When Are WE Going to Get Over It?

[stephen]

i'm not too sure as to how late i am at seeing this letter, so forgive me if it's a repost:


Andrew M. Manis is associate professor of history at Macon State College in Georgia and wrote this for an editorial in the Macon Telegraph.


Andrew M. Manis: When Are WE Going to Get Over It?

For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?
Now I want to ask:
"When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?
Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."

Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.


We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent.
Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes.
Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.


But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.
But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."
Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?"
How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us?
How long until we white people can - once and for all - get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color?
How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior?
How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?


How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin?
How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?

I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners?
How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?


How long before we start "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?
Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem.

But here's my three-point plan:

First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built, I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.

Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.

Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice,

"We HAVE overcome."
**************************************
It takes a Village to protect our President!!!


i'll keep my opinions out right now, but i'd love to see some responses to this.

[Total_Blender]

http://www.clipartguide.com/_named_clipart_images/0511-0904-0419-5876_Teenage_Boy_Eating_Popcorn_While_Watching_a_3 D_Film_clipart_image.jpg

This ought to be good. :goodjob:

[bdydrpdmazda]

could somebody sum all that up for me, thats alot of reading and Id love to be a part of this thread

[dorin48]

Dude is comparing the 60's racism to now and says they are the same.

Lol at another left-wing racism boo-hoo. I harbor no dislike of the president because he is black. If anything I think its one of the best things about him. I am about as white as you can get. Very welsh heritage from an aristocratic family that immigrated and established a town in North Carolina. We had hundreds of acres of tobacco. Yes my family had slaves. So I'm a prime candidate to be racist right?

The only thing I have against the president is his very, very left aims. Thats it. I want government out of the way of my everyday life. Not that people who are in need of help shouldn't receive it. I don't want to live in a country that forces me to be a baby suckling at the government's teat. I have ambition and goals in life. Anyone who does can tell that Obama's way is wrong without being a racist. I guess you could have ambitions of being as lazy as possible a receiving handouts for the rest of your life. I'm off topic but oh well. /rant

[rant again]

This has got to be the most obvious "I'm trollin for publicity!" bullshit I have ever seen.


But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.
But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."
Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?"

Oh noes! Teh childrenz be teh l337 neo-nazi black peopl huntars! runz!~ I know he's aiming at the parents but seriously. He's gone around the country and overheard children wanting to assassinate the President?

I'll fix it real quick.


But elect a Socialist who happens to be Black and we're screwed again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.
But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "Go outside and play."
Fighting the urge to publish this pile of crap, I can only ask, "How long?"

[BanginJimmy]

That letter is simply an example of white guilt. At no while reading that did I ever think he had a significant point. It was simply an attack on white conservatives for not falling in step with Obama. The author went so far as to point out that conservatives blocked most of Clinton's agenda, yet this time those same conservatives are doing it because of race? Give me a break.

The massive majority of people against Obama are against him because of his policies, not his race. The only people making this a racial issue are the ones that stand to profit from it.

[BobbyFresco]

Dude is comparing the 60's racism to now and says they are the same.

Lol at another left-wing racism boo-hoo. I harbor no dislike of the president because he is black. If anything I think its one of the best things about him. I am about as white as you can get. Very welsh heritage from an aristocratic family that immigrated and established a town in North Carolina. We had hundreds of acres of tobacco. Yes my family had slaves. So I'm a prime candidate to be racist right?

The only thing I have against the president is his very, very left aims. Thats it. I want government out of the way of my everyday life. Not that people who are in need of help shouldn't receive it. I don't want to live in a country that forces me to be a baby suckling at the government's teat. I have ambition and goals in life. Anyone who does can tell that Obama's way is wrong without being a racist. I guess you could have ambitions of being as lazy as possible a receiving handouts for the rest of your life. I'm off topic but oh well. /rant

[rant again]

This has got to be the most obvious "I'm trollin for publicity!" bullshit I have ever seen.



Oh noes! Teh childrenz be teh l337 neo-nazi black peopl huntars! runz!~ I know he's aiming at the parents but seriously. He's gone around the country and overheard children wanting to assassinate the President?

I'll fix it real quick.


That letter is simply an example of white guilt. At no while reading that did I ever think he had a significant point. It was simply an attack on white conservatives for not falling in step with Obama. The author went so far as to point out that conservatives blocked most of Clinton's agenda, yet this time those same conservatives are doing it because of race? Give me a break.

The massive majority of people against Obama are against him because of his policies, not his race. The only people making this a racial issue are the ones that stand to profit from it.


Lulz.
I wish I could say I expected different responses however, I did not.

[dorin48]

Lulz.
I wish I could say I expected different responses however, I did not.

What did you "wish" to hear? A white to confess on behalf of all white people that we are secretly undermining the black community to this very day? :ninja:

[AirMax95]

This whole "white guilt" notion is not in effect here. The article went over 2 peoples head already.

Can we has more?

Stay tuned....off to lunch!

[Total_Blender]

What has the right offerred as far as sensible/feasable alternatives to Obama's policies? Where is their healthcare package?

