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7962

(11,841 posts)
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 07:53 AM Aug 2014

Russians mock Obama with racist images on US Embassy in Moscow

Source: News 965

President Barack Obama's approval rating is the lowest of his presidency, while Russia's president is enjoying some of highest approval ratings of his lengthy rule.
Russians are doing their part to show their national pride and belittle the United States and our president.

A Russian used a laser to project embarrassing, unflattering and outright racist images of Barack Obama on the side of the US Embassy in Moscow. The night of 4 August, activists of the initiative group of Moscow students projected for the United States Embassy building an unusual picture. Image resembled the face of Barack Obama. The composition was the animation and the painted mouth US president dived banana. At the end of the action on the building of the American embassy was projected inscription: "HappyBirthday Obama"

Read more: http://www.news965.com/news/news/local/russians-mock-obama-racist-images-us-embassy-mosco/ngxJQ/

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Russians mock Obama with racist images on US Embassy in Moscow (Original Post) 7962 Aug 2014 OP
Invade a country needlessly, and your approval goes up. JoePhilly Aug 2014 #1
As Bush the Dumber found. riqster Aug 2014 #4
Maybe Afghanistan, but did they really stay up for Iraq? I supported AF, but definitely NOT Iraq. 7962 Aug 2014 #7
Nice that they open an article about racist mockery of the president abroad... Orrex Aug 2014 #2
Repeating to demoralize Democrats into not voting works every time. freshwest Aug 2014 #33
His ratings are still much more than Congress' Historic NY Aug 2014 #3
I am sure the average Joe is blaming Obama daily for all the worldly troubles nolabels Aug 2014 #22
+1 freshwest Aug 2014 #34
Well, you know why the Republicans love Putin so much now. 6000eliot Aug 2014 #5
Yeah, he's anti-Obama but that's not all. He's also a neo-con militarist who is authoritarian, pampango Aug 2014 #6
English isn't his first language? svpadgham Aug 2014 #8
Neither is Ted Cruz. pampango Aug 2014 #9
Putin, Cruz, racists and republicans on the same team, who knew? nolabels Aug 2014 #23
Surprised the US didn't do in Moscow what they did in Kiev... MattSh Aug 2014 #10
Interesting that you abstain from any comment about the subject of the OP, racist imagery used by Bluenorthwest Aug 2014 #13
The imagery was not used by the Russian government cosmicone Aug 2014 #15
Yes, unapproved exhibitions are allowed all the time in Russia, arent they? 7962 Aug 2014 #16
Because "Vlad" is popular in Russia cosmicone Aug 2014 #25
Conveniently missed the point. If it wasnt approved, it wouldnt have been allowed. 7962 Aug 2014 #30
So - they did it to impress JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #65
I seriously doubt "Vlad"condoned or ordered it cosmicone Aug 2014 #79
I was using your term JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #91
I am not condoning it one iota cosmicone Aug 2014 #92
Nope - our CIA is 100% possible of having done such a thing JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #94
Tell me again what happens to activists in Russia that make unapproved demonstrations? davidpdx Aug 2014 #84
I don't need clichés cosmicone Aug 2014 #85
I guess gay rights "propagandists" are a cliche davidpdx Aug 2014 #86
This has nothing to do with gay rights. n/t cosmicone Aug 2014 #87
It has to do with the ability of Russians to protest davidpdx Aug 2014 #88
+1 Amonester Aug 2014 #89
Why don't you just admit you have no proof that the Russian government was behind this? cosmicone Aug 2014 #90
I never said that davidpdx Aug 2014 #93
Thank You! Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #95
Can someone translate this sentence for me? It resembles English. Trillo Aug 2014 #11
I read Russian swilton Aug 2014 #14
ding ding ding cosmicone Aug 2014 #26
Maybe so JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #27
Cliven Bundy is one person you turn your nose up to aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #29
If these students JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #31
I don't disagree with you on the specific individuals responsible aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #36
Who has condemned this in Russia JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #43
I agree 100% about pointing the finger at people in our country who "behave this way" aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #47
Technically I didn't brand them as savages JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #52
You know, I traveled to Europe when I was young in the 60s aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #62
No problem JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #64
We have things in common aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #66
Your parents were there JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #67
I spent a year in Wiesbaden in the 1950s aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #69
But the poster said Vlad is "popular at home". So we're dealing with "a nation" of assholes. Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #55
That's a really good point JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #57
At times, George Bush was really popular at home aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #63
Not just "assholes", but RACIST "assholes", and I have no tolerance for their "liberal" defenders. Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #70
I haven't defended any racist act in Russia in any of my posts aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #71
Whatever. Just wait til they run out of Quilted Northern. They'll be flingin' their own poo. Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #72
HA! 7962 Aug 2014 #82
They were like this long before we ever heard of a tea party. 7962 Aug 2014 #35
"They"? Who is they? aint_no_life_nowhere Aug 2014 #37
The RUSSIANS. Are you following the subject of the OP? 7962 Aug 2014 #81
Agree 7962 JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #42
I'm not sure. There are some similar words ... Google translate smites again! n/t Igel Aug 2014 #21
Russians are teabaggers. Who knew? Rozlee Aug 2014 #12
All we need is the wig; he's already done the rest! 7962 Aug 2014 #17
Ouch! Rozlee Aug 2014 #18
Proof: Palin's 2016 campaign poster: freshwest Aug 2014 #41
* Rozlee Aug 2014 #74
Class Act NOT CountAllVotes Aug 2014 #19
Meh. This is what you'd expect from a second-rate country full of TwilightGardener Aug 2014 #20
"second-rate country full of liver-compromised losers" Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #73
This will bring even more praise for Russia from the U.S. Righties.. vkkv Aug 2014 #24
Tis true indeed! JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #28
Nicer than beaming microwaves at the embassy. The *classless* elite had no *class* back then. freshwest Aug 2014 #32
Thats right. And completely off topic, may I ask you: 7962 Aug 2014 #38
I want it too! JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #40
Hello, JAG! Okay, this is how you do it: freshwest Aug 2014 #45
Okay, this is how you do it. freshwest Aug 2014 #44
Thanks very much! 7962 Aug 2014 #68
Thanks Freshwest! JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #39
It is sad some don't get this shit is racist. Behind the Aegis Aug 2014 #46
I thought maybe JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #49
Today, all I can think of is Chris Rock and "...that train ain't never late!" Behind the Aegis Aug 2014 #50
+1,000,000 davidpdx Aug 2014 #83
And teleprompter jokes are a deep mystery. freshwest Aug 2014 #48
That we're still having to "explain" this, in this day & age, is absolutely disgusting. Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #51
Not only is it disgusting, it goes on to disprove the whole "the racists are dying out" meme. Behind the Aegis Aug 2014 #53
You know it's coming though! JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #56
I don't doubt it. Behind the Aegis Aug 2014 #61
I'm sorry, but I don't know what's "liberal" or "progressive" about the folks trying to justify this Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #59
There is nothing liberal or progressive about it. Behind the Aegis Aug 2014 #60
I don't understand JustAnotherGen Aug 2014 #54
"Until that time - or a high ranking Russian official condemns the action - it's The Russians....." Tarheel_Dem Aug 2014 #58
President Obama, After Exhausting Diplomacy With Putin, Needs To Stand Up To Putin & Netanyahu! Corey_Baker08 Aug 2014 #75
In Ukraine they have Putins face on toilet paper onecaliberal Aug 2014 #76
Good. Fucking homophobic, journalist stomping, internet censoring Lying Asshole. Cha Aug 2014 #77
Putin is not popular there onecaliberal Aug 2014 #78
I know.. I don't go in for the Russian RT Propaganda being pushed around here. thanks onecaliberal Cha Aug 2014 #80
Russia allows racist protests, but not protests for gay rights davidpdx Aug 2014 #96
Russia's been taken over by the right wing. AverageJoe90 Aug 2014 #97
I think it is nationalism that is being stirred up by Putin davidpdx Aug 2014 #98
 

