I grew up a yankee, as some of you know. I grew up to emphasize and cherish education and that each person was treated as an individual. My 7 year old son still says "brown" instead of black. I see no reason to correct him, as he is just describing someone. For example, he watched Men in Black II and asked my mom if she'd seen it. He said, it's got Will Smith in it, you know the tall funny brown man in all the good movies. He calls other people pink or tan....

this issue of racism , is like the issue of religion,unless all but one are wiped off the face of the earth there will be conflict.

I hate crackers.

*sigh*

Why do they always give them to me with broccoli and cheese soup.

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?!?!?!?!?!?

It's sad to say that but it's true. It doesn't seem that it will ever truly go away.

I would say that there is a fair bit of excitement in the black community about Obama because he is black so you have a valid poit on one had.

However, Jesse Jackson ran in the 80's and didnt win the parties nomination. Al Sharpton ran last election cycle and got even less than Jackson did. Why? Because they wernt qualified for the office of president.

Say what you will about Obamas resume. The people of this country see him as qualified. That is why black people are excited. It is because he actually has the qualifications and a chance to win.

I would also add that black people are still a minority vote in the US and it takes a large amount of white and other votes to make someone the candidate of a major party. Obama has gotten a great many of those votes.

I have a lot of respect for Obama. He has my vote. Not because he's Black. Not because he will make history if he wins. He has my respect and my vote because I truly believe he can do a better job of digging us out of the hole we are in.

whole =/= hole.
lol.
ones empty ones not.
lolololololololololololololololololololololol

I want black people to vote for Obama...if it is because they see him leading our nation out of this recession, ending the war, and other reasons. People need to vote for who they feel is best to lead. Color has nothing to do with it.

I know this is an exciting time because it can be a historical event. I realize that. I just feel it is asinine to vote for Obama due to that fact.

you caught me... thanks wonder

Ummm Drez...Jesse and Al are radicals. Of course they didn't win. That is a clear example of race/gender making no difference, IMO. But religiosity? That makes a HUGE difference.

Were you alive when Jesse tried to run? I was and it was pathetic.

Now give me an Obama, Colin Powell, Condy if she switches parties...

I think I can say, in all honesty, (Like that one?)... that I have a problem with a man running who can't run, swing his arms, or dial a phone. I want the president to be able to call 911, and run for help. That isn't the reason I won't vote for him... but it does play a part.

Not voting for someone because they are black is the same thing as voting for someone because they are and you are. Both actions are racist. I don't care what color someone is. Their beliefs are what is important.

I won't vote for either of them, I'm a true racist in that I hate humans (race equals human)...now if were talking about color that would be discrimination or bigotry, which I am not. Why waste hate on the color/religion/ethnicity of a person, when you can just hate people as a whole?

I can see the points, but in all reality most people are "racist" according to your definition. If by "racist" you mean making a judgement call based on race alone........then these would be considered racist:

Not dating someone because they are of a different ethnic background. (Though you could have some other valid points, such as common interests, etc. which are influenced by one's background, etc.)

In a group, deciding who you will approach to start up a conversation........(more than likely someone you can "identify" with..........)

Despite what some think........we make assumptions about people based on the "outside" all the time, why should their race or color be any different?? How they are dressed. If they are pretty or ugly. If they are fat or normal or even thin. If they are short or tall. If they have a booger hanging out their nose. Everyone has a "group" that they most identify with and therefore are more comfortable with. It is as simple as that.

I will admit that I am a bit "uncomfortable" approaching the "gangsta" type....and it doesn't matter what race they are, it is because of the way they carry themselves....and what I associate with gangs. Fear.

I am intimidated by most men, if I haven't gotten to know them. (This has probably had an effect on my "love" life, lol). I prefer for them to address me first, in a kind way.....otherwise I get a bit nervous. I have to consciously make myself talk to taller/fit/handsome men......because they intimidate me.......and for no real good reason.

Other than for "hate" reasons........... being somewhat "racist" is a normal psychological function when you haven't been around too many people of that certain race. It make you uncomfortable because you do not know what to expect or how to behave. You feel that they are "different" and in some cases people are very different based on their culture and ethnic heritage.

Am I saying you SHOULD be that way, no.........but it is natural and isn't a matter of "morality". The only way to get over it is to be more diversified in ur activities. You have to make a conscious effort to mingle........and people can pick up on that..which in turn makes them uncomfortable and may make them label you as racist when you are simply unsure of your place or how to act, or how to relate. It takes practice.

The problem is when people who are uncomfortable with a situation avoid that situation..........and then externalize the problem to be a "group" of people, rather than their own insecurities.

I must say......that when it comes to voting for president you should vote on their credentials and NOT their race.....some people have trouble with that. I like Obama, but if race doesn't matter, then why does he play the "race card"? Why even make an issue of it, or support those who do?? Just as a white person shouldn't NOT vote for Obama simply because he is not caucasion, people who are not caucasion should not vote for him simply because he is of their ethnic background..........

Anyhoo, sorry it was so long.

their beliefs and ability to carry out those beliefs and turn them into actions, is really what's important here.

I don't believe that Obama is playing the race card. He is half white and half black. Which one is he supposed to be playing the card for?

well consider this. historically black people vote democratic. so say that John McCain was black and say Obama was white (using the name Barry lol). I think you would see the black vote split though no equally. that is most blacks would continue to vote democrat but you would see a rise in black voters willing to vote republican.

What that means is that black people have been voting in large numbers for WHITE democrats for years! so to see a large turnout for a black democrat is less surprising than it may seem.

I have experienced the same thing. People who claim they are not racist refuse to vote for Obama simply because he is black.
I know someone in particular who is voting for Mccain even though he doesnot agree w/any of his policies because he says if Obama is voted in then it will benefit only the black community. His analogy was you move one in then they all move in and there goes the neighbourhood. I was so offended by this and totally lost my respect for this person.

I have also noticed many churches in my area telling there members that if Obama is elected it is literally going to be the end of the world.

That also goes for any other statement you have to qualify...

Plainome- Tho I agree with you, typically people do "judge a book by it's cover" however... I learned a long time to get away from that. Tho at times it's difficult, I always put forth my best effort not to judge anyone before I get to know them. I have some of the best and dearest friends because I didn't look at how they were dressed, or what color their skin is. I realize how much I would have robbed myself of by being ignornant and racist.

I believe that... I checked out where you live. Okay, it's not funny, but the south is what it is.