For those of you who read my friend's response above, this small article speaks to whether or not we should be 'critiquing' Sen. Obama, especially as black people.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) met in Chicago this weekend and has wondered whether or not they, in their capacity of objective journalists, should openly embrace Sen. Obama. (read the above article) What do you think?
I trust that before I'm black, I am God's child. I support Sen. Obama because he is a good politician, a good father, husband, and neighbor. I cannot yet prioritize my 'blackness' (colorwise nor culturally) above my 'Godness.' We are all challenged daily with knowledge of Mugabe, Assata, Castro, and anyone else who has suffered tragically for standing up against unjust treatment. Still, I believe that public discourse serves to help us discover who we are, whether we attempt to comment on Sen. Obama, or any plight facing us culturally.
Besides, though it does not 'feel' good to have your wife villified publicly. Sen. Obama proved himself to operate with so much more character and depth than the deepest pretension at creating discourse. He responded simply that the New Yorker missed in their attempt at satire. My argument was that the New Yorker fufilled their role (though you may think very poorly). Maybe the Senator's heart hurt for his wife or his children. I for one see this action as more evidence that his character is one to be IMITATED. Though his image is one I am glad to have in front of me, my son, my daughter, and my wife, (b/c I'm a black man and too often all I see is negativity towards my 'image') I know him as more than just an image. He is a man, husband, and father. I do not critsize lightly, just intend to bring perspective that he is clearly using to grow from. He is not scared as I wondered. He is a thoughtful man and in my opinion, should be imitated by ALL.
Yes, I thinkthat New Yorker was out of their league when they decided to undress Obama, someone who is suppose to run for PRESIDENT, I mean what kind of crap is that. You know what I think, America see our Beautiful Black Man as some sort of s*x Models, think about it , Denzel Washington, Omar Epps, .......and not just blacks, WHITES ALSO. So whenever someone sees that a black man has power, acheivement on his side, and is fierce in whatever it is that they may do, they always see them as a s*x object, and that's not right. Our men are beautiful creatures but to only look at them in that nature is not cool!
Monday, July 28th 2008 at 2:33PM
Shalonda Glisson
What is the big deal, the man is running for the most powerful office. Why are we so sensitive. They did not have a picture of him hanging from a tree! I mean the Jews are picked on for being cheap, I don't hear them crying. Michelle with an afro what is wrong with that. The whole hand fist thing, oh boy, what is wrong with that.
Now George Bush has been made the curious George and all kinds of things. Why is this ok, it is because they feel so great about themselves they don't care about that. I say lighten up folks and get into the mainstream of things. We want to be treated equal then deal with it, Geez
Monday, July 28th 2008 at 2:57PM
Janee Davis
Excellent response Rob. I agree with your response. Very well said. I want to see more articles talking about black men in a good light instead of always in the negative. Loved your response.
Wednesday, July 30th 2008 at 9:07AM
Marisa Moss
Hey, Rob, I got your e-mail message. From my perspective, it seemed like the White folks are still intimidated by an educated, opinionated and affluent Black people like Barack and his wife. They are trying their best to spread suspicion, doubt and chaos among Black people and causing non-racial White folks, Latinos who like Barack Obama to be frightened of him and Michelle. They're trying to imply that Barack won't look out for their best interests, just looking out for his own race and his own people once he takes office. If he stays alive to take office. Ya heard me!
I concur Rob! Great response!
Thursday, July 31st 2008 at 10:44AM
Jehan Bunch
I definitely agree with you. Black men need to be more respected in the public. I believe as a black community we are so programmed to focus on the negative we can't see any good. I'm tired of black men always being described as a pimp or black men falling into that category of trying to act like one. For me it's not cute or so called manly. I believe Obama is a great and positive person and he has a great wife supporting him. That's a positive relationship we all should try to have. I'm sure they have had their share of ups and downs, who hasn't they just seem more mature. I believe he is looking out for all of us, especially the black community,and I know I'm standing by him because I believe in him.As most of us black people we love focusing on the negative and it's sad sometimes when we can't even accept that we might actually have a positive and uplifting man in office. We are falling into that trap of not trying to support him and making fun of him. It's not funny to me. That's what the white community want us to do is go up against each other and it's so sad majority of us don't realize it.
Saturday, August 2nd 2008 at 8:29AM
Melantha Nelson
I agree with all you said, Rob..and I recognize your quote..lol..sure open forums are great, but have you not seen white people castigate their own? when they go outside of their box? think the priest in Chicago,and his subsequent suspension for saying, that Hillary has a sense of entitlement. 'if my slip is showing tell me, not tell her"' by Araminta Ross, known as Harriet Tubman..know thyself ! Marta
Monday, August 4th 2008 at 6:32PM
Marta Fernandez
I believe your article is excellent and right on time! Thanks so much for your input. You are an excellent writer. Great article!
Friday, September 19th 2008 at 9:52AM
Marisa Moss
