Obama has won a Nobel - Page 10

I.A.S.K. · #**136** 10-10-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Actually, depending on the context, Obama is vocal about being biracial rather than Black. He would identify with being Black before being white (as most half Black-half white people would), but he's vocal about being biracial.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

LOL! Only in post-Obama America can people suddenly pretend that a biracial Black man isn't Black. Even to the point of being so adament and angered about it.

Race is a social construction that is based on identifiability. We are not born with a "race," but are born with a genetic makeup and particular features. Obama can call himself whatever he wants to, and those of you who insist on biracialism can go with that. BUT many of us look at Obama and see just another Black man. A light skinned Black man with a round nose, and an Afro (now a salt n pepper fade). He has the features of the NONbiracial light skinned Black people that many of us have seen everyday of our lives...that many of us see when we look in the mirror...that many of us see in our families.

I say this public emphasis on biracialism is intentional and about change and inclusion. "I'm not that different from EVERYONE...EVERYONE can relate to me." Who knows how Obama really identifies and whether his private speech is different than the public emphasis that he places on being half white.

Well, you said it best so in response to your first quote I give you your second. I've NEVER heard President Barack Obama say "I'm NOT black I'm biracial." Since the two are not mutually exclusive he never has to and most likely never will. Barack Obama IS black and always will be.

deepimpact2 · #**137** 10-10-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

Well, you said it best so in response to your first quote I give you your second. I've NEVER heard President Barack Obama say "I'm NOT black I'm biracial." Since the two are not mutually exclusive he never has to and most likely never will. Barack Obama IS black and always will be.

Yeah. I have never heard him say that either. He calls himself a mutt, but he has never stopped anyone from calling him black or made a big deal out of it.

And on more than one occasion, Michelle has told a group of kids that her husband is the first BLACK president of the country. I really don't think she would be doing that if he didn't identify that way.

chopper606 · #**138** 10-10-2009, 03:23 PM

Why did he get it and will it help him after losing the Games for Chicago? Okay he did not lose them but, it looks bad on his credit side of things, right? He is in charge of two wars at this time. He has not ever been able to work out the Middle East peace or problems anywhere else. Will the future be kind?

deepimpact2 · #**139** 10-10-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopper606

Why did he get it and will it help him after losing the Games for Chicago? Okay he did not lose them but, it looks bad on his credit side of things, right? He is in charge of two wars at this time. He has not ever been able to work out the Middle East peace or problems anywhere else. Will the future be kind?

I wasn't following the bid for the games very closely. However, I am curious. How many countries were making a bid for the games? And why does he need "help" after "losing" the games for Chicago?

And you said he has not ever been able to work out the ME peace or problems anywhere...What do you mean EVER? He's STILL in office.

srmom · #**140** 10-10-2009, 05:32 PM

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I think it has been made quite clear that he received it in essence because of EXPECTATIONS in the FUTURE. If that is the case, it is too early to say he doesn't deserve it because he hasn't had time to live up to those expectations.

If this is going to be the criteria for awarding prizes, medals, etc. in the future, why don't we just start having committees decide before an athletic event who the committee EXPECTS to win the event, then award the medal or the win based on the expectation.

Or why even bother having elections any more, they are expensive and a waste of time, let's just have a committee decide who should win the seat because they are EXPECTED to win.

I think this new way of awarding based on expectations could save all of us a lot of time and energy in the future!

deepimpact2 · #**141** 10-10-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srmom

If this is going to be the criteria for awarding prizes, medals, etc. in the future, why don't we just start having committees decide before an athletic event who the committee EXPECTS to win the event, then award the medal or the win based on the expectation.

Or why even bother having elections any more, they are expensive and a waste of time, let's just have a committee decide who should win the seat because they are EXPECTED to win.

I think this new way of awarding based on expectations could save all of us a lot of time and energy in the future!

I'm sorry. I'm confused. Isn't all of the stuff concerning the Nobel Peace Prize done in Europe?

epchick · #**142** 10-10-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I think it has been made quite clear that he received it in essence because of EXPECTATIONS in the FUTURE.

