Should Obama be refererred to as "black"?

[Perky]

Poll question: Should Obama be refererred to as "black"?

I noticed the AP article which detailed his exporatory committee identified hime as vying to become the "first black president"

And I thought that was odd. He very literally an African-American. But he is clearly mixed race, So calling him black seems inappropriate (Not that their is anything wrong with calling him that....)

[Lord Byron]

1. I have parents of

two different ethnicities. One does not take dominance over the other. I am closer to my mother though, and so is Obama. Obama's mother is, incidentally, white. Calling him "black" is a remnant of Jim Crow laws where everyone with a drop of "negro blood" is a "negro."

It's wrong and silly.

[liberalEd]

4. I am in favor of referring to him in any way he wants

Picking your "race", whatever that is, should be up to the individual. If he wants to be labeled as black, who am I to tell him he can't?

[Lord Byron]

9. If Obama wants to be referred to as Black, then that's fine

After all, his father is Black. But I should mention that racist society has a way of shaping your identity. When people look at you as a Black, then you will start to consider yourself Black since obviously the Whites aren't accepting you. That's still a product of a racist mentality. That said, men can choose to identify with whomever they please. I never said otherwise.

[AspenRose]

40. Exactly

He chooses to consider himself black, and that's fine.

Makes it easier on him since that's what the larger society (black and white) will choose for him.

[Momgonepostal]

50. I agree, he should be referred to however he wishes nt

[donheld]

54. How about we just refer to him as Obama

forget black, white, turquoise, fuchsia or any other color.

[Momgonepostal]

57. Of course, you're right...

Most of us, who are reasonable, don't say things like, "I went out to lunch with Denise, my black friend, today" or "For president, I'm voting for gay Barney Frank."

Still, it's not unreasonable to read articles discussing Nancy Pelosi, for example, that mention she's the first female speaker of the house. If Obama proves a serious contender, his being African-American is going to come up. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

[Perky]

5. I agree

and acutely aware of jim crow on one side and the presinetial politics on the other.

[shanti]

22. well

my son is of two different ethnicities (black dad/white mom *me*) and he calls himself black. :shrug: as a biracial person, you can call yourself whatever you want to, but "people" will call you as they see you, biased as it seems. my son is very light complected, but his features definitely show his african heritage. obama seems that way too. he's black to me...

maybe someday we'll get past race, but for now it doesn't seem so...:(

[natrat]

2. no he should be referred to as a product of the media

that reasons (rightly or wrongly) a black man has no chance in the general election at this point in our history

[Perky]

11. I think you will be surprised.

The attraction of Obama is that he is articulate, smart and charismatic.

That does not necessarily translate into being a great president, but it does...afer 8 years of * make him both very attractive and very electable.

Plus if it comes down to Anyone but Hilary. He is going to be the consensus candidate by primary week four. Obama could beat any Republican nominee at this point, but Hilary will not be able to beat any.

Race will be a non-issue because the GOP will be vilified if they run those types of ads in the General election campaign.

[Rosemary2205]

3. Obama has self identified as being black in the past

I've personally heard him say "as a member of the black community". This is not to claim I know his private thoughts on his own racial identity or whether it even matters to him.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bjornsdotter]

14. Excuse me?

If you were going for humor, you missed it.

Frankly, your post is offensive.

[marmar]

16. If this is an attempt at humor, it's a poor one.

n/t

[k_jerome]

18. wtf?? nt

[stevedeshazer]

7. He should be referred to as "Senator".

Just my two bits.

[jgraz]

8. I thought Obama was Saudi

Then again maybe I've just been wathcing too much Fox News...

[fujiyama]

28. I tawt he was an I-RACK-EE

isnt his last name Hoosane?

/freeper speak off

(It takes a while to translate).

[marmar]

10. I think he should be referred to as what he calls himself...

And he identifies himself as black.

[liberalpragmatist]

12. Were W.E.B. DuBois or Frederick Douglass "black"?

From a genetic and anthropological point-of-view, we're all "mixed race". There are very few pure bloodlines and differences in race are truly skin deep.

Culturally and historically, however, all who appeared "black" have been termed "black." That was the whole basis of the "one-drop" rule.

Obama is likely no less "black" than most African-Americans, who tend to have many white ancestors. W. E. B. Dubois was half-white, and I believe Frederick Douglass was as well. For his own part, Obama has parental heritage in Africa, was seen as black by those around him, worked in the African-American community as a community organizer and married into a working-class African-American family. He identifies himself as "black" and I think that is appropriate. Blackness isn't defined solely by what percentage of one's genes come from an African lineage.

Besides, nobody would flinch if someone who was white but had one Cuban parent as being "Cuban-American."

