Having a hard time with a Black President

[firedupdem]

I'm watching Hardball today and it's clear to see that some white men in positions of power, are having a really difficult time stomaching a black President.

Tom Tancredo is damn near crying and spouting off craziness regarding Ms. Sotomayor!

Rush Limbaugh is crying that white people are the new oppressed minority.

Rush is using back of the bus and water fountain references...real easy for him since his fat ass has never come close to knowing what oppression feels like.

Rush even stated today, that the Obama administration hates white people.

They have gone from attempting to gin up hate with the Obama's gonna take yer guns crap, to they are an oppressed minority! :wtf:

Today, there was a post here calling the President a monster, and saying he was rotten inside and out...and...that he should resign immediately!

This is getting crazier by the day.

[Fire1]

1. The frustration for me is that much of this same sentiment comes

from within our own party as witnessed on this board. I don't expect any different from pukes and at least I know where they're coming from, which I can respect. The 'treachery' is being stabbed in the back by your 'own.'

[bliss_eternal]

2. unfortunately....

...our party has yet to face their own demons (regarding race, ethnicity and gender). until they do, we will continue seeing such sentiments on this board. most haven't a clue what their comments mean to us (those that know better).

:hug:

[Number23]

4. Truest (and truly the most heartbreaking) thing I've seen today.

[firedupdem]

6. That thread was horrible.....just horrible. n/t

[bliss_eternal]

3. this has been the fear all along...

quote:
Rush Limbaugh is crying that white people are the new oppressed minority.

this is why they created FOX news. ....and why it is so divisive and hateful. hatred is based in fear.

that station and it's talking heads are used to mobilize the fearful caucasians (usually rw-ingers, but some dems, too). the goal being to (attempt) to keep the minorities (yellow, browns, beige, black, women, disabled, asian, latino, indian, etc., etc) from rising up, multiplying, joining forces, realizing in many instances we are starting to outnumber them, etc., etc.

this is the best i can offer those dudes :nopity:

...and though it's in dire need of updating (to include other white men and women, that have made it quite clear that their white privilege has blinded them to the ways they routinely oppress, disrespect and use others non-white)...but i digress...

for those mourning their loss as the partiarchical kings of society:


A moment of silence is in order for the white, hetero male...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x231988



...now where's the little "ass kiss" smiley, when you need it? (sigh)



edited for clarity and errors.

[Number23]

5. That thread was BRILLIANT!

Well done, Bliss! :applause:

[Number23]

7. That post was posted TWICE, firedup

The one from Ted Rall saying that Obama needed to resign. It was posted once in GD-P, got locked and then someone posted it again in GD.

You mentioned that Rush casually mentions "back of the bus" references and not being able to drink from water fountains. Of course those references mean nothing to him. He has never had to EXPERIENCE them and probably has never known anyone who has. But ask my grandmother if that kind of sh*t is something she finds humorous or should be so lightly tossed around. Even my mother remembers as a child not being able to go to certain stores in Atlanta or having to go through the back door of restaurants, shops etc. because she was not allowed to go in the front door. And this is not some 200 years ago history; my mother is not even 60.

Bliss mentioned that many here do not understand how their comments hurt and affect us, and I have no doubt that this is true. But what sickens and infuriates me is the ones who DO know that their comments hurt, that their comments and/or analogies to our history are offensive to us and they use them anyway. They casually use references like "back of the bus" or "can't drink from the fountains," Whites Only signs or whatever they think fits their narrative and sit there with their mouths open shocked, SHOCKED I tells ya!, when black folks and clue-full (opposite of clueless) whites say "hold up. Please don't go there. You are being IMMENSELY disrespectful and ignorant." I wish I could bottle all of this feigned ignorance and innocence; I'd make a mint selling it to politicians and cheating spouses.

We'll see how Rush takes criticism of his use of "back of the bus" and the other idiotic statements he's made. But judging by the behavior of other white folks who have been criticized for co-opting the history of black people in this country for their own personal gain, my guess is that he'll probably just ignore it. Or even better and far more likely, turn it back on us as being "too sensitive."

