vanilla Ice as Bush's rapper counterpart!

  10. In an age where “responsible journalism” has become an absent notion, I am not at all surprised at such buffoonery by NBC. Let us assume for one second that such silly comparisons have a point/relevance: Would it not make more sense to compare President Obama to Chuck D of Public Enemy? MOS DEF? Talib Kweli? COMMON (a native of shy town)?

  11. It was a ridiculous comparison and when I saw how they were approaching it I turned the channel to Good Morning America

  12. Now let’s see 50 Cent a street rapper, former drug dealer, turned millionaire by selling the stories of the hood, burned his home so his baby momma could move out vs. Obama who struggled to get thru school, took care of his family, helped his community and became President. I think I will pick Obama. In today’s world, we put to much faith in the socialites than in what really matters. He we have a man who against all odds rose to the challenge. These reality shows and polls only bring light to the fact that the media needs to be taught the meaning of the following words: morals, value and respect. No disrespect to 50 cent, but his struggle is not Obama’s struggle. However, if they want to compare presidents, why didn’t they compare Bush to Kid Rock or Vanilla Ice?

  13. Double H, it is funny that you say you turned the channel to GMA. I did the exact same thing. GMA was airing a segment on the Tuskegee Airmen attending the inaugural which was significantly more relevant and an important commentary on race in America. That said, this isn’t an endorsement of one program over another b/c Hisham’s comment about mainstream journalism is well-taken.

  14. Shareen, you have me laughing. I wish I’d thought of Vanilla Ice as Bush’s rapper counterpart!

  15. You would think that coming out of a news market like NYC they would be more … lets say, down with these type's of idiotic stereotypes and cliché’s, this you would expect from a WKRP, yes the same, or WYOLKEL. Let's see if Keith Obermman will call out his own on the display of "Racial Minstrel Show" put on by his collogues…

  16. You would think that coming out of a news market like NYC they would be more … lets say, down with these type’s of idiotic stereotypes and cliché’s, this you would expect from a WKRP, yes the same, or WYOLKEL. Let’s see if Keith Obermman will call out his own on the display of “Racial Minstrel Show” put on by his collogues…

  17. Naldo, good point. I wonder what's coming out of local stations with a lot less diversity and worldly-savvy than NYC.

  18. Naldo, good point. I wonder what’s coming out of local stations with a lot less diversity and worldly-savvy than NYC.

  19. I watched the same thing on NBC…and in no way was this offensive to anybody, President Obama, 50-Cent, Blacks, Whites, No – One.

    The piece was pointing out continueing slide in society and what seems to be so appealing to people.

    And by the way, President Obama is just as much white as he is black, his father ran out on his mom, and he was raised by his white grandparents. I for one don't care about the color of his skin, and most in this country don't.

    Unless there is something about 50 cent I am unaware of, no-one (even NBC) can compare the two.

    Look past the color of people's skin already.

  20. I am not sure what you watched but to me this was a joke and a insult to a hardworking man. The fact that he is half white does not matter society says if you have one once of black blood you are black. No one disputes the matter of who raised him. His grandparents were racist, (even Barrack admits this) but love turns a blind eye when it hits home. His dad is another issue. No one knows what happened except the people that were involved. I read an article that said his father had no choice but to leave. Who knows or even cares. The fact is to make such a comparison is and insult to a man who has work hard to stay away from stereotypes and live a good and decent life. You would not compare the Pope to Hannibal Lector would you? Come on people this is abut society still not giving respect when respect is due.

  21. They were not comparing President Obama with 50 Cent, they were comparing influence. NBC respects President Obama a great deal, as does most media and entertainment outlets. Some refer to NBC as the "National Barack Channel"

    If anything it was an attack or a dig on popular culture and society in general. I wonder if you would have been just as outraged if NBC was asking whether President Obama or Tom Cruise/Bruce Springsteen whatever. Insert a white guy in place of 50-cent and you wouldn't blink an eye. Since you can't see past the color of skin, you took offense because both happened to be black.

    Find something real to get all worked up about.

  22. Well having a child with a white grandparent, I don’t think it would matter who it was. If they were comparing him to Ozzy( (who is great), I would have said the same thing. My child had a diverse background. Her grandfather is white. My great, great grandmother was white and Indian. My point is give people respect and let them live on their own terms. All this comparing and judging is what got us in the mess that we are in now. My great-great grandmother always said its not where you come from it is what you do. So why keep holding people down by unnecessary tactics to discredit what this man has done. It is not about color it’s about the man. Moreover, yes I would have said the same thing if it were a white man or Chinese man. It does not matter who it is as long as they are on equal turf. You can’t compare an orange to a grape can you? Dealing with issues like this is real when you are living in society that not only judges people, and you have children that are watching our every move. I guess if people like Martain Luther King, President Kennedy would not have gotten all worked up then we would not have anything to talk about.

  23. I watched the same thing on NBC…and in no way was this offensive to anybody, President Obama, 50-Cent, Blacks, Whites, No – One.

    The piece was pointing out continueing slide in society and what seems to be so appealing to people.

    And by the way, President Obama is just as much white as he is black, his father ran out on his mom, and he was raised by his white grandparents. I for one don’t care about the color of his skin, and most in this country don’t.

    Unless there is something about 50 cent I am unaware of, no-one (even NBC) can compare the two.

    Look past the color of people’s skin already.

  24. I am not sure what you watched but to me this was a joke and a insult to a hardworking man. The fact that he is half white does not matter society says if you have one once of black blood you are black. No one disputes the matter of who raised him. His grandparents were racist, (even Barrack admits this) but love turns a blind eye when it hits home. His dad is another issue. No one knows what happened except the people that were involved. I read an article that said his father had no choice but to leave. Who knows or even cares. The fact is to make such a comparison is and insult to a man who has work hard to stay away from stereotypes and live a good and decent life. You would not compare the Pope to Hannibal Lector would you? Come on people this is abut society still not giving respect when respect is due.

  25. They were not comparing President Obama with 50 Cent, they were comparing influence. NBC respects President Obama a great deal, as does most media and entertainment outlets. Some refer to NBC as the “National Barack Channel”

    If anything it was an attack or a dig on popular culture and society in general. I wonder if you would have been just as outraged if NBC was asking whether President Obama or Tom Cruise/Bruce Springsteen whatever. Insert a white guy in place of 50-cent and you wouldn’t blink an eye. Since you can’t see past the color of skin, you took offense because both happened to be black.

    Find something real to get all worked up about.

  26. "Non-Issue", your comments are interesting. You say, "look past the color of people's skin already." Easy to say if you aren't subjected to double standards, prejudice and rejection because of your race. You say, "find something real to get worked up about." I have news, "Non-Issue". Racial prejudice in America is about as real as it gets. And if you don't believe me, google our President's name and n*gger. You get about 800,000 hits. If you are willing to self-reflect, you might consider that perhaps the racial injustice is there and you aren't willing or able to see it. Simply because something is beyond one's personal capacity, doesn't mean that it is a non-issue. It's real and maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it matters.