[DianaForRussFeingold]

13. Neither! I would be more concerned about his middle name. I Wish People Would Condemn The Hype

I for one could care less what he is!I only care about his BIO I hate how the news media is making his middle name an issue.What's up with that? On the Issues http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ What we should be asking! Can he overcome all the crap they will put out about him and IS HE Electable?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. Depends on what Obama likes to be called

he probably would like to be called a person not labeled?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

17. Depends on what Obama likes to be called

he probably would like to be called a person not labeled?

[mvd]

24. Best answer so far IMO

It's all about what he identifies with. Anyway, people don't like to complicate things by saying "mixed race," so if people call him black, that's understandable. Plus, it would highlight his milestone of being the first President with black heritage.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

29. I hope he does well in the election in 08

It would be nice to have a Native American as President too

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

19. The media attention on his percentage of blackness reminds me of

the old blues tune by the legendary bluesman Big Bill Broonzy, "Get Back". If you white, ya'llright. If you brown, stick aroun'. But if you black, better get back, get way, way back. Maybe Rush Limbaugh could play Big Bill Broonzy's tune as his new intro to his show:

This little song that I'm singin' about,
People, you all know that it's true,
If you're black and gotta work for livin',
Now, this is what they will say to you,
They says: "If you was white,
You's alright,
If you was brown,
Stick around,
But if you's black, oh, brother,
Get back, get back, get back."

I was in a place one night,
They was all havin' fun,
They was all buyin' beer and wine,
But they would not sell me none.
They said: "If you was white,
You's alright,
If you was brown,
You could stick around,
But as you's black, hmm, hmm, brother,
Get back, get back, get back."

I went to an employment office,
I got a number and I got in line,
They called everybody's number,
But they never did call mine.
They said: "If you was white,
You's alright,
If you was brown,
You could stick around,
But as you's black, hmm, hmm, brother,
Get back, get back, get back."

Me and a man was workin' side by side,
Now, this is what it meant:
They was payin' him a dollar an hour,
And they was payin' me fifty cent.
They said: "If you was white,
You'd be alright,
If you was brown,
You could stick around,
But as you's black, oh, brother,
Get back, get back, get back."

I helped win sweet victories,
With my plow and hoe,
Now, I want you to tell me, brother,
What you gonna do 'bout the old Jim Crow?
Now, if you is white,
You's alright,
If you's brown,
Stick around,
But if you's black, oh, brother,
Get back, get back, get back.

[slackmaster]

20. Poll needs a third option

"Who gives a flying fuck?"

[mark414]

21. is he not black enough?

or is he black enough to not be called white?

i think we should just call him senator, and hopefully after that, president

[eShirl]

23. I long for the century when we're not so concerned about a candidate's genetic heritage

one way or another

[mondo joe]

25. What do you think "black" means in reference to a person?

[xultar]

26. OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP IT!!!!

[Ravenseye]

27. I think he should be refered to as black

That way when he runs for re-election I can wear a t-shirt that says "once you go black..."

[KarenS]

30. I echo a poster above,,,, Senator Obama. n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

31. This caused something to leap up from deep memory ... "The Jew Mortara"

http://www.randomhouse.com/vintage/read/kidnapping/

Some years ago, I read "The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara"
by David I. Kertzer. The events described took place in 19th century Italy, actually then the Papal States, where the Catholic Church was the government. At some point very late in the book, the author commented on the fact that even a straightforward police report couldn't be counted on to overlook a man's Jewishness - he wasn't referred to as 'the witness' or 'the head of household' or even 'Sr. Mortara' - in the official police report, he was systematically referred to as 'the Jew mortara', as if it was critically important that he was Jewish. As far as the legal system was concerned, it did matter, as he wasn't a "real Italian", but a Jew. To a modern reader, it seems like somethiing that wouldn't need to mentioned, unless and until it was relevant.

Someday we'll wonder why it was necessary to identify Obama as a "black candidate" (or whatever alternative there may be), and not just "a candidate". Obviously not yet.

(Also did a flashback to an "All in the Family" episode ... Archie Bunker: "We got two guys named Elmo. There's Black Elmo, and there's regular Elmo." - TBOMR)

[Pithy Cherub]

32. What the HELL is wrong with you to crown yourself

as the arbiter of who can be Black or not. That shows a lack of respect for those who are Black like me as well as for yourself in believing you have some mandate like George Bush to be the Decider of another African American/Black person's ethnicity. Shame on you! Just shame! :puke:

[Odin2005]

33. No, he sould be refered to as senator.

His ancestry shouldn't mean jack. In any case, IMO calling him "black" perpetuates the "one drop" BS, the guy's mixed-race, so are a lot of African-Americans.

[flashlighter]

34. I think he should be referred to as "Mr. President"

[porphyrian]

35. In America, if you're even a little bit Black, you're Black. - n/t

[TahitiNut]

36. I don't. I also don't refer to Hillary as "white."

I'm really only interested in their character, political philosphy, and stances on the issues.

