It warms my heart to see this handsome strong, proud black man

[EffieBlack]

with a beautiful, strong, proud black woman by his side, with their adorable, excited, bright-eyed little girls (you know, when God made black babies, He was just showing off!), standing at the pinnacle of American politics.

No matter whom we support, I hope we can all take a minute to savor this moment!

[Quixote1818]

1. K & R

[RoadRage]

2. Something...

About that big old smile.. you can't help but smile back!

[jillan]

3. congrats Effie!

I'm happy he was the winner of the top 3.

[Eurobabe]

4. GOBAMA!!

Congrats to the Obama family :hi:

[Colobo]

What a feeling!

[cloud75]

5. the first person i voted for president was jesse jackson and he

didn't stand a chance to win...boy have we come a long way since the 80's

[FrenchieCat]

6. That's a worthy praise that I can agree with!

I had the pleasure of telling my Pastor that Obama had won by 8 points! And that voter turn out was DOUBLE what it had been in 2004.

[Sulawesi]

7. I agree!

[Chovexani]

8. I think you forgot to throw a few "blacks" in there

LOL.

I'm wondering about the kids, today, seeing this on the news. I was seven years old when Rev. Jesse ran for president and it had a powerful effect on me, even though he ultimately didn't get the nomination.

[Quixote1818]

9. I remember my Mom supporting Jesse Jackson when I was very young

Neat memories.

[Chovexani]

23. Me too.

My mom phone banked for him in Brooklyn. I still have my little square button. :)

I remember the hell I caught wearing that button to my mostly rich WASP private school. The way kids AND grown folks laughed at me, outright saying a black man would never be president and that black people were stupid for wasting time and votes on Rev Jesse.

That politicized me more than anything, I think. I was a seven year old girl version of Huey on the Boondocks after that. :rofl:

[Radio_Lady]

10. Thanks EffieBlack. Welcome to the DU!

[Jane Austin]

11. It warms my heart, too.

And for the first time in a long time, I am really, really happy for America.

[Yuugal]

12. Yeah, let me savor this:

People on DU spouting crap about skin color as a reason to love their candidate. Stormfront is with you on this one and I'm sure they will be saying the same thing all year long for their side.

"you know, when God made black babies, He was just showing off"

Its good to see this country has come so far, eh?

[Anouka]

16. I agree.

I understand where Effie is coming from.........but I also understand that Obama is not doing this to be 'black'. He's doing this because he wants to help America, all America, regardless of skin color.

The black babies comment is fine for predominantly black sites... but if that comment had been made about white babies, firestorm time and rightly. It's a racial comment out of place.

It's important to see a black man who is together with a black woman who is together by his side being a family and acting as a family unit. It's a good example, and lord knows everyone needs that good example regardless of skin color for a variety of reasons. But the universalness of Obama and Michelle and their beautiful baby girls should be celebrated at this point and time and in this place.

Obama isn't campaigning on race. We have to be careful about that.

[Chovexani]

26. Yeah, that kinda made me cringe

I know Effie's heart's in the right place, which is why I didn't put her on blast for it, but I just knew that would bring out the knuckledraggers. Even the most carefully worded race posts on here get raked over the coals.

It's a damn shame you have to "switch" on DU, but you do. :(

[EffieBlack]

28. I don't "switch"- I would never say something on a predominantly black site that I wouldn't say here

It's a damned shame that so many people on DU are so sensitive.

[Chovexani]

33. It is.

You should get a star and come hang out in the AA group sometime. We have fun in there and it's nice to have a place to talk about this stuff where your head won't explode. :hi:

[EffieBlack]

37. :-) Thanks!

[incapsulated]

47. You don't get it

When you never see people who look like you up there on the winners stage, there is a pride that those who take for granted seeing people who look like them, with children who look like their own, will never understand.

[live love laugh]

54. I agree with you. . .pure stupidity on the OPs part. n/t

[ellacott]

61. Stupidity? Wow

[Spiffarino]

13. It makes me proud that my party has come this far

Think of it:

1st place: A brilliant African-American orator and activist
2nd place: An unabashed anti-corporatist
3rd place: A powerful self-made woman

It's an embarrassment of riches to have not only the best candidates of any party but also the most representative of the entire nation. The Republicans are rich, old, white men; the Dems are a slice of America.

