Dr. Boyce: Sorry Morgan, Obama Can Be Black If That’s What He Wants to Be
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, KultureKritic.com
This week, Morgan Freeman made an interesting comment about President Barack Obama. Freeman seems to believe that Obama is NOT the first black president. Citing his white mother and his being raised by white grandparents, Freeman claims that Obama is the first mixed-race president, not the first black one.
Freeman’s remarks are peculiar, given that I’ve always known him to be a strong supporter of President Obama. His statement seems almost critical of the president, which is a no-no in an era where any black voices of dissent are instantly squashed by the likes of Al Sharpton and Melissa Harris-Perry. Non-believers in King Obama are quickly labeled outcasts and sellouts for even asking hard questions or calling for a closer analysis of Obama Administration policies – any attempts to assault the right to think freely among African American people have no place in a free Democratic society.
Freeman also may have inadvertently re-opened the “Is he black enough?” debate that once wasted much of our time during the 2008 presidential campaign. If President Obama chooses to call himself black, he has as much a right to do so as any of us. The truth is that most of us don’t have pure African blood after having our Great Great Great grandmothers victimized by “massa” in the middle of the night, creating a lineage in our ancestry that only Henry Louis Gates seems to care about. Sorry my friends, but I have no interest in claiming a connection to the descendants of the man who raped one of my ancestors.
When it comes to President Obama’s racial identity, one is typically defined by at least two things: What you are, and what you do. President Obama, Halle Berry and other “mixed race” Americans choose to call themselves black. So, by saying, “No, you’re not black, you’re of mixed race,” we are only further adding to the identity problems that lead some young people to hate being black altogether. This notion should be rejected altogether.
Another dimension to President Obama’s blackness relates to his actions. Obama was called “The first gay president” because he made a very bold, pervasive, risky, and historically powerful statement in support of gay marriage. By the same definition, Obama might also be considered “The first Latino President” after granting amnesty to 800,000 illegal immigrants, many of whom will be competing with African Americans for working class jobs.
But when one considers President Obama’s policy record as it relates to African Americans, the best examples I’ve heard to support his “love” for black America are the black farmer’s settlement two years ago, and the reduction of the crack/powder sentencing disparity from 100-to-1 to 18-to-1. The problem is that over 99% of all African Americans are not farmers, so this policy is not nearly as pervasive as the statement on gay marriage (it’s difficult to find a black farmer in a random black crowd, but very easy to find a gay citizen who would like to one day be married). Secondly, we must remember that 18-to-1 is not much different from 100-to-1 if you’re scaling a three year prison sentence to 54 years (it also does nothing to help those who are rotting away under 70 year prison sentences granted during the failed War on Drugs).
So, as it pertains to his identity, Obama can rightfully call himself the first black president, no matter what Morgan Freeman has to say. But when it comes to policy, he is at best a mixed-race president with a touch of black in his blood. Even Hillary Clinton would have done more for the African American community, in large part because she would not tip toe through Capitol Hill afraid that someone might call her out for being too black.
The most important point in the entire “blackness of Obama” debate is that who he is cosmetically means almost nothing to millions of black people who are suffering the effects of mass incarceration, high unemployment, unequal educational systems and racism in the workplace. The pride of seeing a black man in the oval office can’t be discounted, but there is a point where symbolism must be supplemented with substance. African Americans are unique in that we somehow need validation from white America in order to feel that we’ve actually accomplished something, translating to a populous who could care less about King Obama’s policies and are only happy to see a black face in the White House.
In many ways, you are defined by what you do, not just who you are. I can say that I am a proud member of the Watkins family, but that means nothing if I fail to help find food for my starving mother. So, when it comes to having the courage necessary to walk in the tradition of Dr. King and other black men who’ve sacrificed for the African American community, we are hard pressed to find any evidence that Obama fits the description.
