See, he's an uppity black man

[d_r]

I followed the link to hannity show about the secret hidden tapes.

I watched about five minutes of it, and I couldn't bear with it anymore.

What a bunch of idiots. An idiot carnival.

They took a joke "I hid that during 2008 but I don't care if they see it now" and act like it is a grave admission of some horrible guilt.

The little geeky blog commenter guy says, and I'm paraphrasing "and this demonstration was not about diversity. It was about a professor going on a voluntary sabbatical in protest of a tenure decision. And that was about diversity, so that there would be more women and minority faculty. But this wasn't about diversity, it was about radicalism."

It was radical because "just months before, the professor had given a speech in Chicago where he said that the civil rights movement had been a sham because there was still racism." See, radical!

I mean, really, that's what the guy was saying.

The point they are making is "See, we told you! He really is an uppity black man!"

That's what the whole "radical agenda" is, uppity black folks having the nads to say that people (like these dumbasses) are racist.

See, there I go playing the race card.

[RZM]

1. Here's why I think they are emphasizing it

Last edited Thu Mar 8, 2012, 06:11 PM - Edit history (2)

When it come to Obama and race, there are essentially two conflicting narratives.

1) Obama is 'post-racial' - This is the one championed by many liberals and a good deal of media figures. It holds that Obama is a transcendent figure who finally eclipsed the mold of the traditional 'black politician' (i.e. people like Al Shaprton and Jesse Jackson) by de-emphasizing racial issues in favor of broader themes. He's a talented, ambitious, and savvy Democrat and that's why he won the presidency. His race isn't particularly relevant. He was just the best man for the job and has governed not as a black Democrat, but just as Democrat.

Evidence for this includes: His broad-based appeal, his rejection by the black Chicago establishment (he lost big to Bobby Rush and was shunned by black Chicago politicians in Springfield), his background and pedigree (raised in Hawaii by whites, educated at the Ivies), his reticence to emphasize racial issues, etc.

2) Obama is a traditional 'racial spoils' politician with a history of left wing activism - This is championed by conservatives and some figures in the conservative media. It holds that Obama is essentially a wolf in sheep's clothing. While he's pretended to be 'post racial' and relatively moderate, he's really just a better disguised Al Shaprton, with a dash of Saul Alinsky thrown in. He made his career on racial and far-left issues, especially before he rose to national prominence. He's in it to benefit blacks at the expense of whites.

Evidence for this includes: His pre-politics career . . . mainly things like this video, his career as a community organizer, the space dedicated to white racism in his books, also Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers. Eric Holder and the justice department play a role here too (the 'my people' comment, dropping the case against the black panthers, etc.).

The video plays nicely into the second narrative, which holds that Obama is a secret socialist who doesn't like whites and has built his career on endorsing things like affirmative action. That's why they think it's important. Except it really isn't. Nobody really cares what Obama did 20 years ago, especially since he's already a known quantity.

[d_r]

3. "especially since he's already a know quantity"

exactly. In 2008 some of these people were freaking out that it was going to be helter skelter crazy with black folks walking in your house and carrying your stuff out. They are still looking for some sign that is going to happen eventually, apparently. Your analysis is great.

[RZM]

4. Thanks

I have heard it argued that Obama will move to the left in his second term. I think that's plausible, though even if he does it might not be all that far.

[Loudmxr]

2. You don't know an uppity black man.. my friend Little Richard

Feel my skin. It's so beautiful. (Those of you who know Richard get the reference)

For your entertainment... Ladies and Gentlemen.. Little Richard

[gratuitous]

5. Isn't it odd?

If these nimnols had shown 1/100 the curiosity about George W. Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard as they've devoted to Barack Obama's birth certificate and collegiate activities, do you suppose we might have gotten a little more and more useful information?

[gratuitous]

5. Isn't it odd?

If these nimnols had shown 1/100 the curiosity about George W. Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard as they've devoted to Barack Obama's birth certificate and collegiate activities, do you suppose we might have gotten a little more and more useful information?