7962

(11,841 posts)
7. Maybe Afghanistan, but did they really stay up for Iraq? I supported AF, but definitely NOT Iraq.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 09:16 AM
Aug 2014

I guess I could Google it

Orrex

(63,085 posts)
2. Nice that they open an article about racist mockery of the president abroad...
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 08:20 AM
Aug 2014

by regurgitating the meme about dubiously low approval numbers here in the US.

nolabels

(13,133 posts)
22. I am sure the average Joe is blaming Obama daily for all the worldly troubles
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:58 AM
Aug 2014

Getting out of brainwashed meme corporate owned media wants to deliver to us on the constant could help a lot with our perspective of where things really stand.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
6. Yeah, he's anti-Obama but that's not all. He's also a neo-con militarist who is authoritarian,
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 08:42 AM
Aug 2014

anti-gay and values his own ethnic/linguistic group more than he does diversity.

What is there for a republican not to like?

svpadgham

(670 posts)
8. English isn't his first language?
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 09:28 AM
Aug 2014

He's not a US citizen by birth so they can't nominate him for our presidency?

pampango

(24,692 posts)
9. Neither is Ted Cruz.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 09:51 AM
Aug 2014

We'll see if that stops republicans from considering him for the nomination. Or, if Putin produces a US birth certificate, perhaps the 'birthers' will suddenly be less concerned with the validity of presidential birth certificates.

