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The Trouble With Transcending Race
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Posted By:
Darr at 10/13/2008 1:19:11 AM
Comment:
Or world is far from perfect - but - I hope the percentage of whites, who are annoyed because their favorite black person dared to express their ethnecity, is really small. I was among some 4,000 Colorado Democrats who drove to Grand Junction , and from there walked about 3 miles to the outdoor site to hear Barack Obama. I'm a senior so I was given the opportunity to 'go to the head of the line" and sit with about 30 other whites and blacks. The woman next to me said "I never thought I'd live to see the day" - "Neither did I, said I" and many around us nodded. We had fortunately lived to see the day our blessed country evolved into a Real democracy where anyone, despite the color, religion , etc could run for President Obama is so intelligent (a trait some can't stand) courageous and ADULT. I watched him from his start and listened and am sure anyone who listens to him thanks the lord for our luck in finding him. Brought up in the Deep South I must have been born "Liberal" because I always hoped that my fellow whites who treated blacks like less then human would one day be fazed out by decent, caring humans. Barack Obama has run a campaign to beat the odds - covering the country with his people and making it easy for the people to register and mostly filling in paper votes so we wont lose our last chance to once again be a decent country. We Obamaites do not see him as black or white, we see a fine American, one of Us, like Us, but better.
Dorothy 85 Years Ethnic: Jewish -
Posted By:
amira at 10/03/2008 2:12:52 PM
Comment:
Perhaps Oprah never transcended race in the first place, just made impeccable career moves and feels entitled to live a little. Bravo Lady O. http://www.blacksnextdoor.wordpress.com -
Posted By:
forunity at 09/13/2008 2:08:56 PM
Comment:
"Can the country only stand one transcendent black person at a time?"
Can Black America stand only one leader at a time? I refer to all the negative remarks and attitudes towards Tavis Smiley and other established leaders and community advocates. -
Posted By:
forunity at 09/13/2008 2:04:22 PM
Comment:
"Can the country only stand one transcendent black person at a time?"
Can black America withstand more than one leader at a time? Tavis Smiley for example. -
Posted By:
kjyancer at 09/13/2008 1:16:52 PM
Comment:
Oprah does not influence me in any way. I think she is totally insincere and narcissistic. As a registered nonpartisan,while I may have voted for McCain, since his VP choice, I will vote for Obama. The possibility of McCain surviving his tenure if elected, is unlikely, and Sarah Palen would not be my choice for President, as neither would be Joe Biden. VPs should be chosen for their "maybe needed to run the country in the future" ability. Hilary is still my number one choice. -
Posted By:
gibster at 08/28/2008 8:25:35 AM
Comment:
I see Oprah is back on the campaign trail with Obama.
I guess she is looking to bring this thing on home.
While I agree with the points made by the writer of the article I am shaken more so by the replies. I mean for gracious sake we were slaves/chattel in this country just a mere 143 yrs ago, so of course race matters. Especially when we are talking about the highest office in the land.
I don???t see- nor do I recall anyone from the media taking special notice of the complexion of the man sworn into office at our last inaugural. Bush was not seen as the 43rd white male president- he was just seen simply as president.
Obama will always be known as the first black to achieve such distinction- just as Jack Johnson will also be known as the first in his profession. His victory over Jim Jeffries can be viewed as being just as important a milestone in the dialogue on race, as is Obama???s run for the white house in this present day. If Obama were truly judged on his merits alone (by whites) he would never be referred to as the ???first black man??? to attain what 43 white men have routinely achieved for most of this nation???s history. So of course race matters.
I am reminded of the article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times July 5th 1910, just a day after the fight in Reno. Entitled: "A Word to the Black Man"
In it the writer cautions, ???Do not point your nose too high. Do not swell your chest too much. Do not boast too loudly. Do not be puffed up. Let not your ambition be inordinate, or take a wrong turn. Remember, you have done nothing at all. You are just the same member of society you were last week. You are on no new higher plane, deserve no new consideration, and will get none. No man will think a bit higher of you because your complexion is the same as that of the victor at Reno.???
???Johnson???s stunning defeat of Jeffries touched off race riots across America, leaving hundreds injured (mostly black), and at least 23 dead (mostly black). Though described at the time as riots, what was really going on was more like a race war declared by whites who worried that in the wake of Johnson???s victory, black people would forget their place.???
In this country it does indeed matter what color the person is sitting in that white house, and for the past 200 yrs or so that color has been white. It is this undeniable fact that has shaken some white people to their core.
Gib -
Posted By:
gibster at 08/28/2008 8:19:05 AM
Comment:
I see Oprah is back on the campaign trail with Obama.
I guess she is looking to bring this thing on home.
While I agree with the points made by the writer of the article I am shaken more so by the replies. I mean for gracious sake we were slaves/chattel in this country just a mere 143 yrs ago, so of course race matters. Especially when we are talking about the highest office in the land.
I don???t see- nor do I recall anyone from the media taking special notice of the complexion of the man sworn into office on inaugural day. Bush was not seen as the 43rd white male president- he was just seen as president.
Obama will always be known as the first black to achieve such distinction- just as Jack Johnson will also be known as the first in his profession. His victory over Jim Jeffries can be viewed as being just as important a milestone in the dialogue on race, as is Obama???s run for the white house in this present day. If Obama were truly judged on his merits alone (by whites) he would never be referred to as the ???first black man??? to attain what 43 white men have routinely achieved for most of this nation???s history. So of course race matters.
I am reminded of the article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times July 5th 1910, just a day after the fight in Reno. Entitled: "A Word to the Black Man"
In it the writer cautions, ???Do not point your nose too high. Do not swell your chest too much. Do not boast too loudly. Do not be puffed up. Let not your ambition be inordinate, or take a wrong turn. Remember, you have done nothing at all. You are just the same member of society you were last week. You are on no new higher plane, deserve no new consideration, and will get none. No man will think a bit higher of you because your complexion is the same as that of the victor at Reno.???