  27. Well having a child with a white grandparent, I don’t think it would matter who it was. If they were comparing him to Ozzy( (who is great), I would have said the same thing. My child had a diverse background. Her grandfather is white. My great, great grandmother was white and Indian. My point is give people respect and let them live on their own terms. All this comparing and judging is what got us in the mess that we are in now. My great-great grandmother always said its not where you come from it is what you do. So why keep holding people down by unnecessary tactics to discredit what this man has done. It is not about color it’s about the man. Moreover, yes I would have said the same thing if it were a white man or Chinese man. It does not matter who it is as long as they are on equal turf. You can’t compare an orange to a grape can you? Dealing with issues like this is real when you are living in society that not only judges people, and you have children that are watching our every move. I guess if people like Martain Luther King, President Kennedy would not have gotten all worked up then we would not have anything to talk about.

  28. “Non-Issue”, your comments are interesting. You say, “look past the color of people’s skin already.” Easy to say if you aren’t subjected to double standards, prejudice and rejection because of your race. You say, “find something real to get worked up about.” I have news, “Non-Issue”. Racial prejudice in America is about as real as it gets. And if you don’t believe me, google our President’s name and n*gger. You get about 800,000 hits. If you are willing to self-reflect, you might consider that perhaps the racial injustice is there and you aren’t willing or able to see it. Simply because something is beyond one’s personal capacity, doesn’t mean that it is a non-issue. It’s real and maybe it doesn’t matter to you, but it matters.

  29. Those wack-jobs that have those websites are an issue.

    The piece NBC ran wasn't.

    I am bi-racial…and unlike President Obama I embrace both my Mom's and my Dad's race. When I see something like NBC ran I am more concerned with how far we have to go BASED on people's reaction and how quick to jump up and down and cry foul.

    Race, religion, sex…most people really don't care. Those with the websites you described can miserably rot away in the hate and ignorance they have. They can't hurt me.

  30. This is just reality, race is an issue. If it were not than our president would not have to fight as hard as he did to win. The fact is that is all you seen on tv is his family background, his church, and his swagger. Why? They don’t say a bi-racial president; they say the first African -American president. Why? In addition, I don’t think he denies any of his heritage. He talked about his roots openly. I am quite sure everybody has a diverse background if they do the research. Race, religion, and sex matters in America whether you admit it or not. Look how many women were voting for Hillary just because she is a woman. That is why McCain picked Pallin. Come on the woman did not know rice from beans but she can be picked for VP?. On the other hand, there is the football player who is gay, but won’t admit it for fear of repercussions. Look at all the black woman and children in that go missing every year and you hear very little about it , but when white woman or child go missing you hear about it everyday all day for years. Why? Don’t get me wrong I am not saying one deserves more than the other I merely pointing out facts. Or if you loc your hair and drive a nice you must be a drug dealer. Why? I have White, Spanish, and Moroccans as friends, and we all are treated differently even when we are together. Why? Because most people have there hang ups about other races due media, and life experiences. You are right it should not make a difference at all. However, if you take a national survey and you will see that race, religion, and sex matters. If people are honest with themselves, it matters. It matters here in America and in other countries as well. I wish it did not but it does. I teach my children to love themselves and others, But when my child comes home crying because they call her a wanna be white girl because she has really lite eyes, Its time to teach her reality.

  31. "Non-Issue", what you write is interesting. You separate out the websites that espouse racial hatred and the Obama/50 Cent segment. Clearly, they aren't the same thing, but it makes me wonder if you see instances of underlying racial discrimination, where it is subtext. Does it have to be clear cut for it to count? What do you think about what Shareen just wrote in terms of people experiencing different treatment based on race?

  32. Those wack-jobs that have those websites are an issue.

    The piece NBC ran wasn’t.

    I am bi-racial…and unlike President Obama I embrace both my Mom’s and my Dad’s race. When I see something like NBC ran I am more concerned with how far we have to go BASED on people’s reaction and how quick to jump up and down and cry foul.

    Race, religion, sex…most people really don’t care. Those with the websites you described can miserably rot away in the hate and ignorance they have. They can’t hurt me.

  33. This is just reality, race is an issue. If it were not than our president would not have to fight as hard as he did to win. The fact is that is all you seen on tv is his family background, his church, and his swagger. Why? They don’t say a bi-racial president; they say the first African -American president. Why? In addition, I don’t think he denies any of his heritage. He talked about his roots openly. I am quite sure everybody has a diverse background if they do the research. Race, religion, and sex matters in America whether you admit it or not. Look how many women were voting for Hillary just because she is a woman. That is why McCain picked Pallin. Come on the woman did not know rice from beans but she can be picked for VP?. On the other hand, there is the football player who is gay, but won’t admit it for fear of repercussions. Look at all the black woman and children in that go missing every year and you hear very little about it , but when white woman or child go missing you hear about it everyday all day for years. Why? Don’t get me wrong I am not saying one deserves more than the other I merely pointing out facts. Or if you loc your hair and drive a nice you must be a drug dealer. Why? I have White, Spanish, and Moroccans as friends, and we all are treated differently even when we are together. Why? Because most people have there hang ups about other races due media, and life experiences. You are right it should not make a difference at all. However, if you take a national survey and you will see that race, religion, and sex matters. If people are honest with themselves, it matters. It matters here in America and in other countries as well. I wish it did not but it does. I teach my children to love themselves and others, But when my child comes home crying because they call her a wanna be white girl because she has really lite eyes, Its time to teach her reality.

  34. “Non-Issue”, what you write is interesting. You separate out the websites that espouse racial hatred and the Obama/50 Cent segment. Clearly, they aren’t the same thing, but it makes me wonder if you see instances of underlying racial discrimination, where it is subtext. Does it have to be clear cut for it to count? What do you think about what Shareen just wrote in terms of people experiencing different treatment based on race?

  35. If you two and others found the piece racially offensive somehow…I would suggest taking a deep hard look at yourself. Are you searching for something to be angry about? If NBC was offensive to you I truelly am sorry for the tone of my previous post. I would however express more my concern over the reaction, versus the reality of the message and intent of the story NBC ran.
    There are things in the world to get upset over…and if comparing President Obama's and 50-Cent's influence on mainstream America screams "racism" then "racism" has lost all it's meaning. FOR THE MOST PART "White America" has come a lot further (of course they started with much more room to grow) then "Black America". It is time to catch back up.
    If you continue to be "victimized" by something so trivial as a news outlet comparing President Obama's INFLUENCE with 50 Cent's INFLUENCE, then you will always be a victim.
    Just think about it, if we disagree, we disagree.

