Why is Obama Black?

[TheMercenary]

Not really better. Because it contributes to the notion of the "One Drop Rule". And I can't support that.

[DanaC]

I suspect it's a lot simpler than that. He has met the world, and the world met him as a 'black' man because that is what he looks like, if we accept the general usage of the word 'black' to describe people who appear to be of African descent.

There is also a wider sense in which anybody who is not white, is met by the world as black.

That's identity level stuff. I say let the man figure out his own identity. It's one of the things people from a multi racial background have to get to grips with in a way the rest of us simply do not.

[Lamplighter]

Yes, I'm still having trouble coming to grips with the Irish in me.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by DanaC

I say let the man figure out his own identity. It's one of the things people from a multi racial background have to get to grips with in a way the rest of us simply do not.

He does not have that choice anymore. He became President of the United States.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

Yes, I'm still having trouble coming to grips with the Irish in me.

That is why we call your people IA's and give you extra special treatment for the great care you got in the work houses of Boston.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

He does not have that choice anymore. He became President of the United States.

I know. Which ...as a black man was one hell of a forward step.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by DanaC

I know. Which ...as a black man was one hell of a forward step.

Which brings us full circle, is he black or half-black?

[DanaC]

And again: it isnt that simple. 'Black' isn't actually an accurate description for anybody. But as we know it is far more then a simple visual description.

According to my understanding of the term 'black' when applied to people, Obama looks like a black man to me. And that's the thing about looking black: the one thing it absolutely means is that you don't look white. he could stand there and say he is a white man: and nobody wuold see a white man. He can stand there and say he is a black man: and his appearance matches that. To say he is half-black carries with it the idea that he is half white: but it doesn't work like that. Never has.

[TheMercenary]

Fair enough. If he would make an attempt to say that he is half white I think it would go a long way in bringing much of our country together on the issue of race. The thing is he rarely says it.

[DanaC]

*nods* I can see how a more open recognition of that dual heritage might be a good thing.

[monster]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

Yes, I'm still having trouble coming to grips with the Irish in me.

Use a little less lube next time.

[Shawnee123]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Fair enough. If he would make an attempt to say that he is half white I think it would go a long way in bringing much of our country together on the issue of race. The thing is he rarely says it.

How do you think this will work? Obama has a press conference, and says "I am half WHITE." Half the people won't care and will find it gauche, the whities who do care will probably only care that he dare associate himself with the whities (uppity); the black folks who care will think he is dissassociating himself from his black heritage: but most people don't care.

So how will this bring us together on the issue of race? We'll have a sudden epiphany "OMG blacks and whites not only living together as one, but sometimes in the same body? Where have we gone wrong? I finally see it doesn't matter what "color" someone is."

I'd really like to hear your viewpoint on this: how it should be done and what changes it will effect.

Because, it is my belief, that only those who care about race to begin with want this to be an issue. As Dana said before: it doesn't matter. If it matters to an individual, I have to wonder why. The racist people I know will not change their feelings: they can't even get the fact that he is not muslim through their skulls.

But if your idea brings hand-holding and kumbaya, I'd love to hear how it should happen.

[Lamplighter]

While we are not on the subject.

Monday is Martin L King Day. It is a US federal holiday

His birthday has also become something more...

What is the MLK Day of Service?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said,
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together
on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative.
It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

[TheMercenary]

MLK Day is a joke. But if it gives some of you an extra day off more power to ya....

[Lamplighter]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

MLK Day is a joke. But if it gives some of you an extra day off more power to ya....

A joke ?

How is it different than other federal holidays, such as Columbus Day or Veteran's Day, or any other ?