Obama's pastor says criticism is attack on black church

I watched it yesterday in full. The key words I remember are: Different NOT deficient, I believe a change is coming.

My mom sure loved it.

One of the most important statements he made was declaring he WASN'T running for any political office. He is an individual, an American citizen and therefore entitled to speak freely and above all else, for himself.

I watched Wright's entire interview on Bill Moyer's and concluded that Wright has been wrongly portrayed in the corporate media as an extremist. If Wright is an extremist, than so am I. He is historically accurate, and if whites can't handle history, they are either blind or stupid.

I think it is time that the African Americans get their fair share of the power in this country. I am tired of the inequality that continues to exists long after abolition.

Rev. Wright has strong words, but they are intended to shock people out of their complacency. We are too complacent to allow injustice and discrimination to continue in this country. We are all guilty by reason of complacency.

Look, I believe in free speech and all that bullshit, but I think the problem I have with his (Jeremiah Wright's) comments is that if he wants to blame anyone for the continual plight of the African American community he should blame the African American community. Look, aside from taking up arms and calling for war on "White America" and erradicating it, black people think they'll always be treated a certain way or always be seen as inferior. Why not prove "White America" wrong through accomplishment?

I happen to agree that "White America" (or rather the America that is woeful about the repercussions that may occurr from an America run by a minority) does treat minorities (not just African Americans) according to their stereotypes rather than looking at the whole picture or culture. That being said, just because you are called a "nigger" doesn't mean you have to react like a "nigger". And what I mean by that is that, the words only take on as much importance as you give them.

I was under the impression that "nigger" actually meant "stingy", and that it's use as a derogatory term for all African Americans was because of the common use of the word during slavery to describe "lazy" slaves.

Forgive me for not being offended by the word or it's use, and being educated enough to understand the true meaning of the word according to it's true origin. That is what I mean about words only having as much power as you give them. If you don't understand how the connotation began, then you'll assume the word "nigger" was always meant to be a term used to put down all black people, when in fact it was a term that could describe anyone (white or black) as being stingy or having a lapse in work ethic.

So if you (African Americans) truly want to be treated as equals, stop waiting for what you "deserve", and go out and make it happen for yourself. And if you don't have the oppurtunities, then do something about it. Organize your community, stop self loathing, don't perpetuate stereotypes, etc. This country will never ever give out reperations for acts, that at the time, seemed warranted or based on the mainstream mentality of the era. Let's get real about this.

No one is asking to "forgive and forget", of course you need to be vigilant so the same situation doesn't get repeated, but I don't think festering in the attitude that "you're due something for what your ancestors went through", is gonna make anything better. In fact it will act as a crutch that will keep the African American community down a lot longer than "White America's Agenda" will. Guaranteed.

I just saw a clip this morning on The Today Show in which the Pastor said some horrible remarks about JFK and his Boston accent!

Sorry, but "thems fighting words".

I'm sure Teddy heard that as well as Caroline.

Everybody in New England heard it too.

That's "all she wrote" for Obama and his Pastor I'm afraid!

Well, there go a couple of perfect examples of different AND deficient. Guess it was over some people's heads!

(bunch of clappies!) Good points Mafioso and good on ya to challenge people to "buck" the stereotypes instead "becoming" the stereotype. I honestly believe that most stereotypes DO contain some truth, hence the reason people find them so offensive. Don't like to be stereotyped, then guess what, make a conscious effort not to fit the mold. I truly believe at the point that our country is at right now political correctness and the American dream of filing lawsuits against anything and that gets under your skin are nothing short of REgressive at best.

"Obama's minister" and "God, Damn America!" is all the general public will remember. Mainstream Media has to take much of the blame.

Unfortunately, that's very true huntre, but then again we all have the ability to think for ourselves.

WOW WOW WOW

For those who don't know "Nigger" does not mean "stingy."

It means: an ignorant, uneducated, foolish individual regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

If you are gonna say it, speak it, use it, know what it means.

I have yet to have anyone explain to me how preaching hatred can end hatred.

Not all cultures understand other cultures very well, in any case. I think if anyone would like to not be ignorant to another's culture and not assume or have misunderstandings, we should all take a look at each other's culture and appreciate them, or atleast accept that we all have differences. You know, we're all people here.
Subcultures in the human culture? I don't know...

the good rev. wants his 15 min of fame just like sharpeton and the rest of the so called black leaders
like sharpton he has nothing positive to say either,now haveing said that those cops that shot that man deserve to go to jail.i am so tired of people pulling the race card everytime something doesn't go their way.the one time it deserves the race card they don't get it.
it is like the story about the boy who cried wolf

JohnA: please be specific about what hatred was being preached by Rev. Wright in this speech. Was he passionate, yes - Did he shout - yes. Is that what you mean by hatred?

Well, telling his congregation that the government created HIV to kill black people was pretty hateful. And that they distribute drugs and implemented a three strike program to encarerate black people. It's all on youtube, I'm sure you've seen it.

He's entitled to any opinion he has but I think it's best he just fade away.