Obama earned the title “First Gay President” because he took a chance and stood up for the gay community. He is respected by members of the Hispanic population because he showed more courage than most by changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of families with one executive order. So, by the same definition, I’d love for Obama to become the first black president too, but that title is earned by doing more than singing Al Green songs at the Apollo.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To receive Dr. Boyce commentary in your email, please click here.
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Saying that Obama is not black is a racist statement. It is a form of rejection much like the rejection, by white people, of non 100% white people. Ironically, it doesn’t cause black people to exalt 100% looking black people. In fact, 100% looking black people are often rejected and even ostracized. Black people are sick!
Absolutely! Some blacks like PROFESSOR Watkins suffer from an inferiority complex. What is wrong with Wesley Snipes? If we as a people do not like the way we look, let us not blame the white man for reflecting the way we feel about ourselves. Whites have their own issues with black people — that’s given. We cannot make them like us but my goodness, we have to like ourselves no matter what the shade of our skin color. People like Watkins and Morgan Freeman’s obsession with the Presiden’s skin color serves only to divide and confuse people about a subject matter that is itself such a divisive issue among blacks.
My impression is that Watkins is jealous of the President. Under the guise of holding the President accountable, he exposes his ignorance of the country’s socio-political dynamics and his blatant dislike or hatred of the President. Get a life Professor. Alternately, take some time out and see a psycho-analyst. He/she may find out what is really going on inside your head for this President.
Wow Dr. Boyce,
Clearly by the “tone” of this writing, you have a serious problem with President Obama. To you, “King Obama” is a representative for anyone BUT “Black” folk yet reprimanding the “Grandbaby-dating” Freeman. Both of “Y’all” sound hypocritical as c**p on many levels. (too many to even ATTEMPT to care to cover here)
Dr. Chambers
I believe Dr. Boyce has every right to voice his opposition to President Obama. In this 2012 election, voters must choose between 2 viable candidates – President Obama or Governor Romney. Of these two men, Dr. Boyce, which do you believe will be the most effective President for all Americans? Governor Romney, has said he’s not concerned about the poor because they have a “safety net”. He wants to increase the tax advantages for the rich. He is overwhelmingly supported by rich white men who want to decrease regulations that seek to protect consumers and the environment. He supports the school voucher system because it, ostensibly, allows parents to choose the schools they want for their children. In reality, the voucher amounts would be far less than the tuition cost for most schools. Governor Romney has committed to appealing the Affordable Care Act that, with all of its flaws, provides coverage for more Americans than are currently covered, allows parents to include on their insurance policies their children under 26 years of age, prohibits health insurance companies from refusing coverage to persons with pre-existing health conditions, and requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of their premium collections on direct health care. The Republicans and Mr. Romney have not proposed a replacement of the Affordable Care Act that they believe would be better for the American people.
Dr. Boyce, which of these positions taken by Governor Romney do you think would make him a more proactive President on issues that concern the African American community?
A decent read on our president and identity politics, but I do feel the need to say something about your comment regarding Hillary. It is very possible that Hillary wouldn’t have tiptoed around Capitol Hill, but don’t forget that she has the luxury of not being seen as supporting a “black agenda”. She would more likely be placed on a pedestal as a “hero” by mainstream media in a similar manner to how President Obama is for the policies described above. She doesn’t have to worry about being called out for being too black. In fact, under such circumstances it wouldn’t surprise me to see her referred to as ‘the first black woman president’. I felt the absurdity just typing that!
Boyce Watkins, Tavis Smiley, and the nut job, Cornelle West are so threatened by President Obama that it scares me to know, you three are no different than the tea-party nuts!
THANK YOU.
I am happy with what the President has done for ALL Americans. I am tired of us Black folks feeling we need special favors for us to succeed. If you feel you are equal to anyone, then act that way. Don’t keep asking for special favors because it makes us look unequal and less than. It makes us look that we can not succeed unless someone helps us. When we were segregated we had more businesses and more pride in our accomplishments. Yes we still face discrimination even though it is against the law but we have always overcome this by working hard and being over qualified. I feel we need to pattern ourselves like the Asians. Make our children focus on being the best student, not the marginal student. Our children need to graduate from at least high school. Better if they can graduate from college or a trade school. If not they will always be poor. We are living in different times now. No one is concerned about us or our future. The war on proverty is over. We as Black people need to have our own “war on proverty” and develop programs to help us move ahead.