  36. "Non-Issue", I'm enjoying reading about your perspective. To answer your question, I don't think the Today Show piece SCREAMED overt racism. It would be a lot easier to deal with racism if it were always obvious. Most people watching a lot of discriminatory depictions on tv are hard-pressed to identify the harmful racial undertones. As a general population, we aren't well-practiced at developing a critical analysis of race. That's why it is so important to identify instance of bias so that we will be conscious of them and eliminate them. An important part in acheiving racial equality is pointing out the subtle ways in which we treat people differently and demean them because of their race. Btw, you address "you two" in your post. I assume you mean Shareen and me, but if you read up in the comments, you'll see that other people also found the segment offensive, not to speak of all those who don't post on the blog.

  37. I don’t believe that your were offensive, you were just saying what you believe. You have the constitutional right to say what you want. ( Freedom Of Speech) In addition, if that they way you feel you, need no one to validate you. I agree with you. For me it not all about race, it’s about the person. I feel that in this day in age people worked so hard to get past color and prejudice that for a network to compare apples to oranges is unnecessary. I believe for once in America we have a president who is for all and can make a change. I feel that it is disrespectful and distasteful. This should be a turning stone not a laughing matter. I would feel the same if it were Elvis and JFK. There are not similarities except for there skin color, and the ability to fill a stadium. Moreover, for most people (except 50 cent) probably were wondering where are they going with this? Moreover, as for White America they have come along way. And so has very other American. Nevertheless, no matter what we say you will always have racism and prejudice in the world. No, you don’t have to let it consume you but you had better be aware of it. I see it everyday when a woman run companies or when an American tells someone to speak English you are in America. No, I do not condone it but doesn’t change the fact that it exist. In addition, as for me being a victim, I think not. I am a realist also using my constitutional rights.

  38. Yes, "you two" were the ones who chose to engage my post and I was responding…and I did add "others" if anyone else is still reading this post.

    I'm enjoying the discussion as well.

    Consider this: 43% of registered "white" voters crossed "racial" lines and voted for President Obama. 2% of registered "black" voters crossed "racial" lines and voted for Senator McCain.

    If racial bias exhists in this country…guess where the overwhelming majority of it comes from?

  39. Shareen-

    President Obama worked hard, just as other Presidential Candidates did (McCain, Huckabee, Clinton, Biden…etc…). I don't think he had to work harder due to the color of his skin. Based on the figures (one could argue) this worked in his favor.

    Governor Palin on the other hand…(one could argue) was dealt a pretty crappy hand and was scrutinized in the media. Was this sexism perhaps? As the elected Governor of the state of Alaska can she distinguish "rice from beans". I'm not saying it was or it wasn't…I am just saying becareful…"He who is without sin may cast the first stone."

  40. You are right she had to know something to become governor, but she certainly did not qualify to run for VP. She was clearly used in an attempt to when the woman voters that Hillary had. I not judging her on a personal level but every interview she just rambled on and went around the questions. I looked in to some of the Things she has accomplished in Alaska and she has a good record of accomplishment. However, the comments on she knows Russia because they user her air space was a little far fetched. In addition, she could not even comment on pass legislative laws. Therefore, when I say rice from beans I mean just because you are elected governor don't mean you can run the Country. You are right she did get the bad end of the deal. I don’t think it was sexism by the media but I do believe that it was by McCain. Moreover, to you her handicapped son as a pawn was dreadful. I have a son with autism but it’s not the end of the world. And I don’t ask for special treatment either. I think if she had been more experienced and prepared then maybe she would have had a fighting chance. Well at least she did get a new wardrobe out the deal so I guess it was not all bad

  41. LOL…

    The "wardrobe issue"…

    Not that it matters, but you are aware that stuff was either returned or donated to charity?

    Anyway…Good Luck. Thanks for the discussion.

  42. There is a lot in the previous posts that I'd like to respond to, but first I wanted to reply to something that caught my attention re the post commenting that "43% of registered “white” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for President Obama. 2% of registered “black” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for Senator McCain. If racial bias exhists in this country…guess where the overwhelming majority of it comes from?"

    This comment assumes either that Obama and McCain were identical candidates, the only difference being their race or that voters only take race into account when voting. "Non-Issue", I thought you were arguing that most people in the country don't care about race?

  43. If you two and others found the piece racially offensive somehow…I would suggest taking a deep hard look at yourself. Are you searching for something to be angry about? If NBC was offensive to you I truelly am sorry for the tone of my previous post. I would however express more my concern over the reaction, versus the reality of the message and intent of the story NBC ran.
    There are things in the world to get upset over…and if comparing President Obama’s and 50-Cent’s influence on mainstream America screams “racism” then “racism” has lost all it’s meaning. FOR THE MOST PART “White America” has come a lot further (of course they started with much more room to grow) then “Black America”. It is time to catch back up.
    If you continue to be “victimized” by something so trivial as a news outlet comparing President Obama’s INFLUENCE with 50 Cent’s INFLUENCE, then you will always be a victim.
    Just think about it, if we disagree, we disagree.

  44. “Non-Issue”, I’m enjoying reading about your perspective. To answer your question, I don’t think the Today Show piece SCREAMED overt racism. It would be a lot easier to deal with racism if it were always obvious. Most people watching a lot of discriminatory depictions on tv are hard-pressed to identify the harmful racial undertones. As a general population, we aren’t well-practiced at developing a critical analysis of race. That’s why it is so important to identify instance of bias so that we will be conscious of them and eliminate them. An important part in acheiving racial equality is pointing out the subtle ways in which we treat people differently and demean them because of their race. Btw, you address “you two” in your post. I assume you mean Shareen and me, but if you read up in the comments, you’ll see that other people also found the segment offensive, not to speak of all those who don’t post on the blog.

  45. I don’t believe that your were offensive, you were just saying what you believe. You have the constitutional right to say what you want. ( Freedom Of Speech) In addition, if that they way you feel you, need no one to validate you. I agree with you. For me it not all about race, it’s about the person. I feel that in this day in age people worked so hard to get past color and prejudice that for a network to compare apples to oranges is unnecessary. I believe for once in America we have a president who is for all and can make a change. I feel that it is disrespectful and distasteful. This should be a turning stone not a laughing matter. I would feel the same if it were Elvis and JFK. There are not similarities except for there skin color, and the ability to fill a stadium. Moreover, for most people (except 50 cent) probably were wondering where are they going with this? Moreover, as for White America they have come along way. And so has very other American. Nevertheless, no matter what we say you will always have racism and prejudice in the world. No, you don’t have to let it consume you but you had better be aware of it. I see it everyday when a woman run companies or when an American tells someone to speak English you are in America. No, I do not condone it but doesn’t change the fact that it exist. In addition, as for me being a victim, I think not. I am a realist also using my constitutional rights.