MattSh

(3,714 posts)
10. Surprised the US didn't do in Moscow what they did in Kiev...
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 09:54 AM
Aug 2014

Build a $250 million embassy complex on the edge of town.

But hey, it's only 1/3 the cost of the Baghdad embassy! What a bargain!

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
13. Interesting that you abstain from any comment about the subject of the OP, racist imagery used by
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 10:33 AM
Aug 2014

the Russian government as a propaganda tool, but you still felt the need to comment. Says much about what you are willing to endorse or ignore to maintain your rhetorical side show.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
15. The imagery was not used by the Russian government
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 10:52 AM
Aug 2014

The OP says student activists (i.e. private citizens) did it.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
16. Yes, unapproved exhibitions are allowed all the time in Russia, arent they?
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:07 AM
Aug 2014

I bet you wouldnt see a laser image of Vlad riding a jackass put up by some "student" dissenters.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
25. Because "Vlad" is popular in Russia
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 01:12 PM
Aug 2014

And he is looking after Russian interests which is what he is supposed to do.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
30. Conveniently missed the point. If it wasnt approved, it wouldnt have been allowed.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:14 PM
Aug 2014

How someone who is a long standing member of DU can continue to support someone like Putin is amazing.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
65. So - they did it to impress
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:46 PM
Aug 2014

Vlad?

Is this something they feel that Vlad would approve of?

Is this his sentiment about black Americans?

Is it okay to empathise with the experience of a leader you might have a commonality with?


Because as another black American - I'm going to empathise with the Black Man In Charge in America.

I know what that image means. Not what it implies. What it means.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
79. I seriously doubt "Vlad"condoned or ordered it
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 08:11 PM
Aug 2014

Russians are very stiff with protocol and even their attack language is measured. Read any official statement from Russia's presidency or foreign office.

I think this is a part of the systematic campaign by the United States to malign and demonize Putin. (which is the correct way to address the head of state of another nation)

You wouldn't want people to address President Obama as "Barry" would you? Then why is "Vlad" ok?

There is not a shred of evidence that Russian officials were behind the laser show but already the 81st chairborne on DU is ready for attack on Moscow.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
91. I was using your term
Fri Aug 8, 2014, 02:22 AM
Aug 2014

And I would prefer Barry to clearly stating via imagery "banana eating porch monkey".

Eh? I'm sorry but you don't get it. You appear to be more concerned with hurting the feelings of the Russians than the dignity of your own fellow Americans.

If we are supposed to brush it off - so can they. Tit for tat since it is all in good political fun. It's not like they can do anything to me - consider this my image on the wall.

Vlad.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
92. I am not condoning it one iota
Fri Aug 8, 2014, 02:53 AM
Aug 2014

and am appalled at this imagery. My only point is that we are accusing the Russian government of this and we have no evidence. Hell, it could even be a rogue CIA operation to make Putin look bad. The equipment needed can be easily procured and it takes only a few minutes to film it and release it to news media.

But of course, our beloved CIA will never do such a thing!

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
94. Nope - our CIA is 100% possible of having done such a thing
Fri Aug 8, 2014, 08:29 AM
Aug 2014

But the Russian 'students' did this - right? They are owning it - right?

Where is the fist coming down from Vlad?

Condemn it. . . say "racist imagery is not allowed. Sure -we've got like 5 black people in Russa (I'm being sarcastic) but we might want to have a shot at Africa's resources one day."

I'm actually glad China is first in since we know they are assimilating and bringing the citizens of those countries into the progression forward.

What Vlad permits - he promotes.

It's basic. It's simple. What anyone permits they promote. No condemnation - then racism towards blacks is a national policy -

And every black American is allowed to take that approach - you are good enough to do business with but I wouldn't want to live in your country or visit it unless there is something in it for me. After all - we aren't welcome.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
85. I don't need clichés
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:01 PM
Aug 2014

Where is the direct, incontrovertible proof that the Russian government was responsible?

Frankly, I am sick of this well-orchestrated propaganda with every day a news item to demonize Russia and Putin.

Putin is being systematically saddamized and castrofied for another cold war for energy interests.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
88. It has to do with the ability of Russians to protest
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:18 PM
Aug 2014

and when gay rights activists are not allowed to protest and racist thugs are it makes some wonder why the double standard.

Amonester

(11,541 posts)
89. +1
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:32 PM
Aug 2014

Looks like the ability to measure real implications on repressed victims is totally lost on comic cones...

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
93. I never said that
Fri Aug 8, 2014, 04:41 AM
Aug 2014

Please show me where I said that. I indicated that it is suspect that these people were allowed to protest when gay rights activists are jailed. I'm sorry that you are blind to that fact.