DAYUM, Mary. You are not lying. I wholeheartedly agree with nearly all you have said. Education is key. As a people we knew that then. Yes, we need to concentrate on being the very best we can be – exceptional rather than mediocre. At the same time, I don’t believe that ensuring we are not discriminated against and receive fair treatment are “special favors.”
AMEN! We have trained ourselves to expect to be treated like Whites – equal treatment for equal behavior even when the behavior is poor. An African American friend once told me that her 9 year old daughter became incensed because she and a white friend had been disciplined for walking on a brick wall that they knew was against school rules. My friend’s daughter was suspended but her white friend received a lesser penalty. Betty, my friend, asked her daughter 2 questions: “Were you walking on the wall?” “Did you know that walking on the wall was against school rules?” To both of these questions, the 9 year old answered “yes”. To that, her mother responded, “You don’t have a reason to be angry. You knew the rule. You broke the rule. It doesn’t matter what happened with your white friend. You received the consequences for your own behavior. That’s fair.” My friend’s daughter is now an adult who has earned advanced degrees, has a professional career, and is building a lovely family. She has pushed ahead personally without worrying about what happens with white folk and it has paid off! I do believe we should work to achieve justice and equal opportunities for all people. But, as we work for these ideals, we must never hand ourselves and our children an excuse for failing to work hard, be educated, obey the law, and reach their God-given potential.
What does it really mean to be black or White? What is being said? For what purpose/ So you can beat the White man at his game of racism. Does the color of a person skin really tell you about their true character. What about Brown people or coffee colored people or just light skin people. What ever happen to being European ie English,Irish,French,Italian,German,Polish ect.
What ever happen to being African ie Fulani,Mandingo,Sousu,Wolof
Toolerlor,Aka,Bantu etc. Nationality was always about the country you were from. Why is that in the dictionary White is still superior and Black inferiro for most part. You tell Children Black is beautiful but it does not imply that in the dictionary.. There are more Brown people in the world then white or Black so what? Only in 2 countries,USA White & Black all about racismUnion of South Afric and United Staes of America. Stupid.
What would folk say if Obama said he was white would that make a difference in the mans ability to be President.I don’t think so. He is just one smart s***b. A great human being who is the best President since Lincoln or FDR. I would hope he could get 12 years like FDR he would get this country in a Forward movemen for all in America Black,White,Brown Pink,Tan,Yellow Blue,polka dot what ever. Let us grow up. All I want is the green, gold or diamonds. Show me the money!
@Mary
You made a great point of the fact that during segregation there were many thriving black businesses. Even today, there are many black organizations and individuals like myself who work hard on our own to establish businesses and more for greater benefits serving those in need within our communities. However, your comment of “special favors” doesn’t hold much merit. Do you consider it “special favors” whenever gays, women (predominately white), or Hispanics ask for more legislation and overview of laws to extend their rights in America? So why is it special favors whenever blacks simply ask about agendas or publicly make statements about the dire conditions in some black communities in America for the sake of a truly equal America? While some people may be satisfy with the way things are, there is nothing wrong if a black individual speak out against legislation design to harm the community. It’s all about equality and striving for the vision of an equal America like every other group. I guess whenever blacks try to challenge the government, laws, and etc, like gays, predominately white women, or Hispanics we must have forgotten our “place” in this country. That is to keep quiet, accept things the way they are, and keep it moving. Gotcha.
Right on!