  46. Yes, “you two” were the ones who chose to engage my post and I was responding…and I did add “others” if anyone else is still reading this post.

    I’m enjoying the discussion as well.

    Consider this: 43% of registered “white” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for President Obama. 2% of registered “black” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for Senator McCain.

    If racial bias exhists in this country…guess where the overwhelming majority of it comes from?

  47. I have a bit more time now, so I wanted to address some of the other points raised. I for one will say, quite confidently, that President Obama had to work harder than other white candidates for legitimacy because he doesn't get the well-established benefit of white privilege. If there were no racial bias in this country, then please explain to me why our representatives, across the board, are overwhelmingly white.

    "Non-Issue", I am surprised to see that you are prepared to argue that Obama had it easier b/c of his race and Palin was given a raw deal b/c of her sex. I can't even write that w/o laughing! Palin is going to help you win this argument? Really? You don't think her own performance, knowledge (or lack of) had anything to do with the fact that people think she is dumb? That's not sexism, that's simply comprehension. Palin wrote her own ticket. If anything, the media was gracious in not calling her an idiot. Now she truly defines white privilege. If her skin were brown or black, there is no way that someone of her lack of qualifications, mediocre intelligence and disastrous performance could have been nominated to become VP and be taken seriously by anyone smarter than Joe the plumber.

    And for the record, the Palin camp had no intention of giving away the small fortune she amassed with her Imelda-Marcos-would-be-jealous-wardrobe until they were publicly embarrassed by her ridiculous extravagance. $150,000 buys a lot of food, if she were really interested in donating RNC money to charity! (Besides, the mark-up at Neiman's tends to be a little high….)

  48. Shareen-

    President Obama worked hard, just as other Presidential Candidates did (McCain, Huckabee, Clinton, Biden…etc…). I don’t think he had to work harder due to the color of his skin. Based on the figures (one could argue) this worked in his favor.

    Governor Palin on the other hand…(one could argue) was dealt a pretty crappy hand and was scrutinized in the media. Was this sexism perhaps? As the elected Governor of the state of Alaska can she distinguish “rice from beans”. I’m not saying it was or it wasn’t…I am just saying becareful…”He who is without sin may cast the first stone.”

  49. You are right she had to know something to become governor, but she certainly did not qualify to run for VP. She was clearly used in an attempt to when the woman voters that Hillary had. I not judging her on a personal level but every interview she just rambled on and went around the questions. I looked in to some of the Things she has accomplished in Alaska and she has a good record of accomplishment. However, the comments on she knows Russia because they user her air space was a little far fetched. In addition, she could not even comment on pass legislative laws. Therefore, when I say rice from beans I mean just because you are elected governor don’t mean you can run the Country. You are right she did get the bad end of the deal. I don’t think it was sexism by the media but I do believe that it was by McCain. Moreover, to you her handicapped son as a pawn was dreadful. I have a son with autism but it’s not the end of the world. And I don’t ask for special treatment either. I think if she had been more experienced and prepared then maybe she would have had a fighting chance. Well at least she did get a new wardrobe out the deal so I guess it was not all bad

  50. LOL…

    The “wardrobe issue”…

    Not that it matters, but you are aware that stuff was either returned or donated to charity?

    Anyway…Good Luck. Thanks for the discussion.

  51. There is a lot in the previous posts that I’d like to respond to, but first I wanted to reply to something that caught my attention re the post commenting that “43% of registered “white” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for President Obama. 2% of registered “black” voters crossed “racial” lines and voted for Senator McCain. If racial bias exhists in this country…guess where the overwhelming majority of it comes from?”

    This comment assumes either that Obama and McCain were identical candidates, the only difference being their race or that voters only take race into account when voting. “Non-Issue”, I thought you were arguing that most people in the country don’t care about race?

  52. I have a bit more time now, so I wanted to address some of the other points raised. I for one will say, quite confidently, that President Obama had to work harder than other white candidates for legitimacy because he doesn’t get the well-established benefit of white privilege. If there were no racial bias in this country, then please explain to me why our representatives, across the board, are overwhelmingly white.

    “Non-Issue”, I am surprised to see that you are prepared to argue that Obama had it easier b/c of his race and Palin was given a raw deal b/c of her sex. I can’t even write that w/o laughing! Palin is going to help you win this argument? Really? You don’t think her own performance, knowledge (or lack of) had anything to do with the fact that people think she is dumb? That’s not sexism, that’s simply comprehension. Palin wrote her own ticket. If anything, the media was gracious in not calling her an idiot. Now she truly defines white privilege. If her skin were brown or black, there is no way that someone of her lack of qualifications, mediocre intelligence and disastrous performance could have been nominated to become VP and be taken seriously by anyone smarter than Joe the plumber.

    And for the record, the Palin camp had no intention of giving away the small fortune she amassed with her Imelda-Marcos-would-be-jealous-wardrobe until they were publicly embarrassed by her ridiculous extravagance. $150,000 buys a lot of food, if she were really interested in donating RNC money to charity! (Besides, the mark-up at Neiman’s tends to be a little high….)

  53. I'm glad I checked back.

    I am not the enemy and I am not anti-Obama. I simply pointed out statistics that support my argument vs. yours. And you are right…there is no comparison in the two candidates…just compare Senator McCain's experience, years of service serving his country both in the Military and as U.S. Senator, to that of President Obama's. That all said, the election is long over, and I'm sure things will be fine for all of us.

    I am not the enemy and I am not pro-Palin. If you want to talk about Palin's warddrobe, perhaps you should dedicate another blog about that. That money came from campaign donors, so unless you contributed to the McCain/Palin campaign…I don't think it should matter to you. The $3 million dollars worth of campaign funds used for the President-Elect Obama party in Chicago could have fed a lot more people then the $150k warddrobe.

    "What Obama's Presidency Doesn't Say About Race?"

    This whole back-and-forth started because you were upset NBC ran a "not-so" Interest piece on comparing President Obama's and 50-Cent's influence on mainstream society. Wow – and what has been exposed? Take a hard, honest look at your own bias? I never attacked Obama, but you chose to rip into Palin. YOUR words "she truly defines white privilege". You have a long way to go.

    And by the way…I repeatedly stated "one-could argue"…meaning perhaps I was or wasn't playing the devil's advocate all along. Who knows?

    God Bless,

  54. Hi "Non-Issue". I don't consider you "the enemy". After so much discussion, I feel like you are a virtual friend. That you have a different opinion doesn't bother me at all. Life gets boring if you are only interested in engaging with people who agree with you. I've very much enjoyed hearing from you. In my last post, I was responding to points that you brought up in your posts. I don't think the statistic that you used supports the point that you were trying to make and I wanted to explain why. Regarding Palin, you brought up that you thought that she was given a raw deal and indicated that sexism might be an issue. I wanted to explain that I didn't think this was the case. It's well documented that many people have similar opinions about Palin. There are a couple of excellent articles laying out how Palin is the beneficiary of white privilege. (Am I correct in suspecting that this concept offends you?) If you are interested, I'd be happy to post a link for you and would be interested in what you think.