[sweetheart]

37. is keanu reeves hawaiian?

is gwb a taxin' texan?

[niyad]

41. actually, der chiimpenfuhrer is from new haven, CT--so I guess that makes him a damned yankee!!

[generaldemocrat]

38. Did you know his name is Barack HUSSEIN Obama?

"Oh my god, did you know that his name is Barack HUSSEIN Obama? Tell me, did I ever mention to y'all that his name is Barack HUSSEIN Obama?"

I just love the disgusting behavior of the MSM.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

39. I am not going to learn anything about him if we don't stick to important issues.

I love DU. I have learned so much here. I want to get past the petty issues. His Bio and voting record should be our main concern.He seems to be a really nice guy,but that's not enough,anymore. Will Obama bring us World Peace and Prosperity? Is Obama The candidate we need or is he just a PR dream for Repugs like Karl Rove.

[niyad]

42. I don't refer to ANYONE in terms of colour or ethnicity. I believe the proper form of address would

be SENATOR Obama (unless I became personally well acquainted enough to call him by his first name)

but then, that's just me.

[Hekate]

43. In a very real sense he "chose" his blackness

Barack Obama has a fascinating resume. If he had chosen to remain in Hawaii, where he was born, his ethnicity would have taken him in a different direction than it has on the Mainland. He might have chosen to marry anyone, of any ethnicity, and in Hawaii that would have been par for the course. His blackness, like his whiteness, would have been subsumed in the racial mix that is Hawaii. His kids would have grown up saying things like "Well my grandpa on my daddy's side was from Nigeria and my grandma on my daddy's side was from Kansas, but my mommy is Chinese Hawaiian Irish," and that would have been that for being black.

The fact that he chose to move to the Mainland, go to college there, build a career there, and marry a black woman there, meant that he deliberately chose his blackness. He moved toward his blackness and embraced it.

Yet he carries his Hawaiian upbringing with him, I believe, in the way he presents himself as a bridge between cultures and races. Hawaiians call him their "Third Senator." Nice touch.

Hekate

[Greyhound]

44. He's from Africa?

As to the OP, I think he should be identified any way he wants to.

[Wrinkle_In_Time]

45. NO! He's not black!

He's obviously PMS463 aka R117 G84 B38 aka #755426 (but it depends on the lighting).

I would just like to echo the above posters who suggested that he should be called something like "Senator" or "Barack Obama".

[Imagevision]

46. Should Obama be refererred to as "black"? I'd expect this sort of thing from a repuke room

but! - life is filled with surprises...

[FrenchieCat]

47. I am an Obama....and we are definetly BLACK.....

And Like the late James Brown said......Black and Proud! :headbang:

[CarbonDate]

51. I'm astounded at the people with blinders on....

...as though electing a black President wouldn't be a hugely important historical milestone. :shrug:

We've had nothing but Christian white male Presidents in our entire history. Suddenly, when it looks as though we might have a real chance of getting a black man elected President, people want to ignore this potentially important moment? I don't get it.

Besides, who better to heal the rifts in this country than a black man from the Land of Lincoln who's also a descendant of Jefferson Davis? (Which is not an endorsement of Obama, but I am open to his candidacy....) I agree that race *shouldn't* matter in this country, but it does. Better to address the issue head-on than try to avoid it like the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.

[aaronbees]

48. Yes

He can also be referred to as Senator Obama and, perhaps someday, President Obama.

Really, kind of an astounding question.

[zulchzulu]

49. Actually, he's flesh-colored...

Of course, he's black... OK, not dark, dark, black...but black.

Ever been to New Orleans? Even quadroons are considered "black"....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadroon

[Nicole]

52. I use his title when referring to him, not his race. n/t

[I_Make_Mistakes]

53. I voted no. I am white, but my ancestry consists of Scottish, Irish,

English, Welsh, German, Lithuanian and Native American. What should I be referred to as? Obama is American, as I. The only time that a race/ethnicity should be referred to is when it would be construed as a first time accomplishment.

Nancy Pelosi, upon her Speaker of the House position, was referred to as the first Italian American, woman and I think there was something else? CA, maybe? to hold that position. Before that, were there any other references to race/ethnicity?

No, Obama, is an American, like you and me!

Edit to add: When he becomes the first black to make a break through like Pres., VP etc., then I believe that the notation of black is even relevant to conversation. Just like with Nancy, it's only relevant when it is a first.

[BoneDaddy]

55. Hmmm

The man is of many different ethnicities, but I believe that he identifies with being black, so he is black.

[madokie]

56. In my perfect world I would want there to be no reason to refer to anyone other that man, woman or

child.

[BlooInBloo]

58. ROFLMAO!!! God white folks think hard about this stuff.

[Marie26]

59. No, he's biracial.

Actually, on second thought, who cares?