I mean since the election of President Obama that is.
I guess I was shocked to see so many American people happy that you guys didn’t get the Olympics, and the backlash against him when he got the Nobel Peace Prize.
Firstly, I can’t bear our Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, but I can’t imagine ever being happy at losing a major honour like hosting the Olympics, just because he happened to be on the committee trying to help us win the damned thing. It really doesn’t make sense.
Secondly, I still feel that the American president being awarded the Nobel Prize was an amazing thing, not something to be pilloried for. Yeah, sure it was wholly unexpected, but wow, what an honour. For God’s sake, this time, eighteen months ago, America was probably the most hated nation in the world, mainly because of the previous president. Obama getting the the Nobel Peace prize was like a vote of confidence in America, I thought that was a pretty big deal, but it seemed that many Americans felt embarrassed by the win.
With both of the above occurrences, it was a little like watching people dancing on graves in a cemetary. It was just…weird.
Leslee
November 16
10:40 am
Unfortunately, I don’t think America is more racist, I just think people aren’t hiding it as much. I think the people who were brainwashed by Palin were so disappointed that another B.S. artist like George W. didn’t get into the White House. So it is a major case of sour grapes. It disgusts me that so many people are wanting to see him fail, because he is educated, because he has integrity, because he is black. I think it gauls people that a white man made America look like a bunch of hillbillies pissing on everyone and a black man has raised the world opinion of America in a very short amount of time. I was so proud when he won the Nobel Prize. He makes me proud to be an American. I cried as I watched him be sworn in as our President. I proudly showed my son who our leader was. He knows the President’s name and doesn’t think there is anything different about how the president looks. That makes me proud as a parent because we are white. My mother raised me to see the person and not the color and I am doing the same with my children. God Bless President Obama!
Dee Carney
November 16
11:58 am
Oh, didn’t you know? It’s okay for him to *run* for office, but not actually win it. sigh.
Like Leslee said, I think people just aren’t hiding it as much. I don’t remember all of this hate for any of our previous presidents less than a year into office. And despite the protests that the criticism isn’t because of race, you’d better believe it’s at the root of a large amount of it.
Scott
November 16
12:16 pm
I think some thought that the Nobel Peace Prize was more of a publicity stunt by the people giving the prize. I, for one, voted for the man, and have no problem what his skin color is. But even I raised an eyebrow when he won, because the nominations had to be in by February (or so I heard). So he wasn’t even in office two months when he won it. He certainly didn’t do anything extraordinary for world peace by then.
Now again, this is not to look down on our President. It just seemed too much too soon. I think he had more issues here at home to take care of first besides. Millions are out of work (including my wife AND I). Some desperately need health insurance but are constantly turned down because of pre-existing conditions (like my wife). The economy was in the tank when he was sworn in. The award just seemed very out of place.
Of course, almost every conservative in this country will bash anything that Obama and his administration do. That’s the supposed law. If you are a Republican, no matter what skin color the Democratic President has, you bash his every move. And it goes both ways.
Sparkindarkness
November 16
12:47 pm
I don’t even remotely agree with Obama being awarded the peace prize – I found it ridiculous – but it’s hardly HIS responsibility! He didn’t make the decision, he didn’t award the prize, he didn’t seek it or force it or influence it. If people disagree with the peace prize award then the blame lies with the Nobel commission – you can hardly blame Obama for it!
The Olympics just boggle me. Let alone the birthers and the teabaggers – it’s like a giant comedy skit – but not very funny
I don’t think America is more racist – but I do think the racists that are there have gone into overdrive frothing panic. They’ve stopped pretending, stopped acting and stopped trying to put a decent mask over the vileness. Because ZOMG they have a BLACK president and to them the sky is falling and they’re running around with their hair on fire (which is really ruining their tinfoil hats) because EVERYTHING IS DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED
Las
November 16
1:32 pm
I agree that it’s not a matter of being more racist, it’s just more acceptable to be open about it. Fox News has given permission for a huge number of closet racists to say whatever nasty thought is on their mind and feel justified in doing so.