???Johnson???s stunning defeat of Jeffries touched off race riots across America, leaving hundreds injured (mostly black), and at least 23 dead (mostly black). Though described at the time as riots, what was really going on was more like a race war declared by whites who worried that in the wake of Johnson???s victory, black people would forget their place.???
In this country it does indeed matter what color the person is sitting in that white house, and for the past 200 yrs or so that color has been white. It is this undeniable fact that has shaken some white people to their core.
Michael -
Posted By:
sadapo at 07/10/2008 7:50:45 PM
Comment:
OMG!!!! Oprah's BLACK!!!! So what if white women didn't see it coming? Another lesson in faulty notion of "color-blind" society. Color blind negates who we are...acceptable if color does not play into the white perspective. The two O's know the truth. They have both successfully navigated the color-blind world. And, I for one ain't mad at either of them! -
Posted By:
lili at 06/02/2008 4:43:34 PM
Comment:
In regards to the fact there is a black man and a white woman running for president people decide on who they feel can complete the task best. Overall it is a very interesting political race. I myself is excited about possibly having a woman for president. Black people want to have a black political leader for once. We all know Obama is biracial, still yet he isn't taking sides or unacknowledging his family status(stated in his Philadelphia speech). Personally I just wat to have a leader who will make positive contributions and change. -
Posted By:
Qhycrme1 at 05/11/2008 9:04:47 PM
Comment:
The sooner u get up off this black and white thing it will b a better world 2 live in and smell, if u like Oprahs show look at it , if u like obama vote for him it don't take that much, its simple 2 do -
Posted By:
sowhat'sup at 05/10/2008 5:56:16 PM
Comment:
That as soon as a black gets some clot they forget about the struggle of why and how they got to where they are today. Oprah, has always had her on agenda the white's just did not see it because she was blinding them with giveaway's and such. She had said, that she wants to be white. That was to passify the white people keeping her own the air. What she really means is until it matters. -
Posted By:
david19107 at 05/09/2008 2:34:39 PM
Comment:
These white soccer moms have been spoon fed distain for black men from Oprah???s talk show for years. Now Oprah is telling these women to ignore what she???s been selling about black men, being the symbol of misogyny and evil in America and rally behind her latest product Obama. I assume her thought process was ???A light skinned half white male who has little shared history with African Americans???white women will love this!??? I guess she figured his mixed heritage would get him a free pass from white women. What comes around goes around; she???s just getting what she deserves from the white women who she catered to. Oprah???s troubles have more to do with her selling the most negative imagines of black men to white middle class housewives than anything else. -
Posted By:
Thessalonia at 05/09/2008 2:02:59 PM
Comment:
I???m excited about the energy that the O???s generate in all people. I want the cloaks removed so that my generation and my children???s generation can see clearly the ugly dark monster of race relations in America. I want all black Americans to stop being complacent and fight back. We are all justifiably entitled to claim our stake in America.
Oprah is brilliant! She catered to the needs of white women for years and built a dynasty doing it (The slave became the master). Oprah has always used her God given talents and wealth to help all people. More importantly, she courageously shouldered the responsibility to help improve lives for people of the African Diaspora. Oops! It???s really too bad that white women never recognized Oprah???s dedication to her own people. They were blinded by their own self-righteous sense of entitlement. Epiphany! That???s Hillary???s downfall.
Senator Obama has awakened a desire for all people to be involved in shaping America. I dragged my 21 year-old son to the polls to participate in the political process for the first time in his life. He was impatient and agitated with the long lines. We almost lost his desire to vote. I enlisted the support of the senior citizens to encourage him to stay and vote. I had the power of the village inspiring a young black man in Compton to stay the course. We impressed upon him that this is the way to change things. After my son cast his vote, he said, ???I???ll be angry if Obama doesn???t win and I???ll never vote again???.
As you can see, this young man represents some of the views of youth in America. Black folks can???t worry about the bruised egos of white folks when we have a new generation to inspire with hope for the future. Oprah and Obama give me the encouragement to keep pushing forward no matter what. -
Posted By:
len0117 at 05/08/2008 1:34:48 PM
Comment:
you say Oprah went to Wright's church too, but you fail to include that she had the good since not to return.
and why is gender relevant? i'm more concerned with a candidates political philosophy and where they plan to take the country. both obama and clinton are neo-sociailists and neither will receive my vote. i've transcended race and gender--it's all about the economy, baby. -
Posted By:
hoodsista at 05/08/2008 11:11:23 AM
Comment:
First I disagree with Oprah being a back stabber because she did not support Hilliary....Why?....Hiliary is running as the first woman on the coattails of her husband...Bill Clinton.....again....her claim to fame is not based on her sole self...but on the self with Bill Clilnton as her husband..... a real viable woman candidate would be a someone that is running entirely on their own merit....Barack had very little support in the beginning....however....he pushed on every single day until his message was out there for all to see.....no wife's coattail to hang onto....so is Hilliary really our first viable woman presidential candidate?....I don't think so.....what about Shirley Chilsom.......Carol Mosley Braun......these were women and they were black.....why didn't we respond to their call?.......if a woman such as a Nancy Peloski or Maxine Waters decided to run for Commander in Chief....I would shout from Mt. Everest.....now....as a woman we have a viable candidate.....if Hilliary was running on her own merit....she would have been wiped off of the map a long time ago.....the only reason she has lasted this long is because of Bill.....I think we all should transcend race........otherwise could we change the conditoin of poor race relations in this country? ...... -
Posted By:
Jeffrey Tate at 05/07/2008 9:54:12 PM
Comment:
BRAVO! Anyone who says this is not about race has been under a rock (or on another planet) for the last several decades. Very fine analysis. Your article is right on point. I would extend your analysis about blacks being idealized to go beyond celebrities/politicians as this is an issue that many (if not most) people of color who have excelled, must deal with. It is a more glaring issue for Oprah/Obama because of the numbers the the higher profile response. For any who do not wake up each morning prepared to place white sensibilities at the forefront this is very real especially as one moves up the ladder. -
Posted By:
Chrysoprase at 05/07/2008 8:28:22 AM
Comment:
As a white UK citizen I can't vote in the US election. But like the rest of the world I am passionately interested. I want to see President Obama because I am a good judge of character and I like him. I read his books and I respect him. It is so NOT about race. -
Posted By:
BradinTokyo at 05/07/2008 8:10:27 AM
Comment:
It is now time for white women to look in the mirror and judge themselves, and ask themselves, "Are you really any different than Scarlett O'Hara in your attitude towards blacks?" Whatever answer they give in reply they must remember to give others the right to make their own choice without giving those other people reproach (it's called freedom). -
Posted By:
BradinTokyo at 05/07/2008 8:06:57 AM
Comment:
The lights have been turned on and white women now have to look at themselves in the mirror and judge themselves, ask themselves, "Are they really any different than Scarlett O'Hara with her attitude towards blacks?" Whatever answer they give in reply to be fair they must grant others the right to make their own choice and not give those other people reproach (it's called freedom). -
Posted By:
jnb at 05/07/2008 1:10:20 AM
Comment:
Marjorie, excellent excellent essay. It says it all, and it is all so maddeningly sad.