Trillo

(9,154 posts)
11. Can someone translate this sentence for me? It resembles English.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 10:21 AM
Aug 2014

"The composition was the animation and the painted mouth US president dived banana."

 

swilton

(5,069 posts)
14. I read Russian
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 10:41 AM
Aug 2014

The bottom colored pictures roughly translate to

I don't see, I don't hear, I don't tell the truth to anyone -

It's is a variation on the cliché - hear no evil, see no evil, etc. etc. but is expressing outrage at as the Russians (and others) perceive as the propaganda job to frame Putin and Russia for the Ukraine crisis.

I have to admit, I believe there is an inside the beltway job going on to demonize Putin and restart the Cold War. The neocons (holdovers from the Bush Administration) in the Obama Administration are anti-Russian and pro-Israel, both ideologies govern US foreign policy and in my view to the detriment of US interests.

This may appear as racism - I see racism working in both ways....US employs it in all its military conflicts - and it's a vehicle to promote nationalism. I have seen similar comments used to attack Putin; he is demonized on this website and in the US media. Many would argue that the issue in Ukraine has a long term strategic goal of destabilizing Russia through toppling Putin. This school of thought looks to Zbigniw Brzezinski's (also ethnically a Pole and anti-Russian) influence on the Obama Administration and US foreign policy. US strategic interests are invested in control of global (especially fossil fuels) resources and Russia has a wealth of those......US would exert control of same not militarily through occupation but through economic control.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
27. Maybe so
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 01:57 PM
Aug 2014

But black Americans - we've taken hard hits internally since Obama has been in office. This just makes me turn my nose up at the Russian people - since it was 'students' - the same way I do Cliven Bundy.

You have to have been targeted by that imagery to have a visceral reaction. Hear no evil my ass - it's not the first time some Russian has played the monkey/ape/sub human thing with blacks.

Forgive me - but I've come to the conclusion at 41 years of age that there are two types of people in this world and this shows the Russian 'students/people' - that they don't like people who look like me.

There's been too much of this racial nonsense at home - don't think I'm gonna take it from some little fucks abroad. They can just not come here since this place is over run with apes like me and Obama.

They have to own the imagery they put up there and low opinions from black Americans it prompts. It's got nothing to do with Vlad and Obama.

They prompted this post from me - not you! Line drawn. They are officially too wet to step on and too low to kick. Again - - it's got nothing to do with the bigger issues. We know that Russia and Eastern Europe is not black people friendly. Not us, not Africans, not black folks from anywhere in the world. It's nothing new.

But now the people of Russia get to be branded for what they are. If they wanted to use the President to make that point - that's their right. But I don't have to think highly of them for their actions. And they probably learned it from US Republicans - or rather IndieTeaPublicans with all of their racial imagery.

And always remember - they don't care about us.

They are just out for themselves.

Just like we are. Let's just not pretend they are some noble people that are better than us.




aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
29. Cliven Bundy is one person you turn your nose up to
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:04 PM
Aug 2014

"the Russian people" is an entire nation and a national origin, men, women, and children. Both race and national origin are considered suspect classifications by the Supreme Court under the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
31. If these students
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:14 PM
Aug 2014

represent the people the way Cliven Bundy represents IndieTeaPublicans?

Seems like they are turning their noses up to me first.

What you put out - you get back. This is basic.

You can't expect me to like people that use images like that about black folks like me. Can you? Really? That's kind of unreasonable.

What's in it for me to lick their heels?

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
36. I don't disagree with you on the specific individuals responsible
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:24 PM
Aug 2014

I just think painting an entire people, culture, and national origin as evil and responsible is a broad brush and something I find a bit surprising.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
43. Who has condemned this in Russia
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:35 PM
Aug 2014

And they have done it before.

When you use a 'loaded image' like that - you are going to either


a. anger people

or

b. hurt people

or

c. find yourself dismissed.


I do this to Republicans in my own country that behave this way (option C) - I don't see how they are any better. Until I see a voice - a strong voice in Russia speak up and out against this - silence is agreement.

It should come from their leadership . . .

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
47. I agree 100% about pointing the finger at people in our country who "behave this way"
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:47 PM
Aug 2014

Again, I find it distressing to see an entire group of people, a nation, branded as savages. I've met several Russians in America and abroad who were very lovely people. Mein Kampf was full of discussions of Russians, all Russians, as "animals" of no worth, to be deported or killed to create Lebensraum. One of many, many examples:

"...In the eyes of the Russian, the principal support of civilisation is vodka. His ideal consists in never doing anything but the indispensable. Our conception of work (work, and then more of it!) is one that he submits to as if it were a real curse. It is doubtful whether anything at all can be done in Russia without the help of the Orthodox priest. It's the priest who has been able to reconcile the Russian to the fatal necessity of work —by promising him more happiness in another world. The Russian will never make up his mind to work except under compulsion from outside, for he is incapable of organising himself. And if, despite everything, he is apt to have organisation thrust upon him, that is thanks to the drop of Aryan blood in his veins. It's only because of this drop that the Russian people has created something and possesses an organised State. It takes energy to rule Russia. The corollary is that, the tougher a country's régime, the more appropriate it is that equity and justice should be practised there. The horse that is not kept constantly under control forgets in the wink of an eye the rudiments of training that have been inculcated into it. In the same way, with the Russian, there is an instinctive force that invariably leads him back to the state of nature. People sometimes quote the case of the horses that escaped from a ranch in America, and by some ten years later had formed huge herds of wild horses. It is so easy for an animal to go back to its origins ! For the Russian, the return to the state of nature is a return to primitive forms of life. The family exists, the female looks after her children, like the female of the hare, with all the feelings of a mother. But the Russian doesn't want anything more. His reaction against the constraint of the organised State (which is always a constraint, since it limits the liberty of the individual) is brutal and savage, like all feminine reactions. When he collapses and should yield, the Russian bursts into lamentations. This will to return to the state of nature is exhibited in his revolutions. For the Russian, the typical form of revolution is nihilism. ..."

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
52. Technically I didn't brand them as savages
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:58 PM
Aug 2014

I just think they are bunch of bigots who don't like us black folk much. It would seem - they kind of think of us like savages you know? What else am I supposed to think? If they had any respect for us as human beings - they would have collective shame about what they did.


Put yourself in my shoes - how would you feel if you were presented as a "banana eating porch monkey". And then you came to DU and a member 'rationalized' that.

How would you feel knowing you - a black American - were being told to basically lick their heels because they had a good reason.

Had they attacked President Obama's beliefs or actions with words - that's one thing

But the little punks knew exactly what they were doing.

So if I were to go there - I'd be wondering - who hates me that much? Who am I standing next to that thinks I'm a 'banana eating porch monkey'.

That's what that image is generally related to.

I'll apologize when a high ranking Russian official apologizes. Not before.

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
62. You know, I traveled to Europe when I was young in the 60s
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:14 PM
Aug 2014

A lot of Europeans were hearing the horror stories about the United States, day after day in the news, about the murder of black people and the bombing of black children in buses, the reluctance to come into physical proximity with them at motels, drinking fountains, and the like; the carpet bombing of the Vietnamese; about the near extermination of the Native American population in the past; and about the way Latinos were made fun of in the media and on TV as being lazy and good for nothing. They thought all Americans were gun happy cowboys for shooting down their leaders and shooting randomly from the tops of towers. Some Europeans thought all Americans had to be barbarians.

I deplore any racist statements or acts but these are acts of individuals. I find it very uncomfortable as a progressive to read the bashing of an entire group and national origin. It's not progressive in my opinion. I'll leave it at that.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
64. No problem
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:34 PM
Aug 2014

I was born in West Germany - spent the first five years of my life there. Remember the terror alerts for the Special Forces families.

Have direct connections to my french family in Nice and Marseilles. Been traveling there even by myself for 25 years.

Married to a man from Italy. Own residences there.

We all have our pet countries. I've seen the same paint brushes used against my two pet countries.

And I've never felt in either of those countries that I was disliked or thought of as a savage because of the color of my skin.

When Italians threw bananas at a black finance minister - it WAS condemned. It's a minority. It's not the average Italian.


I never thought - right here on -THIS thread - that I would see someone condone and give reason to abject racist bigoted drivel towards a black American.

I understand your empathy - just understand - What you feel?

That's how a black person - your neighbors and friends and family feel when we see that image.

It's universally known as a dismissal of blacks as 'savages'.

It shows me today - NOT in the 1960's but today - they hold near and dear the 'savage' image of us - black folks in America.

I don't expect you to to have empathy or understand it. You might not be as in tune and connected with the black American experience as theirs. You cannot be expected to have knowledge of the inner emotions of every group, country, nationality or race.

But we count - our feelings - just as much as theirs.

And that's not the first time they've pulled it on the Head Black American In Charge.

What is done to him - you do to all of us.

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
66. We have things in common
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:49 PM
Aug 2014

I was born in West Germany in 1949. My dad was stationed there as a career Air Force officer after marrying my French mother, who is from Marseille. I remember the alerts in the middle of the night on the Air force base at 3:00 am when we had to go down into shelters to practice for a possible Soviet attack. I've lived in Nice, too - beautiful city. I spent a year in a French high school when I was 15 in the 1960s. I don't condone racist acts. I just don't like the "theys" and the "those people" expressions whereby everyone of a group, nation, or national origin is stereotyped and pre-judged.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
67. Your parents were there
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 04:00 PM
Aug 2014

When my great grandmother and step great grandfather were there! I was born at Rammstein AFB - because there was an incident at the hospital I was supposed to be born at two weeks prior - lived in Weisbaden. My mom was pregnant with me and out taking a middle of the night walk when the Israeli athletes were murdered in Munich. She created quite a brouhaha since my dad (Green Beret) was off playing war games in Central America at the time and she and my older brother were the only residents in that tower at the time. They literally broke down her door because they were concerned!

