August 1st, 2008
The Race Card
Man oh Man, there is so much that can be said about race in America, and yet again we have White people telling us how to act. Barack Obama mentioned that he is Black and John “I do not know much about the economy,” cries foul.
In the early morning, over the past decade, I have gone from, listening to The Tom Joiner morning show, to Sport’s Radio, Mike North, to Morning Joe on CNBC. I put it on at 5 am and listen to political talk.It is interesting listing to White millionaires speak about the regular people from West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan and why they do not like Barack.They do have blacks on their show, today Tiki Barber, whom I frist saw as a blur, running down the sideline for University of Virgina, in their upset win over Florida State, I had a sideline pass. Since the time of that fond memory, Tiki has gone on the have a pro football career, retired and now is in his 2nd year at NBC. I like Tiki, he is smart, ask great questions and knows he belongs.
Today debate Tiki was heard to say in agreement with all the other host and quess, McCain has not played the race card or tried to use race to his advantage. Hey if I am Tiki, making a great after football buck,I may have agreed also.
That is why these national shows need some real people living in the aftermath of a failed Presidency of George Bush to speak for them selves. Rednecks from swings states and brothers like me. I happen to think a lot of rednecks support Obama. As for me, I could give examples of racist efforts from the McCain camp.
Here is one, it is one I faced in corporate America and most blacks face. We get credit for being dynamic, motivational, well dressed, fun but God forbid, never strategic, smart or aware of details. That is a white thing reserved for mostly white men.
OK here is my example; John,”I don’t know much about the economy,” McCain, whom by his own admission finished 4th from the bottom of his Annapolis class, said of Harvard educated, and former President of the Harvard Law Review Board, as well as a Law School Professor at University of Chicago, does not understand issues, McCain said it over and over! Reinforcing the myth that Blacks do not understand complex issues.
The pundits say over and over America does not know Barack Obama, that is something else I heard in the corporate world, we just don’t know you. They should say, white America needs to know who Barack is. Blacks and Latins are showing overwhelming support.
In closing, I do not know what the term “race card” means but I do think it is a term that white folk made up and it is used to keep us in our place.We all know the only hope McCain and the Republicans have is to make this race about race! Your Thoughts?
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
JD - I grew up in a career military family, staunch Republican, everything was black and white, no room for gray.
We trusted our leaders, our police, our teachers - believing what we were taught was the gospel word. Ha-ha.
Thankfully I have changed and realize that the world is filled with a multitude of grays.
Years ago I realized that the people of this country - all the people of America - be they black, red, brown, yellow or white - have little say in the what, where, when, why and how this country is managed and lately we’ve all seen and experienced how fractionated we’ve become.
There is no longer neighbor helping neighbor, rich helping poor, brother helping brother, sister helping sister.
We need leaders in communities, states, congress, courts, the presidency, to step up to the plate and get America back on the track - it’s been derailed for too long a time.
We have only two choices as to whom we will elect for president. Both have faults.
I think that many voters think that they will opt to choose the ‘lesser of two evils.’ What a shame.
As to the ‘race card’ issue. Doesn’t anyone realize that we are all part of the human race?
Doesn’t everyone know that we all came from the same place - Africa?
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Morgan, your insight is terrific, and compelling. we are the same race, the true aspect is about color. I hope the readers will dig into your comment and offer their veiw as well. We all want the same thing, a better America that leads to a better tomorrow. Keep Hope alive
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hey JD.
White folk have a lotta nerve accusing any black person of playing the race card in America. After all these hundreds of years, now they’re afraid of payback, so they invent a card that’s supposed to make us afraid to call them to task? Please.
Gravity works on white folks just as well as it does on us. Time for some of them to come back to Earth.
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Hi JD…love your site.
there is no way this race cannot be inclusive of race. We can’t dance around the issue. It’s right in our faces. What we can do is attempt to ensure that it isn’t ONLY about race. I get so sick of those who oppose Obama for whatever reason..backing away from “why they are opposed to him” simply by saying…well if I voice my opinion I’ll be viewed as racist. No…hell no, the only reason you would possibly be viewed as racist is if your opinion happens to be a “racist” reason. It’s really going to be an interesting fall and OMG..this November is going to be one for the history books!!!
Peace…
roschelle
August 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Keith, it is a white world, I have learned that any white person can say what ever they want about us and if it is negative, it is real, no matter the facts. That is why Barack’s amazing run is so compelling. Thanks for the comment
August 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Roschelle, thanks for your comment.Your point is one that many try to dance around, white and black, but in essence, everything in the US involves race or color. In that regard, these discussions have a subliminal negative sterotype reaction from white people and bring out their ugly fears of black people. It will be and is now a huge barrier for Barack to over come. I still think he will win,the 3 debates will clear the path.