I think it’s more about increased partisanship. More and more people seem to regard the political party they associate with as their team, and team loyalty is all (which is laughable considering how similar the two parties are, but that’s a whole other rant). Ideals no longer matter. Obama would be just as loathed by the fanatical right if he were white, the insults and complaints would just be different. The fact that he’s black means that his detractors have an easier time of it…he’s visually an “other.”
KristieJ
November 16
2:06 pm
I think as far as winning the Nobel Peace Prize, for me, I think what surprised me about it was how soon a new US President won it. It has nothing to do with race, but the fact that any president hadn’t even been in office long enough to really implement any kind of policy changes. And that’s what I was – surprised only – but glad for him at the same time.
As for the Olympics, I didn’t really notice much on that, but Vancouver is holding the Winter Olympics soon and I know that there were all kinds of protests at the time against Canada getting them – by Canadians – because of the cost to the taxpayer. I don’t know if it’s the same in the case you’re referring to or not.
And as other say – I’m not sure if it’s a case of more racism as much as a degradation in media. Those who are racist are now more openly so, encouraged by obviously racist journalists.
As a neighbour to the north of the US, it really saddened me to see the divisiveness that began rearing its ugly head during the Bush administration. I had hoped with Obama’s election, that might die down, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
I long for the day when the colour of a person’s skin means diddily squat, but sadly I think as long as there are people, there will be people who hate for no reason.
Carolyn Crane
November 16
2:17 pm
One thing to keep in mind is that the channel where all this is mostly happening, Fox News, is watched by less than 1% of Americans. They’re just the ones that scream the loudest and get all the attention.
sallahdog
November 16
2:30 pm
I think its a confluence of factors… The racists (who always exist) are in a froth, people who think they aren’t racist but have prejudices are now uncomfortable, and the people who completly disagree with Obamas policies are freaking out…
I think the racism just adds the cherry on the top of a cake that was already tilting towards the radical… Think about the pundits who used Bill Clinton as a punching bag, or George Bush… The level of discourse in this country has radicalized a great deal in the last 15 years or so… I think any president elected these days would be facing a tough road to hoe from whomever didn’t vote for them… and lets face it, that is usually at least 40 percent of the country…
Roslyn Holcomb
November 16
3:06 pm
America was always racist, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. They’re just so freaked out by Obama’s election they’re not going to bother to hide it anymore. As for the Nobel, IMO, that award was more indicative of their hatred of Bush than love for Obama. To me it was like they were giving a prize to the American people for getting rid of Bush and not falling for Bush II.
As for those who think it’s not about race I submit two points: Bill Clinton actually proposed socialized medicine. Further, he had it championed by a woman that was universally loathed by the conservatives. Yet, we didn’t have folk showing up at town hall meetings with assault rifles. The Secret Service didn’t have a 900% increase in credible threats against the POTUS. Such an increase that they’re now saying they’re unable to perform their other duty; keeping our money secure.
Further, George Bush had a plan to privatize Social Security, to put it on the stock market. He ran up unprecedented deficits, yet, no one showed up at town halls with assault rifles then either. So tell me, if they weren’t trying to kill Clinton or Bush, why are they trying to kill Obama if it’s not about race?
I like Obama and voted for him, but I didn’t want him to run or win. I believe that he will be killed and I fear that my country, which I do dearly love, will never recover.
Shiloh Walker
November 16
3:49 pm
That was kind of my take on why a lot of people were thrown when he won. I can’t say I have much opinion on it one way or the other but I can say I’m not utterly convinced he had done much at the time to help with world peace. But admittedly, I don’t follow things very closely so I’m not really in a position to offer an educated opinion on it.
As to whether or not America is more racist… I don’t really think it is, I just think more of the bigots are becoming more vocal.
Shiloh Walker
November 16
3:52 pm
Oh, and just to show how very little I pay attention to the news (whenever possible), I had no idea about the deal with the Olympics… there were going to be here? O_O
yes, i live in my own little world… *G* i like it that way.
Nadia
November 16
4:23 pm
Olympics: I’m an American who voted for Obama, but I was glad we didn’t get the Olympics because the U.S. seriously has hosted it too many times, and expects to host it once a decade, which is truly ridiculous. It’s gotten to the point where every U.S. city expects to host the Olympics when there are bucketloads of countries out there that have never hosted it at all. I know there are concerns about safety but the Olympics are not supposed to belong only to America.