Neela -
Posted By:
jnb at 05/07/2008 1:09:41 AM
Comment:
Marjorie, excellent excellent commentary. Says it all, and it is all so sad.
Neela -
Posted By:
msthang71677 at 05/06/2008 6:34:19 PM
Comment:
I think that Oprah choose the person she felt was best canidate. I don't believe that she choose Obama simply because of his race, as for Hilary white people are going to vote for her because while they can't see a woman or black man in office they will vote for her because she is white. These so-called great United States of America will forever be a nation divided because of race relations. Oprah may be a voice for all women but she choose someone because she believes in them and what they stand for. -
Posted By:
1cutenupe at 05/06/2008 5:43:01 PM
Comment:
Sorry about the typos. I am usually a much better speller. -
Posted By:
1cutenupe at 05/06/2008 5:41:49 PM
Comment:
How do we transcend race? Watch School Daze again. Samuel L. pharased it perfectly. Let's use this time to focus on issues that raise our people up and stop worrying about what others think about us. This is my first trip to this sit and it is really cool. -
Posted By:
lwelburn at 05/06/2008 5:20:23 PM
Comment:
While I appreciate the author's point of view, I have to point out that women have also been oppressed and not just in America -- women in Africa are still second-class citizens today. Oprah's fans who were angry at her for supporting Obama were angry because they view Oprah as an icon for women and what women can accomplish. Oprah's endorsement of Obama made it clear to those people (intentionally or otherwise) that Oprah was black first and a woman second. I think this was a disappointment - not because she supported a black man over Hillary but because she supported ANY man over the first viable female candidate. As for Rev. Wright, I personally would not have remained for 20 years in a church that preached hate of any kind, much less the vitriolic hatred espoused by Rev. Wright. That Obama would remain in that church for 20 years is relevant to the kind of man he is and whether I want him as President -- either he sat their because he was a believer in the good Reverend (why didn't he switch churches?) or he sat there in a hypocritical attempt to convince other Chicago blacks that he had the street "creds" to be their representative. Either way, the decision to remain reflects on him and his cynicism. I didn't know that Oprah was a member of that church until I read this article. I have to say that this is the first thing I've heard this election cycle that has caused me to think more negatively about her.-
Posted By:
artistatheart at 05/06/2008 7:11:22 PM
Comment:
Of course Oprah is Black did you not notice that? It is not just the fact that she is Black, but a Black woman who grew up in time of open and legal racism. Clearly you need to do some research and perhaps have a meaningful conversation with a Black woman in her 50's or 60's to get a real take on the life of a woman who has to struggle not only against general male oppression but society as a whole. Oprah chose the person she considered the best candidate - which is her right. Would you prefer that Oprah do your bidding - is she a child? Being for someone does not mean you are against another. I will reserve judgement of you blatant racism and sense of entitlement that YOU get to decide the standards of behavior for a Black person - but you didn't really consider Oprah Black..she was an 'exception'. Your surprise and anger are telling.
-
-
Posted By:
knowalot at 05/06/2008 10:02:24 AM
Comment:
I've been wondering when a writer would finally state the case as it is. Thank you Ms. Valbrun. As long as a black who is in a quasi position of power supports, salutes and reveres white folks they're ok. As soon as we support one another white America wants to lynch us all. Can you image hating Oprah because she has supported a black man. Be real, if Oprah Winfrey, (who as one of your respondees indicated has whites to thank for her billions) is supporting Senator Obama, be sure it is not because of his color. I submit it's because of his intelligence, values, avant-garde thinking and his message of hope for a country that really needs some hope right about now. Do not think for a minute that Oprah was not aware that coming out for Obama would resut in her drop in ratings. Here is a prime example of white-backlash at its worst. -
Posted By:
Elizabeth A at 05/06/2008 9:43:37 AM
Comment:
It's interesting that people have to write legions of articles about whether or not working class voters are not voting for Obama b/c of his race. No one needs to ask that about Hillary. Being in one of the highly contested states I can tell you that I heard HUNDREDS of people say they wouldn't vote for a woman. Those were people of all races who felt comfortable enough to say out loud to perfect strangers that they wouldn't vote for Hillary b/c she is a WOMAN.