Wright has every right to speak freely and say whats on his mind. Though it does sound like he's preaching Separatism and in America it's okay to preach separatism. I'm what people used to refer to as OREO( actually I'm Italo,African,Arabic,Irish,French and American Indian Whew! thats alot of bumpin around!) and I've heard both sides on whats wrong with the other. We don't need a man of GOD trying to drive a bigger wedge into the mix. Since the 60's and 70's it looks like this country has slid back instead of making progess in equality race and sex. By the way Swiyyah has the correct definition,if you use the American def., I don't know about the old Anglo/Saxon def..The rev has some good points,but There is not a country in this world that hasn't committed crimes against humanity and I think America is pretty far down the list when it comes to atrocities.If he feels good about what he's saying about America and has clear conscience while he's living in his 2 million dollar home, well God forgive him for the hate in his heart. Live well Rev..

Are we still talking about Rev. Wright? Things must be really slow over at the headquarters of "mainstream" media. Or maybe just the people.

My problem with media's fixation on Wright is just that - their fixation. They are obsessed with this man, to the exclusion of everything else! Don't they have better things to do? Like covering the possible causes of the $4 gallon gas price, the global food shortage (linked to gas prices, by the way), the oncoming recession/depression, our failing K-12 education system and the coming water shortage all across the United States - you know, things that will actually affect people?

I thought they cover news. Not personal obsessions. I guess I assumed they have some standards of professionalism. Apparently, I was wrong.

Look, I don't agree with a lot of Wright's conspiracy theories. I think they do nothing but undermine his legitimate gripes against racism, inequality in health care, schooling, criminal justice, etc... But I believe Bill Maher, the comedian put it best,

"Given the racism and institutional inequalities black folks deal with every day, we're lucky that black people have a place to go and bitch every week. It's good for society. It makes us safer."

And why is Wright called unpatriotic when Rush Limbaugh called for an open riot at the Democratic convention in Denver in August? Inciting violence at an election process - is that patriotic? Or how about Hagee, McSame's spiritual advisor who claimed that New Orleans deserved Katrina because of gays living there? Thousands of people have died from that horrific tragedy. Is that patriotic?

Why is it that angry black public speakers get tarred and feathered while angry white speakers get a free pass from the media?

I think the Pastor is accurate. I too watched the Bill Moyer interview and feel that this sound bite has painted an incorrect picture of both Pastor Wright and the black church.

Mafioso,
The word you were looking for is niggardly - totally different definition entirely.

Overall, if you are still trying to digest what Rev. Wright has to say from youtube clips you are just believing the hype and falling for the spin. Look at his ENTIRE sermons and speeches - then decide what you think for yourself. Take it all in context for a change.

Swiyyah, look it up in a dictionary that isn't saturated in our current slang (the official "English language"), and you will see that "nigger" originates from the word "niggard" not the word "negro" as many people try and argue. In fact the words were closely associated because of their similarity in lettering most people used it (nigger) to define everyone and anyone who was darker complected, not just Africans or African Americans.


So, although you normally would be somewhat right, in this case you are not. In fact up until about 15-20 years ago, most dictionaries had the definition for nigger as an, A.) A Miser or B.) Stingy. Popular culture and slang then took hold of society and the new meaning arose.

phonenix_fire999 "Why is it that angry black public speakers get tarred and feathered while angry white speakers get a free pass from the media?"

I don't want to say it's because of racism -- but it kind of seems that way.

Why is black poverty always viewed (by Republicans) as "self-inflicted" whereas white unemployment is viewed as "the result of bad trade policy"?

I'm not saying it is or it isn't --- but it does kinda look that way to me.

What is the definition of BLACK?

The idea is that things aren't better, the idea is that we are nothing but foul mouthed complainers who want something for free. And that perception is there for one reason only. BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WE ARE TOLD.

The real issue is not RACISM it is CLASSISM. Some of the stereotypes about black people are true. Just like many stereotypes about other races are true. The problem is the media exploits these stereotypes.

IT'S A DISTRACTION

Don't forget about the level of education in the poor community. They will eat whatever you feed them. If you show them nothing but the negative side of their humanity, what do you expect them to do. Show them more examples of people over-coming the struggle. Show them the other side. Show them love, treat them like human beings. Help them understand, tell them they can do it, show them examples, don't exploit them for money.

A CHANGE IS ALREADY HAPPENING. WE WILL GET WHAT WE DESERVE. THE TIME IS NOW.

The future is bright. We are now producing the media we watch and hear. It is our responsibility to set the record straight. To crush negative stereotypes, and embrace the positive ones. To show our people that we are making strides, and that we need to continue making them.

The reason why some black people are negative, is because we have been told for too long that we are. We are constantly being defined by people that are not black. We need to define ourselves. And it is a process, because we are so confused. For instance, what is black? That is a damn color. Who are we? Lets get to the bottom of that.

Whenever we do, we are constantly defined by the media as something else.