  55. The concept does not offend me. It doesn't effect me and even if it had, I have thick skin.

    I'm more interested in hearing 50-Cents thoughts on the NBC piece, then I am articles suggesting Governor Sarah Palin is the beneficiary of "white privilege". I would give it as much weight as the hate websites discussed earlier.

    Thanks, but no thanks.

    Thanks for acknowledging my posts and the stimulating discussion. I hope you'll be happy with the Country's actions, attitudes and thoughts regarding race someday. I have been my entire life.

    God Bless,

  56. I think we are in agreement, "Non-Issue"! I too, am looking forward to a day where I will be satisfied with where we are, as a country, concerning racial equality. We may not agree, but I genuinely appreciate the outlook that underlies your point of view. Thanks for the perspective and passion that you brought to a stimulating discussion.

  57. I’m glad I checked back.

    I am not the enemy and I am not anti-Obama. I simply pointed out statistics that support my argument vs. yours. And you are right…there is no comparison in the two candidates…just compare Senator McCain’s experience, years of service serving his country both in the Military and as U.S. Senator, to that of President Obama’s. That all said, the election is long over, and I’m sure things will be fine for all of us.

    I am not the enemy and I am not pro-Palin. If you want to talk about Palin’s warddrobe, perhaps you should dedicate another blog about that. That money came from campaign donors, so unless you contributed to the McCain/Palin campaign…I don’t think it should matter to you. The $3 million dollars worth of campaign funds used for the President-Elect Obama party in Chicago could have fed a lot more people then the $150k warddrobe.

    “What Obama’s Presidency Doesn’t Say About Race?”

    This whole back-and-forth started because you were upset NBC ran a “not-so” Interest piece on comparing President Obama’s and 50-Cent’s influence on mainstream society. Wow – and what has been exposed? Take a hard, honest look at your own bias? I never attacked Obama, but you chose to rip into Palin. YOUR words “she truly defines white privilege”. You have a long way to go.

    And by the way…I repeatedly stated “one-could argue”…meaning perhaps I was or wasn’t playing the devil’s advocate all along. Who knows?

    God Bless,

  58. I agree with you both. Here is a peom I wrote a while back.

    What a day that will be
    When we all stand up,
    We stand together,
    Arm in Arm
    Hand in Hand
    Eye to Eye
    Foot to Foot
    In this great nation
    Built on the backs of all our forefathers
    Black, Indian, white and all in between
    Where we all are united
    Not separated my anything
    Gender, Sexuality, Class or Race
    We all love each and shall embrace
    Our differences and our cultures
    United we shall stand be cause we all are
    Americans

    This has been a great dicussion. I really enjoy it. I see no one as the enemy, just because you have diffrent views from myself. I rather enjoyed talking to you and Dalia. However, I would like to know what 50 cent thinks.

  59. Hi “Non-Issue”. I don’t consider you “the enemy”. After so much discussion, I feel like you are a virtual friend. That you have a different opinion doesn’t bother me at all. Life gets boring if you are only interested in engaging with people who agree with you. I’ve very much enjoyed hearing from you. In my last post, I was responding to points that you brought up in your posts. I don’t think the statistic that you used supports the point that you were trying to make and I wanted to explain why. Regarding Palin, you brought up that you thought that she was given a raw deal and indicated that sexism might be an issue. I wanted to explain that I didn’t think this was the case. It’s well documented that many people have similar opinions about Palin. There are a couple of excellent articles laying out how Palin is the beneficiary of white privilege. (Am I correct in suspecting that this concept offends you?) If you are interested, I’d be happy to post a link for you and would be interested in what you think.

  60. The concept does not offend me. It doesn’t effect me and even if it had, I have thick skin.

    I’m more interested in hearing 50-Cents thoughts on the NBC piece, then I am articles suggesting Governor Sarah Palin is the beneficiary of “white privilege”. I would give it as much weight as the hate websites discussed earlier.

    Thanks, but no thanks.

    Thanks for acknowledging my posts and the stimulating discussion. I hope you’ll be happy with the Country’s actions, attitudes and thoughts regarding race someday. I have been my entire life.

    God Bless,

  61. I think we are in agreement, “Non-Issue”! I too, am looking forward to a day where I will be satisfied with where we are, as a country, concerning racial equality. We may not agree, but I genuinely appreciate the outlook that underlies your point of view. Thanks for the perspective and passion that you brought to a stimulating discussion.

  62. Shareen, your poem is beautiful. I got teary-eyed reading it. Thanks so much for sharing this and for your great contribution to what has been a really interesting discussion. I've really enjoyed your posts. You consistently show how the political is really personal.

  63. I agree with you both. Here is a peom I wrote a while back.

    What a day that will be
    When we all stand up,
    We stand together,
    Arm in Arm
    Hand in Hand
    Eye to Eye
    Foot to Foot
    In this great nation
    Built on the backs of all our forefathers
    Black, Indian, white and all in between
    Where we all are united
    Not separated my anything
    Gender, Sexuality, Class or Race
    We all love each and shall embrace
    Our differences and our cultures
    United we shall stand be cause we all are
    Americans

    This has been a great dicussion. I really enjoy it. I see no one as the enemy, just because you have diffrent views from myself. I rather enjoyed talking to you and Dalia. However, I would like to know what 50 cent thinks.

  64. Shareen, your poem is beautiful. I got teary-eyed reading it. Thanks so much for sharing this and for your great contribution to what has been a really interesting discussion. I’ve really enjoyed your posts. You consistently show how the political is really personal.

  65. I think you all missed their point completely. They were not comparing 50 cent with Obama directly.. They were comparing the amount of influence each of them have within the population.

  66. I think you all missed their point completely. They were not comparing 50 cent with Obama directly.. They were comparing the amount of influence each of them have within the population.

  67. Non-issue, I did not see the piece that started all this" talking" but I think I too would have been offended. Yes America has come along way but racism is real and people who care about ending it need to be diligent. This does not mean seeing things only based on color but it does mean (to me) seeing things as they are. In response to Shareen and Dalia being victimized by the media and racism…..they are commenting on something they saw. This keeps them free and intelligent. The media is suppose to be a reflection of us. Is this issue more offensive after today's cartoon in the NY Post? Is it real enough for you now? Is it real enough after constantly seeing suspected criminals listed as Hispanic? ( Did the victim speak to the perpetrator about their place of birth?) I am not even going to touch your Palin comments. Get more facts please.

