Is it correct to classify Obama as the first black president"

[thesummerqueen]

My signature is courtesy of Cinjin. I asked him to make me one in honor of Valentine's Day, which is one of my favorite holidays (even when I'm single like this year), and I think I'm going to keep it for longer just because it's so pretty.

The easy answer to the OP is that according to America's standards, as long as you have some black in you up to some severe dilution (or if your white traits dominate and no one knows), you are considered black. This doesn't have to make sense to you - it's just the way it is. It's not right, nor does it much matter. And the only people in this country who care are people who are still racist, or who base their lives on racial issues.

My relief when Obama was elected was because he seemed fresh and hopeful. Now I feel betrayed because he toed the line with the republicans, who get more ridiculous with each passing week. It had nothing to do with his race.

It actually makes me rather angry as a white person for people to classify (on a serious level) certain traits as black or white. Being white is no guarantee that you won't be an ignorant, trash-talking, filthy-living, degenerate who steals, lies and complains and lives on welfare.

[RW_9]

Topics of race, in any country, are incredibly complex and America is no exception. It is rather frustrating to see people constantly oversimplifying everything.

[thesummerqueen]

I'm just wondering why it matters.

[RW_9]

Unless someone wants to delve into the history and social elements of race in America, it doesn't.

[reverendjeremiah]

Well, it depends who you are talking to.

If you ask me, I would say "Sure. Why not?" Even though he is half white. If you asked me if he was the first mullato (or whatever names they have for mixed races) I would say "Sure, why not?"

The racist pigs in the American south, on the other hand, will play it for all its worth. He succedes in something? Thats his white half. Then again most racists hold to the "drop of blood" concept when it comes to race. If you even have one drop of black blood in you then you are a nigger to them.

[Kbrandon1]

Unfortunately, the answer to the OP question is Yes. As a black man, I see him as a fellow african-american. Also, to say that this is purely a "racist" point of view is somewhat short-sighted [though not completely wrong]. We (black people) accept him as black because of the racial history in America. Back when there were pretty much only black and white people in the US; he would not have been accepted as white either socially or legally. Race in the US is an overly complicated matter for both white and black people that goes back centuries. And I do believe race matters in the US as it shapes ones perspective whether they like it or not.

btw. this is my first post to an open thread. kinda crazy of me to pick one a controversial as race to get started.

[thesummerqueen]

Nah, sugar, that's how we roll. Dive right in.

[Anomalocaris]

I'm just wondering why it matters.

It matters like a passing grade matters. One may have already acquired the skill and learning along the way some time back, but it is still nice to have a certificate testifying to that fact.

Also it matters that it use to matter a lot in a negative way, and that now it doesn't so much.

[reverendjeremiah]

Unfortunately, the answer to the OP question is Yes. As a black man, I see him as a fellow african-american. Also, to say that this is purely a "racist" point of view is somewhat short-sighted [though not completely wrong]. We (black people) accept him as black because of the racial history in America. Back when there were pretty much only black and white people in the US; he would not have been accepted as white either socially or legally. Race in the US is an overly complicated matter for both white and black people that goes back centuries. And I do believe race matters in the US as it shapes ones perspective whether they like it or not.

btw. this is my first post to an open thread. kinda crazy of me to pick one a controversial as race to get started.

At least this one doesnt jump in and insult people for his first post.

Nice to meet you.

Hey, when you get a chance could you post an introduction so we can all get to know you...a little about yourself, what you expect out of atheist forums, wether you like your steaks bloody as hell or burnt to a crisp...well, you get the idea.

[thesummerqueen]

He did, old man.