Well said, drplaid! Break the iron grip that the media has on your people's minds! Their talking points is not your reality. Though they would love for you to believe it. So that their corporate patrons can continue to justify racist and unequal policies in the minds of the American people. Prove these elitist media *&^%$#@ wrong.

Crob - I think you're right. There is this insidious belief within the elite media that black views are somehow less credible, less legitimate. And that any legitimate concerns are tagged as "angry black speech". They're telling people what to think again. It's their escape hatch from responsible journalism.

I'm now wondering if I didn't incorrectly make the assumption that this whole thing was based on the speech he made at the NAACP convention (or Press Club?) that was played in its entirety on CNN several times last night.

If anyone posting here did not see that speech it wouild explain a lot. His speech was very clear as to where he stands.

Oh and for those of you who think I am a bigot for saying that African Americans should stop their bitching and start proving "White America" wrong, I can understand why you would mistake motivation for condemnation in this case.

However, no matter how you "fucking slice this", it comes down to you making things happen for yourself. What's great about America is that if you are motivated, articulate, and persistent, you can make things happen. Unfortunately we are all motivated to do the wrong things, and that is harp on the past.

Just as I am homosexual who continously faces persecution for loving or fucking who I desire, is told I shouldn't have the same rights as straight married couples or have a family. The way to dispell this isn't only to bitch and whine about it, but to prove that me being a homosexual doesn't affect the way I love someone, whether or not I should have the same rights as a "straight" person, or my ability to raise a child. How can I do that? By being a responsible human being in life, and not consider my homosexuality a badge of courage and flashing it in everyone's face.

If you keep fighting back against those who don't or want to understand you by flashing your differences in their face and calling them out on their reactions, we'll never change things. Show them how you, me, and them are no different in trying to live our lives. We all face adverisities, some more than others, obviously, but trying to keep score on who has it worse will only make it a situation we will never get out of.

I am not a bigot, I'm realistic. We can't move forward in our present, if we don't let go of the past.

Like I said, the answer isn't to forget. It is to remember to not just remember, but to remember to use those lessons to form our opinions and base our knowledge on the subject. Instead of just bickering about who's right or wrong. Pointing out "all the bad" is just as bad as pointing out just "all the good".

I am not saying that people on welfare are all minorities (in fact I think I have a better grapse on welfare than most of you commenting). Or that black people should stop the bitching and whining about racism. In fact I encourage bitching and whining to vent, but try to also incorporate responsible behavior and actions that enable your community to come together and voice your opinion and need for change in a forum that can make a difference.

Noble sentiments, Mafioso. But there's just one problem - it puts the onus solely on you to combat gay discrimination, but lets the media off scot free, when they're the ones pumping out unflattering opinions about gays 24-7.

Some problems are too large for one person to solve. It takes all people coming together to say "Enough with the bullshit, let's get on with the real issues".

And we say it with our votes at the ballot box. We say it with our wallets - who we patronize and who we boycott. We say it with our willingness to listen to both sides of the issue before judging or condemning an entire community.

Oh and I do agree that this is about classism, or at least the real problem is about classism. It's just easier to make sure people that didn't start off with much stay in the same situation. And unfortunately minorities in America seem to be born into that situation or fall prey to that same trap more frequently than "whites".

If we break down all the problems that seem to face minorities and be more prevalent in the lives of those minority communities, we will see they all really end up having to do with a class system in which the rich get richer and the poor stay or get poorer.

Mafioso -- I agree to a certain extent.

If a minority community constantly tells the younger generation, "The game is rigged so don't bother playing" then it does create a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Didn't Bill Cosby say something like that recently?

So I agree that it creates a pre-disposition to failure in a community if the elders constantly warn the youngsters they are almost certainly doomed to fail before they even try. That's probably not helpful.

But then we get into a weird gray area that I think Obama tried to touch on in his post-Wright speech on race.

SOME of what the black community is talking about is very, very real. They are actually treated more unfairly to a certain dgeree than whites. So it makes sense for them to talk about it.

Some of what the whites are worried about is legitimate as well and they talk about it.

Obama said that the first step to healing the divide is to recongize that both sides are right up to a point. Trying to find the middle ground between the two extremes is the task. Obama did say Rev. Wrights mistake was not seeing that progress had been made since the extreme times he grew up in.

He also said that we need to stop classifying things as "white" problems and "black" problems -- and I agree with that 100 percent.

Lack of healthcare transcends race or gender.

Lack of jobs also transcends race or gender.

I think the Republicans have been brilliant at seperating American issues into niche categories of "black" issues or "white" issues.

Bringing good jobs to South Central is just as important as bringing good jobs to Pennsylvania, right?

David St. Hubbins: We say, "Love your brother." We don't say it really, but...

Nigel Tufnel: We don't literally say it.

David St. Hubbins: No, we don't say it.

Nigel Tufnel: We don't really, literally mean it.

David St. Hubbins: No, we don't believe it either, but...

Nigel Tufnel: But we're not racists.

David St. Hubbins: But that message should be clear, anyway.

Nigel Tufnel: We're anything but racists.