My step great grandfather was a military doctor during World War II.

My mom's dad came out quickly after the war - and they moved back to Denver.

My french heritage comes from my Great Grandfather Boucher - he immigrated right after World War I - he had been an army captain in the French Army and hated - hated the 'peace'. He knew they were going to do it again so he got the hell out of dodge. And you know what? He was right! My generation of that branch of my family has 5 Adriennes - we are named after his and his brothers' mom. They all live in Nice, Marseille - and one now is now down in Ramatuelle.


Now if you really want to hear they/thems - THAT was the guy. He held an extreme hatred towards the Germans. And then it amplified after WW II.

My dad never felt that way about the Vietnamese, Cambodians, South/Central Americans, Koreans though . . . He became and isolationist pacificist in the early 1980's.

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
69. I spent a year in Wiesbaden in the 1950s
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 04:27 PM
Aug 2014

in Air force base housing. It was like a small American city. There was an enormous bomb crater near our building where the kids would play. I also visited Ramstein Air Force base. I was born in Munich, a year after which my dad was transferred back to the U.S. only to be transferred back to Germany for three years when I was about six. We first lived in Bitburg where we could see the German cemetery from the rear window of the apartment on base housing, the same cemetery Reagan visited to pay respects to the Nazi SS buried there. My mother would curse the Germans every morning when she looked out on that cemetery. My mother hated the Germans (I don't, I played with the German children of maids who worked on the base, but I hate what the Nazis did). Her father fought in WWI and died during WWII because there was no access to medicine with all the restrictions and deprivations of the occupying Germans. Near the cemetery was a German church that had a cap and spire that reminded her of the German helmets during WWI that my mother also cursed. My mom also disliked the Germans for having arrested her brother during WWII, branding him a terrorist for distributing anti-Nazi tracts and sending him in a train to a concentration camp (he escaped from the train and later joined the resistance - here's a photo of him lying prone and firing a machine gun when the resistance rose up to free Marseille before the allies arrived). My dad was a B-17 pilot shot down over Germany where he became a POW. My dad loved all people. Although he was from the south, he had not an ounce of racism in him and loved the black soldiers who served under him. He didn't even hate the Germans even though they had tortured him, thinking he was a spy because he chose the day he was shot down to wear an English officer's uniform in his American B-17 as a joke. He even learned to speak German as a POW.


JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
57. That's a really good point
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:03 PM
Aug 2014

Are they 'projecting' Vlad's feelings with this?

Hmmmmm . . .

I want to let that marinate a little bit.

Let's just kick that ball around.

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
63. At times, George Bush was really popular at home
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:30 PM
Aug 2014

At the time he decided to launch two bloody wars, he had the majority of the public behind him. He even won re-election after shocking and aweing his way through Baghdad. To some people in the rest of the world, I guess that would make you and I look like assholes too and make America a nation of assholes. Pretty unprogressive thinking with that broad brush regarding an entire "nation of assholes".

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
71. I haven't defended any racist act in Russia in any of my posts
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 04:54 PM
Aug 2014

In fact I've condemned them. I have little tolerance for stereotyping and pre-judging an entire people over the acts of some. It's unprogressive. It's beneath us.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
35. They were like this long before we ever heard of a tea party.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:18 PM
Aug 2014

Look at how they've treated other ethnic groups who were also white. Its nothing new.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
42. Agree 7962
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:29 PM
Aug 2014

I just don't understand why anyone could rationalize this . . .The wall came down a long time ago - time for the Russians to get up to speed. They don't get to use 'ignorance' as an excuse anymore.

Twice I've had judges tell me that ignorance can't be used as an excuse - now I believe it!

Rozlee

(2,529 posts)
12. Russians are teabaggers. Who knew?
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 10:23 AM
Aug 2014

All they need now is a Sarah Palin and they can have their own reality show. Oh, wait. Just throw a long wig on Putin and have him posing with big dead critters and a rifle and they're all set.

CountAllVotes

(20,854 posts)
19. Class Act NOT
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:34 AM
Aug 2014

Gee, I'm so impressed NOT.

Why don't these jokers find something positive to do with their time rather than prove to the world what a bunch of racist pigs they are?

