Can Obama be Tiger Woods?
What is the sub-text of the repulsive attempt by Tim Russert to get Obama to publically reject the most minimal level of support (i.e., kind sentiments) that Louis Farrakhan had for Obama's candidacy?
Since there is nothing in Obama's words or actions that would suggest he is anti-Semitic (or anti-white) it would seem the real issue is that a black aspirant for the White House has to demonstrate that he isn't really black "inside" even if his skin color suggests African DNA.
This is accomplished by the ritual of compelling the candidate, in a manner akin to the baptismal ceremony of Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood, to purge himself of any link to his racial identity by renouncing even the most minimal tie to militant blacks or black bogeymen. His Chicago pastor will no doubt be next, followed by Sharpton and perhaps Barry Bonds. Maybe he'll be asked if he thinks OJ is guilty before it ends and he can be another Tiger Woods---someone celebrated for his abilities without being connected to blackness in any significant way.
No white candidate is ever asked to do this. They might have to reject the statements of a George Allen or Falwell at some particular moment, but they are never expected to completely reject the person as if he was a leper. McCain will never be forced to say he will never go on the Imus show or accept an endorsement from Limbaugh (not that it's happening).
This is all due, of course, to our legacy of racism, reduced but not eliminated, and a guilty conscience which wants absolution from blacks without expiating our sins. Ok, Obama, we'll make you President if you promise not to reduce our still powerful white skin privileges in employment, housing, securing loans, getting better medical care etc.
One other point:
There is, of course, black prejudice against whites (and Jews among them) that runs parallel to that among whites. The difference, and what makes the Farrakhan menace so unmenacing is that prejudice without power leads to nothing but muttering to oneself. I'm sure the level of hatred for non-Jewish Germans by German Jews was astronomical by 1938, probably and rightfully exceeding anti-Semitic sentriments in the German population----not all Germans had these views. But what did this translate into since Jews were powerless?
Are blacks commonly in a position to discriminate against whites, Jewish or not? Hardly. they are underrepresented among business owners and homeowners and any other group that can wield power and hurt other people's life chances.
The entire issue is a bogus one.
Since there is nothing in Obama's words or actions that would suggest he is anti-Semitic (or anti-white) it would seem the real issue is that a black aspirant for the White House has to demonstrate that he isn't really black "inside" even if his skin color suggests African DNA.
This is accomplished by the ritual of compelling the candidate, in a manner akin to the baptismal ceremony of Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood, to purge himself of any link to his racial identity by renouncing even the most minimal tie to militant blacks or black bogeymen. His Chicago pastor will no doubt be next, followed by Sharpton and perhaps Barry Bonds. Maybe he'll be asked if he thinks OJ is guilty before it ends and he can be another Tiger Woods---someone celebrated for his abilities without being connected to blackness in any significant way.
No white candidate is ever asked to do this. They might have to reject the statements of a George Allen or Falwell at some particular moment, but they are never expected to completely reject the person as if he was a leper. McCain will never be forced to say he will never go on the Imus show or accept an endorsement from Limbaugh (not that it's happening).
This is all due, of course, to our legacy of racism, reduced but not eliminated, and a guilty conscience which wants absolution from blacks without expiating our sins. Ok, Obama, we'll make you President if you promise not to reduce our still powerful white skin privileges in employment, housing, securing loans, getting better medical care etc.
One other point:
There is, of course, black prejudice against whites (and Jews among them) that runs parallel to that among whites. The difference, and what makes the Farrakhan menace so unmenacing is that prejudice without power leads to nothing but muttering to oneself. I'm sure the level of hatred for non-Jewish Germans by German Jews was astronomical by 1938, probably and rightfully exceeding anti-Semitic sentriments in the German population----not all Germans had these views. But what did this translate into since Jews were powerless?
Are blacks commonly in a position to discriminate against whites, Jewish or not? Hardly. they are underrepresented among business owners and homeowners and any other group that can wield power and hurt other people's life chances.
The entire issue is a bogus one.