So it seems like Americans are still pretty ok with airing their hatred of other groups. -
Posted By:
appleprecious at 05/06/2008 5:13:51 AM
Comment:
i think when blacks are idealized as having nothing to do with the black race other than the fact they are black, white people love them but as soon as the white people realize wait they have black people interests at heart too the idealized image goes away and the prejudice and ignorance arises i.e. the Wright scandal. Why hasn't McCain or Hillary been called on there fanatical religious supporters??? Hillary's pastor defended Rev. Wright and McCain's support Pastor John Hagee has said the catholic church were the whores of babylon and Pastor Rod Parsley said christianity's mission was to rid the world of the Muslim religion. Why haven't they been called on those statements?? As much as we would like to ignore race and pretend that its just about character Obama's polictical run and Oprah's ratings prove differently oh and I love this article!!!! -
Posted By:
HortonsWho at 05/05/2008 8:32:41 PM
Comment:
Good for you, Eric Bryce- you make sense. We should vote for a candidate, not BECAUSE they are black- or not black, or because they are female- or not a female, but because they have leadership skills, a logical economic base, solid intelligent ideas that will unite- not divide- our country, a good understanding of foreign politics, and an openess to new ideas, especially solutions to environment and energy problems. We get entirely too caught up in race, sex, and religion. We need to think about the future world, physical and economic health, and how we will fit in and help improve the contents (and inhabitants) of the Big Blue Ball. -
Posted By:
harLyn at 05/05/2008 4:34:47 PM
Comment:
whta is the world coming to. Get a life -
Posted By:
kolmejuut at 05/05/2008 4:10:21 PM
Comment:
oprah:woman
people who watch oprah:women
hillary:woman
o -
Posted By:
eric bryce at 05/05/2008 3:16:19 PM
Comment:
A few things: if I'm reading you correctly you're using the fact the 13% of the 19% of voters who saw race as important, voted against Obama. That's a miniscule amount. 87%, then, of voters for whom race was important voted for Obama, in other words, precisely because he's black. The statistics you're using seem to be telling the opposite story from the one you intend. As for Oprah, I imagine the anger of many of her viewers had more to do with her endorsing a Democrat than with showing whites a less homogenized image of blackness. Lastly, bitterness and resentfulness aren't just unattractive in black candidates, they're unattractive in all candidates. -
Posted By:
Maeb at 05/05/2008 2:49:55 PM
Comment:
The three quotes used in this article are reminiscent of the kind of melodramatic, angry, and inconsequential comments that are posted on blogs and messageboards every day, and that most people ignore. It offends me that they are exploited in this article as somehow illustrative of an entire group's political sentiments (similar to the exploitation of Rev. Wright's comments). I am a white woman who voted for Clinton in the primaries, but as I've followed the two candidates I have become an Obama supporter because he seems to me to be a more sincere candidate, and one who is willing to engage the public in an intelligent and common-sense way that is foreign to both Clinton's catchphrases and media coverage of this election as a whole. To me, the Wright issue is yet more media bluster. it has nothing to do with Obama as a candidate. Everyone's got issues, racial or otherwise. The main issue in this campaign is who is going to be a better president, and that is not an issue I see addressed in this article, nor, unfortunately, in the media at large. -
Posted By:
RainaWeather at 05/05/2008 2:37:01 PM
Comment:
I don't necassarily think Oprah's white female audience is racist, but they can only see from their own perspective as white women. They find it hard to believe that Oprah would support a man over a woman yet see nothing wrong if she had supported a white person over a black person. As members of a privileged race, their only allegiance is to woman. So they can't understand Oprah's double allegiance to gender AND race. Not saying that Oprah only supports Obama because he's black of course. As always, I'm sure some of this is just media blowing things out of proportion. -
Posted By:
ZZim at 05/05/2008 1:42:15 PM
Comment:
Maybe the two situations are unrelated. I didn't recall Oprah's endorsement until you brought it up. I don't care what an entertainer's politics are. Mostly it's just posturing for their audience anyway.
By the way, your statistics cited above indicate that 87% of the Democratic voters who voted on race were not white people voting for Clinton. I think that's a more important figure than 13%. What does it mean for Oprah? Probalbly nothing.
Full disclosure: I will vote against Obama. I support the war in Iraq and he doesn't. -
Posted By:
margerineforwings45 at 05/05/2008 6:42:42 AM
Comment:
The observations made here are more or less classic cases really. I feared the white flight on Obama was going to start when I once heard someone was taking issue with him for being a smoker...
At any rate this is the way it's always been, black people are fine until they are threatening to partake in anything that whites hold dear, anything that would effect real change. And god forbid you have an opinion about race or aren't jokey and smiling all the time. -
Posted By:
obstreperous at 05/05/2008 5:54:29 AM
Comment:
I wonder if it wasthe married man that she had the three year affair with whi gave her the start? Anyone know who he is? -
Posted By:
obstreperous at 05/05/2008 5:48:48 AM
Comment:
ANYONE MENTION BILL COSBY AND HIS COMMENTS?
i USED TO LOATHE HIM AND THE WAY HE SPOKE BUT WHEN HE HAD THE GUTS TO TELL IT LIKE IT IS HE GOT A LOT OF RESPECT FROM EVERYONE INCLUDING BLACK PEOPLE.
DON'T FORGET THAT LIGHTER SKINNED BLACK PEOPLE GET ABUSED BY DARKER SKINNED BLACK PEOPLE.
WHY BOTHER ABOUT SKIN COLOUR?