  68. Non-issue, I did not see the piece that started all this” talking” but I think I too would have been offended. Yes America has come along way but racism is real and people who care about ending it need to be diligent. This does not mean seeing things only based on color but it does mean (to me) seeing things as they are. In response to Shareen and Dalia being victimized by the media and racism…..they are commenting on something they saw. This keeps them free and intelligent. The media is suppose to be a reflection of us. Is this issue more offensive after today’s cartoon in the NY Post? Is it real enough for you now? Is it real enough after constantly seeing suspected criminals listed as Hispanic? ( Did the victim speak to the perpetrator about their place of birth?) I am not even going to touch your Palin comments. Get more facts please.

  69. "Get more facts please" ahhh….bordering on the good old "ad homen" attack. Instead of engaging in debate, simply dismissing me and suggesting I simply don't know facts.

    The media is supposed to be a "reflection" of the news…not a "reflection" of us. Please note for the record (since I probably didn't make it clear above) I share some critisism of the NBC piece because I found it a waste of 10 minutes of my life spent watching it. I don't share anyone's critisism that it was racist…or even close to anything racial/offensive. Clearly it struck a nerve somehow with both Dalia and Shareen.

    Since you entered the mix…perhaps you can explain to me how comparing 50-cent's influence on mainstream America to President Obama's influence on mainstream America is racist or in anyway an attack on President Obama or 50-Cent? That is what triggered the back and forth between Shareen and Dalia. All the other stuff brought up was sidenotes and non-sense…Governor Sarah Palin's wardrobe and her rising to Governor because she is a product of white privilege. None of it was related to the "NON-ISSUE" piece NBC ran.

    As far as the NY Post and your vague non-specific comments regarding Hispanics that are suspected criminals…I have no comment, but I will turn on MSN to "GET MORE FACTS" and see what you might be referring to.

    My wife is Hispanic (WE ARE EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD BY THE WAY – 5 MORE MONTHS!!!) and I am bi-racial. I'm not sure what we'll put on our babies birth certificate 😉 but it truly doesn't matter.

    My point I attempted to make is "minorities" that find the NBC piece (and similar things) offensive have a long way to go in order for race to continue to become less and less an issue.

    Thank you,

    Regardless of your race, sex, background, sexual orientation, etc… I hope that you will have a blessed day.

  70. First, let say congratulations.  I am glad you are having your first child that’s truly a blessing. I hope you and your wife have a healthy baby. And have pleny more.

    Yesterday I had to explain to my 14 year old and six year old why someone would disrespect our president in such a manner. I found that the picture in the NY post was despicable. This is reality, racism still exists, and we have to face it. Just like the man who apologized to a black man, he had beaten over two decades ago. When you can be the president of the US and still be pictured as a monkey. We still have a lot of work to do. In addition, the editors had the nerve to say this had nothing to do with race but about the pet monkey that police had shot the day before. Lets take that to the Supreme Court of Comedy! For the life of me, I can’t figure out the connection between a monkey attacking an owner and the Presidents stimulus bill.

    When Martin Luther king had a dream, he was not only talking about looking past the color of skin but also Economic and Social equality. Therefore, I believe Obama is part of the dream but we have along way to go.

    Virgina,

    Thank you for understanding that you can only say and do what you truly feel. Every one see things differently, so no one can ever be a hundred percent right. My grandma used t say if it walks like a duck, talk like a duck than it’s a duck. However, as I grew older and I found out all duck are not ducks. What I mean you can’t stereotype. And you are right we you exprees youself through words and teach your children the same you do free yourself.

    I will share a quote with you that I think is fitting.

    Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) U.S. poet

    Non Issue

    Question?

    As for the birth certificate, that’s up to you. However, you are bi-racial what’s on yours? White or Black? Most mixed children (black and white) have balck on thier certifacte regardless of which parent is black. I wonder why this still exist in 2009?

  71. “Get more facts please” ahhh….bordering on the good old “ad homen” attack. Instead of engaging in debate, simply dismissing me and suggesting I simply don’t know facts.

    The media is supposed to be a “reflection” of the news…not a “reflection” of us. Please note for the record (since I probably didn’t make it clear above) I share some critisism of the NBC piece because I found it a waste of 10 minutes of my life spent watching it. I don’t share anyone’s critisism that it was racist…or even close to anything racial/offensive. Clearly it struck a nerve somehow with both Dalia and Shareen.

    Since you entered the mix…perhaps you can explain to me how comparing 50-cent’s influence on mainstream America to President Obama’s influence on mainstream America is racist or in anyway an attack on President Obama or 50-Cent? That is what triggered the back and forth between Shareen and Dalia. All the other stuff brought up was sidenotes and non-sense…Governor Sarah Palin’s wardrobe and her rising to Governor because she is a product of white privilege. None of it was related to the “NON-ISSUE” piece NBC ran.

    As far as the NY Post and your vague non-specific comments regarding Hispanics that are suspected criminals…I have no comment, but I will turn on MSN to “GET MORE FACTS” and see what you might be referring to.

    My wife is Hispanic (WE ARE EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD BY THE WAY – 5 MORE MONTHS!!!) and I am bi-racial. I’m not sure what we’ll put on our babies birth certificate 😉 but it truly doesn’t matter.

    My point I attempted to make is “minorities” that find the NBC piece (and similar things) offensive have a long way to go in order for race to continue to become less and less an issue.

    Thank you,

    Regardless of your race, sex, background, sexual orientation, etc… I hope that you will have a blessed day.

  72. Thank you! We're more excited everyday.

    I'll have to ask my Mom or search for it…cause I honestly don't know what my BC says. I usually leave it blank or "other" for medical forms or any other time I'm asked for whatever reason…

    I finally saw the cartoon. It is in poor taste and just stupid. However, I am afraid I once again disagree with you just a bit….unless you are convinced the artist's chimp represents President Obama I don't see this being racism. HOWEVER, the editors and those incharge of the paper surely should have known better and reconsidered publishing the cartoon as this has clearly gained negative attention…and they should have seen it coming. S-T-U-P-I-D yes…R-A-C-I-S-T mmm???

    Until people know the artist…no one should rush to judgement.

    The artist is clearly disappointed in the politics of the Stimulus Bill and made a VERY WEAK comparison of it to the crazed chimpanzee. I honestly don't believe the artist is comparing President Obama to the chimp. President Obama didn't even write the stimulus…and zero likeness to the chimp. Maybe Nancy Pelosi is the Chimp? STILL had it been my decision, I wouldn't have published the cartoon. I read that Rev Al Sharpton is on the case. I'm sure he won't rest now until the artist is fired and the paper is fined millions or shutdown. OR maybe the artist is just as innocent as the Lacrosse team accused of rape? The Reverand jumped to conclusions in front of the cameras before (just as many of us did), maybe he (we) are doing it again? JUST SAYING….