I couldn't be more proud to be a Democrat than I am today. :hug:

[sailor65]

14. It warms my heart to see this handsome strong, proud White man

"with a beautiful, strong, proud White woman by his side, with their adorable, excited, bright-eyed little girls (you know, when God made White babies, He was just showing off!), standing at the pinnacle of American politics.

No matter whom we support, I hope we can all take a minute to savor this moment!"


Can you imagine someone posting this had there been a different winner (Or if/when there is in another state)? Will you "Savor" that?


Nothing will be right until people are somehow able to leave out the Black/White/Green part.

Congratulations on being part of the problem....

[hedgehog]

17. Hey - I remember the pride my Dad had when Cousin Jack was

elected back in 1960. If you don't think that having a black man reach this pinnacle doesn't enrich every American, you just haven't been paying attention!

[EffieBlack]

19. If it were unusual for a white man to be in this position, such a comment would be appropriate

But the fact that you would even suggest otherwise shows that you really don't get it.

I am a middle-aged black woman who grew up watching nothing but white people in these positions and NEVER seeing people who looked like me and my family hailed as leaders to a broader audience. I did not see little black girls who looked like me held up for the cameras while crowds cheered their fathers. The media pretended that people like me didn't exist or, if they acknowledged us, it was with negative portrayals, dismissive analysis, and often, outright disdain. And, all too often, when a black man gets into a position to be admired by white folk, there's a good chance that the woman by his side looks nothing like me - or his mother or his sisters.

So you're damned right that I am absolutely DELIGHTED to see this handsome, strong BLACK MAN, with a beautiful strong BLACK WOMAN, and adorable little BLACK GIRLS, by his side. And yes, God WAS showing off when He made black babies. Anyone who has had to grow up in an environment where black babies and children were frequently treated as inferior, unattractive, or, more often, just ignored, will appreciate this harmless boast about the beauty of our babies (especially since it in no way diminishes the beauty of anyone else's child).

When this country gets to a point - and we're not there yet - when it is not unusual for African Americans to be in the position that Obama is in, there will be no need to comment on how wonderful it is. But right now, my heart is bursting with pride. And the fact that such an occurrence may be such a common thing for someone with white skin that they don't even think about it in no way lessens the pride I feel as a black woman in watching the Obamas - people who look like ME - on that stage tonight.

[Yuugal]

25. I get you just fine.

If Edwards or Hillary had won and someone posted how proud they were the white person won, you would be screaming and they would be tombstoned.

"So you're damned right that I am absolutely DELIGHTED to see this handsome, strong BLACK MAN, with a beautiful strong BLACK WOMAN, and adorable little BLACK GIRLS, by his side."

Guess you missed my point so I'll try again. When rep racists start saying, "white people need to vote for their own" next fall, how will you feel about that?

[EffieBlack]

27. No - you DON'T get it . . .

Analogies such as yours are only relevant if you're comparing apples to apples. In this case, you're comparing white people to black people, which in this context, is like comparing apples to puppy dogs.

White people have been running American politics for more than 230 years. White men have been running and winning presidential races for just as long. White people voting for white people and white people standing on stages after winning big elections is nothing unusual, new, different, or historic.

Black people, on the other hand, were enslaved for more than half of that 230 years (and, in fact, for centuries prior). We were not even citizens with a right to vote until 1865 and it took the Voting Rights Act 100 years after that for us to have that right protected so that we could actually exercise it. At the time the Voting Rights Act was passed, we had fewer than 300 black elected officials in the United States. Since then, we have only had three black U.S. Senators, two black governors. We have had scores of white men - men of varying degrees of distinction and ability from pathetic to mediocre to outstanding to brilliant. On the other hand, you could use that other hand to count the number of black presidential candidates. Before this year, only ONE black presidential candidate has ever won a primary - and he was never considered a viable candidate and hardly anyone believed there was even the breath of a chance that he would get the nomination, much less win the presidency.

And that all changed tonight. A black man has won the first contest in the 2008 presidential primary - he won decisively and has the money and mo to win more primaries. He won the support and votes, not just of black people, but of white people, many of whom had never been involved in the political process. And he did something many other white candidates couldn't do - got Republicans and independents to vote for him.

So YES - it is a big deal and it is important and it is wonderful, in the context of this country's history of vicious racism, degradation, violent repression, humiliation, and political ostracism of black Americans, the objectification of black women, the denigration of the black family, that tonight, a black man stood on a stage with his black wife and black children, acknowledging the cheers of a predominantly white audience in Iowa after winning a major victory in the most important presidential election in our lifetime. And the fact that he is black IS a big deal - something that would NOT mean the same thing if he were white.

