http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/politics/14penn.html?ref=us
This article definitely had some embedded greatness in that it both gave voice to the difficulty of Americans trying to discuss race without being racist or saying anything that could possibly be construed as racist (1) and allowed for some humor about stereotypes of political endorsement (2).
1
Vivian McCabe, a grandmother, neighborhood block captain and supporter of both Mr. Nutter and Mr. Obama, expressed the frustration in a sidewalk interview the other day. “I was shocked,” she said, referring to Mr. Nutter’s endorsement of Mrs. Clinton. “Not because he’s black, but — I was just looking at him to...” She paused. “What words should I use?” she said. She could not come up with any.
2
“He’s a really nice guy who’s talking about really important issues,” Mr. Nutter said last week while sitting over a late dinner of grilled cheese and chocolate milk at his favorite diner, Little Pete’s, “and I am aware that he is African-American.” Mr. Nutter’s wit is dry almost to the point of brittle.
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Great column on race
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/opinion/20cohen.html?th&emc=th
Cohen hits it spot on with a reaction to Obama's "Toward a More Perfect Union" speech.
Honesty feels heady right now. For seven years, we have lived with the arid, us-against-them formulas of Bush’s menial mind, with the result that the nuanced exploration of America’s hardest subject is almost giddying. Can it be that a human being, like Wright, or like Obama’s grandmother, is actually inhabited by ambiguities? Can an inquiring mind actually explore the half-shades of truth?
Yes. It. Can.
The unimaginable South African transition that Nelson Mandela made possible is a reminder that leadership matters. Words matter. The clamoring now in the United States for a presidency that uplifts rather than demeans is a reflection of the intellectual desert of the Bush years.
Cohen hits it spot on with a reaction to Obama's "Toward a More Perfect Union" speech.
Honesty feels heady right now. For seven years, we have lived with the arid, us-against-them formulas of Bush’s menial mind, with the result that the nuanced exploration of America’s hardest subject is almost giddying. Can it be that a human being, like Wright, or like Obama’s grandmother, is actually inhabited by ambiguities? Can an inquiring mind actually explore the half-shades of truth?
Yes. It. Can.
The unimaginable South African transition that Nelson Mandela made possible is a reminder that leadership matters. Words matter. The clamoring now in the United States for a presidency that uplifts rather than demeans is a reflection of the intellectual desert of the Bush years.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Obama's race speech
Commentary from the Huffington Post: Obama Cracks My TV in Half
I had several similar reactions when I read the text. I've yet to see the actual performance, but the video is up on his website and I'll be watching tonight. Just from reading, however, I teared up. It was... phenomenal. Now, a lot of people have been saying that all Obama offers is words. First of all, what words! But secondly, these people act like taking a public stance on a subject and commenting on it in such a way that it prompts the American people to reflect on their own beliefs is nothing. It's not nothing. Actions start with ideas, and ideas are conveyed in words. Many of these same critics say that he's putting forth a Utopian ideal, that the ideas are unrealistic. I've learned, over the years, to be wary of people pushing realism and nothing else. Realism leaves you with the present, with nowhere to go from there. If you aim for the most perfect world you can imagine, then even if you only make it one-tenth (or whatever) of the way, you've still progressed much farther than if you grounded all of your expectations (and yes, hopes and dreams) in reality. Plus, working toward your ideal just feels better than working toward someone else's idea of what is realistically possible. I believe that this concept is integral to Obama's campaign and appeal. I don't think it's a dishonest approach. I don't think it's a pointless pursuit. And I think honest, tasteful, insightful and moving speeches like the one Senator Obama gave yesterday are a great starting point for turning America from her current state, to one where a greater proportion of the people feel they're getting a fair deal, that they're represented. Because before we can change the country, I think we must change ourselves and the way we view America. And I don't think we can do that until we examine ourselves, the way we affect others, and the way the tough issues affect all of our lives. That's a good start. The race speech was a beautiful exercise in good starts. Let's continue...
I had several similar reactions when I read the text. I've yet to see the actual performance, but the video is up on his website and I'll be watching tonight. Just from reading, however, I teared up. It was... phenomenal. Now, a lot of people have been saying that all Obama offers is words. First of all, what words! But secondly, these people act like taking a public stance on a subject and commenting on it in such a way that it prompts the American people to reflect on their own beliefs is nothing. It's not nothing. Actions start with ideas, and ideas are conveyed in words. Many of these same critics say that he's putting forth a Utopian ideal, that the ideas are unrealistic. I've learned, over the years, to be wary of people pushing realism and nothing else. Realism leaves you with the present, with nowhere to go from there. If you aim for the most perfect world you can imagine, then even if you only make it one-tenth (or whatever) of the way, you've still progressed much farther than if you grounded all of your expectations (and yes, hopes and dreams) in reality. Plus, working toward your ideal just feels better than working toward someone else's idea of what is realistically possible. I believe that this concept is integral to Obama's campaign and appeal. I don't think it's a dishonest approach. I don't think it's a pointless pursuit. And I think honest, tasteful, insightful and moving speeches like the one Senator Obama gave yesterday are a great starting point for turning America from her current state, to one where a greater proportion of the people feel they're getting a fair deal, that they're represented. Because before we can change the country, I think we must change ourselves and the way we view America. And I don't think we can do that until we examine ourselves, the way we affect others, and the way the tough issues affect all of our lives. That's a good start. The race speech was a beautiful exercise in good starts. Let's continue...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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