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Shocked & Disgusted
I've known that racism is still alive in our country. But I am appalled by the reactions and feedback that I saw in my Facebook “News Feed” on Tuesday Night regarding Obama’s win
I understand that McCain supporters are going to be upset that their candidate lost. I would feel the same if I was in their position. But I couldn’t believe the ignorance and hatred I witnessed moments after Obama’s win. I saw a countless number of “Status Updates” from people voicing their displeasure about Obama’s victory. Yes, everyone has the right to do this, but what disgusts me is how many people were making it blatantly obvious that they’re mad at the fact that a black man won. I knew racism was still around, but I guess I was just naïve, not realizing just how bad it really is still. I’m not accusing all McCain supporters of being against Obama just because he’s black. Everyone has their differences in opinions about political issues and I know these are reasons that many people disagree on candidates. But immediately following the election, I witnessed an overwhelming number of people express their anger about our next President because of his skin color. To these people I say: If you’re going to hate Obama, at least make yourself sound educated and hate him for a real reason—not because he’s black. It’s 2008. When will we move past this race thing? There are so many other things that we could be doing with this hateful energy. We all know that our country needs some serious changes but we cannot do this divided. We must work together as Americans to help our country out of this mess! I sincerely hope that everyone will soon realize that the racism is useless and will only hinder our progress. ^^^ So that there was a little editorial I wrote and submitted into my school's paper....I'm crossing my fingers that it gets published soon. I just felt so disgusted after seeing a few people's reactions to Obama's win that I felt I needed to do SOMETHING... And for some of you who may think I'm over reacting, here's a few of the status updates I saw.... "Katie ------- says obama is a poisoin to this country. he is a sin. disgusting." Sure, that comment is not particularly racist, but here's what she also wrote on someone's wall: "he's just after money for all the dirty black people like himself" ..... Another girl wrote "Samantha -------- think's it's called the WHITE house for a reason" And another... "Frankie --------- FREE FRIED CHICKEN AND KOOL-AID IN GRANT PARK" Is anyone else experiencing or witnessing anything like this? If so, how do you feel about it? |
I haven't noticed any bad messages on facebook (my friends that are McCain supporters have basically been saying statements like "Well, looks like Obama won. Hopefully he follows through with his promise of change"). I have gotten a few text messages that were questionable. I think everyone needs time to calm down, so this will probably fade out in a few weeks.
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That is just awful.
I don't know that I've seen anything overtly racist, but I've seen a lot of people verbally shaking their heads and throwing up their hands as if they need a miracle. Laura ----- is praying for our country, Lord help us....it's now President Obama... Erin ----- is is worried that the people of this country are being punished for our depravity. I've also seen multiple people asking what types of guns should they buy before they aren't allowed to stock up anymore. Craig ----- is taking a poll...small .38 special to wear on the ankle, or big bad 45 caliber glock? I am, however, proud of the people out there who aren't Obama supporters but are willing to see it through. John ----- is not thrilled with the outcome of the election, but will support our great country and it's leaders. Amanda ----- is hoping for the best. Andrew ----- checked this morning...the sun still rose, the Lord still reigns...we're in pretty good shape... Final thoughts: Sean ----- thinks statuses are a little dramatic. If we survived W not losing America in a drinking game, than we will enjoy a President who can say 2+ syllable words. Andrea ----- is tellin' all you McCain-anites to think about George Michael. He says, "You just gotta have faith." |
You know, you could save the screenshots and send it to higher-ups on FB or something like that. Don't know if it could get these people's accounts banned, but some of these comments might be against FB's terms of service.
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I wanted McCain and Palin too win. But it has NOTHING to do with the color of anyone's skin- and EVERYTHING to do with what they stand for.
And voting for Obama because he's black is just as wrong as voting for McCain because he's not black. |
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Everyone has their reasons for voting for one candidate or the other, but I can guarantee you that a good portion of people have no idea what either candidate stands for.
I work in a law office with someone who used to be a district attorney. He had other people on his campaign take polls of people and ask them who they were voting for, and why. There was a ridiculous amount of people who said they were voting for him, but with reasons that had nothing to do with his policies or ideals. He said, "three women were asked why they were voting for me. One woman said, 'I love his eyes, they're so blue.' The other two women agreed and said, 'Yes, I love his eyes, he's so handsome." It happens. And I can tell you now that since Obama won, there has been racism in the other direction, also. My boyfriend works at a bank inside of a Wal-Mart. Yesterday, he was walking into work and there was a greeter at the door; an older woman who is white. A black woman was trying to get a carriage with one of the baby seats in it, way in the back of all of the others. The greeter walked over to her and asked her if she needed help, and the woman responded, and I quote, “No, I don’t need YOUR help, we have a black man in the white house now, I can do what I want all by myself.” It’s going to be a rough time on both sides of the fence. I think it’s great that Obama was elected, but I still don’t know if it’s the right time for it. There are still a whole lot of people who are not tolerant of those who aren’t like themselves. In 20 years, it might not even be much of a problem at all. And could this all blow over in a couple of weeks? Sure. But there’s definitely a possibility that this is going to be a long and bumpy road. |
Did South Africa go thru this when Mandela was elected?
