Racist voters spell trouble for Obama in West Virginia?
OK folks, this paragraph was buried halfway down an article that was orginially headlined "West Virginia could spell trouble for Obama." But the fact remains that the quote above reflects what the article is really about.
Do you think the U.S. is really so prejudiced that voters will not be able to see past Obama's half-black, half-white race? If so, why was the issue of race never brought up for Colin Powell or Condolezza Rice, two extremely powerful members (or former member) of the Bush Administration? If the people never batted an eyelash at these high-up cabinet members, why is race be a serious factor for Obama?
I propose: it is because the media says it is.
It seems to me that the more the media blabbers about race and racist voters, the more likely it is to come true. If, on the other hand, we project the best of the American people, ask them to step up to the plate and admit they are capable of considering a candidate based on what he promises to accomplish and not what the color his skin is, I believe we actually have a more accurate picture of America.
Yes, racism exists in this country, but I for one do not believe that most Americans, i.e. white people, the majority, are racists.
Racism throwing the election should not be self-fulfilling prophecy, but the media could make it become so.
Your thoughts?
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- Julie_Soller
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Someone tell me how 90% of black voters can vote for Obama and they are not racists, but the 60% of whites that vote against him are?
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JohnA,
This is what voters typically do, black people have shown support for a candidate that they feel will work for them. This is not a racist move. This is the move of an oppressed people still searching for hope. Black people have supported white candidates and continue to struggle, maybe we want a CHANGE.
As we've been reminded, many black people weren't for Obama in the beginning because they weren't sure if he shared the same life experience to be able to represent. We Black people watched and listened and found that not only did he share and/or witness the same issues but white people took him seriously. He could unite people. White people are talking about black people and their progress or lack thereof. And not just talking about black people, but listening, with fairly open minds. Yeah, there's still plenty of ignorance, but the ignorance has been muffled for way so long. I'm glad to see these discussion, if for no other reason, but people to see the complaints that black people make everyday about how they're treated in the workplace, restaurants and malls are real.
Black people aren't racist because they are voting for the candidate that more closely represent them. And white people who vote for Hillary aren't racist because they aren't voting for Obama. BUT, the 60% who are willing to change their vote for someone who shares nothing but the color of their skin is racist.
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I believe that at this point, in this globalized world, the race issue is not a determining factor - in the end, the president, black or white, male or female, must still report to the private (and public) interests and meet the needs of the party and the government. Nevertheless, GO OBAMA!
Speaking of biased media, I just shot and edited a video about an Italian political event by Beppe Grillo, a political comedian - it took place a couple of weeks ago, right before the elections of Berlusconi at the new government. The video takes its cues from the sopranos credits, and goes on with people showing the V sign (Vaffanculo - fuck off) to protest against the biased news and the corrupted and old school govt, which at this point transcends left and right.
Check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWVTGaypuO8 -
One thing is crystal clear, the trouble will come when the arcane realize It's going to be a powerfully sad when those that can't embrace the future for their in ability to let go of the past realize we are one giant step closer to not only equality but actual humanity.