[bliss_eternal]

8. didn't you know...?

that du is a magical place...?
a glorious cyber land filled with people embued with amazing powers and abilities. these great and wondrous powers exist merely because "they say so."

a glorious world where people lacking everyday, real world experiences of living in "yellow, beige or brown" skin are suddenly overwhelmed by pretty little, pristine particles of "because i say so" thoughts and words.
------POOF------! the melanin challenged are transformed.....

they become the Divine Definerdeciders with the ability to dictate to the "yellow, beige and brown" of du.

"OUCH...!" utters the brown woman,"...why would you say such a thing? it hurts and offends me that you said that."

"Walk that shit off, you aren't hurt," says the Divine Definerdecider. "I'm making a POINT...! About ME! You are too feeble in mind to understand the magnificence of my glorious point."

"B-b-but it's inappropriate..."

It IS NOT racist...! i define and decide what is inappropriate. the brilliance i have uttered is VERY appropriate! Mwuhahahaha!" booms the Divine Definerdecider, who has never spent a day in "yellow, beige or brown" skin but because of his (or her) glorious "because i says so" powers...It. Is. So.









i silently applaud those that stand up to this sort of silliness.

i've personally lost the ability to address it.

i believe i've advocated for some of everyone on du, in my time here.

the bottom line is, i respect those whose life experiences differ from my own enough to know i can't know what their life is like. maybe i've read about some historical issues that have helped to define who they are as a culture, but ultimately "reading" about something vs. "living" it are two completely different realities. i defer to others to define what they deem discriminatory and offensive--whether in word or deed. if they say something is discriminatory, i do my best to be respectful of that--to listen (or read) and (attempt)to learn.

honestly, i'd appreciate the same latitude. if someone can't offer that....
oh well. guess i learned something about you today. :shrug:

having said all of that...
it is insane (imo) to see those w/no personal experience of "racial" oppression telling others (that do have the experience) what is or is not racist, AND what they should or shouldn't be offended by. :crazy: i wouldn't attempt to tell someone lacking arms and legs how to feel when someone tells paraplegic jokes, or uses the disabled in analogies.

[firedupdem]

9. Well Said Bliss! Perfect! n/t

[Number23]

12. Yep. And the thing that gets me is the refusal

to understand that using terms like "back of the bus" will NEVER endear you to black Americans. Have you ever heard a black person say some stupid-ness like "man, I was in so much trouble I felt like I was about to be sent to the ovens" or "(blank) was like my own Trail of Tears." Maybe some black folks somewhere are doing this, but I've been black for as long as I can remember and I have NEVER heard anyone black use the suffering of others in such callous, insensitive, STUPID ways.

And yet, when it comes to our history, folks can't run to co-opt it fast enough. I think it's because so much of black CULTURE has been shared, that folks obviously think they can do the same with black HISTORY. From hip hop, break dancing, jazz etc etc. etc., every thing that has sprung forth from the minds of black Americans has eventually "mainstreamed" its way to the dominant culture. And apparently, many want the same amount of "creative license" when advocating for their cause, whether it has any correlation to the African/African-American experience in this country or not. There is a steadfast and obstinate refusal by some to understand or appreciate the uniqueness of the black experience in American culture and I fear that as we move further and further away from the Civil Rights Movement, that this lack of understanding will continue to grow.

Yet, as you said, when black folks and clue-full whites say "you're being ignorant or inappropriate" we're constantly told that in effect, that we have no say-so in the matter so just take it and shut up. And the fact that so many of the people saying this have never, ever, EVER been on the receiving end of CULTURAL RACISM (meaning institutionalized, systemic racism) would be funny if it didn't piss me off.

i silently applaud those that stand up to this sort of silliness.

Yeah, I'm about to get alot less silent. I am so proud of our history in this country. Black folks have come FAR. Lord knows, we still have a long way to go but DAMN we have done some miraculous things in America. Proof of our strength, intelligence and resourcefulness. And it's because of that pride and my knowledge of history that my patience is wearing damn thin with those who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground but feel like they can tell ME what I think is or is not racist or offensive as a member of the culture they can't bite off of fast enough.