ONLY DOPES DO THAT? -
Posted By:
obstreperous at 05/05/2008 5:46:03 AM
Comment:
YOUR COMMENTS ON WHAT BILL COSBY HAS SAID??? -
Posted By:
ckj20151 at 05/04/2008 5:11:44 PM
Comment:
My comments goes to the deluted white woman that feels White women made Oprah, just because they support her. Let's get real,I believe Oprah has stated that it was ia 'White man" that gave her the first opportunity to be on the airwaves. And the belief in herself along with the stern hand of her 'Black' father put her on the road to making billions.. Since we live in the land of the 'free', where everyone can fell, say and do as they choose, vote as they are lead, and even Support whom ever they so choose. The white lady's comment was absurd. And I have no doubt that Oprah is a big enough girl to weather the storm and the shaky ground... Black woman in Texas -
Posted By:
ckj20151 at 05/04/2008 4:58:47 PM
Comment:
I think it is absolutely absured for whit women to assume they made Oprah. Yes I am a black woman. And if my memory serves me correctly, I believe Oprah states it was a 'white man' that gave her a chance, and put on her on the air-waves, and the raod to becoming a billionaire.Not to mention her belief in herself and the stern hand of her black father. This is America, and we all have the right to feel, think, speak, vote, and yes even Support whom ever we so choose. The bible say' Freely give, Freely receive' and I say without expecting gratitude, or acknowledgement in return. -
Posted By:
midwest view at 05/04/2008 8:47:23 AM
Comment:
The article makes some good points. However, as a white Midwestern woman, the reason I don't like watching OPRAH any more is because I watch her for entertainment not to be told for whom I should vote. It's the same problem I have with all celebrity endorsements. I watch George Clooney to be entertained not to be preached to about their political beliefs. -
Posted By:
midwest view at 05/04/2008 8:45:14 AM
Comment:
You make some good points, but as a white woman the problem I have with OPRAH's endorsement is the same problem I have with all celebrity/actor endorsements, I don't want their beliefs crammed down my throat. I watch OPRAH for entertainment, just as I watch George Clooney or Magic Johnson. I don't watch to have them preach to me. -
Posted By:
eminka at 05/03/2008 9:37:52 PM
Comment:
The trouble is not with transcending race. The trouble is with the setup of our society. If you are a black person trying to do something that involves as an audience more than African-Americans, you have to learn and take into consideration, the feelings of the majority of this country's population. That is a demographic fact. None of us know for sure what Barack and Oprah feel about their fellow black people in their heart of hearts. What we see are mere actions which are really only indications of their possible real intentions.
So I don't think we can conclude on their feelings about black people on the basis of these actions alone.
The one major element this article misses is that by their mere presence on the national scene, a Barack Obama as President of the US of A and Oprah as one of the most influential women in the world do more for black people in the white world than all the Al Sharptons and Jeremiah Wrights put together. The fact that the white person across the table from you finally sees black people as equals because he went to an Obama rally yesterday may be the difference between getting that job or being passed for the white candidate. The fact that the white woman at the perfume counter who happens to looooove Oprah may just treat a sista better and that will make her less stressed on that day, which sometimes means performing better at work, keeping that job, being a better mother for the day or changing her mind about something that was a thorn on her side.
The fact is we as black people are a minority and we need to work with the majority in this country whether we like it or not. Obama and Oprah have only recognized that fact and are attempting to function within that framework as national figures. -
Posted By:
Newday at 05/03/2008 9:32:14 PM
Comment:
May be that they are both from Chicago, aware of each other's careers and just happen to agree. What on earth is wrong with that? And as for Oprah's dip in popularity having something to do with not supporting the woman candidate, well that's a stretch. Maybe she had become too predictable. -
Posted By:
musical_moments at 05/03/2008 9:02:48 PM
Comment:
reality
For people of color the conflict of individualism and allegiance continues. This is the downside of any commentary of this nature. People will continue to be informed by their needs and drawn by their hearts to workable solutions. Sadly the need to deconstruct proceeds the good, and the image of the gifted disavowing the flock is the unmeasured commentary of those who might think they have the ultimate take on true 'personal freedom.' Who are we allowing to plot our emerging 21st century concepts? -
Posted By:
Ndree at 05/03/2008 11:20:34 AM
Comment:
As African American woman, and I consider myself fairly intelligent and critical (I may be wrong), I have been observing with consternation the evolution of this campaign. I witnessed the great fiasco of 2000, and the subsequent one in 2004. I considered them both "coups." Even seeing GWB remain in power for 8 years while destroying completely the country in almost every way, I told myself that in any banana republic, there would have long ago been an uproar.
Now, with regards this election, I see that some folks have learned a lesson about "democratic" coups, and are indeed attempting one. It's not that subtle, but open discussion is discouraged. The Press has become an instrument of propaganda and manipulation, destroying some, shielding and promoting others. A certain segment of the population thinks that the Presidency is their due, and are willing to kill for it. They will disparage, intimidate, blackmail and strongarm any opposing view. Rational criticism is discouraged, reverse racism is deployed to intimidate and confound. The result is that race relations would have been set back decades, and one of the least qualified candidates ever risks being voted in at a time when the country is at a most critical junction of its existence. And the person most qualified for the job is disparaged, insulted, and shooed away.
Those aligning themselves behind this "Manchurian" candidate all have their own selfish motives, and hope to manipulate the outcome in favor of their devious and not so devious objectives. -
Posted By:
MusicProf at 05/03/2008 7:32:32 AM
Comment:
I find it odd that the author implies that the problem is that Oprah can no longer maintain her position as the idealized black friend when she is supporting Obama with his ties to Rev. Wright, when all the comments she quotes make it clear that the problem is that Oprah is NOT supporting Hillary Clinton. Clearly Oprah's viewers (at least those quoted) think that she should be supporting a woman candidate, not that she should not be supporting Obama. To me, the fact that the author has reframed this issue to be about race instead of gender reflects the author's "racial baggage" more than Obama's, Oprah's or society's at large. -
Posted By:
ccryder2 at 05/03/2008 1:20:00 AM
Comment:
I agree whole heartedly. You see , this is not our problem, its white folks problem. Its their deep rooted issues and pathology about race that causes them be in such conflict. Many of them have ancestors, relatives, co workers, neighbors and fellow worshipers who have continously and constantly exhibit and exhort racial bias and destain for others. And many whites seek a way to alleviate guilt and mental conflict via having a black best friend or favorite black celebrity they "absolutely adore". As you have pointed out, this patronizing additude is the psyhchological defense that has been overtly or covertly burned into the even the poorest and most backward white folks in this country.
Also, in Oprah's experience, there seems to be a love - hate relationship with her viewers. She appeals to issues that women, mostly white, deal with on a daily basis, She brings on guests that they identify with. However, they realize that she hadsmade billions of dollars, playing on their feelings and deepest concerns. Thus, they resent her for her wealth and her cleaverness. Nevertheless, they same audiences gladly take the gifts she gives. Oprah and her associates know what they were doing past and present. Great for her.