That the conservative press portrayed it as an international rejection of Obama was unfortunate, because I doubt it had anything at all to do with Obama and everything to do with America-fatigue.
Nobel: Trouble is, a lot of conservatives feel that Obama is more president of the world than president of the U.S., and getting an international peace prize just confirmed it. Remember, they hate the U.N.
U.S. racism: it’s becoming more pronounced, and I think in a lot of cases you have people who never would have considered themselves racist who are suddenly having knee-jerk racist reactions to things (though they are still in denial). Also agree that discourse in this country has radicalized.
Anon76
November 16
5:37 pm
The Nobel: I agree in that it was far too premature. As Rosalyn noted, I think it had more to do with the international take on Bush II and a kudos to the American public for an attempt at change.
Racism: It’s always been there bubbling under the surface. Many who have long touted their PCness were suddenly smacked right in the face with a reality they couldn’t handle. Sure, some of them voted for Obama, but deep down they really didn’t believe he could win. At least that’s what I think. They rather expected their non-PC counterparts to come out in droves and put a kabosh on things, but the former could still continue to rest on their spouted convictions of “well I voted for him.” Keep their liberal facade, so to speak.
Hubster and I have had numerous discussions since the election at all the craziness cropping up. Obama can’t blink without criticism. Within a week of him being in office he began being blamed for everything in American and global history except the bubonic plague. And I’m sure the crazies would have blamed him for that if they could. H1N1, people?
The truth is, the American democratic system is strongly entrenched in the two party system. No matter what a presidential candidate hopes to do, and promises in campaigns, the other party will firmly fight against it. For Obama, this is where those psuedo PCers are coming into play, IMHO. They can now slip over to the other side and tap on their calendars, “See, it’s been this long and he still hasn’t fulfilled his campaign promises. He’s a liar.” Tack on racial slurs.
So I don’t think basic racism has increased, I just think a lot of people are being more open about it.
BevQB
November 16
7:10 pm
Honestly, Karen, one of the most blatently racist attitudes over here right now is that those of us who complain about Obama must be racists. Is he to be protected from criticism because he is Black? Should much of the media continue to treat him with kid gloves so as not to offend or alienate their non-white viewers? THAT is racist. Ultimately, he’s just another politician, so to be fair, he should be treated as one.
I mean, really, bitchin’ about the President and Congress isn’t just our RIGHT, it’s an American sport, often elevated to an art! ;-p So, just because the bitchin’ is now being done by non-Democrats (I’m an Independant who tends to vote Republican but is frankly fed up with BOTH parties) does not mean we’re racists, it means we’re Americans, dammit! The fact of the matter is, I honestly seldom think about the fact that Obama is black or not; I think about our deficit and the bruise on my forehead from the constant *headdesk* statements coming out of Washington (from BOTH sides of the aisle).
As for that jaw-dropping Nobel announcement, I think that the Nobel committee has cheapened the awards. For me, this apparent poitical agenda caused the Nobel prize to lose a whole helluva lot of prestige. Was there honor in awarding it to Obama? Nope, not to me there wasn’t. As far as I’m concerned, they awarded it to a politician based on his campaign promises and not on his achievements. Shit, if they continue to award prizes based on politicians’ promises… *shudders*
Las
November 16
7:25 pm
Um…who here said that any criticism of Obama is racist? We’re talking specifically of people who have made racist comments, either blatantly or more subtle. I mean, I bitch about his policies all the time and I voted for the guy. You cannot deny that that many of the statements made by those against Obama have racist undertones. The whole “birther” thing…come on, now. And good ole Rush, who said that now that we have a black president white children will get beaten by black children and no one will say anything. Not racist? Really? And Fox New…the very same Fox News that referred to Michelle Obama as Obama’s “Baby Momma;” the same Fox News that called on all white people to have more babies because Latino 5 year olds now outnumber whites, and if we end up with a latino majority the white power structure will be doomed!
Bev, if you don’t see any of those things as racist, than you probably ARE a racist.
Throwmearope
November 16
7:33 pm
Karen, here’s how my son the wannabe politician (who along with his whole family adores Obama) handles the nutwingery criticizing Obama. He reads their critical sentence or sentences, then adds “because he’s black.”
