Ever wonder what it's like to be a successful black person in America?

[mudesi]

Take a good look at Barack Obama's presidential campaign. For every reasonably intelligent person on Earth (one capable of understanding basic arithmetic, for example), he all but secured the nomination after winning Wisconsin, and absolutely did after Texas and Ohio.

Yet, like millions of black people all across the United States of America, his success is held to a bogus "higher standard". With Hillary Clinton's most recent disgusting remarks, this issue is back in the spotlight.

All these little insinuations: He can't win in the general election, he's unelectable, he only wins the "small states" that "don't count" (Many of which just by coincidence happen to be states with large black populations), he is an empty suit with no substance or experience (forget that he has more experience in politics than Hillary Clinton), his supporters are like a cult, etc.

And despite all the nonsense, he has pulled off multiple double digit victories in primary states, in caucus states, in states in the north, the east, the south, the west, leads in every metric one can possibly conceive of, all after being 20 points behind the front runner crowned by the media as the eventual nominee.

And it's still not enough for the powers that be in the United States of America. I'm talking about the corporate powers, the DLC, the status quo corrupted elites of Washington D.C. and elsewhere. I don't believe the majority of white Americans are racist, but the people who run America certainly are.

The people at the top. The CEOs and the lobbyists. The politicians and the media conglomerates. Those fat, aged, balding, wealthy, white men who essentially run the entire country.

The super delegates ought to have secured this nomination for Barack Obama 6 weeks ago. If his name had been John Edwards, they probably would have. But Mr. Obama is a black man, ladies and gentlemen. He shares the same experience as the millions of other black Americans that have made it to the top.

For them, an "A+" wasn't enough. They needed "A+++", and even then, their abilities were questioned. Their bank loans cost 20% instead of 15%. They had to wait just this much longer for a promotion, or a raise. Every single success had to be just that much more exceptional for White America to allow them admittance into the club.

Ask yourself, after mathematically securing this nomination in as a spectacular fashion recent history has ever seen, why Barack Obama is still forced to waste his time campaigning against the establishment opponent in the primary. If you're white and still don't know the answer, ask a black person to explain it to you.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. And you didn't mention the other things that he had to live with

like security on his ass every time he walks into an upper mobile or electronics store

Being stopped by the cops more often (yes racial profiling still happens)

and I could go on

The things that most whites cannot and will not understand

[EffieBlack]

19. The likelihood of being arrested or beaten by police who only saw his skin color and gender

before he had the chance to pull out his Senate ID (aka "Honorary White Person card")

[skipos]

2. Personally, I think it has more to do with the Clinton's constant goal post moving

and the fact that they will say and do anything to win the nomination, no matter how unethical.

Trust me, I know racism is alive and well though.

[EffieBlack]

20. The goalpost moving is part of the phenomenon

Whoops - you almost made it, but just a few steps more . . .

Almost there . . .

Oh, you're SO close, but just give me a little bit more . . .

Not yet . . .

[hfojvt]

3. you make the blackness too important

As if the corporate fat-cats wouldn't be gung ho for him if he was Harold Ford.

You also stereotype the CEOs. David Koch is not fat and bald. Sergey Brin isn't even old, much less fat or bald
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/54/richlist07_Sergey-Brin_D664.html

Alice Walton isn't male
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/54/richlist07_Alice-Walton_9S8R.html

[babylonsister]

6. No, Clinton is making his 'blackness' an issue...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5888417

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5882386

[hfojvt]

14. that's true, but differs from the OP's argument

"And it's still not enough for the powers that be in the United States of America. I'm talking about the corporate powers, the DLC, the status quo corrupted elites of Washington D.C. and elsewhere. I don't believe the majority of white Americans are racist, but the people who run America certainly are.

The people at the top. The CEOs and the lobbyists. The politicians and the media conglomerates. Those fat, aged, balding, wealthy, white men who essentially run the entire country."

If those people are not cool with him, it's not because he's black. It's because he's not DLC.

[Tatiana]

24. Good point. n/t

[eridani]

13. In our current society, fat = poor and thin = rich anyway

"Fat cat" comes from an era where poor people were working out in the hot sun all day and rich people sat around in the shade drinking mint juleps. Being plump and pale reinforced high status. Now that most work is indoors and sedentary, being lean and tan (tan for Caucasians, anyway) says you get to ski in the winter and play tennis in the summer and can afford a personal trainer, unlike those lazy slobs in factories and offices. It used to be that white bread was for the rich and dark bread for the poor--that's also been flipped around over the last 100 years.

[sandnsea]

25. Because Harold Ford is a US Senator right now

Oh yeah, he's not, because they ran a racist campaign against him.

[spin]

4. I think most people in America

are making progress in overcoming racial prejudice.

We still have a ways to go, but over my lifetime I've seen a dramatic shift in attitude.

Unfortunately, some people profit from pushing the racial divide.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Amen!

If someone wants, they can ask me.

[Hamlette]

7. great points, if he were white Hillary would have dropped out weeks ago n/t

[izquierdista]

8. You misunderestimate her

This was supposed to be HER nomination and she will claw, fight, scratch, moan, shriek, elbow, push, pull, tussle, upend, grab, yell, denigrate ANYONE, be they black, white, brown, old, young, male, female, liberal, conservative, or anything else as long as they stand between her and the nomination.