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McCain-anites?
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That is the most true statement I've heard in the past week!! Republicans and anti-Clinton people reacted the same way in 1992 and 1996 when Clinton was elected. The country did not fall apart and go to hell. Sure he did some bad things (morally and politically) while in office but that is true of every president. I dont think Clinton was a good president, but I dont think he was a bad one either. Maybe a similar outcome will happen with Obama being president? not good but not bad either? Regardless I believe it is God's will at work here. For good or bad there is a purpose for Obama being elected president. |
It's just as offensive to be against the man because of his race as it is to support him because of his race. I wonder if black folks voted overwhelmingly for Obama mainly because of his foreign policy differences with McCain... or maybe his tax policy?
The door swings both ways. |
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The sad thing is, I'm not surprised by the comments. We saw some of the things that were posted on this board, the video of people making racist statements, and the quotes from individuals that expressed racist thoughts. Quote:
I think that if you have a problem with people's disappointment after the election, ask yourself a question: when Bush won last time (and in 2000), were you ready to unite behind him immediately after the results were finalized? Or, did it take you some time to get over the defeat of the candidate you supported? If you weren't ready to support Bush immediately, then I think you should give people a little more time to get behind someone they didn't support throughout the process. That's not a slight at the President-Elect, but more of a view on the reality of elections generally. This was a momentous election, no doubt, in that it means a great deal above and beyond the fact that a new President was elected. But, it's well within human nature for people to be disappointed if they didn't vote Obama, and for it to take some time before they get behind the new President. To expect otherwise isn't reasonable. That's not to say that they should be talking about leaving the country or stockpiling weapons, or anything like that... |
I've been lurking since yesterday to see GCers' reactions. :) This username will self-destruct after the post-election hoopla is over.
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At the surface level, sure. Beneath the surface and taking a critical look, NO. There are different dynamics at play: 1. A large %, if not a majority, of people who voted for McCain would've done regardless because they are Repub. So the racial eptithets and hatred in those rallies and more subtly in some of the commercials were unncecessary political tactics if we're looking at people's political loyalties. But they were employed to spark fear and racial threat from McCain supporters and hopefully sway Independents, undecideds, and Democrats based on hatred, threat, and fear of the unknown (and not just the political unknown but racial and ethnic correlates of it). That's significant and should be rememberred when we try to act like racism and prejudice operate in the same manner for majority and minority racial and ethnic groups. 2. This is the first time a nonwhite man was a plausible candidate. So a bunch of people finally being excited by having a black man, or a woman, isn't hardly the same thing. It doesn't have the same potential impact on society as a bunch of people who are deadset on keeping white men in the White House. Different sentiments are expressed, one regarding hope and excitement for something different (even nonblacks laugh at the image of stuffy politicians as "white males in dark suits") and the other regarding a desire to keep the racial glass ceiling and a hypocritical interpretation of The Constitution and The American Dream. 3. A large %, if not a majority, of voters who voted for Obama would have voted for a Democrat, anyway. Repubs aside, many registered Independents also vote Democrat more often than not. Obama's skin color helped get new registered voters and encouraged some people to vote this time around---don't know the final stats on that so people can just theorize at this point--but a lot of these people would've voted Dem regardless if a white Dem had mobilized them the way that Obama's people did. His skin color made people more excited and was a good talking point. But it isn't uncommon for many people (read: not just black people) to religiously vote Democrat but not really know about the issues or to be able to explain their vote. This time they were simply able to say "he's black" as an additional seemingly superficial reason (that's not superficial at all given this KKKountry's history). ******* :) I'm glad I was wrong about America