    Unfortunate circumstances all around.

  73. Non Issue

    I believe our children are the best things in this world. Being a parent is truly a blessing and a serious commitment. It allows you to love unconditionally.

    I can honestly say that I an shocked you did not see that as straight out racism, but we all se things differently. But you are correct that does so bad taste on the publishers behalf. Moreover, as for Rev AL I love him to death but sometimes he can go over board. Nevertheless, it takes people like him to bring light on things that are still horribly wrong in America. I think the Lacrosse players may not have been guilty of rape but hey should have used better judgment. However, the same can be said for the female victim. People have to start thinking before they act. I tell my teenager please think about what you do or say because there is a consequence for it. But she usually just do whatever and then when the consequences of her actions arise that’s when she wants to think. The old shoulda, coulda, woulda thing. I don't support people being fired or shutting a company down. In that case, they would have shut a whole lot of companies down and fired many people because just about everyone is guilty of a stereotype, or have said something they should not have. I feel if you act in violence or any physical fashion then you need to be punished. However, a public apology admitting it was done in bad taste would be nice. Besides, I rather see a story on how Michael Phelps did not got charged with smoking pot after he apologized for his "bad judgment,” But despite the video tape and a public apology. According to the place, but there is no proof that he smoked the drug. LOL

  74. First, let say congratulations.  I am glad you are having your first child that’s truly a blessing. I hope you and your wife have a healthy baby. And have pleny more.

    Yesterday I had to explain to my 14 year old and six year old why someone would disrespect our president in such a manner. I found that the picture in the NY post was despicable. This is reality, racism still exists, and we have to face it. Just like the man who apologized to a black man, he had beaten over two decades ago. When you can be the president of the US and still be pictured as a monkey. We still have a lot of work to do. In addition, the editors had the nerve to say this had nothing to do with race but about the pet monkey that police had shot the day before. Lets take that to the Supreme Court of Comedy! For the life of me, I can’t figure out the connection between a monkey attacking an owner and the Presidents stimulus bill.

    When Martin Luther king had a dream, he was not only talking about looking past the color of skin but also Economic and Social equality. Therefore, I believe Obama is part of the dream but we have along way to go.

    Virgina,

    Thank you for understanding that you can only say and do what you truly feel. Every one see things differently, so no one can ever be a hundred percent right. My grandma used t say if it walks like a duck, talk like a duck than it’s a duck. However, as I grew older and I found out all duck are not ducks. What I mean you can’t stereotype. And you are right we you exprees youself through words and teach your children the same you do free yourself.

    I will share a quote with you that I think is fitting.

    Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) U.S. poet

    Non Issue

    Question?

    As for the birth certificate, that’s up to you. However, you are bi-racial what’s on yours? White or Black? Most mixed children (black and white) have balck on thier certifacte regardless of which parent is black. I wonder why this still exist in 2009?

  75. Thank you! We’re more excited everyday.

    I’ll have to ask my Mom or search for it…cause I honestly don’t know what my BC says. I usually leave it blank or “other” for medical forms or any other time I’m asked for whatever reason…

    I finally saw the cartoon. It is in poor taste and just stupid. However, I am afraid I once again disagree with you just a bit….unless you are convinced the artist’s chimp represents President Obama I don’t see this being racism. HOWEVER, the editors and those incharge of the paper surely should have known better and reconsidered publishing the cartoon as this has clearly gained negative attention…and they should have seen it coming. S-T-U-P-I-D yes…R-A-C-I-S-T mmm???

    Until people know the artist…no one should rush to judgement.

    The artist is clearly disappointed in the politics of the Stimulus Bill and made a VERY WEAK comparison of it to the crazed chimpanzee. I honestly don’t believe the artist is comparing President Obama to the chimp. President Obama didn’t even write the stimulus…and zero likeness to the chimp. Maybe Nancy Pelosi is the Chimp? STILL had it been my decision, I wouldn’t have published the cartoon. I read that Rev Al Sharpton is on the case. I’m sure he won’t rest now until the artist is fired and the paper is fined millions or shutdown. OR maybe the artist is just as innocent as the Lacrosse team accused of rape? The Reverand jumped to conclusions in front of the cameras before (just as many of us did), maybe he (we) are doing it again? JUST SAYING….

    Unfortunate circumstances all around.

  76. Non Issue

    I believe our children are the best things in this world. Being a parent is truly a blessing and a serious commitment. It allows you to love unconditionally.

    I can honestly say that I an shocked you did not see that as straight out racism, but we all se things differently. But you are correct that does so bad taste on the publishers behalf. Moreover, as for Rev AL I love him to death but sometimes he can go over board. Nevertheless, it takes people like him to bring light on things that are still horribly wrong in America. I think the Lacrosse players may not have been guilty of rape but hey should have used better judgment. However, the same can be said for the female victim. People have to start thinking before they act. I tell my teenager please think about what you do or say because there is a consequence for it. But she usually just do whatever and then when the consequences of her actions arise that’s when she wants to think. The old shoulda, coulda, woulda thing. I don’t support people being fired or shutting a company down. In that case, they would have shut a whole lot of companies down and fired many people because just about everyone is guilty of a stereotype, or have said something they should not have. I feel if you act in violence or any physical fashion then you need to be punished. However, a public apology admitting it was done in bad taste would be nice. Besides, I rather see a story on how Michael Phelps did not got charged with smoking pot after he apologized for his “bad judgment,” But despite the video tape and a public apology. According to the place, but there is no proof that he smoked the drug. LOL

  77. I see how it can be perceived by many, and like I said I certainly wouldn't have posted the cartoon for that very reason. Though not intentional and not the message the artist was aiming for, it does surprise me no one at the paper had the foresight to predict the outrage and should have made the safe decision not to publish it.

    Poor judgement and stupid…they should have known better…

    If you feel like it take a look at NY Post website and cartoons. This artist has been with NY Post since late 90s and they have archived his previous cartoons. If you look at his work you'll see he is certainly a conservative – political cartoonist and the context of his work is consistent with previous themes.

    He has depicted both Pres Obama and former Pres Bush and tons of other political figures in not-so-flattering cartoons…but none of them hint at racism. Pay particular attention to the cartoons at the heat of the Presidential Election. This artist is not a racist.

    Any thoughts on Attorney General Holder referring to the U.S.A. as a "Nation of Cowards"?

    Peace,

    Non-Issue aka "James"

  78. I agree on some points that he made. For example, when he stated that we learned not to talk about such matters as race. That is true we as Americans cannot afford to not talk about race. Especially when their are so many bi racial Americans. Its not fare that they have to chose or deny one race or another. Nevertheless, the social and economic equality is just not there for all. However I believe that we have made great strides because if we haven't he would not have been able to make that speech or be appointed to that position. However, I will watch him closely to see if the justice department makes strides in the right direction.