I am saying we had the favors and still did not take advantage of them. I am not saying we should not demand to be treated fairly. Do you remember President Johnson and his ” war on poverty”? Special programs were made available for Blacks to get jobs, go to college or learn a trade. I personally worked for a university that had a summer program to help mainly poor Blacks students improve their grades and had a summer enrichment program. Unfortunately not enough people availed themselves of these free programs and now they are gone. White America is no longer interested in helping anyone who is not rich. It is now on us to move our people up the ladder. We did it before and we can do it again. If we had more Black businesses we would not have so many of us unemployed.
Very informative article Dr. Watkins, I agree with you 100%. I wish Obama a lot of success, but we have to hold him accountable just as we do with our other elected officials. Our people have been sufferung for far to long and its dangerous to our community to give Obama or any other elected official a pass just because they are black. When in office if your not going to serve in our peoples best interest then please stop coming to our communities and giving us false hopes and dreams during the election season.
I’m confused as to what concession you would like to see from Obama, Dr. Watkins.
I’m also perplexed by the constant comparison to iconic figures like Dr. King, who was able to create change that largely affected the black community because he was not bound by the immense constraints of a political career. He was a world-changing figure whose accomplishments were independent of any sort of constituency whose votes determined his platform, so let’s leave the fallacious comparisons at home.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I agree with the basic premise of your argument. Should we ask tough questions of and CHALLENGE President Obama? Most certainly. Should we sit by idly and vote for him without some critical analysis of his policy making? Certainly not. However, to publicly denigrate his efforts as PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (as opposed to President of the NAACP or the National Urban League), is less effective than public intellectuals like you, Cornel West, and Tavis Smiley might think. If you’ll allow Pres. Obama the time necessary to overturn and address macrocosmic issues that affect ALL Americans and do YOUR part to address the issues in your community, I think the President will be better able to address the pressing issues of the black community (who happen not to be his largest constituency and the least likely to vote, by the way) in his second term.
But, if you MUST continue to degrade, berate, and question the President, at least leave the reader with some solution as to what Obama SHOULD be doing to ameliorate such crises. Maybe with your PhD in Finance, you can suggest your own policy that would help create jobs and boost economic elasticity and fortitude in times like these. Otherwise, until you have a better candidate in mind or some concrete resolutions, I’d suggest keeping your less constructive comments and jeers to a minimum.
Yours Truly,
AE
Thank you “Actually Enlightened”, I’ve been asking these questions of the good Dr. for quite some time now and he’s yet to respond with anything worthy of consideration. One can speculate endlessly as to why the good Dr. is so critical of the President and I’m sure that in his mind he has his reasons, but he certainly hasn’t shared them with his readers or listeners. I find it most interesting that one Black man who is supposed to be formally educated to the degree of the good Dr. to reduce himself to such a level as to refer to the President of the United States as “king Obama”; like him or not. The man is a published college professor, and to set this type of example is disgraceful. I certainly would not allow to teach one of my children. Dr. Boyce Watkins has much deeper issues; just as a man, than his obvious disdain for the President.
I agree with you A.E. I truely have not seen Drs, Watkins, West, nor Smiley present any ideas that have ANY workable chance to succeed in this political climate. Sure, we need to hold the President accountable. But notice that the GAY’S , Hispanics, etc. presented concise , specific demands. The gays wanted an end to Don’t ask , don’t tell. And they want Gay marrige (The president did not change policy on that issue, he only stated support for it.) The Hispanics wanted children brought here at a young age to be able to stay. –Our issues are MORE complex. We ALREADY have the easy issues addressed as far as what’s in the law. Our issues are of HOW we are going to effect the changes that are already on paper. That’s not something that can be done by decree.
I never thought the day I would be siding with Morgan Freeman on any issue. But I agree with his statement. He never said Obama could not be black. He said what Barack Obama truly is. He was mostly raised by his white side of the family. He was not exposed in his formative years to the mass of black people. His experience was not of the typical black person in America. And most black folks have two black parents. So I think Morgan Freeman’s assessment of Obama is accurate. He is a blend of black, white, and universal. He is not black only.