[Fire1]

13. Nail on the head! Plus

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE 'BLACK' TIL THE COPS SHOW UP! Identify with the struggles of the black man when it's convenient and serves your purpose. But when it's no longer convenient (when the cops show up,) turn down the volume, the caps are turned front and center, the pants are pulled up, gym shoes tied, the black slang and dialect suddenly disappears and once again all is right in the world cause, 'We're going to let you off with a warning this time , son. You slow down and drive careful.' This shit cracks me the fuck up!!!!:rofl:

[Number23]

16. Like I said, Fire...

It'd be funny if it didn't piss me off.

[firedupdem]

15. Number23

You said it better than I ever could. NO other group has our history! Not one! I cannot stand to hear those terms basically used in a joking manner! Your example about the ovens is perfect. I wish people would be more respectful of others. I wonder if it will ever happen?

When I was in high school, I came home one day telling my father about some idiot that yelled "nigger" out his car window. We kind of laughed at how ignorant the asshole was but that wasn't shit compared to what my Dad had experienced growing up in Alabama. No other group has our history. I hate the comparisons, especially when they are done in an off handed manner.

[firedupdem]

10. +25... n/t

[omega minimo]

23. Wonder why "clue-full" folks are accused of being Right Wingy for protesting

the same mal/appropriations the Right Wngnuts are using? :crazy:

[Brewman_Jax]

11. They have the nerve to cry persecution

when they're the overwhelming numerical, social, economic, and legislative majority. Makes no sense at all! :crazy:

Just because they voted for a man that most wouldn't want for a neighbor doesn't make them "diverse", it just means that they voted.

[Fire1]

14. AND THEIR persecution doesn't hold a candle or come

ANYWHERE NEAR the persecution of MY PEOPLE. I don't give a damn if they're homogenized, certified, homo or hetero. Bottom line.

[bliss_eternal]

17. the subjects of the op...

...haven't been oppressed or suffered other societal slights, to my knowledge. as men (particularly caucasian males) i doubt they are aware of the level of suffering experienced on a daily basis by impoverished women in this country, for example.

:grr::mad:

[Number23]

18. Update: Firedup, the Ted Rall piece has now been posted THREE times on DU

And I won't even go into how I think it's been posted here, an alleged DEMOCRATIC-supporting web site, more than it's been posted on Free Republic. But it's only gone through three different and well-documented Obama haters here; considering how many others there are on DU, I get the feeling it may not be the last time we have to see it.

[Karenina]

19. Ted is off his meds again...

:eyes:

[Number23]

20. It sure looks that way

But it's crazy the number of DU'ers who apparently agree with "Off his Meds" Ted.

[SemperEadem]

21. I know--just because some around here call themselves Dems

doesn't mean that they aren't intolerant of a black man as their president. It is so obvious around this web site what the true history of the democratic party was.

I'm not ready to lynch the man after only 6 months in office. I'm willing to give the man some time, and even then, I refuse to condemn him. I'm well aware of what it is he's having to fight against.

DU has become a freakin' toilet.

[FrenchieCat]

22. I think some thinks he should be shackled to his desk in the Oval office,

While being the janitor in chief cleaning up after their sorry asses. I think that's why everyone is so ready to blame this President for everything.....and anything! Nothing he does is ever good enough for those assholes. I think some really do react as though the man is supposed to be a Magical Negro after all.

[omega minimo]

24. They may smell blood in the water

b/c Obama's administration has been compromised by the The Powers That Be, that have their hooks in our government. He has not been able to go in and pick up the mantle of reformer or courageous figure that many hoped he would become. If he was not hobbled by corporate government and the status quo, he could arise as a compelling and creative figure, like previous icons of leadership. Which of course the same soulless bastards would then try to tear down.

So we can hope that President Obama's good enough at the multi-dimensional chess to achieve what he can from his own vision of leadership.

[SemperEadem]

26. if he's been hampered, it's because of the whiny, meek, yellow-bellied

Dems in his own party who are standing in the way.

[Princess Turandot]

25. The 2 greatest sins in human history was the decision to sell other human beings as commodities...

and the Nazis' 'new world order'. I'm not black or Jewish or Romani but the minute that someone claims to share victimization at a level with the people or descendants of those impacted by those policies, I generally assume they are either willfully obtuse or profoundly under-educated.