Furthermore, It is good that these issues have surfaced. It shows the white public that many black celebrities and ordinary black folk are not going to stop being who they are and hide their rightful decisions so white folk can feel comfortable. Black folk have been doing this for decades, trying to live up to white expectations. And for what? We come to the same crossroads time after time. I believe that as we as black folks become more convicted in our personal and cultural esteem. We will command and demand respect from all. Barak Obama and Oprah Winfrey have done this, and their actions command respect. May not get him the votes this time, or she may not have the ratings she once had. So what. They are going to make it life, as we all (blacks and some whites) are,if they continue to speak and do what's right.
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Posted By:
caribroyal at 05/03/2008 12:44:06 AM
Comment:
"I found Rev. White's videos offensive.
I wish Obama had left that church years ago." (Mother Superior)
Shame on you M.S.! What would Jesus have done? Would he have left that church, or would he have made his voice heard. Even Jesus was not able to change the behavior of the "Whited Sepulchres" he found at his place of worship, and throughout Israel. Jesus made his voice heard and so did Obama. Obama SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH. A shepherd does not leave his sheep. Of course nuns have a different mission, but they are not shepherds. You are conservationists ... an important function but not the only one in the Church. You would have been wrong for the job Obama must do, and for that same reason, so would Hillary, I'm beginning to think. She thinks like a schemer, a courtier, not a leader. I know what it is to be a leader, now a writer. Madam, I assure you, A LEADER (SHEPHERD) WHO ABANDONS HIS COMMUNITY TO A MISGUIDED PASTOR (like Jim Jones for example) WOULD BE A SINNER. You are counciling future leaders like Obama to commit a sin in their own self interest. Shame on you. Actually I'm beginning to doubt that you are a "mother superior."-
Posted By:
beef at 05/03/2008 7:11:28 PM
Comment:
What would Jesus have done? Really? We're talking about the guy that wrecked the Temple? Jesus would've run out of there fast!
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Posted By:
njw at 05/02/2008 10:35:32 PM
Comment:
Maybe after showcasing douchebags like David Blaine and Tom Cruise people are tired of the mediocrity Oprah exemplifies and profits from. -
Posted By:
mothersuperior at 05/02/2008 10:11:43 PM
Comment:
I found Rev. White's videos offensive.
I wish Obama had left that church years ago.
It would've been better for his career and both he and his wife should've know that. -
Posted By:
radmdau at 05/02/2008 3:29:35 PM
Comment:
There have been some interesting comments on this board - some of which I agreed with, some of which I did not. However, there were 2 comments, from the same poster which bothered me. "... accepting a clearly intelligent, hard-working woman ... despite a lower-than-average test score DOES NOT MAKE UP for 400 years of institutionalized racism and sexism."
Nothing can ever change what went on historically. Aside from the issue that all "white" Americans didn't have a part in it, nor did their ancestors, tacitly or any other way, when are people going to stop blaming history for current failings? When are people going to take responsiblity for how they turn out and what they may or may not achieve? Blacks who take that stance are often not popular among other blacks - take Colin Powell, for example. He was born in Harlem, the child of Jamaican immigrants. He grew up in the South Bronx, graduated from high school without any real ambition or direction in life. Yet, look what he made of himself. He stresses personal responibility. There are others - the point is, it can be done. And, on the basis of one's hard work and determiniation. Bill Cosby, who predates affirmative action. Like many other blacks who have achieved, they believe the time for special opportunities, just on the basis of color or race, has passed. If someone is not qualified, they shouldn't get special treatment, regardless of skin color or gender. Make it on your own merit .... not on the coat tails of historical issues. If you can't get in or make in on your own merit, you don't belong there.
Minorites and/or women should actually be upset with any special dispensations - it clearly says, you wouldn't make it if we didn't give you a break. Personally, I resent that.
The other comment, "Ben - I'm not sure of your race, but god help you if you ever had a black daughter. Can you imagine looking into the big black eyes of a little brown skinned girl and tell her that life will be much harder for her than her white and/or male counterparts because she does not look a certain way."
Let me just say, I'm a "white" woman who adopted 7 kids. Some were siblings, some a bit older. But, 5 of those children were mixed: African-American/White; Latino/Black/White and one which we weren't sure of, but he had quite dark skin, soft loose black curls and caucasian features. He also had the largest, darkest most beautiful eyes... three of the five who were mixed, were girls. I would tell them they had it doubly difficult - they were female, and they would be perceived as black. Didn't matter how light their skin was.
As women, we often have to achieve twice as much and work twice as hard, just be recognized as the men are. And, often, we don't make as much money. While people may not like hearing it - may not like it, it's a fact of life. Regardless of what country one goes to, the color of one's skin is almost always a factor. Even among cultures who are all black. It's commonly known, for the -
Posted By:
raisonousreason at 05/02/2008 2:58:10 PM
Comment:
this is a wonderful article. it is thoughtful and stimulating. i shall reflect on it deeply. thank you. -
Posted By:
Allen White at 05/02/2008 2:53:34 PM
Comment:
Many issues combine to both create as well as bring down the network tv host. With the exception of Johnny Carson, every successful tv anchor has had a periord when their level of popularity seems without precedent and will never see a decline. History will show the popularity of a tv host is not finite. For whatver the reason, it happens. Didn't Winfrey replace Donahue who replaced Mike Douglas and didn't he replace Dinah Shore. Limiting the popularity of Oprah Winfrey and her success simply to how she votes, fails to understand the full compliment of issues which make her a success. The more important question is not why Oprah Winfrey is the only successful African American woman on tv. Why, I believe it better to ask, are there not more?