Then and only then does what they’re saying make sense.
“I’m glad the U.S. lost the Olympics. We lost them because Obama’s black.”
“No way Obama deserves the Nobel, because he’s black.”
“Obama supports terrorism. Because he’s black.”
“Obama wasn’t born in U.S. Because he’s black.”
Without the modifier, hard to understand. Add the modifier and you know why they’re saying what they’re saying.
Anon76
November 16
7:37 pm
BevBQ said:
“Should much of the media continue to treat him with kid gloves so as not to offend or alienate their non-white viewers?”
Wow, what media are you reading or viewing, because I have certainly not found that to be the case. In fact the direct opposite.
Karen Scott
November 16
7:37 pm
BevQ Are you trying to say that none of the criticisms aimed at Obama have been racially motivated?
Are you really trying to argue that his skin colour has had nothing to do with any of the crap he’s been hit with??
He’s been called Barack Osama, Barack The Magic Negro etc etc. You don’t feel that any of these things indicate racism?
Melissa Blue
November 16
8:26 pm
I agree with everyone that it’s not more racist, but not hiding their racism anymore. And the frothing comes more from they can’t push him back into the stereotype they’ve made of African Americans. I mean it’s gotten ridiculous.
Ultimately, he’s just another politician, so to be fair, he should be treated as one.
I agree he should be treated like any other politician, but that’s an ideal and not the reality. This is a story going around every where today:
http://www.sphere.com/2009/11/16/the-point-obamas-bow-enrages-critics/
Seriously? Not about his politics or how what he is doing for America, but that he bowed when other president’s before him did the same. Oh, and of course how that bow translates into tearing the very fabric of America. A bow? When Bush pretty much took parts of the Constitution and said screw it. On a balancing scale it doesn’t even compare, but when you read these articles you are getting the same outrage. So it’s kind of hard not to wonder if there is something else going on.
BevQB
November 16
8:54 pm
Good God, no! I’m not that naive! There were rascists before he took office and I have no doubt that, no matter what he does, they will continue to criticize him solely based on race. But my point was that I don’t think that America is more rascist, I think the CHARGE of racism has become ridiculously prevelant. That’s a powerful charge to level at someone, particularly those who are treating Obama no different than they would any other president that they disagreed with. (And no, I am most definitely NOT saying that EVERYONE is without prejudice, geesh!)
Perfect example:
Apparently, the poster is psychic and was able to deduce from what I wrote that, if I felt that a white president, administration and Congress (who, btw, ARE predominiantly white) was raping the country, then I not only wouldn’t bitch, I would happily bend over and hand him the lube.
Strong statement? Silly, backward, rascist that I am, I assumed that my right as an American to bitch about politicians applied to ALL politicians equally. Damn, what was I thinking? [/sarcasm]
As for the media, I pay little attention to the extreme opinions. First of all, I think half of it is for shock value and the attention it gains (so why do we give it to them?), and secondly, I STILL believe that the news media should be unbiased. So when I bitch about Congress or the administration (this or previous ones), I try to bitch about the facts after the hyperbole has been weeded out. Nine times out of ten, that bitchin’ involves money out of my pocket, thus I tend to bitch more about Democrats than I do Republicans, but I assure you that that both parties have been the targets of my ire.
Las
November 16
9:04 pm
Way to completely miss the point! Note, I made a very, very specific statement, that IF, you think this, then you are that. Where the hell did you get from what I wrote that I said you couldn’t bitch about the President? I said just the opposite, actually. Calm the hell down.
Tuscan Capo
November 17
12:30 am
My 2 cents worth, for what it counts..while there is always something to find humorous about any president, Limbaugh is a pro-big business jerk who doesn’t hesitate in pandering to racist “humor” if it gets ratings. I don’t think he is personally a racist, but if it draws the curiosity of viewers, he doesn’t know where to draw the line. And what he fails to grasp is that his low-brow humor contributes to the propaganda of the ultra-left who love nothing more than to portray any and all legitimate criticism of Obama and his policies as racist-motivated. He does a disservice to real Americans with real objections that have absolutely nothing to do with the color of the man in office.