I've walked into stores in liberal NYC with my former college roommate - Hopkins-Stanford Med grad where it was crystal clear to me that they thought my beautiful friend could be a shoplifter. Happily she's mastered the 'fuck you, I'm a doctor and you're a clerk routine' quite civilly. But why the hell should she have to do so?

Awhile back, she moved to a new med practice in an area which I'd describe as a 'town and gown area' i.e. university profs mixed with suburbanites and rural types. To her shock, the practice put an ad in the local paper about her and another new doc starting at the same time. (I say 'to her shock' because she learned of the ad right after she moved to the area and was standing in the line at a supermarket and had the woman behind her say 'hi! you're one of the new docs in town, right?' She thought she'd lost her mind until the woman told her about the ad.)

Not long afterwards, she told me about seeing a patient from one of the nearby rural areas who went out of his way to demand to see her. (I think he was a farmer.) His reason? If she was a black and had made it to being a doctor, she had to be a genius and he wanted her as his doctor! I'll say it again: why the hell should she have to put up with such crap?

Slavery is a deplorable fact existing throughout mankind's history but prior to the Middle Passage, it was by and large the product of war and conquest, not commerce. The only thing that comes anywhere remotely close to the kidnapping and sale of Africans a few hundred years ago IMO is the growing wave of women from all over the world now being lured and kidnapped into sexual slavery/prostitution. The fact that so many people are willing to confuse that with sexual expression is just mind-boggling to me. (Legalize prostitution! Give them health plans! Right. I've no doubt that the mobsters involved are just itching to establish Hooker HMOs.) But I guess the rationalization for selling Africans a few hundred years ago seemed equally sensible.

God help us if a new Nazi-like regime with real power was actually ever resurrected.

[bliss_eternal]

27. That is beyond obscene....

...and sadly, not surprising. (sigh) :puke:

It's funny though, no matter what station you happen to be in, in life--people of that "ilk" will find a way to be "offended."
I have friends that are doctors who've shared similar stories.

Here's a story of contrast, taken from my restaurant serving days (out of my home state):

One day while serving a dude toast and coffee, said dude decided to throw his plate, toast and silverware back at me (after I presented it in front of him--on the table). Muttering something about the toast not being "done right" and demanding I "do it again."

So, I gather the plate, silverware and toast apologizing that it didn't meet his specifications--and returned to the kitchen to make the dude's toast.

Next thing I know, all the servers have gathered around me. Apparently other guests (regulars), demanded the dude be thrown out. Our regulars (who I'd served on occasion) witnessed the incident and went to the manager to tell him that HE was off his nut, and was picking a fight, etc.

My manager told me he would take over the table and we'd talk later.
Later we go in the stock room and he is just shaking his head.

My mgr. said, "....he was upset because he said you "dared" to speak to him as if you were intelligent. I told him that you are quite intelligent. He interrupted me with, 'don't YOU TELL ME who's intelligent! There's no way THAT GIRL could be intelligent! I KNOW intelligence...I'm a professor of Law at....."

So apparently I wasn't bowing and scraping enough to satisfy him. :eyes:

So it doesn't matter. One can be a professional, an authority figure or working on the lower rungs in customer service (or as a janitor). The intolerant of the world are only happy when one is conforming to "their idea" of what is possible.

:crazy:

[firedupdem]

28. Thanks for posting Princess Turandot

"I'm not black or Jewish or Romani but the minute that someone claims to share victimization at a level with the people or descendants of those impacted by those policies, I generally assume they are either willfully obtuse or profoundly under-educated.


That statement should be in it's own thread.

Thanks for sharing the story about your friend the Doctor. I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm currently living in a pretty rural area in a city of 12,000. I've had some of the craziest, wide-eyed conversations with people who have honestly NEVER communicated with a person of color. I could go on and on...I totally relate to what your friend is dealing with.

[Number23]

29. Fantastic

I'm not black or Jewish or Romani but the minute that someone claims to share victimization at a level with the people or descendants of those impacted by those policies, I generally assume they are either willfully obtuse or profoundly under-educated.

Beautiful. Thank you for that.