What Exactly Is "Black Enough"?

Nancy Giles Ponders The Question Everyone Seems To Be Asking

(CBS)  Sunday Morning commentator Nancy Giles wonders what it means to be "black enough." Is blackness defined by how you talk or by where you grew up? Or by other people's stereotypes?

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Is presidential candidate Barack Obama "black enough?" And does he appeal to white voters because he's only half "black?" And does his B.A. from Columbia and his Harvard law degree somehow make him "too white?"

And since his father was African and Barack Obama grew up with his white mother in Hawaii and Indonesia before moving back to the States, does that mean that he can't relate to the authentic African-American experience, and that black Americans would do better to vote for someone who truly relates to our unique history, like Hillary Clinton or Rudy Giuliani?

What does "not black enough" mean, anyway? Are you more black if you grew up in an all-black neighborhood, and less black if you grew up around a mix of cultures? Is hair part of the equation? If it's natural, does that make you more black? Then where does that leave Al Sharpton, or most of the black girl singers on the planet?

Is blackness measured in percentages, so that any white person in one's gene pool dilutes one's purity? So if you're half-black, you're mulatto; one-quarter black: a quadroon, one-eighth black: an octoroon? Do we really want to go back to that time in our history? And what about our natural talents at music, rhythm and athletics? I'm tall, but I've never been good at basketball. Where do I fit in?

Who knows? I've been told for years I don't sound black. Kids in school said I talked white. I've always been black and I've always talked like this. What they really meant was that I didn't sound like the stereotype that they were used to. But if sounding black means speaking one specific way, would Martin Luther King have been accused of sounding white? Would his speech have been more authentic if he "axed" us to march on Washington in 1963 to hear his famous "I Be Havin' A Dream" speech?

In his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama spoke about the struggles of family life in the inner-city. "Children can't achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white," he said.

"Acting white"? It's time to stop the "divide and conquer" speak and acknowledge that we can come from different places and still share something unique. "Black enough?" Black enough for what?

[lieber1881]

What exactly is "Stupid Enough"...

A Black guy who evokes the name of Lincoln, yet if he were alive in 1860 he'd oppose a war to free himself.

A Black guy who joins a Racist, Cowardly party - the home of Jefferson Davis, of Nathan Bedford Forrest, of Woodrow Wilson, who was the first President since Lincoln to ban Black Americans from the White House, and who blessed "The Birth of a Nation" - a film that glorified the Klan. The political home of Bilbo, Rankin, Strom Thurmond (he never had the stature in the GOP as he did in the Dems), George Wallace, Lester Maddox, Ross Barnett, Jimmy Carter, and yes, KKK Byrd.

Who by the way is Stupid's friend.

I guess that gives new meaning to the term "Plantation Slave".

Stupid is Steppin' Fetchit Obama, the great grovelling hope of Lib Dems - and of unrepentent Klansmen too.

[jpdaly1]

I wonder if Nancy Giles thinks this applies to Colin Powell and Condy Rice?

[sammierose]

Nancy,

What a wonderful editorial! Everything that I have try to say to friends and family all my life, you stated in a 2 minutes editorial. My family raise me as a person first and my color last. When I meet someone for the first time, I am totally color blind and I will always be.Obama is a perfect example of why it's really ridiculous to call out what is black enough and what is not. Life is too short! Lets live life as God intended us to live. We are her to enjoy his beautiful surroundings and to learn what is more important in life. People who are NOT COLOR-BLIND,WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Nancy Giles Bonder!!!

Roseanne King-Lind
Brooklyn, N.Y.

[jabbrewocky]

Ms. Giles,

If you run, I'm in.

You make more sense than all the candidates combined.

If you could get Mr. Osgood or Mr. Geist to run with you, you'd be set.

Tom

[pharmgrrrl]

Sammirose,

I think that this comment applies to the shared experiences of African Americans who may be educated but don't always have the opportunity to be around educated people. That probably includes Condaleeza Rice and Colin Powell. I've been chastised by my own family members over word choice (you don't need to use those big words when you're at home), and how I speak. As an educator, I see African American students do it frequently. It's frustrating, because I believe it only happens because students don't feel that they can learn to speak that way so they punish those who have learned to do it. The problem is generational, and I'm glad that Ms. Giles has taken the time to address it.