    As for the cartoonist, I did look at his work and you are correct, they are more political. And they are not flattering.

  79. I see how it can be perceived by many, and like I said I certainly wouldn’t have posted the cartoon for that very reason. Though not intentional and not the message the artist was aiming for, it does surprise me no one at the paper had the foresight to predict the outrage and should have made the safe decision not to publish it.

    Poor judgement and stupid…they should have known better…

    If you feel like it take a look at NY Post website and cartoons. This artist has been with NY Post since late 90s and they have archived his previous cartoons. If you look at his work you’ll see he is certainly a conservative – political cartoonist and the context of his work is consistent with previous themes.

    He has depicted both Pres Obama and former Pres Bush and tons of other political figures in not-so-flattering cartoons…but none of them hint at racism. Pay particular attention to the cartoons at the heat of the Presidential Election. This artist is not a racist.

    Any thoughts on Attorney General Holder referring to the U.S.A. as a “Nation of Cowards”?

    Peace,

    Non-Issue aka “James”

  80. I agree on some points that he made. For example, when he stated that we learned not to talk about such matters as race. That is true we as Americans cannot afford to not talk about race. Especially when their are so many bi racial Americans. Its not fare that they have to chose or deny one race or another. Nevertheless, the social and economic equality is just not there for all. However I believe that we have made great strides because if we haven’t he would not have been able to make that speech or be appointed to that position. However, I will watch him closely to see if the justice department makes strides in the right direction.

    As for the cartoonist, I did look at his work and you are correct, they are more political. And they are not flattering.

  81. I see where the NAACP is pressuring the paper to fire the cartoonist. AND I qoute: "Join me in demanding that the Editor-in-Chief and all those involved in the decision to print the image step down from their positions at the New York Post".

    Among other things…it is a sad day for race relations when a cartoon is misinterpreted and the result is mass hysteria. This artist, his editor, the paper and the owner of the paper are not racists.

    It is one thing to jump to conclusions and still another to flat out refuse to believe the truth when the paper attempted to clarify the cartoon's intent. It is events like this (and being called a nation of cowards) that suggest to me that perhaps there is a long way to go for race relations. It is time for the President of the NAACP, Al Sharpton, those "outraged" by this cartoon, the attorney general celebrating black history month…and like minded individuals to grow up and see things for the way they really are. There is room for improvement all around, but these like minded folks are PART OF THE PROBLEM and cause more damage. The Chimp WAS NOT a depiction of President Obama PERIOD. I'm so tired of people yelling fire in a crowded theatre in cases like this….where there is no fire. It is time for the country to grow up.

  82. Well Thats to be epected. There is still alot of hurt and anger out there. But John Legends words really expressed how people feel. This society has to take responsibilty for its actions. My mother always said think before you do. Because thare are always a reaction to your actions.

    Read Below:

    'm trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

    If that's not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can't imagine what possible justification you have for this. I've read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It's about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

    I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences.

  83. I see where the NAACP is pressuring the paper to fire the cartoonist. AND I qoute: “Join me in demanding that the Editor-in-Chief and all those involved in the decision to print the image step down from their positions at the New York Post”.

    Among other things…it is a sad day for race relations when a cartoon is misinterpreted and the result is mass hysteria. This artist, his editor, the paper and the owner of the paper are not racists.

    It is one thing to jump to conclusions and still another to flat out refuse to believe the truth when the paper attempted to clarify the cartoon’s intent. It is events like this (and being called a nation of cowards) that suggest to me that perhaps there is a long way to go for race relations. It is time for the President of the NAACP, Al Sharpton, those “outraged” by this cartoon, the attorney general celebrating black history month…and like minded individuals to grow up and see things for the way they really are. There is room for improvement all around, but these like minded folks are PART OF THE PROBLEM and cause more damage. The Chimp WAS NOT a depiction of President Obama PERIOD. I’m so tired of people yelling fire in a crowded theatre in cases like this….where there is no fire. It is time for the country to grow up.

  84. Well Thats to be epected. There is still alot of hurt and anger out there. But John Legends words really expressed how people feel. This society has to take responsibilty for its actions. My mother always said think before you do. Because thare are always a reaction to your actions.

    Read Below:

    ‘m trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

    If that’s not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can’t imagine what possible justification you have for this. I’ve read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It’s about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

    I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences.

  85. Nothing is gained in race relations or gained by either African Americans or White or Hispanic or anyone by forcing this paper to fire these people.

    This is an attempt at "payback" for the way the cartoon was perceived and does nothing to improve race relations. In addition, it's owned by Fox News, it has a conservative agenda, and is consistently critical of liberals and democrats agendas. If the paper is forced to fall to this pressure the only thing accomplished by the NAACP is forcing a wedge between race relations. How about some good old fashioned "sensitivity training"? Or how about you just don't buy the paper and encourage boycott. The paper appologized and explained all they have to concerning the intent.

    Back to the cartoon…

    You know, I noticed the police officers have big noses? It has often been a racial stereotype that Jewish people have big noses. I think the artist should be fired for offending the Jewish community.

    You know, I noticed the police officers are portrayed as bumbling idiots. This is a clear attack against and offensive to the fine men and women of the NYPD. I think the paper should issue an appology to the NYPD and the artist should be suspended without pay.

    You know, that poor chimpanzee in the cartoon! How insensitive. This is encouraging people to shoot animals. I think PETA should protest this depiction of the unethical treatment of this poor animal. The paper should pay a fine and be forced to donate a significant amount of money to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

    On and On we can go….where it stops no one knows.

  86. Nothing is gained in race relations or gained by either African Americans or White or Hispanic or anyone by forcing this paper to fire these people.

    This is an attempt at “payback” for the way the cartoon was perceived and does nothing to improve race relations. In addition, it’s owned by Fox News, it has a conservative agenda, and is consistently critical of liberals and democrats agendas. If the paper is forced to fall to this pressure the only thing accomplished by the NAACP is forcing a wedge between race relations. How about some good old fashioned “sensitivity training”? Or how about you just don’t buy the paper and encourage boycott. The paper appologized and explained all they have to concerning the intent.

    Back to the cartoon…

    You know, I noticed the police officers have big noses? It has often been a racial stereotype that Jewish people have big noses. I think the artist should be fired for offending the Jewish community.

    You know, I noticed the police officers are portrayed as bumbling idiots. This is a clear attack against and offensive to the fine men and women of the NYPD. I think the paper should issue an appology to the NYPD and the artist should be suspended without pay.

    You know, that poor chimpanzee in the cartoon! How insensitive. This is encouraging people to shoot animals. I think PETA should protest this depiction of the unethical treatment of this poor animal. The paper should pay a fine and be forced to donate a significant amount of money to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

    On and On we can go….where it stops no one knows.

Comments are closed.