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But is it really? - 10/16/2008 7:26:19 PM

Roselaure

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I keep hearing that voting for Obama because he's black is just as bad as not voting for him because he's black. On its face it seem equitable and reasonable but is it really?

Perhaps this is the difference: Not voting for him because he's black indicates racism and bigotry and xenophobia. "I'm not even going to consider any of his potential good qualities or shortcomings based in actual fact because I am afraid of (or hate) black people."

Voting for him becuase he's black indicates pride in a people who make up a sizeable percentage of our population yet have been underrepresented in national office. They might not agree with everything he represents, but the fact that he's made it this far makes them want to give him their support.

The first view is based in hate and fear, the second in pride and hopefulness.

But I could be wrong...

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RE: But is it really? - 10/16/2008 7:46:13 PM

corysub

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Roselaure

I keep hearing that voting for Obama because he's black is just as bad as not voting for him because he's black. On its face it seem equitable and reasonable but is it really?

Perhaps this is the difference: Not voting for him because he's black indicates racism and bigotry and xenophobia. "I'm not even going to consider any of his potential good qualities or shortcomings based in actual fact because I am afraid of (or hate) black people."

Voting for him becuase he's black indicates pride in a people who make up a sizeable percentage of our population yet have been underrepresented in national office. They might not agree with everything he represents, but the fact that he's made it this far makes them want to give him their support.

The first view is based in hate and fear, the second in pride and hopefulness.

But I could be wrong...

Without question American blacks have been uplifted by Obama's candidacy, and rightfully so. However, a 90% black vote for Obama is not surprising since blacks ususally vote around that percentage for the democrat party, notwithstanding whomever is running. The difference this time, and to Obama's credit, is that his one major skill set of community organizing has paid off big time with probably the best grass roots organization by far since JFK. The number of young blacks registering to vote is significant and now his organization's challange is to get them all to vote. Sure there are racists on both sides of the aisle...and there always will be an extreme element.

I'm voting for McCain not because I love everything he believes but because I don't believe in anything Obama does believe. Could care less if he was black, yellow..or green....I believe he lacks the experience and politically mature judgement to be President. We have a very clear choice this year with respect to the kind of "change" we want for the country.

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RE: But is it really? - 10/16/2008 8:28:20 PM

NuevaVida

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I think it's well time we voted or didn't vote for someone based on his merit, rather than his race.

I feel that way about a woman president, too, or any other shallow criteria like that.

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RE: But is it really? - 10/16/2008 8:47:58 PM

hizgeorgiapeach

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It is still a form of racism to vote based on race. For or against matters not one whit. In either case, you are ignoring the candidate's Actual Qualifications (or lack thereof) based STRICTLY ON RACE. I don't care how you attempt to Justify something - if it Requires Justification in your own mind, then it's more than likely your conscience telling you that you're fucking up.

Put bags over both their heads, listen to speechs only on the radio where there is no Picture to distract you from what the candidate is Saying and what their Expressed Views are on any given issue. Vote based Strictly on your agreement or disagreement with those issues and policy intentions. THAT is the way to ensure that Your personal vote is free of Any hint of racism.

edited to add : and btw - Yes, you're wrong in your assumption.

< Message edited by hizgeorgiapeach -- 10/16/2008 8:50:52 PM >

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RE: But is it really? - 10/16/2008 11:15:17 PM

candystripper

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I agree with the Op. While I'd support any democratic candidate just to ensure we did not have another republican in the White House, it is a special pleasure to be able to cast a vote for an African-American, and it would have been nice to do so for a woman, a gay person, a Jew, or any other group which has historicially been marginalized in national politics.

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