Comments

1. CEdwards wrote:

   Hope you feel better, editor!

   Anyhoo, anybody else a bit concerned about all of the “post-racial” discussion on blogs after Obama’s victory?

   From what I’ve heard, it’s the end of racism and sexism. Funny, the little white lady who clutched her bag on the train this morning when she saw me board didn’t get that message yet…

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 10:48 am ¶

2. macon d wrote:

   I too have noticed how often white folks are already flashing the “race doesn’t matter anymore” card. FWIW, I blogged about it yesterday.

   I’m also wondering, what are some good cards to counter that one with?

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 11:14 am ¶

3. atlasien wrote:

   Georgia’s on my mind. Obama better get down here ASAP and start campaigning in the Martin/Chambliss runoff. Our election isn’t over yet.

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 11:44 am ¶

4. The Cruel Secretary wrote:

   @ macon d–the “electing Obama didn’t destroy oppression” card. (I read your post, macon. It so kicks!) Perhaps you can say something like, “Explain to me–logically, mind you–how one Black man got rid of racism with one election when it took nearly 300 years to create the system we’re in now. Explain to me –remember, I want it logically–how that same Black man being elected stop job, housing, and healthcare discrimination against PoCs, and not just Black folks. Explain–once more, with logic–how the media can still carry days and weeks worth of stoies about white children being abducted and nary a peep about children of color being kidnapped and killed every day. (They come at you with Jennifer Hudson, come back with the fact of her celebrity.)”

   Then listen. If they can’t come back with an argument, then say, “…so then, race *still* does matter. Therefore, you may want to check that statement.”

   But that’s my opinion.

   @ Latoya–Feel better, Fab Editrix!

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:43 pm ¶

5. M wrote:

   I am interested in reading a response to the charges people are making about homophobia in the black and latino community in its relationship to Prop 8. I think it’s unfair to label minority communities as somehow more bigoted than the norm when the overwhelming force behind Prop 8 was the nearly completely white (and racist) LDS church. Clearly this is a religious issue rather than a race issue. However, it did expose some pretty shocking information about demographics about homophobia, and the GLBT community is pretty angry.

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:48 pm ¶

6. thesciencegirl wrote:

   Today, I am basking in feelings of deep happiness. I’m still marveling at the events of this week … still taking it all in.

   Feel better Latoya!

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:51 pm ¶

7. octogalore wrote:

   Hope you feel better soon, Latoya!

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:01 pm ¶

8. Cara wrote:

   So, while listening to NPR yesterday I bacame REALLY PISSED OFF!……I’m happy that we have a POC for President, I mean I’m really overjoyed. But it seems like everytime colored ppl make advancements the media/conservative majority seems to turn that positive into a negative.

   While listening to the radio yesterday a few ppl called in saying rediculous things we’ve all heard during this campaign.

   1. Blks only voted for Obama b/c he was Blk
   2. Obama’s win means the end of the need for Affirmative Action.
   3. Whts voting for Obama means that we are over the “race issue”

   It all makes me ill….I’m buggin’! Can’t we just celebrate, can’t we just be happy about this accomplishment w/o ppl trying to apply meaning (some that contridict) to his win. Sometimes, I just want to take a day off from the struggle…..but “change” doesn’t come w/o struggle.

   As many ppl know, ppl voted for different reasons but the argument that Blks only voted b/c Barak was blk – is a slap in the face! Blacks have voted democratic since FDR….Faithfully DEMOCRATIC!!! w/ 80-90 % each election (more or less). Even when they had to pay a poll tax, even when they were being killed, wonded, and intimidated at the polls – they still remained loyal to the Democratic party, though the party didn’t deliver on several promises…..But hearing the opinions of several ppl yesterday it seems like they believe this is the first time Black had ever voted AT ALL….talk about being taken for granted.

   (not to mention the other ppl of color who participated in the Obama campaign and voted in overwhelming numbers for him…AsAm, LatAm, NatAm….and our Wht brothers and sisters – Man I really hate that! Isn’t this the first election – ever – where AsAms were actually saught after and courted heavily, and actually made their political presence be known? That has never happend, not that I can remember…..)