And that is EXACTLY why some of us (like myself) feel he doesn't deserve it........yet. If he fulfills all these expectations, then sure go ahead and give him the prize. But why should he get it now, when he hasn't fulfilled them yet? The Nobel Prize hasn't (at least from my understanding) been given out to just expectations, they've been given out to actions. He hasn't completed anything yet, he hasn't SHOWN anything yet (except that he apparently loves to talk). That isn't Nobel Prize worthy.

SWTXBelle · #**143** 10-10-2009, 06:27 PM

There IS a criteria - so may I please ask those who believe Obama won what exactly he did that qualifies him as having done the "most or the best work"?

I guess "best", being very subjective, is what might be argued, although I doubt very well.

Surprise me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Alfred Nobel's will said it should recognize champions of peace, SPECFICALLY (and I quote) it should go "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." (bolding obviously mine)

SO - does he fit the criteria the founder of the award established? I don't think so - reading about the other nominees I think they did more or better. If we focus on this criteria it might be easier to discuss Obama's merit in terms less politically fraught. Or not.

And this makes a good point - http://www.slate.com/id/2232026/

UGAalum94 · #**144** 10-10-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

It really isn't that serious.

You (and several others) are being absolutely ridiculous. No one is doomed. This award isn't going to cause any harm. Simply put, he is being recognized. He will receive the prize. It will be donated. Life will go on. You weren't on the committee to make the decision. It wasn't your call to make. There is nothing you (or any other naysayers) can do about it.

My point was actually that if Obama were in fact the top person in the world who accomplished something for peace with as little as he's really done then we were doomed, not that giving him the award meant anything at all.

The award is meaningless.

deepimpact2 · #**145** 10-10-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epchick

And that is EXACTLY why some of us (like myself) feel he doesn't deserve it........yet. If he fulfills all these expectations, then sure go ahead and give him the prize. But why should he get it now, when he hasn't fulfilled them yet? The Nobel Prize hasn't (at least from my understanding) been given out to just expectations, they've been given out to actions. He hasn't completed anything yet, he hasn't SHOWN anything yet (except that he apparently loves to talk). That isn't Nobel Prize worthy.

The problem is that it really is none of your business why they decided to give it to him based on expectations. Let the folks in Europe do what THEY want to do with an award that THEY give. People are wasting their time griping and complaining about it. Just because you and some others think he doesn't deserve the award doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things and thank goodness for that.

I completely understand why Europeans feel the way they do about Americans...

Kappamd · #**146** 10-10-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

The problem is that it really is none of your business why they decided to give it to him based on expectations. Let the folks in Europe do what THEY want to do with an award that THEY give. People are wasting their time griping and complaining about it. Just because you and some others think he doesn't deserve the award doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things and thank goodness for that.

I completely understand why Europeans feel the way they do about Americans...

Yeah, thank you for providing such a great example.

deepimpact2 · #**147** 10-10-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kappamd

Yeah, thank you for providing such a great example.

Whatever.

And the attitudes concerning the olympics also validate my statement. I still can't believe someone had the nerve to say they wondered if this would "help" Obama after he "lost" the olympic bid for Chicago. REALLY? smh

texas*princess · #**148** 10-11-2009, 11:58 PM

Personally, I think the win was a bit premature. I'm not one to say "he didn't deserve it!!!!!" or "PROVE TO ME WHY HE DESERVED IT!!" It already happened. There's nothing anyone can do about it. The committee members thought he was the best for whatever reason, and they're the ones who decide who wins, so whatever.

SWTXBelle · #**149** 10-12-2009, 07:27 AM

Just because those in a position to award a prize chose someone does not mean they necessarily earned it - I'm reminded of the good ol' days of the Olympics when Russian and other Soviet Bloc judges could be counted on to blatently favor their athletes. Certain Academy Award winners have surprised me - and not in a good way. Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, heck, MTV Music Awards

- Debating the winners of subjective awards is the American way!

No one that I've read has advocated taking the award away, draw and quartering the judges, or really anything in terms of "doing something" about it. I've requested (both here and in my newspaper column) that those who feel he deserved the award let me know what it is they feel qualifies as Obama having done the "best and most" in promoting peace but no one does.

srmom · #**150** 10-12-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I'm sorry. I'm confused. Isn't all of the stuff concerning the Nobel Peace Prize done in Europe?

Giving something for nothing - the European way!

(I'm sure they'd love your characterizations)