Let's be clear about the effect of the racism directed against President Obama and his family

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

42. Thank you so much for this outstanding and eloquent post...

I certainly cannot and do not speak for the entire black American community, as we are as diverse as any other community. However, I tire of the accepted notion that we have not been critical of the president. Tune into ANY black talk radio station or visit your local hair salon or barber shop, and you'll see black Americans engaged in very intelligent and insightful dialogue about this president's performance. Opinions are varied--from declarations of not supporting him in 2012, to enthusiastic supporters who are dreaming up new ways to combat GOP attempts to suppress voters.

For me, in particular, the most subtle form of racism directed at this president that has haunted him since the day he announed is the recurrent notion that this president has not been and cannot achieve success based on his OWN MERIT. That he needs Hillary to be the VP in order for him to win. Or, that it was some other white person or event that led to success rather than his own effort. That, for me, is the most unfortunate and offensive aspect of this racism. The passage below from your OP alludes to this subtle, yet victious form of racism:

"Open racism hasn't been in fashion for decades, but the fear and insecurities which underlie discrimination and prejudice still compel some to draw lines of distinction between black and white aspirations and potential for success. What is often unspoken is the reluctance some Americans have in envisioning blacks in a position to make decisions for a white majority, resulting in attempt to set boundaries and define the roles blacks must assume to achieve success and approval. "

Again, thank you for this wonderful post.