Allen White
San Francisco, CA -
Posted By:
dawnielyn at 05/02/2008 2:22:51 PM
Comment:
Some of these comments are very superficial and ridiculous. Oprah has the right to vote for whomever she feels is the best candidate in her eyes. It has nothing to do with black or white-male or female. I really think that Americans that have superficial views as this should be ashamed of themselves for being so shallow. Oprah Winfrey is a beautiful woman in many different ways and she should be congratulated for all the work that she has done to in uplifting women. However, we all have the right to vote for whoever we feel is right. If a voter feels that Hilary is the right candidate for them- then so be it, vote for Hilary then. I am absolutely disgusted with some of the things that I hear. Jeremiah White has his own mouth and can say as he feels its called the First Amendment-Freedom of Speech. Barack has no control over what that man was going to say. I truly believe that Oprah is genuine and is supporting Barack because she sees that he is the best candidate for her and not because he is black. Americans are the ones that are making this election about race. Let's get back to what's important. In 1996-1997 you were able to purchase gas for a dollar, and here we are now paying almost quadriple that amount. America please stop making the 2008 election about race. When only white men are running everybody seems just fine, and now that we have a white woman and a black man, the country seems to be in uproar. Get back to the basics-JUST VOTE! -
Posted By:
bselvin at 05/02/2008 1:55:37 PM
Comment:
The observations and speculations in your column ring true. As a white woman and an Obama supporter, I find this terribly sad. -
Posted By:
thekylegroup at 05/02/2008 1:31:44 PM
Comment:
ccc -
Posted By:
rpcvaz at 05/02/2008 1:14:55 PM
Comment:
Viable? What does "viable candidate" mean? Good enough for the first woman president? Satisfactory? I am voting for the first President after a very sad chapter in our history. I have higher expectations and criteria than "viable". I don't trust her. I cannot respect that she caved on the war vote. Her gas tax holiday pandering leaves me less than inspired. She is a very smart woman. She is a very accomplished woman. She is passionate about some causes, and has been a tireless advocate for them. But along her thirty year road to this day, she learned that the end justifies the means if you're going to gain a few points in the polls. She learned the wrong lesson. And I would like to vote for someone for President this November that I actually enjoy listening to, that I respect, that I feel is not only telling me what he or she will do for me to gain a vote, but is challenging me to be a better citizen, to be more involved, more informed, to give back. As a woman, I feel that candidate is Barack Obama. -
Posted By:
gina0122 at 05/02/2008 1:00:33 PM
Comment:
I don't think it is always a black and white issue. I think some people may feel that Oprah sided with the Black Man over a woman (regardless of what race the woman is). I feel like Oprah's ratings have fallen because I think she has gotten caught up in the rich lifestyle she has attained, and she doesn't strike me as being as "real" as she use to be. Now it's agenda's she pushes down your throat. She liked Dr. Phil (who works my last nerve) and that is who WE had to love. She likes this new doctor she features all the time, so now WE have to. She decided she hates rap and wants to pour money into education in other countries rather than here... she expects her opinions to become everyone else's reality. She feels her opinion should have more weight than anyone else.
I lost respect for her for publicly choosing to side with a candidate. Not because he was black or white or male or female, but because, really, who the hell is Oprah to tell people who to vote for? I don't think its a race issue. I think it's a matter of Oprah putting her rich, over-inflated ego and two cents into an issue she should have stayed out of. You are right, she should vote for whoever she wants, but why should she try to use her celebrity to influence the public one way or the other. It's wrong.
I'm not saying race isn't an issue, but I'm so tired of people always playing the black card when things don't go right for Obama, or Oprah, or any other person of color. How about less excuses and try really looking at the real issues at hand. -
Posted By:
springfever at 05/02/2008 12:48:00 PM
Comment:
Would someone pls repeat Michele Obama's quote that several people have commented on? Can't find it as I scrolled back looking for "Bob's" original comment.. -
Posted By:
DavidAmerland at 05/02/2008 12:47:20 PM
Comment:
I am British and we have our own class and race issues to solve but I really wish for once America picked the best man (or woman) for the job, not one that fits into some premolded, stereotype. That way it may fulfil its potential of being a great nation again rather than a nation which simply polarises everything it casts its attention upon into issues of black vs white (and that goes for a sense of justice too). -
Posted By:
springfever at 05/02/2008 12:46:15 PM
Comment:
Would someone pls repeat the Michelle Obama quote that has ben commented on? I couldn't find the original message from "Bob." -
Posted By:
GRRobinson at 05/02/2008 11:14:59 AM
Comment:
It is really sad that walking lockstep with people who try to define, label, and take credit for the "success" is the expectation of some women. I have had women bosses all of my professional life and they are good,bad and ugly as are some male supervisor. WE have many white women in positions of power and I don't want Ms. Clinton as president. I don't like mandates, that just another way to go to jail or have the government invade your life to punish . I don't want government telling folk who to be, who to love ,marry or how to think. .
I say be free Oprah, Obama and Ron Paul. We need diversity in this land.
Gloria Robinson -
Posted By:
antegone at 05/02/2008 10:56:49 AM
Comment:
Do white people not have the right to look out for their interests as well as black people? And if Obama was white and went to Jeremiah Wright's church would he not be pressured to drop out by now? It's incredible that you even question why any people white or black lose all respect for Obama and Oprah when they supported a racist virurently anti-American, anti-white "Pastor" Wright and then have the nerve to backpaddle and now disavow his views. Obama and Oprah have been listening to Wright for decades and they just noticed the guy hates America and white people? Oprah and Obama wake upo and smell the coffee, you're both rich black people because of all the white people who have given you all the opportunities you have taken well advantage of. Name another nation whose richest wom,an is a black woman? I hopwe you both lose your wealth and support, along with Wright, you are all a bunch or rich intense ingrates who still whine about "racism" when most white people have not gotten any opf the many opportunities you have. -
Posted By:
jhood at 05/02/2008 10:04:18 AM
Comment:
I am tired of reading about "Obama's problem with blue-collar white voters." This is politically correct code for "white racists' problem with Obama." There is nothing Obama or any other Black can do that would make him attractive to racist rednecks. Hillary's appeal to disaffected white voters is nothing more than an appeal to racism.