And as far as the Nobel prize goes, I think it should have gone to the Iranians who challenged their government by demonstrating for a democratic election. IMHO, if the Nobel committee had acknowledged their courage and sacrifice it would have been a whopper vote of confidence for the ideal of peace and human rights.
Throwmearope
November 17
12:32 am
Take your complaining statement, BevQB, add, because he’s black. If the sentence makes a lot more sense that way, then you may be a racist.
TC–IIRC (seldom happens) the Iranian thing took place after the nominations were in. I read that on some blog somewhere or other. I think they’ll likely at least get nominated next year–if a couple of individuals can be identified as being leaders of the revolt. I think they still have to be alive, as well.
I think the Iranians were incredibly brave. I thought Obama walking the streets of DC during the inauguration was brave too.
Tuscan Capo
November 17
1:20 am
I think they’ll likely at least get nominated next year–if a couple of individuals can be identified as being leaders of the revolt.
I think it’d be fair and good if they will be. But then, as its been called to my attention, Gandhi was never awarded the Nobel Peace prize – during his life or posthumously. And if anyone ever really deserved the award, it was that man.
MichelleR
November 17
4:40 am
Any notice of my tweets makes it clear my political beliefs, and support of the president. That being said:
I don’t think Obama being elected made the country more racist, but rather pissed off a certain percentage of people who were always racist to the point of being very vocal. I think these people made a portion of the Republican party think the future of the GOP was in catering to them — an uncomfortably large portion.
Frankly, I’d like the Repubs to pull it together again … some. Get back to the days when I mostly disagreed with them, but still had respect. As long as some high up people are looking at posters showing piles of concentration camp victims used to imply Obama and Hitler are the same, and they’re not denouncing that, and as long as they keep on trying to derail health care reform, because it’ll be the president’s Waterloo. And as long as the only goal seems to be for Obama to fail, instead of presenting ideas, then the respect isn’t coming back.
Most of the above is not about anyone opposing him being racist as it is about opportunism making some people embrace racists and conspiracy theorists. Unfortunately, after being given legitimacy for cynical reasons, the teabaggers and birthers are now biting the hands of all but the most conservative Republicans. The GOP is Victor Frankenstein and the teabaggers have combined into The Monster.
The crazy thing about the Olympics and The Nobel is that some of the haters had to go in record time from, “See! He’s not all that popular and has lost his allure” to “See! Furriners love him and this shows that he is selling out the best interests of the country.”
I would agree that the Nobel was awarded really early, too early, but it has to be acknowledged that it’s not the first time someone’s won based on their intentions rather than actual accomplishments or was given the award as a nudge in a certain direction. It also should be said that as Americans it seems like the default would be happiness that we have a leader again who much of the world sorta digs.
eggs
November 17
6:58 am
A black man in the White House is a real ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ event for racists. Everybody knows it’s an historical watershed for Americans and if anyone has anything racist to get off their chest, then they’d damn well better say it now.
Ten years from now, saying racist shit on TV will be as socially unacceptable as staging a cock fight – and the racists all know it. Everybody, even people who were previously uninterested in cock-fighting, are sticking their bird into the ring just because it’s their last chance to legally do it.
Basically, I think what we’re seeing now is a cultural heave, there isn’t an increase in racism per se, just an increase in people rushing to say their piece before it’s too late. It’s embarrassing for the vast majority of Americans who are not racist to watch this, but the majority also know that just by putting Obama in the White House, they’ve already won the racism debate. They can put up with a little embarrassment while the losers come to terms with it.
The real work will be in dismantling the two hundred years of institutionalized racism in the legal system, access to medical care, education, etc. That kind of thing is way more important and difficult to turn around than some jerk ranting on about how he doesn’t want to see a black man as President.
