Racial Politics and the History of Silent Acceptance

[Bullet1987]

Make no mistake about it DU, Obama is going to distance himself from Carter's comments...as honest and true as they may have been (if he hasn't already...I haven't been watching TV too much lately). Jimmy Carter is already disliked and disrespected by many in the political and media arenas, whatever he says is always attacked...even though what he says is often true. Barack Obama is in a difficult position many Black and Mixed-race people have been in when they reach certain levels of power. When race becomes a real problem, as it has become ever since the final days of the General Election (when it became clear he'd beat McCain), Blacks or Mixed-Race people are expected to "be quiet" about what's being said and simply allow it to continue. If they challenge the attacks, they'll be accused of using the race card. It's a Catch 22. It's almost as if Whites in power get personally offended when minorities in power stand up against attacks by other White people. This is why the White House is in a difficult position, they can't attack Rush and Co. the way they probably want to. They know White people will get offended and mad at the Black President who's simply defending himself. It's completely unfair the double-standard and racial politics being played here. Sooner or later, Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton are going to speak the truth on this...and they'll be attacked. But they're attacked so often (some attacks they deserve, others they don't) that I don't think they even care anymore.

Barack Obama can give a speech like he did before, but I don't know how that'll help. This tactic is deeply ingrained in American culture and politics and has been around for decades now. I think back to Jackie Robinson, who had to put up with racists when he was put on a baseball team. He was told to accept it and not to challenge it. Even though Robinson went through much more than Obama ever will...the same rules apply. Maybe Michael Moore's next documentary should tackle race relations in America post-Civil Rights and talk about the double-standard in how Barack Obama is treated compared to past Presidents. I can forsee in the future race becoming a major issue again, unlike it has been since the '60s. People are going to begin to get REALLY pissed off by the racists and "teabaggers" on the Radical Right and will start to organize against them. And the fact that Obama can't fight back is going to anger his supporters (both Black and White) even more.

[Uzybone]

1. I fully agree with you

[CBR]

2. Spot on. Thanks for the great post.

People were discussing the missile defense policy on twitter and one person wrote "Really hope I live to see the end of the cold war." Another replied, "I'd like to live to see the end of the civil war."

[HopeOverFear]

3. It's the responsibility of NON-racist white people to stand up to white racism.

Period.

[Bullet1987]

4. So you don't believe the person being attacked has the right to defend himself/herself?

How is that just? I mean sure, non-racist White people SHOULD stand up against racist Whites...but they don't all the time. I think both groups should stand up to the troublemakers, not just one.

[Karenina]

5. Oh dear...

"I mean sure, non-racist White people SHOULD stand up against racist Whites...but they don't all the time." After 6 decades on this planet, having integrated the school in 1957 and as the product of an "elite" American education, will you even hear me when I declare unequivocally

THEY ALMOST NEVER DO!

Almost. Does that qualifier work for you? It does for me.

[uponit7771]

6. k&R, Most people who wouldn't report it were never affected by it.