[nicholassegu]

Dear CBS Sunday Morning,

I'm 34 and I've been getting up to watch CBS Sunday morning since I was a very young man. This Sundays commentary on Barack Obama and being "black enough" was one of the strongest and most intelligent I've ever seen. It was strong enough to make me write in and compliment Miss Giles on her continued contributions and opinion given on Sunday morning.

I hope she has the effect to wake at least one American.

CBS, thank you for keeping and supporting Nancy Giles.


Nicholas Segura
Kansas City, MO

Latino American

[karlimhof]

correspondent Nancy Giles wonders what it means to be "black enough." Is blackness defined by how you talk or by where you grew up?

What makes this correspondent not think that the black community wants the same thing from our politicans as the white community, or asian, or hispanic?

Or that the political considerations (candidates) of the black community could be motivated by "racial identity"?

All Americans want to be told the truth, have their interests respected and attended to, and be assured that responsible leadership is guaranteed!

[pharmgrrrl]

Leiber1881,

Demonizing the Democratic party? I guess I'm more concerned about recent track records than ancient history. Can you please tell me what the republican party is doing to address the shrinking middle class.

And as someone who proports that the Republican Party is a beacon of hope for racial equality (based on your own negative comments about the Democratic Party), it's a little hypocritical to refer to Barak Obama as a Stepin' Fetchit. That's akin to calling him a house n*****. By that remark alone, you reveal your own feelings about race. Disappointing.

[karlimhof]

Lieber1881

is the old "lieberman" who probably got thrown off the site and is now back ? sure sounds like him - i'd thought you be already enlisted and off to Eye-rak to fight your Eye-rabs! You know, if we don't stop them there - they're coming here to get you...be a real Bush parrot-patriot!

[sweetlisalee]

Bravo, Nancy. I get SO tired of hearing black folks use that "not black enough" term as though intelligence and "blackness" are mutually exclusive. I'm grateful that both of my parents have advanced college degrees and provided me and my five siblings with opportunities to see more of the world and experience diverse cultures. Exposure is the key to a good education, and having had the ability to attend music camps, travel the world as a young woman, etc., has allowed me to dream different dreams ... and live a very different life that if I'd been resticted to what my Detroit upbringing would have allowed.

Barack Obama is poised, intelligent, a family man who adores his wife and children, he's well versed and extremely eloquent. The fact that his mother had the foresight to expose him to different cultures makes him even more valuable because he has learned that there is more to life than just "black," whatever that term even means.

He man possesses a unique combination of talents and we'd be foolish to pass him by simply because his some of his ancestors weren't enslaved. My ancestors were black, Native, Canadian, Irish, British, slaves and enslavers. NONE of that matters ... it does not define the person I CHOOSE to be.

Obama is a phenomenal human being and if black folks are foolish enough to think that Hillary Clinton is more able to related to being black than Obama, thenwe are simply perpetuating the stereotype that "if you're white, you're right."

[dulon21]

A healthy standing applause erupted in my living room this morning. Nancy, my family has always admired your ability to comment clearly and without remorse for the close minded. I want you to know that what you have written here and spoken in your segment are mindful and properly direct. It is about time people of all genetic backgrounds lay claim to a positive common goal instead of trying to carve away their misdirected pile of sand. I am sick of the crying and the moaning that I hear on a constant basis about the %u201Cblack this%u201D or the %u201Cwhite that.%u201D Hooray for you and hooray for the people who listen to this simple prose.

[jpdaly1]

I also have to wonder why Ms. Giles didn't write this colomn about Condy Rice? Is there more to being "black enough" than just speech? What "plantation" are we really talking about here? I think it is the one that says blacks can't leave, and that is the liberal plantation.

[yorkinva]

As I listened to Nancy Giles commentary "Black Enough" and proper pronounciation, I was wondering if she would touch on the "axe" rather than "ask" pronounciation and she hit it dead on........King would never "axed" us to march on Washington in 1963 to hear his famous "I Be Havin' A Dream" speech"......hoping Ms. Giles receives only positive feedback....as an educator I am delighted with her report.

[angiebklyn]

The media continues to ask if Barack is 'black enough'. Well are Hillary, Rudy and John 'white enough'? Has anyone bothered to find out? Where's the check list! Somebody get the clipboard out!

P.S. Black folk are not sitting somewhere in a group asking each other if Barack is 'black enough'. We are well aware that we are comprised of many things including color, class, levels of education, political and religious affiliations. I personally take offense at this question, black people are intelligent enough to go through the same deductions of reason when choosing a candidate as white people are. We will be capable, as individuals, of looking at all of his political and character qualifications and deciding whether or not we vote for him or not. We are not a superficial voting block, we know that many things must be considered when choosing a candidate.