If their opposition to Obama is solely and entirely besed on his "socialist" policies, why aren't they offering something better instead of concentrating their efforts into shit like the birther movement?

Having lived around people who have that "Old South" kind of racism... I can definitely see the racism behind some of his most vocal/outrageous critics. Since Obama is Black its easier for them to identify him as a radical. Every single Black person who makes statements about race gets compared to Jackson/Sharpton or the NBP nowadays. The Right refuses to acknowledge issues of race in open discussion, rather they attribute them to the extremist fringe and thats that. Its the "blame the victim" strategy.

Maybe people you might see as "ambition-less" or "seeking a handout" would be in more of a position to achieve the success you think you have if they had more opportunities for education and empowerment, instead of working hard to cover their most basic necessities. Those of us who are successful are successful due to opportunities that are, for some people, out of reach under the present circumstances.

I think a lot of the opposition to social programs from the right comes from the racist image of the "lazy Black person". Yeah, I said it.

[zspeed24]

Maybe people you might see as "ambition-less" or "seeking a handout" would be in more of a position to achieve the success you think you have if they had more opportunities for education and empowerment, instead of working hard to cover their most basic necessities. Those of us who are successful are successful due to opportunities that are, for some people, out of reach under the present circumstances.

What other opportunities are needed, I went to public schools i was raised by a single mom i didn't graduate from college, but i have accomplished everything i have set my mind to accomplish. I get up early i go to work i work a minimum of ten hours a day i go home take care of my family pay my bills and go to sleep.

[dorin48]

What other opportunities are needed, I went to public schools i was raised by a single mom i didn't graduate from college, but i have accomplished everything i have set my mind to accomplish. I get up early i go to work i work a minimum of ten hours a day i go home take care of my family pay my bills and go to sleep.


To add to this my parents started off with nothing. Married at 18 and living in a single-wide in the middle-of-no-where NC. How did they get to where they are? My father busted his balls. I barley saw him when I was 5-10 because he was trying to provide for us. Turns out he was really good at what he did and eventually hit the glorious six fig income. Did he have opportunities? No. When he was a kid he had no a/c and dirt floors. He worked really hard for everything he has.


On the note of offering alternatives. There have been plenty of sound ideas like a public option that doesn't send you to jail or fine you if you don't buy it.... but they all get shot down immediately. If a complete government take-over of healthcare isnt socialist Total_Blender then I am a space alien. On the note of the "lazy black" comment. I indirectly knew of a white lady who literally had children to make money and not work. It was the most disgusting thing; and was what I was thinking of in reference to helping the needy going too far.

Let me simplify. I want the government out of decisions that belong solely to me. If someone wants to buy government backed healthcare, thats perfectly cool with me but I shouldn't have to be fined, go to jail, or taxed in excess if I don't want it.

I know there are still gonna be racists out there unfortunately. I am certainly not one. We all know the media goes for the most sensational angle on both sides. Bringing race to the front for discussion would only end badly. Any attempt at a defense or rebuttal from a white person, whether valid or not, would only cause outrage.

[AirMax95]

Can we get back to the OP's article? Keep it on course, lol.

[BobbyFresco]

This whole "white guilt" notion is not in effect here. The article went over 2 peoples head already.

Can we has more?

Stay tuned....off to lunch!


I'm sayin'
This is a pretty extensive piece and it seems as though ppl have glossed over several key points.:no:

[dorin48]

I'm sayin'
This is a pretty extensive piece and it seems as though ppl have glossed over several key points.:no:

I'm "glossing" over them because this article is a sound sentiment wrapped up in a complete farce. I think Mr. Obama is at higher risk than many presidents because there are some crazy people out there. To make this point using shock devices like children and futile questions that have been asked a million times is what demands attention and calls to question the intent of a writer who would stoop to such. However, I think if some asshat was going to make an attempt on the President it would have happened already. I would look at it like this. Who stands as a threat to Obama now? Early on I would have said white extremists in the outrage of Obama making office. Now? Maybe still the white extremists but the shock and outrage has to have dulled for them a little by now. Its obvious that the left media thinks republicans are a severe threat now with how they portrayed the tea parties.

As to being off topic, sorry.

[Total_Blender]

The only people making this a racial issue are the ones that stand to profit from it.

Lets talk about profit and Obama's opposition. Specifically Freedomworks, the PAC/lobbying group that organizes the "tea parties". Lots of money/profit going on there. And I think Joe Wilson made $1 million in campaign contributions the day after he interrupted President Obama in the senate.

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/17/how-joe-wilson-s-heckle-became-a-campaign-cash-cow.aspx

Half of America didn't know who Wilson was 2 weeks ago, but he disrespects Obama and now they've made him a millionaire.

[dorin48]

Lets talk about profit and Obama's opposition. Specifically Freedomworks, the PAC/lobbying group that organizes the "tea parties". Lots of money/profit going on there. And I think Joe Wilson made $1 million in campaign contributions the day after he interrupted President Obama in the senate.