   As for the Affirmative Action issue….Why did it have to take a Bi-Racial person winning the presidency to give recognition to the stuggle or colored ppl. This then makes non-POC nervous, and they go on to say….”Hey this is proof that we don’t need AfAction anymore.” “We are all equal so why can’t we end the free handouts and preferecial treatment?”….Just because a POC has risen to the highest office in the country doesn’t mean that racism does not exist! The mere suggestion proves that ppl just don’t get it – or they don’t want to ackknowledge how ppl struggle w/in this racist society.

   Maybe some ppl voted to prove to themselves that they were not racist….”Hey I voted for a black guy – so I can’t be racist”….It doesn’t mean that there are not still racist hireing practices and issues of sex/gender descrimination!

   This scares me, truely. It’s like maybe racist believe that now they get a get out of jail free card or something….or even more plausible denyability. Are wht ppl worried that NOW IT’S PAY BACK TIME or something. It’s sad, really sad. PPl actually look nervous. Why does it have to be that way?!

   OK….let me calm down….I just want to be happy about this and turn off my Race-o-meter for a moment. So I will – Go OBAMA!!! And I pray that we don’t miss our opportunity to CHANGE.

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:16 pm ¶

9. Latoya Peterson wrote:

   Thanks everyone.

   It’s definitely worse in the morning. I’m more aware of things now. And apologizes for any typos you’ve noticed over the last couple of days.

   @M –

   We are prepping a longer article on that, outside of Carmen’s Quoted post.

   Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:17 pm ¶

10. M wrote:

    Awesome – I should have figured you guys were already working on that. Thanks! And feel better!

    Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:22 pm ¶

11. Fatemeh wrote:

    Feel better, editrix lady! (sending you some soup)

    Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:32 pm ¶

12. Cecelia wrote:

    Hope you feel better Latoya!

    Whats on my mind… all the amazing Native women I met while in South Dakota for the election. Also, Native peoples and our healing that needs to occur in our country and land. Also since I am on the Plains currently I miss the Great Lakes and water right now… as it is so very dry here! I am also thinking about my parents, healing and my Father, Grandfather, ancestors and myself regarding healing around having Native identity in this country. Okay, one last thing… I miss my cat! hehe!

    Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 3:33 pm ¶

13. deb wrote:

    Feel better Layota!

    Has anyone read any good articles/Op Eds on the world’s reaction to Obama’s victory?

    I’m fascinated by the reaction and have never seen such a global response to any US Presidential election.

    Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 10:20 pm ¶

14. Meranda wrote:

    humm…I like my name but it looks like I will have to change it.

    Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 2:52 am ¶

15. EvilAngelfish wrote:

    Hope you’re feeling better soon, Latoya!

    Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 10:08 am ¶

16. Kmoney wrote:

    Here’s what’s on my mind:

    I think those new Ask.com commercials are are problematic. Their “humor” lies in the fact that we are supposed to be laughing at the accent and syntax of the Indian man voicing the questions in the white woman’s head.

    That’s not funny, that’s racist.

    Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 10:17 am ¶

17. Nick wrote:

    I’ve been reading the postings at Michelle Malkin’s website, just for kicks and giggles.

    The level of fear and loathing is beyond anything I can understand. The people there are talking about detention camps, death squads and the end of civilisation as we know it, all because a (MUSLIM!) black (COMMUNIST!) man (WHITEY HATER!) has been elected president.

    They claim to be proud of their country, but I’m wondering what their country would have to look like in order for that to be possible.

    Stranger than fiction…

    Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 4:42 pm ¶

18. Synaka wrote:

    Initially, I was intending on posting under http://www.racialicious.com/2008/11/07/diversity-means-nothing-without-power/

    But I find too many issues mix into one and I’m lost in my own conflicts of politics and identity.

    perceived “race” is a phrase that gets thrown out in I suppose in my overall community in which most people are sitting at a table for one.

    Our diversity is being alone, unless we have siblings. Though I suppose even if I had siblings from my two birth parents, there’s still the chance I’d be sitting at a table for one with my own experiences.

    Our other brothers and sisters are divided by the perception of “what” we most look like, to tell us where we belong.

    Sometimes we are too … divided by experiences, loyalty and identity.

    Reality is governed by a five second glance to determine all that we may be, have been or ever will.

    Something everybody sees and agrees upon from across the room. The simple base judgement truths.

    But when we come to the discussion of diversity in the work-place and particularly in the public spotlight.