TwilightGardener

(46,416 posts)
20. Meh. This is what you'd expect from a second-rate country full of
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 11:42 AM
Aug 2014

liver-compromised losers. Keep on keepin' on, Russia.

 

vkkv

(3,384 posts)
24. This will bring even more praise for Russia from the U.S. Righties..
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 12:38 PM
Aug 2014

being the patriots we know all Righties to be...

How does this help them?

Man,they are IDIOTS! ! !

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
28. Tis true indeed!
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 01:59 PM
Aug 2014

I posted my gut thoughts on this upthread and this was a point I've made.

You know - we expect it from a bunch of mouth breathing IndieTeaPublicans.

We KNOW that's what they are.

But to align with people like Rand Paul who pals around with KKK guys - no bueno.

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
32. Nicer than beaming microwaves at the embassy. The *classless* elite had no *class* back then.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:14 PM
Aug 2014

Now Russia's throwing a TeaParty© for us. Thanks, guys! Much appreciated! Just like the Germans did recently:



http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025262024

Bet they're the exact same images. Every nation has racists, and defenders. Some, don't buy it, though...



 

7962

(11,841 posts)
38. Thats right. And completely off topic, may I ask you:
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:27 PM
Aug 2014

Do you have a link to the cat clip in your post? I absolutely DIE laughing every time I see one of your posts. My brother would love it.
Thanks

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
45. Hello, JAG! Okay, this is how you do it:
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:41 PM
Aug 2014

I'm splitting up the link so it won't give a picture in two lines:

http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/

uploads/2013/04/funny-cat-pushing-things-off-table-fuck-this-animated-gif-pics.gif

Carefully delete the separating space, so that the " / " and "uploads" meet up and then you have it.

For later use, post that in your browser and then drag the link (the left hand icon in your browser window) to a folder with your name for it and drag it to your message box.

Or copy it the unseparated link to a text document and copy and paste the link to the DU message box to show up in your post.

Let me know if you have any problems. Glad you enjoy that kitteh!

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
44. Okay, this is how you do it.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:38 PM
Aug 2014

Okay, this is how you do it.

I'm splitting up the link so it won't give a picture in two lines:

http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/

uploads/2013/04/funny-cat-pushing-things-off-table-fuck-this-animated-gif-pics.gif

Carefully delete the separating space, so that the " / " and "uploads" meet up and then you have it.

For later use, post that in your browser and then drag the link (the left hand icon in your browser window) to a folder with your name for it.

Or copy it the unseparated link to a text document and copy and it there, or you can drag the link or your desktop or file folder back to the DU message box to show up in your post.

Let me know if you have any problems. This is the first time I think you've answered my posts on your thread or elsewhere, glad to find you enjoy my posts.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
39. Thanks Freshwest!
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:27 PM
Aug 2014

Remember this -

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/putin-ally-still-not-clear-why-photoshopped-image-of-obama-craving-banana-on-her-twitter-feed-was-racist/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Racism among Russian soccer fans has been the subject of national discussion in recent years, as the country prepares to host the 2018 World Cup. Last year, after a visiting Ivorian star, Yaya Toure, was taunted with ape noises during a match in Moscow, he said African players should consider boycotting the Russian World Cup.

Two years earlier, after a fan threw a banana at a Brazilian defender, Roberto Carlos, during a match, but claimed that there was no racist meaning to his act, a reporter for the Kremlin-owned network Russia Today patiently explained to her colleagues that taunting a person with dark skin with a banana “is known the world over as a very overt racist gesture.”




Behind the Aegis

(53,831 posts)
46. It is sad some don't get this shit is racist.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:46 PM
Aug 2014

Though not as popular as denying anti-Semitism, it simply amazes me that people defend this shit as "not being racist." This isn't even clever "covert" racism, this is nothing short of dropping the N-Bomb!

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
49. I thought maybe
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 02:48 PM
Aug 2014

Eh? I'm being oversensitive. But nope - it's general ideas/language I've been seeing lately if you catch my drift. I think I'm pretty clear where I stand on certain issues. I stand with the 'others'. What you do to one 'other' - you do to us all.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
83. +1,000,000
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 09:18 PM
Aug 2014

DUers should be condemning this whether it comes from the Russian people or the government. One person up thread alluded to the "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" saying, but neglected to mention that that incorporates the use of monkeys, thus the racist overtones.

I live in a foreign country and have for over a decade. As much as somethings bother me from time to time, I try hard to see the fact that only some people act that way in a culture not others. It's just disgusting behavior and terrible that some people who call themselves liberals on DU are too blind to see it.

Behind the Aegis

(53,831 posts)
53. Not only is it disgusting, it goes on to disprove the whole "the racists are dying out" meme.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:00 PM
Aug 2014

I will say I am surprised I haven't seen someone claim "other people eat bananas is that also racist?!" I get that some will have difficulty with subtle racism, but blatant... ?