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/17/how-joe-wilson-s-heckle-became-a-campaign-cash-cow.aspx

Half of America didn't know who Wilson was 2 weeks ago, but he disrespects Obama and now they've made him a millionaire.

Yeah Joe Wilson FTL. What he did was very distasteful, he shouldn't be able to profit from it.

[QKJUICEDPONY]

http://207.199.174.56/img/ZEIaJAwjra_2002894349033766821_rs.jpg

[bu villain]

This seems surprisingly poorly written. The whole piece is written from a perspective that white people are all conservatives who make racist jokes with their friends and want hate Obama. I know that the writer probably intended to only refer to true racists but it isn't written that way.

What is the point about assassination threats? Some people are violent racists yes, some people are violent when they don't get their way politically, true. Everyone knows that...so what? Your just saying "Hey cut it out!"

This seems like nothing more than a "Me shut up? No you shut up!" arguement. This won't change any minds on anything.

[bu villain]

Lets talk about profit and Obama's opposition. Specifically Freedomworks, the PAC/lobbying group that organizes the "tea parties". Lots of money/profit going on there. And I think Joe Wilson made $1 million in campaign contributions the day after he interrupted President Obama in the senate.

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/17/how-joe-wilson-s-heckle-became-a-campaign-cash-cow.aspx

Half of America didn't know who Wilson was 2 weeks ago, but he disrespects Obama and now they've made him a millionaire.

I agree that Joe Wilson profited unjustly by disrespecting the president but I don't think it has to do with race. It is a completely separate issue. The real reason I believe he got so many donations was because the GOP has been feeling politically castrated and they are trying so hard to look strong even though they are in pieces. Misguided people don't care about being respectful, they just want the image of strength regardless of the cost.

[tony]

I'm "glossing" over them because this article is a sound sentiment wrapped up in a complete farce. I think Mr. Obama is at higher risk than many presidents because there are some crazy people out there. To make this point using shock devices like children and futile questions that have been asked a million times is what demands attention and calls to question the intent of a writer who would stoop to such. However, I think if some asshat was going to make an attempt on the President it would have happened already. I would look at it like this. Who stands as a threat to Obama now? Early on I would have said white extremists in the outrage of Obama making office. Now? Maybe still the white extremists but the shock and outrage has to have dulled for them a little by now. Its obvious that the left media thinks republicans are a severe threat now with how they portrayed the tea parties.

As to being off topic, sorry.

You know, I just have to say I really respect the responses you've given, even if I don't agree with you they seem genuine and objective.. and even with objectivity not everyone is going to agree but it seems you at least take the time to understand both sides before forming an opinion.

[dorin48]

You know, I just have to say I really respect the responses you've given, even if I don't agree with you they seem genuine and objective.. and even with objectivity not everyone is going to agree but it seems you at least take the time to understand both sides before forming an opinion.

Honestly objectivity is all I want. Its never about "who" but "what" they are doing. I have no true party although I usually align with libertarian/conservative. I just try to use logic but people will always argue that its corrupted. So all we can do is agree to disagree and vote!

[stephen]

well, i'm glad i got some input/discussion out of this. i know it's kinda long, but i found it really interesting. prior to me posting, i took some time out to google the writer, and he's published a few pieces all in reference to "race relations." i say that to say i don't believe his intentions were below any standards or attention whore-ish-ness...it's his hobby/job.

seems like a few people took "offense" (for lack of a better term) to him referring to white conservatives. personally, i think he only used conservatives as a REFERENCE, and it wasn't to take shots...it was to prove a point.

it's pretty difficult to explain to a lot of people (who aren't black) why the black community has a difficult time coping with our past in this country. think about the top 2 phrases that you hear most when discussing race:
WHITE - get over it, slavery is over.
BLACK - you don't know what it's like to be black.
it's not some big secret that the conservative base is comprised of MOSTLY white people. the article was meant to get into the minds of white people, and have them view race from a different perspective....i.e. "you don't know what it's like to be black, but you know what it's like to be white & here's some of the absurd bullshit that we do which MIGHT explain why black people can't get over slavery/racism/etc."

just like there are black people out there who were their jeans to their knees, t-shirts to their ankles, horrible speech, and will steal from their own mother....there are white conservatives (in this particular case) who don't believe a black man deserves to run this country, believe the black 'race' is inferior, wishes to kill the countries leader because he is black, and will teach their children the same. NEITHER REPRESENTS EACH PARTICULAR GROUP AS A WHOLE it's the same absurd bullshit that continues to fuel 'racism' on both sides of the fence (black/white).

[BanginJimmy]

there are white conservatives (in this particular case) who don't believe a black man deserves to run this country, believe the black 'race' is inferior, wishes to kill the countries leader because he is black, and will teach their children the same.


Actually this group would be a radical group, not a conservative group. The only difference between this group, and Obama's style of radicalism is which side they fall on. This far right, anti-govt type simply takes a conservative value and takes it to an extreme that viewed just as negatively as liberal radicals. The use of the word conservative is nothing more than a key word to put conservatives in a negative light.