being ready to elect a nonwhite POTUS. It couldn't happen with just the black and other minority vote. Whites were a large % of the vote. More work has to be done and we are nowhere near where we need to be as a nation. So I don't want people to assume that America is truly READY for a nonwhite POTUS. That remains to be seen. And structural racism and inequality did not disappear Tuesday evening so having a black POTUS does not make things better in society as a whole. Of course, how well he will do remains to be seen. I just hope he will be given a fair chance that isn't based on his skin color and these "messiah-like" expectations. He's made a lot of promises but we should all know that the POTUS isn't in control as much as they claim that they are. He will have to do a lot that he doesn't want to do. And he won't be as honest and forthcoming as he is promising he'll be. He can't--the public can't and won't know everything. |
I've seen all sorts of facebook statuses.....nothing really racist...but more heated, I think, than if the election had been between 2 white men....but LOTS of people praying
Obama announced as new President.... major rally in front of Rawlins.... 25 cops later... some GREAT change there... ass. is spellbound and has chills. Amazing. Completely unbelievable. thinks there can't be a better commander and chief! you're defeated bitches! hope for tomorrow! is very excited about the change goin on in the United States!!! thinks this will bring us to our knees! God is in control! It's the beginning of the end. Jeremiah 29:11. is hoping that Obama does as good of a job, as I think he can do. is wondering what the future is going to hold.... is is wondering what is to come. you know what I think is funny, Obama has only been President for like an hour, if that! And people are already talking shit. Really? He's president.Dealwithit. is apparently a baby killer bc she's so ready for change.Lol. Oh wow, a political statement from me. is boo obama.still have work tomorrow. ...well, there's the new president. is wishin everyone would chill! This is good!!! Let him prove himself! will respect the new President, and will not change his values just to be on the wining side. is overwhelmed and scared for the future of this country. says "For all yall who hated on Obama, bow down...Stop with the ignorance, and the utter stupidity. Release the racism and hate!!!!" is where will I be in 4 years??? In heaven after this four years of S*** is over!!!!! knows the world is not going to end, but does believe there will be some tough years ahead, as would be with either candidate. It's in God's hands. is going to tear down the walls of racism, brick by brick, stone by stone until American unites under her first black President. is hoping that everyone can be as respectful and gracious to each other as Obama and McCain were in their speeches tonight.... because right now we are not doing so hot. thinks america voted for a marketing plan. ETA: And these are only about half of the election-related status updates I've had since Tuesday. |
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Every one of them wholeheartedly agreed with McCain's policies because they were told they were Obama's. Obviously, they weren't too concerned with "issues" because they didn't even know who stood for what! They were voting for the person not the cause. I'm sure this goes both ways in every election, but it was a pretty funny way (in the Howard Stern in your face way) to show the electorates ignorance of the issues. |
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I, too, found myself reading statuses on Facebook as they were changing every second - literally. I live in a very red region, so the majority were anti-Obama. Some were racially motivated. The few pro-Obama ones that I saw, however, were quite nasty as well - like some of the ones Winnibug posted. Some folks out there are awfully sore winners. Something that I think Obama himself would be very disappointed in. I think that what bothers me most about this election is the vast number of people out there who voted based on something completely false. On BOTH sides. Like how Howard Stern's show went out and asked people on the street who they were voting for, then listed the opposing candidate's VP and platforms to see if the folks would agree with those positions. They did - both McCain and Obama supporters. It's things like that that lead me to believe that there are tons of Americans out there voting for something other than issues. And this year, the biggest "something other" was quite arguably race. I was thinking as I read your post, "This sounds like something DSTCHAOS would say...." ;) |
No, I have not experienced this on facebook or anything. Majority of my friends are strong Obama supporters. I'm so glad I ditched certain friends I had two years ago, or I would be seeing shit like that on facebook statuses.