I remember asking several years ago, after watching him in a debate, if Bush was 'intelligent enough' to handle crucial foreign affairs. At the time I got no response, but I guess we all know the answer now.

[mseamens-2009]

Wonderful commentary, Nancy Giles!
You never disappoint!
If Barack Obama gets elected, we don't want it because he was 'black enough' or not black enough; we want it because it would mean we are a more enlightened nation, finally and we judge our politicians by their works not their spin.
Besides, do you know how many colors 'crackers' come in?
From a forever fan.

[pshelton3]

Thank you Nancy... Very lucid and needed to be said.

[joannscott]

Kudos to Ms. Giles on her commentary today. The divisive attitudes of some people that educating themselves is somehow a betrayal of their heritage is extremely self-defeating. What a wonderful, humorous discussion that blasts stereotypes and makes one see the true issues in today's politics. Dirty campaigning isn't new; but one wonders as to what lengths politicians will go to rise above the pack.

Thanks, Ms. Giles, for this commentary and for prior and future Sunday Morning chuckles.

[cas1870]

Thank you Nancy Giles for saying what's been in my mind and on my lips for many, many years! The phrases: "Not black enough," "Acting/taking white," or "White girl trapped in a Black girl's body," are all sayings I've been dealing with from family, friends and total strangers since I was a very small child, before I even knew exactly what a white person was.

Hearing those words, whether they're being directed at me or another black American, angers and saddens me because is shows all too well the internalized self-hatred that still exists within the black community.

I don't know what it will take to get us past this, but if others were affected by your commentary today as I was, I think we're taking a step in the right direction.

Kudos to you!

[mburridge-2009]

BRAVA Nancy!
While the quality of CBS Sunday Morning continues to sink towards the lowest common denominator YOU continue to raise consciousness above the amygdala. (troglodytes still thinking fight or flight; us/them)

I am grateful for your rationality. You give me hope, but not faith.

MBurridge

[pv_dude]

I have at least 3/32nd Native Aerican blood in me (maybe more). Should I therefore be called "Indian?" Otherwise: I have British, Dutch, German, French in me, a near "Heinze 57." Obama appears to me to have more "White" in him than "Black." If he wants, or is "Cast" to be Black, so be it. Personally, I call him "Citizen Obama" and will vote for him... he has what it takes!

PV_DUDE

[justmyqq]

I guess I am probably the only one to disagree with Miss Giles. This is probably one of the most ignorant topics of late. Does it make a difference if you are all white or black. She .. Miss Giles should have her attention on the person not the color of the skin or anything else. To even discuss this topic on a show that has a great history of intelligent commentary is quite strange. But as time goes on and this world gets more Political Correct we will hear such dribble that has no basic for comment.

[dgilles36]

Congratulations Nancy on a well thought out commentary. Especially compelling was the part about Dr. Martin King Jr. You are absolutely correct that few would have followed him to Washington or embraced his speech had he been a poorly spoken individual.

We need more people like Dr. King. Those who know their past and where they are today, but also know where they want to be. Those who set out to create their own "Dream" of what they want from life for themselves or other people. By putting that dream/goal out there they can take daily steps to achieve it. After 10 years the full extent of the dream may not have been realized, but one will definitely be closer to the end result.

In contrast, those who use the past as reasoning for where they are today. Will after 10 years still be doing the same thing, and be no further along.

The past is the past. Nothing can be done to change it. It is written. Therefore, focus should be put on the future and what is desired. The past should only be used as a barometer to gauge how one is doing, or as a guide to make sure mistakes are not repeated.

We need to refocus our kids on the importance of education and encourage them to dream. Only then can they overcome external stereotypes, and rise above internal realities.

[justmyqq]

I guess I am probably the only one to disagree with Miss Giles. This is probably one of the most ignorant topics of late. Does it make a difference if you are all white or black. She .. Miss Giles should have her attention on the person not the color of the skin or anything else. To even discuss this topic on a show that has a great history of intelligent commentary is quite strange. But as time goes on and this world gets more Political Correct we will hear such dribble that has no basic for comment.

[gntall12]

Excellent commentary, I am forwarding this to everyone on my email list! My daughter has been told some of these things and I am very excited to have Nancy Giles explain why she is fine just the way she is! It is even more important for those who make the comments to hear what Nancy has to sy. Thank you Nancy.