I disagree with Morgan Freeman. Mr. Freeman’s skin tone is medium brown, so for that matter, he isn’t 100% black either! Who is? Most of us born in this country are of mixed race, even if you have to go back a few generations to find the connection to the other race.
Dr. Watkins why is it that You’re not writing about the things that the Congress is doing to stop the JOBS’ Bills and others Bills that The President has been trying to get pass. If we the people were on the congress who is holding The Country hostage because they have a problem with this Black President it would be not only good for BLACKS but America also. The things that I see you and your kind doing is nothing but helping Mr. Charley.
In reading this article about the racial purity of President Obama; I can’t help but cite a quote by Steven Biko, one of the earlier casualties in the war against apartheid. As follows:
“Being black is not a matter of pigmentation – being black is a reflection of a mental attitude.”
Also, there are those of mixed race who cite they want to embrace all of who they are and I’ve even read comments when some of them have stated that they “hate it” when they are relegated to just black. (Tiger Woods comes to mind) Why hate it! It’s a part of who you are and for many who suffer with “color arousal” that’s what they respond to as you encounter overt/covert discriminatory practices!
Gee Wiz Dr. Boyce, why King Obama???? Very disrespectful don’t you think?
Thank you Raymond Bothwell – I couldn’t agree with you more!!
I just cannot understand this resentment Dr Watkins & his friends
seem to have against President Obama, the man cannot ‘do right
for doing wrong.’ Please, GET A GRIP!!!!!!!
As a biracial person; I am so sick of this argument that Obama isn’t black or isn’t black enough because he was raised by his mom; etc. It’s stupid and offensive. Until you have walked in the shoes of a biracial person, it is difficult to understand the struggles we often face on both sides. To white people you are black and to a lot of black people you aren’t black enough…we can’t win so I have stopped trying and I just live life as me. And frankly; I have no respect for anything Morgan Freeman has to say at this point; if he is the representation for what it means to be a black man; I’ll take a pass on his “knowledge.” As far as the president helping black people…he is the president of the united states; not the president of black people. He is one person in a complicated system who can’t accomplish much on his own. If we as black people want change in our communities then we are going to have to band together and demand change…one voice isn’t enough. We are going to have to be better parents, better spouses, take education seriously, care about ourselves and our communities, etc. That is the reason the Latino’s and Gays are getting things changed; they are loud and they are many who come together to fight until things get done. We (black people) can get things done even now when we come together…look at Trayvon Martin and how people all over the country were able to see pretty swift action once we came together and made some noise. On a final note; what a dumb statement that changing the crack cocaine disparity laws means nothing. I have personally seen it help people. In fact; I have a cousin who got a life sentence and would not have been up for parole for another 20 years who will now be released in two years. He has been in prison for the last 10 years. Ask the people who are benefiting if that change matters. Could it be better; yes but change is progress. If we want more done then people are going to have to stop talking about it and blaming others for not doing more and they are going to have to do something themselves. I could say more but others have already touched on it so no point in restating it here.
Well as a black man with two black parents you a half and half cannot define what I am and what my people are cause you not me you are like me.
Well, you know what society itself has always said! “If you got a lil Black in you, you black!”
Tip Toe through Capital Hill, I agree with Dr. Boyce in regards to this statement. It appears as if that is exactly what The President is doing sometimes. They would be ordered to sleep on the congressional floor in cots until a bill is passed to liking of The People Of These United States. This Do Nothing Congress does nothing because their feet aren’t held to the fire by the Executive Branch. I’m just sayin thats what appears to be going on.
Morgan Freeman’s comments I believe were from a factual stand point of biology not racial identity. Notwithstanding, one must also consider the podium of life from which one speaks. For Dr. King and others subjected to speak to racist elites from the outside it was it to keep the plight of African Americans as a single issue comingaled with the inclusion of other’s plight who joined in our struggle. However, President Obama, has to speak from the inside and find a balance that allows him to insure the door is left open for others on the outside to get inside where their voice can be heard with votes on bills that matter to us all. The relevant question becomes why are we still shouting from the outside instead of working to get to the inside where we through our vote on the House floor and Senate floor can help him. After all it is not because he has not tried to help his people, in many instances he didn’t have the votes. So what will now do, lynch him because he could not do it alone? The Executive Branch of government is only one of three.