She talks about being a fighter, and that is right. Instead of fighting the Iraq war resolution, the health insurance companies, the Roberts and Alito appointments, and many other things she could have fought, she has saved her fight up for this nomination.

[Window]

17. Sure seems that way.

[mamalone]

9. Not just a successful black person...

but any black person:(

I'm white, and until a decade or two ago I thought that racism was pretty much a thing of the past in this country. I understood that there were racist people, obviously, but much of what was labeled as racism by black folk, I saw as over-sensitivity on their part.

Then I became the mama of first one, then two , and now three precious little brown folk... and I wised up real quick. My black kids are treated in a distinctively different manner than my white kids by almost everyone they come in contact with. I am treated differently when I have them with me. People come out with the most unbelievably racist comments and act appallingly and somehow think it's ok. Or they think that I am being oversensitive. I'm sorry but that just ain't true. Because you see, I know what it's like to be white... I know how white folks get treated. And I have experienced the difference racism makes first hand. The first few times I went out with my daughter I couldn't figure it out... I kept thinking, "Why is everyone being so cold? What in heaven's name is up with everyone??" Sadly, it was the color of my child's face...

Whenever, I hear anyone talk about how much "better" things are, or how black folks are oversensitive or defensive, I tell them they should borrow a little brown child and take a walk through a mall. Then they might get just the merest hint of what it's like. Being the mama of some black kids has given me a little taste and believe me, it's nasty.

[AspenRose]

10. Thanks for sharing that

:hug:

[mamalone]

30. ....

:hug:

[EffieBlack]

21. I imagine this was not easy for you to write.

Thank you.

[mamalone]

29. Thank you...

It is a hard thing to talk about, you're right. But, hey, it's amazing the things you discover when you come out of denial, lol. Honestly, I am so grateful for the opportunity to parent these great kids... a small sense of what it's really like to be black in America is only one of the benefits I've received.

I just hope I can do right by them...

[Bullet1987]

11. I think you definently have a point about the obvious double-standard

being applied to Obama. That's partly why I think the MSM and anti-Obama folks are trying to tear him down on the White vote. But I don't think the American people are buying it. I think you're seeing with your very eyes...the first time the American people aren't BUYING the talking points like they have in the past. For all intents and purposes...Obama was supposed to be done by now. Whether it was by Jeremiah Wright or Bittergate. The smear campaign being waged SOLELY against him is unprecedented I think. But Obama is beginning to looks a little like a teflon candidate.

[Pawel K]

12. Well said.

[msongs]

15. despite your reverse racist rant, obama has NOT mathematically secured ANY nomination yet nt

[kwenu]

22. True. Correctly stated the OP probably should have said mathematically Hillary can't catch up

to Obama in pledged delegates. That's relevant in a delegate contest.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

16. Oh What Silliness!

You make it sound like it's some hugeeeeeee conspiracy because he's black. What malarkey. You tellin me she wouldn't be just like this if it were John Edwards in the race instead? Open your friggin eyes, you're deluded.

[Raineyb]

28. How about this then?

If Obama had lost 12 races in a row, would he still be around now? If Clinton was mathematically so far ahead in pledged delegates that Obama couldn't win without re-jiggering the rules would people behave as though it's perfectly logical and appropriate for him to declare to run to the bitter end?

Absolutely not! Someone have gone behind the scenes, given him a nudge and said "You've had your run. It's time for you go drop out." and it would have happened weeks ago.

So please spare me the nonsensical notion that race has nothing to do with why Obama is still dealing with primaries when he should be concentrating on McSame.

I know why Clinton's campaign of delusion and fantasy is being allowed to continue this long and fairness has nothing to do with it.

Silliness indeed!
:sarcasm:

Regards

[EffieBlack]

18. What a fantastic post

You laid out beautifully so many things that have been on my mind. You speak for many, many of us - thank you for articulating this so well!

[sandnsea]

23. That has crossed my mind these last weeks

but those who need to see it the most, still won't.

[Jed Dilligan]

26. I've noticed the token is always much more qualified than his/her

co-workers. How many times have you watched a bad movie where the only decent actor is the token black guy? It's the same in offices and academic departments in my experience.

[TragedyandHope]

27. Kick for TRUTH, but Women of all colors are living with a similar double standard

:kick:

This is a good lesson for those who are willing to open their eyes, step out of their comfortable bubble of peers, let go of preconceived notions and take an honest look at the world.

However, this race isn't about dueling -isms or who is the bigger victim.

America has shown that it is finally ready to choose the best candidate for the job, regardless of gender, race or background.

For every American watching and participating, it is also about understanding our differences and finding out what we have in common.

Guess what? All the big issues like jobs, the economy, health care, Iraq, education, gas prices, the mortgage crisis and so on, are important to ALL AMERICANS, regardless of gender, skin color, education or occupation. That's why we are Democrats and that's why we will vote to put a Democrat into the White House in November.

[chill_wind]

31. "..For them, an "A+" wasn't enough. They needed "A+++", Amen. And then ponder

in abysmal contrast, the accepting embrace of C Student George W. Bush.

[chill_wind]

32. Kick. n/t