So your attempt to equate my pride in this occurrence with some form of racism and your rather shallow game of replacing "black" with "white" and claiming the two statements would be in any way equivalent reveals either a sadly woeful ignorance of the context history and meaning of tonight's events or a cynical effort to deny reality.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[readmoreoften]

50. I'm very happy for the black community. I really am.

If Obama is the nominee, and eventually wins, I will stand with you to make sure that fighting racism in America is still an issue. Many white bigots will claim that the fight for civil rights has been won--that it is rendered moot-- if Obama wins. We will have to remind them that racism runs deep in our history and that this is just the beginning.

[leftynyc]

73. I'm as white as snow and I get it

My parents were heavily into the civil rights movement and Dad did work for Dr. King. Although they are both Hillary supporters, Mom was in tears last night watching Obama on TV. She thought she'd never see the day. While it is a proud day for all Americans, the black community has every reason to be especially joyous. Congratulations.

[youthere]

65. Sorry Yuugal but you're off the mark here...

If Hillary had won no one would be posting about how a "white"person won...it would be about a strong WOMAN ready to lead the most powerful nation on earth...and even though she's not my personal pick I would have been proud as hell for that WOMAN.

I am delighted that finally we have taken a step toward true equality when it's not an anomally to have a black person, a woman, and a Hispanic in the same race who all finished in the top four.
No one said "Won't this race be exciting? There are FOUR WHITE GUYS running!"
You can pretend it isn't a landmark if you want..but the rest of us all know better.

Congratulations to the Obama's. And they truly are a beautiful family and I'm glad my fellow Iowans chose well.

[leftynyc]

72. Exactly - if it were Hillary

women would have every right to point out what a milestone it is.

[in_cog_ni_to]

74. Riiiiiiiight! Edwards and Hillary are discriminated against on a daily basis!

Give me a fucking break. If you cannot see why this is an important day for this country, then I feel damn sorry for you. Damn. Maybe you could name the last BLACK President this country has elected?sheesh.

Whether you want to believe it or not....RACISM STILL EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY.

[tigereye]

29. I'm glad and happy for you!

it is an exciting moment.

I remember how exciting it was to see Jesse Jackson speak at the convention way back when. Very moving.

[EffieBlack]

36. I remember how proud and excited my grandmother was that night

She was in her 90s, the daughter of slaves, who experienced racism at its worst but never stopped believing that this country could do better. Yet, never in her wildest dreams did she believe she would ever see a black man running for president in her lifetime. She was SO proud watching Rev. Jackson speak at the convention. I remember her saying, "That Jesse could talk grease out of a biscuit!"

She's gone now, but I think one of the reasons I'm so happy tonight is because I know what this would have meant to her.

In America, even today, black folk are so often burdened by collective guilt placed on us by others and ourselves. We are generally expected to defend or disown bad behavior by other blacks in order that it not be reflected on us. So when someone does well, the collective feeling also kicks in and we feel great pride at their accomplishments. This is nothing new - I enjoyed my family telling me about the night they ran out of their houses and danced in the streets when Joe Louis won the heavyweight championship. And how they'd pile into the car and drive for hundreds of miles to the nearest major league ballpark whenever the Dodgers came to town so they could "see our Jackie play ball with the white folks."

I hope to one day tell MY grandchildren about tonight, the night that I wanted to dance in the streets because Barack Obama "played ball with the white folks" and won big time, then proceeded to "talk grease out of a biscuit" in one of the most inspirational victory speeches in memory.

[sailor65]

57. No, it wouldn't be appropriate

At least not to someone who's genuinely interested in solving the problem. It would be the opposite of appropriate.

Every single time anyone, of any color, ties the quality or accomplishments of another to race, the qualities and accomplishments are diminished and the problem is perpetuated.

Now had you taken the much more intelligent line that I've seen from others, remarking that it was a good milestone that a Black man had such a good shot at the Presidency, that might have been different.

But, the whole "Babies" thing, and several of the other whines shows that you are contributing to the problem just as surely as every white bigot out there. You portray it as a "Harmless Boast." When it comes to racism, there is no "Harmless boast." None, ever.