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The average voter isn't politically savvy, or doesn't even have basic knowledge except for the things they've picked up that interest them. And the average person doesn't really listen when casual convo is directed at them. I liken it to when people say "how are you" and you say "I became an alien overnight" and they respond with ":D GREAT!!! GOOD TO SEE YA!!!" |
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How is despising Obama or being afraid of him because he's black not the moral equivalent of supporting him simply because he's black? What you offered were reasons -- justifications as to why you think that's fine. That's all well and good, given your obvious problems with this "KKKountry's"h history, but you're just trying to justify a behavior you would condemn if it was a white man supporting a white candidate because they were white. |
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For example, these two statements quoted above: Laura ----- is praying for our country, Lord help us....it's now President Obama... Andrew ----- checked this morning...the sun still rose, the Lord still reigns...we're in pretty good shape..I remember very similar statements around then time Bush (either one) and Reagan were elected. That said, some of the other comments -- the clear or subtle racist ones -- are beyond the pale. It's sad that there are still such small minds out there. |
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Whether it's fate, God, the cosmos, or chance, Obama is going to be our president. I tend to think race relations needed a huge shove whether some people are ready for it or not. As for the FB status reports, I haven't seen a single bad one. I guess that's because almost all of my friends are Democrats. :) The others are at least mature and rational human beings who are only disappointed because of political ideals not the color of Obama's skin. |
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***** I have already visited both sides of this issue because I heckled and challenged staunch Democrats and Obama supporters for months. But, although it is fun to heckle, I always knew the different dynamics at play and am looking forward to my colleagues' analyses of this election as another illustration of the dynamics of race, class, gender (sexual orientation, etc.) in America. That's the critical approach to our social world that requires more than just "they do it and we do it...it looks the same to me because humans are suddenly removed from our social roles and statuses." |
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Example: Jesse Jackson did better in 1984 and 1988 than people expected and got a lot of primary votes. But he still didn't win over black voters and have the longstanding support that people expected him to. Part of that has to do with the time period of racial politics (1984, 1988) and some has to do with the fact that many blacks weren't fond of a Jackson presidency, including his inability to censor himself. Blacks, in general, liked him as an activist and loved the idea of a black president, sometime---but NOT Jackson. He still wouldn't have won because he lacked the backing from whites, which is what Obama had and ALL candidates need to win. But the fact remains that Obama was deemed highly qualified, even if folks weren't as knowledgeable about him and his platform as they should've been. His views were not in constrast with how many of these blacks viewed social, political and economic policy--he's a Dem and many found only small differences between Hillary and Barack's platforms. If it was a black candidate that these black voters were nervous about or a black candidate that was a conservative Republican, such as Armstrong Williams, the average black voter may not have even LIKED HIM, let alone voted for him. (I like Armstrong, though :)) Now, Colin Powell is different because some people view him as more of a reluctant Repub and less conservative than he lets on. |
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But getting beyond the surface, there are some things going on that makes my new username different than the other new usernames.:eek: However, Kevin would have me go to the newbie thread just like everyone else because it's all the same based on the join date and post count. |
I did not see a single racist comment from my conservative friends when Obama won. There was disappointment. There was even a "what are you thinking?" one. But not a single one talked about Obama's skin color or ancestry.
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Everyone has the right to their opinion as long as they have the same opinion as you and if they don't then they are racists. PS. Why did you support Obama? I am sure it had nothing to do with the color of his skin. |
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(Why do people always announce that they are playing devil's advocate? Does the devil need one? :p) I understand your overall point and agree with your last sentence. |
A great deal depends on how you define "racism". There's a lot of begging the question that goes on with it, and it's best to define your terms to avoid misunderstanding. I don't argue with anyone who can't define "begging the question" as a rhetorical fallacy. :rolleyes:
I must hang with a good facebook crowd - I have friends on both sides of the fence, and while some Republicans were taking comfort in their faith in God and the country, my more liberal friends were, for the most part, gracious in victory. My daughter did post a status asking for "good sportsmanship, darlings!" which I thought was spot-on for both sides. Interesting aside - at his first grade mock election, my son voted for Obama. He was one of only three children in his class who did so. I asked him why he chose Obama, and he said "Because he is the donkey party!". There are many adults who probably voted for him for the same reason. I did almost lose it listening to the NPR pundit who said that the fact that the deep South went for McCain proved that racism was alive and well. HUH? Last time I looked, those states went for Bush in 2004, so could we please at least entertain the idea that perhaps they voted for McCain because they tend to vote Republican, regardless of the skin colour of the candidate? I didn't vote for Obama, and it wasn't because he is a particular colour. I'm tired of the talking heads trying to ascribe motives to groups of voters. Did a small minority vote for or against Obama because of his race? Yep. But I resent the idea that any expert can look into the minds of millions of voters and authoritatively say why I, or my fellow voters, voted the way we did. I feel the same way about those who try to ascribe motives to followers of Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin. There are some who may support them because of their sex, but it's insulting to state that the only reason women might support one or the other is because they are women. I think most women are intelligent enough to look at the issues rather than the gender of the candidate. At the very least, I think you need to base your argument on something other than just your gut feeling or your particular axe to grind. The most racist place I've ever lived is Bridgewater, N.J. Not only did I hear the "n word" more than I ever have in the south, they talked about Jews, Catholics, Hispanics and homosexuals in terms I have never personally heard since. (Thank God!) I am hoping that now that the election is over we can ALL truly concentrate on those issues that affect us and let Obama work on assembling the best possible team to take over in January. I have my reservations, but want to give the man the benefit of the doubt. I'm hoping the whole issue of his race can take a backseat to his performance - that is the next step we need to try and achieve. |
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