It's not OK to be racist, even when we call it something else.-
Posted By:
Ndree at 05/03/2008 11:30:22 AM
Comment:
Is not the fact that BO can count on 99.99% of the black vote, while never having done an iota for them, and very visibly dissing them (absent at State of the black Union, absent at MLK's anniversary in Memphis, throwing Jerry under the bus, telling black folks in NY NOT to resort to violence on the Sean bell verdict, not even a word of concern nor indignation)....is not that blatant racism on the part of black folks....get real!
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Posted By:
Concerned Woman at 05/02/2008 8:42:48 AM
Comment:
Oprah probably lost favor because she didn't support the "female" candidate, not because she endorsed the "black" one. Her viewership is overwhelmingly female which, unfortunately, blindly follows Hillary because they think that they can identify with her. It is equivalent to a bum on the street thinking that he has something in common with the Rockefellers, but they feel that way nonetheless.
Women, please wake up. Hillary is no more one of you than "Bubba" is. As soon as you can see that, you will appreciate the other candidate more and stop taking your anger out on Oprah for her "betrayal." -
Posted By:
Johnnnymac66 at 05/02/2008 4:23:38 AM
Comment:
"Vote for me because I'm black and Oprah said so", was a bad strategy from jump street. In truth, Barack Obama will be exposed as a cookie cutter Chicago Machine politician who would have been taking his marching orders as President from the 5th Floor of Chicago's City Hall. (If you don't live in Chicago, you have no idea what I'm talking about). But the deal breaker, the thing that will dog Obama for the rest of his life, is "God damn America!!!"-
Posted By:
carbonMike at 05/02/2008 2:30:30 PM
Comment:
I wonder how anyone with two brain cells to rub together can think that Obama's strategy was "Vote for me because I'm black and Oprah said so". Do you think that's why he won overwhelmingly white states such as Wyoming and Missouri? Do you think that's why he got more delegates from Texas than Hillary? It's actually more accurate to say that HC's "experience" strategy could be summed up as "Vote for me because I'm married to the former President". Not supporting Obama doesn't make you a racist, but your rationalizations sure tell a lot about how you think ("think" probably being too strong a word here..
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Posted By:
Eljay in ATL at 05/02/2008 1:12:40 AM
Comment:
White women have difficulty acknowledging "white privilege" the same way that Black men have problems acknowledging "male privilege." Commentor alizoom made a powerful statement by noting that "white" women did not rally behind Carol Moseley Braun's candidacy for the presidency. But then again, Black folks did not call Bill Clinton to the carpet for his shameful treatment of former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elder and Civil Rights Commission nominee Lani Guinier. Oh well, they were just Black women, right?
We have analyzed this mess to death. Oprah has more juice than any of her detractors. Moreover, she has the forum to call them on the carpet should she choose to do so. But black folks remember there are only two kinds of black folks in the white psyche: the angry-gonna-get-whitie-baddaasss and the progressive-hard-working-never-mentions-race-black. It is no point in pointing a finger at Obama or Oprah Every n****r in America dances between these two extremes all day long and twice on Sunday!! -
Posted By:
alaskaman at 05/02/2008 12:51:54 AM
Comment:
I was always, back in the day, pretty lukewarm about Hillary. The cookie thing. The bitchy butterfly. I guess it was the film "Sicko" that made me think differently. She kind of hung it out there. Back in the day. And I wanted universal health care. Why die just because you can't afford health care? Ok. It's a new day and Hilllarys' got a few more miles on her. Been round the block with some insurance companies, some Defense Department types. At least she tried, once. Tell me what Obama's done in his past that he really hung his ass out on. Where has he gone up against the likes of the HMO's. You've got to admire Hillary for that attempt. Tell me what Barack has done of equal courage. I'm not trying to run down the man. Enlighten me. -
Posted By:
CS at 05/02/2008 12:13:27 AM
Comment:
It's not about transcending race. It is about transcending identity politics. Oprah as a uniquely powerful and visible Black woman, is caught in the middle, in a tug of war for her loyalty.
I have a great deal of admiration for Oprah, but I am not at all interested in whom she is voting for. -
Posted By:
meadowlark at 05/02/2008 12:07:54 AM
Comment:
For crying out loud, it's the case of a Healer vs a Warmonger. Her being a woman will NEVER obviate her being a relentless Warmonger. -
Posted By:
Brenan at 05/01/2008 11:15:52 PM
Comment:
I'm a white man. I am votong for my hopes, and not my fears. I proudly sport an OMAMA sticker on my car.
Rev. Wright doesn't scare me. He's kind of pathetic. But if I grew up having to sit in the back of the bus and drink from a different water fountain; and if I had served in the Marines, only to have my patriotism questioned by chicken hawks who hid behind draft deferments and the National Guard, like so many Republican leaders have (Bush, Cheney, Limbaugh, etc.), I'd be a bit pissed off too.
It will be nice to have Michelle and Barack in the White House.
Brenan-
Posted By:
Integrity first and foremost at 05/01/2008 11:38:55 PM
Comment:
Amen !!
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Posted By:
Ben R at 05/01/2008 10:44:06 PM
Comment:
"dismissed once they fail to entertain the white folks."
It has nothing to do with whether people entertain, it is to do with unfair attitudes. Rev Wright suggests the US deliberately created aids?
Michelle Obama, by her own admission, says her test scores weren???t high enough for Princeton. Yet they took her anyway due to her skin colour. And all the thanks they get is that her test scores are now a recurring point of resentment. She was among the first generation to benefit from ???affirmative action???, and she's transformed it into a grievance.
As for Oprah, she's free to endorse who she pleases. But women obviously feel that there's some kind of gender betrayal? I'm a guy, and it doesn't bother me.-
Posted By:
ccrase at 05/01/2008 10:55:48 PM
Comment:
I don't know, if it isn't about some sort of comfort-zone for white people then what is it? Think about what hap
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