So because you happen to be Black, shall we dismiss these litle things because after all, you're "Entitled" to a little racism? In 2, 5, 10 or however many years (Hopefully very few), when Black and White don't have these problems because of people who genuinely care about solving them, do we then choose another group to be the next to get the "Exclusion?" Do we then say that racism is bad unless it's displyed by whatever race follows the Black race in feeling historically cheated?

Or will we finally figure out that racism is racism, period, and it's all bad no matter who spews it?

[NashVegas]

69. You Answered That With Far More Class

Than the questioner deserved.

I'll give you a few minutes to enjoy it. Maybe even a few days. And then go back to the usual shit-slinging, if ya don't mind :)

[Chovexani]

21. Black folks will not stop talking about race

Just because it makes you uncomfortable. Sorry.

[EffieBlack]

22. Apparently, if black people never mention race, America's race problem will go away

Shhhhhhhh!

[Chovexani]

24. LOL!

Guess so. Ignoring AIDS did us real good with that problem, too!

[Yuugal]

30. uncomfortable is a fair word

When I see our side use the same devices as as the enemy, yeah, I'm uncomfortable. Stormfront made their bones being proud of their race in the same way. Chanting "Black Power" isn't any better than chanting "White Power".

[Kucinich4America]

32. Ah, you need to chill out with a good comedy......

How about CB4?? :evilgrin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq-EdsgeO1A

[Chovexani]

34. I love that movie!

I always used to tell people I was straight out of locash. :rofl:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

58. I suppose "black is beautiful" makes you uncomfortable too, eh?

Pff.

[youthere]

66. Ahem..BLACK Power has been pretty hard to come by...

that is the OP's point.

[readmoreoften]

51. Black folks should never stop talking about it either. It's still an issue.

:hug:

[sailor65]

59. Doesn't make me uncomfortable

It makes me mad, because so many people are trying hard to solve the problem, and these kinds of statements keep the cycle going, and make it worse.

I'm sorry, but the "It's ok because I'm Black (Or fill in race of your choice)" argument just doesn't cut it anymore.

[socalover]

46. You need help nt

[sandnsea]

48. Hispanic, Italian, UCC, Mormon, huckleberry

Why is it threatening to you to celebrate the diversity of the Presidential nominees? Why do we have to leave out our cultural background? Why can the Irish have special celebrations and the Italians wave their flag, but Mexicans and African-Americans can't. Do you seriously think we should just ignore the fact that Obama is only the 5th black Senator in the history of this country? And should he become the first African-American President, we should just ignore that fact?

[sailor65]

63. The OP does not celebrate diversity of anything.

Like I said in one of my responses, pointing out that America has progressed to place him in that position is not a bad thing. The OP was not satisfied with that, though. That's not me being threatened, that's me being tired of the hard work of so many people being undercut by the stupidity of so many others, who perpetuate this problem.

And in case you missed it, Irish, Italian, and Mexican are not the names of races, they are nationalities. And I never mentioned Mexicans in any of my threads anyway.

I'll say it again, since this thread is rather deep now. This problem will not be fixed until NO ONE ties qualities and achievements to race, ever. Regardless of whether they think they have some "Waiver" because the color matches. Don't take my word for it, MLK said it too. And every time some idiot does it, that dream is corrupted.

[superduperfarleft]

75. Wahhhh, why can't we have white history month?!!!! /sarcasm

There's been entire volumes written on racial dynamics in the US such as white privilege, racism vs. prejudice, policy issues, etc. and yet none of the people who spout the whiny bullshit about "it's not fair!!!!!" seem to think it requires anymore thought that what you just posted. I'm assuming you're literate, so you must either be too lazy to read a couple or just like talking out of your ass about a subject which you clearly know nothing about.

For all you people making these and similar arguments today: there's absolutely nothing wrong with black people being proud of the fact that a black man has just taken a step closer to being president. The people making race-card/claiming-you-don't-see-color/joking-about-his-accent/whining-about-his-church/bitching-about-black-expressions-of-pride posts don't look clever, they make you look like typical clueless white liberals who pay lip service to racial equality (and hypocritically howl about how racist republicans are) but can't be arsed to actually examine your own attitudes and how YOU might be contributing to the problem.

[EffieBlack]

76. Wow! Thank you! n/t

[hedgehog]

15. I'm with you - whenever I see him with his family I just get a big smile on my face!

Maybe it's because his girls remind me of my nieces.

[elizm]

18. All I could do was weep....tears of joy. What a moment...

...there just are no words.