    The question, the shock, even the outrage isn’t solely of how few people of colour are in management positions or maybe even spread to those in front of the camera.

    But as those who are in the mainstream in a more positive light, how many are identified of truly being representative of the “race” line.

    Because white doesn’t always equal white and black doesn’t always equal black.

    It’s white determined by an american beauty pagent, even in old ugly white guys – features which scream American with a capital “A”.

    And black is often a lighter shade of brown and physical features, attributes that have been homogenized to represent the other side in our primary divide of colour lines.

    The argument of culture by the shade of skin also becomes lost in all of this.

    The black sheep surrounded by white is still just another sheep in the herd.

    The distinctive voice of where diversity – diversity by the physicality meets a group association – where culture becomes reflective of the majority community, of those that surround you – where the individual is sold in the majority to belong.

    Even with a darker shade of brown, on tv, his culture is distinctively separate to the communities that look upon him as representative of themselves.

    He might belong in another herd, but he’s still a sheep, feeding and grazing with the other herds and appealing publically to say he’s not a sheep of a separate breed, just one of another colour.

    …

    Obama on getting a shelter dog, spoke volumes to me in a light hearted comment that sounded just a little melancholic.

    I know I’m represented by what is seen from across the room. What’s easily determined and names me as something whole.

    The power that resides in that, sadly though, is only recognized from a distance.

    As we move closer things become less clear.

    When you examine my features, my eyes, the cosmetic alterations to my body which speak of a culture less often perceived, when I speak, when I introduce you to my family and history, culture, principles, values absorbed not all in blood.

    It can’t help but fight some of the issues we face in diversity – diversity as a pie-chart, by how much of a percentage do I belong and which part of my background takes precedence above all else.

    Is the importance of diversity still at a face value … is it about what you learn close up or will it always be by what you can determine from across the room?

    Posted 08 Nov 2008 at 3:28 am ¶

19. Synaka wrote:

    This should be hitting some discussion groups… http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1083907/New-Obama-race-row-Austrian-political-pundit-claims-black-people-uncivilised-rule.html

    I rather expect a firestorm over this one as there should be.

    Posted 08 Nov 2008 at 3:52 am ¶

20. Free wrote:

    Latoya, I hope you’re feeling better.

    Synka – thanks for the link. The racism that Obama and his Administration will have to face internationally has something I have thought about quite about over the last two years. How will racism effect how world leaders work with and negotiate with his Administration? That’s a barrier that no previous President has had to deal with – think about that.

    Posted 08 Nov 2008 at 11:41 am ¶

21. red wrote:

    How will racism effect how world leaders work with and negotiate with his Administration? That’s a barrier that no previous President has had to deal with

    Well it’s worth bearing in mind that many of the world’s leaders are not themselves white…

    But to be honest, the way everyone else in the world relates to a massive imperial power with shedloads of nukes and a habit of bombing the fuck out of and/or invading other countries will probably not change much. In the US context, Obama is a black man and will be on the receiving end of good ol’ home grown racism. But if you live somewhere that’s been stomped over by the US recently – there are many countries to choose from – you will probably feel that the US and its president are oppressing you, not the other way round. Obama will be seen as representing US power.

    Here in London, govt and opposition politicians are falling over themselves to have a little of the Obama wow factor rub off on them. Obama is more popular with the average person in the street than they are. But when things calm down, the UK govt will, I’m sure, carry on poodling along behind the US administration in its usual manner and spending more of our money having wars that we don’t actually want whenever Uncle Sam says so.

    Listen, I was thrilled to see the US elect a black president. Like lots of people, I think back to the civil rights struggles and this election showed some things really have changed since those days. I was celebrating the result, and so were all my friends and workmates.

    But Obama’s victory won’t change the US’s place in the world’s power structures, and so I don’t think the fact that he’s black won’t have much bearing on how he is treated by world leaders.

    Posted 09 Nov 2008 at 9:44 am ¶

22. red wrote:

    Damn. I meant to say, get well soon Latoya! Sorry about that, got carried away…

    Posted 09 Nov 2008 at 9:45 am ¶

23. red wrote:

    My post should have eneded: so I don’t think the fact that he’s black *will* have much bearing on how he is treated by world leaders.

    Bad posting day.

    Posted 09 Nov 2008 at 9:47 am ¶