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
56. You know it's coming though!
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:02 PM
Aug 2014


Just scoot over, hand me the Pinot Grigio - and let's have that moment together. We should invite freshwest and tarheel over to watch the show too!

Behind the Aegis

(53,831 posts)
61. I don't doubt it.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:11 PM
Aug 2014

Like the other thread (with Obama and the backwards cap), most seem to be avoiding the thread. A few have realized their shit isn't gonna fly.

If we did as you suggest, our livers would shrivel up and try to climb out of our bodies!

Tarheel_Dem

(31,207 posts)
59. I'm sorry, but I don't know what's "liberal" or "progressive" about the folks trying to justify this
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:06 PM
Aug 2014

I know we're not alone here, because it's the worldwideweb, but the Putin boosters turn my stomach.

Behind the Aegis

(53,831 posts)
60. There is nothing liberal or progressive about it.
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:09 PM
Aug 2014

It simply demonstrates one can have those titles and still engage in bigotry or excuse it or ignore it. What threads like this do is shine a harsh light on those who "don't find this racist".

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
54. I don't understand
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 03:00 PM
Aug 2014

Why someone wouldn't understand the concept of a 'banana eating porch monkey' - it was supposed to get a visceral reaction.

No playing innocent on their behalf now - and no rationalizing.

I own what I say and I do.

All I ask is that others do the same. That's all. I'm not perfect - but at least when I'm an asshole I don't play the 'who me I'm so innocent' game.

I own my shit. I expect these 'students' in Russia to do so to. Until that time - or a high ranking Russian official condemns the action - it's The Russians who did it.

Corey_Baker08

(2,157 posts)
75. President Obama, After Exhausting Diplomacy With Putin, Needs To Stand Up To Putin & Netanyahu!
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 07:53 PM
Aug 2014

I also believe President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, who is doing a fantastic job as SOS, need to step up to the Russians & Show Support for the people of Ukraine, perhaps maybe they can reach a Diplomatic resolution by perhaps negotiating a land deal with Ukraine, & call on Putin to end his invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine...

Let me be absolutely clear that I do not support using military options by putting American Soldiers in harms way. I know the United States has been openly helping the Ukraine Government by supplying money and weapons. America is not the Police of the world, and it shouldn't be, War is rarely a good option, and I would not support a war with Russia.

Additionally the situation between Israel & Palestine is absolutely appalling. Thousands of innocent civilians going about their daily life have already been killed, and will continue to die as long as the war continues. However, call me an extreme Liberal but Israel has been responsible for the death of so many Palestinian civilians. While I'm no fan of Hamas, Israel has on numerous occasions bombed UN Schools in which thousands of civilian who had nothing to do with the conflict where huddled thinking they were safe,instead they became casualties of a war for which they had nothing to do with.

The United States MUST make absolutely clear to Benjamin Netanyahu & the Israeli Army that any attacks on Palestinian hospitals, Civilian safety zones, schools, and in civilian neighborhoods will absolutely not be tolerated and when these facilities are bombed President Obama will publicly call out Benjamin Netanyahu & the Israeli Army on the matter and will act accordingly....

onecaliberal

(32,484 posts)
76. In Ukraine they have Putins face on toilet paper
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 07:57 PM
Aug 2014

And his face on a poster next to Stalinand Hitler.
My daughter just returned from there.

onecaliberal

(32,484 posts)
78. Putin is not popular there
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 08:03 PM
Aug 2014

As the media would have you believe. The so called "Separatists" are really Russian soldiers.

Cha

(295,907 posts)
80. I know.. I don't go in for the Russian RT Propaganda being pushed around here. thanks onecaliberal
Thu Aug 7, 2014, 08:30 PM
Aug 2014

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
96. Russia allows racist protests, but not protests for gay rights
Fri Aug 8, 2014, 10:37 PM
Aug 2014

At the same time they are now choking the right to a free internet by requiring people show IDs to log on to Wi-fi.

They are a beacon of freedom already.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
97. Russia's been taken over by the right wing.
Sat Aug 9, 2014, 02:36 AM
Aug 2014

To be frank, I very seriously doubt this kinda thing would be a problem under Gorbachev.....the "Chicago Boys" REALLY screwed Russia up. Bigtime. EOM

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
98. I think it is nationalism that is being stirred up by Putin
Sat Aug 9, 2014, 07:16 AM
Aug 2014

While nationalism isn't uncommon, once it starts getting out of control than you have those who are more moderate getting shoved aside and told they are unpatriotic. My guess is that is happening in Russia right now.

Apparently Gorbachev is still active in politics and is critical of Putin.

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