Baratunde Thurston on Donald Trump, Obama’s Birth Certificate, and the Degradation of Americans

April 28th, 2011 by Andrea

I am disgusted. I have cried, because I know my own ancestors paid a very high price, and never would have imagined that we might have the President that we do, but certainly, part of their joy in the ancestral, celestial skies right now has been greatly diminished by what has happened here today. I hope that eventually, not just in the post-mortal world of karma and spiritual justice, Mr. Trump pays an exceptional price. I hope that price comes during his life. To then be able to walk around, a super-free, super-white, super-privileged man lording over all who would pay attention – which is far too many – at what you have done has got to cost you something in this life, as well.

I don’t wanna hear about The Apprentice. I don’t wanna hear about your new cologne. I don’t wanna hear about the new tower you’re building in whatever fuckin’ town. That cologne smells of racism. That tower is built on the blood of disrespected slaves and freedom fighters, and that show is merely a showcase for the dishonor you have brought among anyone who would call themselves an American.

My name is Baratunde Thurston. I’m heartbroken over this.

Page 2 of 2 | Previous page

Posted in african-american, black, celebrities, everyday racism, history, media, politics, privilege, racism, stereotypes, white, white supremacy, youtube | 6 comments

Previous post:
Next post:

  • Digital Coyote

    I have to agree with Mr. Thurston. I saw the headline saying the President released his birth certificate and said “Oh god no.” The move rubs me the wrong way on a level similar to what’s indicated in this piece. It also upsets me because the release of the document was never going to be enough–hence the choruses declaring it inauthentic–and because it seems like he is always in a position where he has to acquiesce to the crackpots when PoC (like himself, Ms. Sherrod, or Mr. Jones) are involved. I’m old enough to remember when Donald Trump was a late night punchline along with the esteemed Reverend Jim Bakker. Why should a loser with an equally impressive toupee be the judge of the veracity of the fucking PRESIDENT’s birth certificate? Who are the people supporting him? Where is this madness going to stop?

    The economy’s in trouble, we’re at war with a new group of people, we’re getting creamed by oil speculators….and the most pressing trouble is where Stanley Ann Dunham had her baby fifty years ago?

    The questioning of a President’s place of birth is unprecedented, as is states moving to pass their own laws to determine whether or not that person is citizen-enough to hold the office. This wouldn’t happen to a white candidate: the fact that they were vetted enough at lower levels of office would be more than enough to prove who they are. People who benefit from white privilege are usually “American enough,” even if they aren’t American at all. The rest of us are perpetual guests in our own country, even if our familial presence predates theirs by generations, centuries, or millennia. We’re not supposed to be in charge of anything and we should be grateful they “allow” us to stay here. That’s the most hurtful thing about all this. We can all share water fountains and go to the same schools now, but we’re still not equal.

  • Anonymous

    Baratunde truly articulated all of the pain and shame many of us felt at yesterday’s turn of events. It’s absolutely disgusting the way in which a small minority has sensationalised and dominated the national conversation around Obama’s “legitimacy” as President. As Digital Coyote said if this was a white person (American or not) there would be no question.

    Say what you will about Obama’s policies, his unswerving dedication to bipartisanship, etc. there in lies some legitimate complaints, but god love him for being willing to run for re-election because I don’t know how I or many other people would be willing to deal with this ish for 4 more years. He may be the leader of our country, and therefore subject to a great deal of criticism, but he doesn’t deserve to be dehumanized.

  • Pingback: links for 2011-04-28 « Embololalia

  • blackstocking

    The birthers, et al, have damaged the presidency forever. Their hatred of black people has triumphed over their love of the US. I’m mad that he released the certificate too. Now that want his grades. Next thing they’ll want is to look in his mouth and inspect his genitals. Racism is a shapeshifting monster.

  • TeakLipstickFiend

    Excellent.

  • Pingback: Baratunde Thurston on Donald Trump, Obama’s Birth Certificate, and the Degradation of Americans. « PostBourgie