[kes25-2009]

The media continues to ask if Barack is 'black enough'. Well are Hillary, Rudy and John 'white enough'? Has anyone bothered to find out? Where's the check list! Somebody get the clipboard out!
Posted by AngieBklyn at 10:48 AM : Mar 04, 2007

I agree with you 100%. It amazes me how individuals can continue to speak as if blacks operate from a central command that tell us all how to think, speak, and behave. I've never, in all my years, heard a conversation of ones blackness or lack there of in the inner-city. I believe this to be a media driven topic. Much like the term 'black on black' in reference to crimes committed, but i've never heard (nor has anyone else)of the term white on white crime or any other color when crimes are committed involving other groups. Go to any city in this country and you'll find the most diverse part of town is normally the urban core. Why? Economics! Being poor,lacking education and drive to succeed are not inherently black traits. Just like wanting more out of life and having the will to work and sacrafice for it, is not a trait exclusively held by Whites

[bluestardad]

When will the focus be on a person%u2019s content of their character instead of their race? People make money by keeping Race in the forefront of the news. Would the Legislative Black Caucus have a job if everyone were called Americans that lived here? It is OK to remember a fault from time to time as to never let it happen again, but to make a living from dredging up past wrongs is a disservice to all those who actually endured the hardship. I myself will not accept the hate, guilt, or be held accountable for the transgressions of people who claimed to be wronged by people before my Grandfather was born. Don%u2019t push your opinions on the rest of us. If you want to that is on you but don%u2019t expect me or millions of others to accept your guilt trip. Make your life based on your abilities if you can, not clinging to the sorrows of hundreds of years past in hopes of explaining your own weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings! Take responsibilities for your own actions and choices quit trying to blame your problems on how others were treated!

[justmyqq]

I guess I am probably the only one to disagree with Miss Giles. This is probably one of the most ignorant topics of late. Does it make a difference if you are all white or black. She .. Miss Giles should have her attention on the person not the color of the skin or anything else. To even discuss this topic on a show that has a great history of intelligent commentary is quite strange. But as time goes on and this world gets more Political Correct we will hear such dribble that has no basic for comment.

[mepc-notpct]

I think Nancy Giles should be on every Sunday morning and for LONGER. Her 'black enough' satire is so right on. The fact that some even discuss this 'topic' is proof of its absurdity as a subject of relevance. When will we finally see people for who they are, period. What their herditary identity is, just as what their sexual identity is, is their own business. If they choose to make it available to the public forum they open themselves to questions, but if they choose not to, then it's nobody's business to inquire about. There are only a few arenas where the answers to those questions apply. Running for public office should not be one of them.

[y130512]

Nancy, I suspect that the 'black enough' issue is one you've long wanted to address with black people, and your arguments regarding that subject are valid. But you chose to address it as the result of current news reports about Barack Obama's ancestry, which is unfair because your blame was displaced. It's as though someone (your media friends)started a rumor; embellishments were added as the rumor progressed, and by the time it made its way to you, black people had been fingered as the source of it. So, you decided to confront blacks. The news story began with the "revelation" that Obama's white ancestors were slave owners. I would be surprised if any black people were shocked to learn this, given that slavery was an integral part of the United State's formation. It's common knowledge among blacks that some of our ancestors were the offspring of their slave owners, therefore I doubt that this information will influence Obama's black supporters or detractors to behave differently. This story didn't have to be a 'black issue'. So, Nancy, the next time someone (you know who) tries to instigate trouble by sowing a seed of discord, either identify the original source and confront him, or just ignore the rumor. Thank you.

[darkfyreaol]

I'm wondering why race continues to be a gigantic issue with politicians. I can trace my roots to Philadelphia and Virginia, and possibly even across the ocean to Poland.

Regardless of the candidate's race, whether it's Hispanic, African-American, Caucasian, or Oriental, that issue doesn't bear any concern to me. Black, white, red, yellow, green.. Just as long as they're a decent individual, a citizen of the country, and have the nation's best interests in mind.

[yvh1]

Being African American myself and having heard the "acting white, sounding white" bull on and off most of my life, I am glad Nancy Giles addressed it with a flavor of the satirical.