[BeyondGeography]

43. I know you had a lot of company around the country and, indeed, the world

The Obamas are beautiful, inside and out. They remind those of us who are open to them of our common humanity, and how this country, for all of its flaws, is still capable of producing these uniquely inspirational moments.

[elizm]

56. The world is a little brighter place this morning. :) nt

[beaconess]

20. Hear hear!

[Didereaux]

31. ogoodlord! he's a skinny, scrawny kid with a great smile!

[babylonsister]

44. And mind, and good taste-he loves his wife, and he's a Dem! nt

[Big Blue Marble]

35. What a moment to savor! I am so happy!

[Imagevision]

38. Effie it makes me feel good and it does warm my heart to see someone I believe in

become my next president. Now if only big business can't make him an offer he can't refuse...

[Withywindle]

40. I hear you!

For the record I'm bi-ethnic (Latina/white) and, like Obama, I owe my existence to the progressive international-student programs of the 50s and 60s - that's how his dad got here from Kenya and how my mom got here from Brazil.

I am SO SICK of racism. I am SO SICK of the idea that the default President is a white man. I am SO SICK of the idea that Black people shouldn't be proud of great achievement (considering how the odds are stacked) and that the possibility of a Black president isn't actually huge for this country! (As a woman would be too, and gods, I wish I liked Hillary's policies better - alas, I don't. Obama lifts me up when he speaks. She doesn't. Them's just the breaks - there'll be another woman someday before long who can do that).

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

41. America has come a long way

I can remember when I was about 4 and 5 years old in the 1950s in the south when my mother, who was a flaming radical from France took me by the hand and got on the city bus. Every time, she insisted on sitting in the back with black people, despite the protests of the bus driver and the white people up front, because she hated segregation. I can remember how black people were treated like animals and lepers. I can understand your jubilation, Effie. Your heart would not have to be warmed if it weren't for the miserable way black people were treated not that long ago and how far they have had to come.

[EffieBlack]

42. I LOVE your mother!

I'm so glad you understand where I'm coming from.

[readmoreoften]

52. It also has a long way to go and I think it's important for us to remember that too. /nt

[babylonsister]

45. Great thread, I tried to vote for it again. I'm catching my breath for

Barack, and hanging on!

[Pastiche423]

49. A belated welcome, Effie

Thank you for your posts. Your words allowed me to feel and understand your feelings of pride, jubilation and happiness. Are you a writer?

I am right there w/you - savoring this night, hopefully for a long time.

[EffieBlack]

78. Thanks!

[jcla]

53. AMEN, EFFIE BLACK!

I remember how it felt when Shirley Chisholm ran for president (Yes, I am an antique...got a kick out of people remembering about Reverend Jackson running!) Got the same sense of hope and pride from the Obamas! I want that intelligent couple in the White House! (I agree with you about black babies...especially when I look at my son!) I am savoring and cheering.

[EffieBlack]

79. :-)

[bklyncowgirl]

55. As a white woman who was in grade school when the civil rights movement was in full swing..

All I can say is, this is great! And I agree, I absolutely love his wife and kids.

We've come a long way--got a long way to go still--but let's enjoy this one.

[Arugula Latte]

60. I've gotta say, as a whitey, my heart soared when I saw him yesterday.

DAMN! That man gave a hell of a speech! It reminded me of that convention speech when he just burned the barn down. I'd wanted Edwards (because I liked his populist/anti-corporate emphasis), but I'll admit that Edwards can come nowhere close to inspiring people like Obama can. :)

[SOS]

62. In 2008, Camelot is African-American

I haven't been this happy and enthusiastic in years.
Gobama!!!!

[Orsino]

64. Hear, hear.

Good to see that race doesn't have to be the most important thing.

[itsrobert]

67. What if he wasn't handsome?

Would it change your opinion of him?

By the way "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

[youthere]

68. EffieBlack...

As a middle aged white woman I was proud to see that beautiful family take the win last night. I would have felt the same had Senator Clinton won..."It's about damn time!"

[ItNerd4life]

70. I'm happy for him and the black community

and for you. I'm not black, but I can appreciate the struggles that occurred and still occur to this day. Things are slowly improving and I believe this is just part of the evolutionary process as things improve.

"One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" kind of moment for me.

[2rth2pwr]

71. Proud is a word that is condescending and code wordish all

at the same time.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

77. hopefully the African American vote will come out in force for Obama

especially in the south?

You are right but I hope that we can savor the moment daily when he is President for the next 8 years!!!!!