Anya Howard
November 17
5:22 pm
I live in the South and when I was very young many older people were openly racist, of not just black people, but native Americans and anyone with dark skin. The majority mindset of that generation used to be: equal but very separate. Years later, when I was a young adult the KKK came to march in my home town and many of us younger folks turned up to show our protest of their march by standing with our backs to them as they proceeded through Main street. No one criticized us for showing our disapproval, and these days you rarely hear a peep out of the KKK or any hate group. The separatist philosophy seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs, thank the gods. I have black friends and my neighbors don’t make nasty comments; my cousin married an African American lady and no one in the family bitches about it. Our President is black and the head of the GOP is, too. There are still igits you occasionally hear on TV or radio with their bigoted remarks, but generally I find the public isn’t interested in their stupid views. So to answer Karen’s question, I do feel America has become less racist, at least the part of America I live in. And I can only hope this is a good indicator of how the rest of the US feels.
SamG
November 17
9:02 pm
I voted for Obama. I also feel every darn thing is picked on. But, I was the one doing the picking with the last guy and he couldn’t do anything that made me happy.
I am probably only about 50% happy with Obama. I hope he turns things around and ends up doing a terrific job. He inherited a huge amount of sh*t, I want to give him the chance to grow something in it.
Sam
Anon76
November 17
9:19 pm
Darn. I wish I could remember the name of a documentary provided by HBO (?) recently.
It involved a small southern town and how the senior class would be having two different proms. One white, one black and “other”. This in a school that had about 75 or less graduating.
Gosh, wish I could remember the title. Anyhoo, if you want a true look at the division in race still prevelant in the USA, look to that.
I was gob-smacked.
Eve Vaughn
November 17
11:48 pm
No. America isn’t more racist. It just that the racists are more vocal since President Obama was elected.
Barbara B.
November 18
12:40 pm
“No one criticized us for showing our disapproval, and these days you rarely hear a peep out of the KKK or any hate group.”
These groups haven’t gone away, they’re just more sophisticated. They’re online and they have a more sophisticated message. Supposedly they don’t hate any groups they’re just excercising their right to love their heritage and to preserve it for future generations. They also have more sophisticated lawyers and advisors. And as always they also have allies in high places. I’ve recently seen stats that show that the number of hate groups and hate group members has risen dramatically since the election of Obama.
Karen Scott
November 18
5:21 pm
I think I’ve read that somewhere as well Barbara.
barrack Hussein obama sadaam
February 7
1:41 am
I think that racism is increasing.
Minorities act like they want us to be racist to them.
Obama supports the NBA, which has some of the worst (dangerous) black people in the world.
Black leaders, such as NBA superstars, need to lead by example if blacks want racism to go away. I do not think blacks want racism to go away though.
Solution: Have all newborn black babies be adopted by intelligent white people. This will get rid of their terrible language of ebonics along with helping them succeed in life.
Karen Scott
February 7
12:34 pm
Hey Klan member, Step. Away. From. The. Computer. At least until you learn how to mix with the general public.
People like you are proof that abortion is absolutely neccessary.
If I was to profile you, I would say that you were between 35-45, white, receding hairline, pot belly, you like red meat, can’t get enough of the stuff. You have a dog called Rush that walks with a limp leg because of all the times you’ve bent it over and tried to stick your dick in its arse.
You believe that Hitler was mostly misunderstood, and that the world would be better off without people with brown skin in it.
If you’re married, your wife is having an affair with a real man behind your back. He’s probably black. When you fuck your wife, you like to pretend that it’s your sister’s arse that you’re riding. You didn’t finish school, because you couldn’t work out what those funny emblems were on the exam papers. You’ve since learned that the funny wiggles were letters, and that letters make up words. It took a while, but you got there in the end, way to go you! The black girl who taught you how to finally read and write wouldn’t fuck you though, so that was a bit of a downer. You later stalked her and tried to kill her, so she moved further away from the trailer park where you and your sister and parents lived.
You wanted to be a football player when you were younger, but the black kids were better than you, a fact that you’ve resented all your life. You constantly bemoan the fact that you have a dick the size of a pencil. You know that your wife fakes her orgasms, so you ritually beat her after sex. This gets you off even more than the thought of fucking your mother. You can’t wait to get your wife pregnant in the hopes that she bears you a girl, oh what fun you can have with her when she gets to her fourth birtday. Oh and not forgetting, you’re probably a Republican, like your parents, and grandparents.
Did I miss anything out? If any of the above is anyway inaccurate, please feel free to post a picture of yourself, your high school certificate, and a copy of your birth certificate. *Smooches*