Someone mentioned earlier that it is a media driven issue. I don't agree. Depending upon where you grow up, if you are black and you don't speak a certain way or listen to a certain type of music or even dress or wear your hair in a certain way - you will be considered "acting white" by a small majority of your black brethren. I am offended that one person's race is used by asinine people other races as a putdown.
Ms. Giles commentary addresses the ignorance of such a term as "acting white" - in relation to Mr. Obama, in this case. I actually think Mr. Obama's racially diverse heritage is a good representation of the Great American Melting Pot that is the U.S.A.
Americans like Mr. Obama (meaning successful educated citizens of all races) are good examples of why people from every area of the world still flock to the U.S. to make names for themselves.
Color, culture and ethnicity give flavor to the human race. To ignorantly say someone is "acting ____ (fill in the blank) is to shamefully mar the beauty of diversity. It's a throw back. Mr. Obama is who he is for the same reason we all are - the choices we make, the dreams we have. Everyone bleeds the same color.

Thank you Nancy Giles. Your take on this made me laugh and reminded me how absurd this form of intolerance really is.

[olddog200]

The talk about Mr. Obama not being a true "Black" would be more easily understood if you put it in the context of the Hispanic people.

When I was growing up, Hispanic people born in the U.S. were thought of as "Chicano", while people born in Mexico - but were living in the U.S. - were called "Mexican" or "Mexican-American." If a Mexican-American ran for office and presented himself as Chicano it would cause a similar uproar in the Chicano community.


Ultimately, I believe Blacks and other minority groups are highly interested in hearing what Mr. Obama has to say, and we're willing to lend our support to him if he's got some serious ideas to move this country forward.

However, over the years I think there has been a gradually occurring trend among minorities in the U.S. Namely, we recognize that racism has many faces, and fewer of us are willing to vote for someone based ONLY on the color of his or her skin.

When a candidate stands up and presents himself as something he isn't - we have to assume that the only reason he is doing it is because he thinks it might secure an extra vote or two. Nowadays, that strategy is as troubling to any serious-minded minority voter as a strategy of trying to "pass" in order to pick up votes.

[phil-in-fin]

"Black enough"?

Isn't this the twenty-first century, even in America?

Why on earth would someone even worry about such a thing in a president?

[random_radar]

If one parent is white and the other is black, why is the child considered black and not white? They are as much one as the other genetically.

In the days of slavery, a person was still considered a slave if they were only 1/8 black (they were called octoons). As you might guess, these people tended to have a slave mother and a white father who was the owner of the plantation. Talk about bizarre reasoning and behavior.

Tiger Woods has a black father and a chinese mother. Why isn't he considered the greatest Chinese golfer?

Why isn't Obama considered a white candidate who can bridge the race barrier by practical experience?

Why are we such a bunch of racists?

[lieber1881]

Pharmgirl,

Name the two Secretaries of State in this administration. Or talk about J.C. Watts - a man who if he had stayed in Congress would have been more eligible and qualified to run for President than Steppin' Fetchit.

And by the way, name one Black Republican who cozies up to the Klan. Not one. And don't tell me Republicans are Racists - for a time it was to be honest, an insensitive party, but Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan changed all that. Yes, Nixon, reviled - but nowhere near George Wallace or Lester Maddox or Ross Barnett.

Not to mention KKK Byrd or Jim Traficant.

As for the shrinking Middle Class routine, ask Pelosi, who talks a good talk about saving US jobs yet demands our schools open their doors wide to ILLEGALS about that one. Your party moddycuddled ILLEGALS and cheap goods - the roosters are home to roost, sweets.

Finally Karlimhoffer the Hamas boy. Nope, didn't get kicked off - but too bad you weren't shipped out to your home so that a nice US-made missile could blow it to smithereens. Couldn't happen to a nice boy, except maybe Exlax.

[scott4261]

I could care less whether Barack Obama is "black enough." What has happened to the real news reporters? I want to discuss the real issues. If we don't, then if fear we deserve whatever we get. God help us!

[hennighg]

Forget about all the issues. Look at this essay. Nancy Giles is one of the best essayist in Sunday Morning history. When she's funny, she's side-splitting. When she's seriously making a point -- as she is here -- she makes unbreakable logic and uses the most reasonable thinking a writer can use. Let her make a commentary every day. I adore her stuff.

I think this was an excellent piece and it raises questions about being black or not black enough that white people may not understand because they are not effected by it.

I have been told because I can't dance well, don't use slang all the time etc, that i'm white. This is true and its a struggle that black america needs to get over. I'm glad she put it out there and I'm sorry if white america doesn't think its an issue because it is...hopefully it'll be over soon!

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

I think you just sound like Nancy, and I think you are just fine. I would think you are just fine if you had a southern drawl. It doesn't matter. You have a great talent in what you do and I respect that.

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

I think you just sound like Nancy, and I think you are just fine. I would think you are just fine if you had a black accent, whatever that is. It doesn't matter. You have a great talent in what you do and I respect that.

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

I think you just sound like Nancy, and I think you are just fine. I would think you are just fine if you had a black accent, whatever that is. It doesn't matter. You have a great talent in what you do and I respect that.

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

I think you just sound like Nancy, and I think you are just fine. I would think you are just fine if you had a black accent, whatever that is. It doesn't matter. You have a great talent in what you do and I respect that.

[agramma]

Nancy - Good topic! I am retired(old), white and try to vote for the candidate that has the most positive take on issues for America. I have spent all my life wondering why black just has to be an issue in anything. Look, we have black and white children unsheltered and starving in America! We have black and white people struggling to survive in America! We are at war many miles away. Black and White soldiers are dying or being maimed. Health Care costs are eating white and black people alive. Our Health Care Insurance system sucks. These are issues I want a resolution on. Do we have any politicos who notice these things?

With all the important things we have falling apart in America, what the hell is color? Why is color such a big choice to ponder? I wonder: do newspeople have to be Republican to work? Do the Democrats really have the right idea and the newspeople are just working at undermining the Democrats so the Repubs don't lose elections? What's the deal? It seems like we take two steps forward and two back. Will we never fix America?

I think you just sound like Nancy, and I think you are just fine. I would think you are just fine if you had a black accent, whatever that is. It doesn't matter. You have a great talent in what you do and I respect that.

[y130512]

BlueStarDad: I don't like whiners either, but if whiners who blame others for their shortcomings are your gripe, then you should also address whites - especially white males - who cry "reverse discrimination" every time they are not selected for jobs.
1) The phrase 'reverse discrimination' is utterly absurd because if they have been discriminated against, they need only call it 'discrimination'.
2) Affirmative Action laws became necessary to counter preexistent laws - yes, WRITTEN laws - that prohibited blacks and women from participation in their rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".
3) I'm so tired of whites announcing that a competitor who won a coveted position is less qualified than themselves, without any challenge to verify their claims. Since transcripts, job evaluations, or any information that would confirm such a claim is not available for public record, it's more likely that they're just making statements they know they'll never have to prove.
4) No company or organization is going to hire unqualified people to fill numbers. That would be suicide for their business!
5) The institution of slavery has been abolished; but the visceral hatred toward blacks that made it possible continues to breath,thrive and reproduce, thus invalidating your 'sins of my forefathers' argument.
6) Whites who feel they can't prosper unless others are cut from the game, are the real losers.

[karlimhof]

The BUSH WAR is illegal

the resumption of hostilities was only a matter of time since Bush was elected with his neocon sidekicks....

blame barbara bush for iraq......
Posted by lars008

[kaliveotin]

Your article question, "black enough?", is quite lame being badly dated. The question with Barak Hussein Obama should be, "American enough?" or how bout "Christian enough", or best of all "experienced enough?". These are questions that concern american voters. I'm sure that whether a voter is black, white or other, and whether or not a candidates color matters or doesn't, Obama is black enough. I mean really, for the questioner, how black does one have to be? ? ? Are there blacks or other americans who believe that Tiger Woods isn't black enough? How bout Haley Berry is she black enough. Bill Clinton was black enough, Bobby Kennedy was black enough. Heck, even Lindon Johnson was black enough. We need older journalists and younger editors.

[bluestardad]

When will the focus be on a persons content of their character instead of their race? I HOPE THIS PHRASE IS FAMILIAR! People make money by keeping Race in the forefront of the news. Would the Legislative Black Caucus have a job if everyone were called Americans that lived here? It is OK to remember a fault from time to time as to never let it happen again, but to make a living from dredging up past wrongs is a disservice to all those who actually endured the hardship. I myself will not accept the hate, guilt, or be held accountable for the transgressions of people who claimed to be wronged by people before my Grandfather was born. Do not push your opinions on the rest of us. If you want to that is on you but do not expect me or millions of others to accept your guilt trip. Make your way in life based on your abilities if you can, not clinging to the sorrows of hundreds of years past in hopes of explaining your own weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings! Put your shoulder to the wheel, register for selective service and earn Equal Rights and a place as a Citizen of the United States make America a better place to live. Quit looking for some special treatment based on your Gender, Race, or Religious belief! Take responsibilities for your own actions and choices quit trying to blame your problems on how others were treated!