Morgan Freeman’s comments I believe were from a factual stand point of biology not racial identity. Notwithstanding, one must also consider the podium of life from which one speaks. For Dr. King and others subjected to speak to racist elites from the outside it was easy to keep the plight of African Americans as a single issue commingled with the inclusion of other’s plight who joined in our struggle. However, President Obama, has to speak from the inside and find a balance that allows him to insure the door is left open for others on the outside to get inside where their voice can be heard with votes on bills that matter to us all. The relevant question becomes why are we still shouting from the outside instead of working to get to the inside where we through our vote on the House floor and Senate floor can help him. After all it is not because he has not tried to help his people, in many instances he didn’t have the votes. So what will we now do, lynch him because he could not do it alone? The Executive Branch of government is only one of three.
From reading some of the comments, it would appear that not many people have read the the slave states statutes, which reads: “ANY PERSON BORN IN THIS STATE, WHOES GREAT GRANDPARENT IS OF AFRICAN BLOOD, IS FOR ALL TIMES DEEMED AN AFRICAN”. With that how can he be anything else but an African? I need someone to help me understand how he could be anything else but and AFRICAN AMERICAN? tom
Tom, my great-grandfather was white. I am an African-American woman. The fact that someone can write a law doesn’t mean that person can think. Look at some of the really stupid laws that have been passed in the last three years.
AE, I applaud your response. I am 100% in agreement with you. I was beginning to think that I was the only confused person after having read these ridiculous statements. By-the-way, almost four years ago now, I thought highly of Tavis and Cornelle. Not anymore. I never dreamed the two of them could be so shallow and just plain ignorant. Could it really be that they are so threatened by our President.
Smiley, West and Watkins: the Terrible Trio. It’s a wonder they are still alive; I would have thought their jealousy of President Obama would have eaten them up by now.
somebody please give boyce a hug..he is full of hate and jealousy.
he always hated obama, but now it’s the gays and the mexicans. thank god he is no longer respected in the black community and has no influence in the political arena.
also iintertesting how he always seem to find a way to attack rev. sharpton and mellisa harris for having their own tv shows.
it’s obvious he is jealous of their success and feels he should have his own show on tv…maybe someone can hook him up with one of those community cable channels to shut this negro up. lol
i guess if he cannot laugh at himself…allow us to do it for him because his articles are now comical.
I’m in totally agreement with you Lisa. The man has really lost it. I just wonder what he’s going to do when the President is re-elected; probably get fitted for a “straight jacket”.
Irritating to read such nonsense. What difference dies it make…
Morgan Freeman plays a great character on tv but in real life he was dating his wife’s granddaughter, so disrespectful. I do not care what race our President is. He is a human being. Pleasei show him some respect.
BLACK OR WHITE isn’t it amazing of people that are not thinking, every one come from ADAM read the book of Acts 17:26 ” And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; it does not make any difference of the color of a man’s skin all have the same blood. we seem to try to exalt some one Just because he or she is black is this not the same racist attitude that we have faced from the white man of saying he is better and smarter because he is white?
Fact: President Obama is the product of a Black African man and a White American woman. President Obama was raised by his White American mother and later by his White American grandparents in a White environment…….President Obama was educated at elite White Ivory League Colleges. Does President Obama have a “Black American Culture”……..no….!!!! And if he did, he would not be President Of These United States….!!!! President Obama is his own person…..And let it go at that.
Wow just when I thought the articles about Obama reached an all time low I READ THIS FOOLERY!! Black folk playing the race card!! I am ashamed and enraged. My father is a bi racial brotha. Oh Great Dr Boyce may I call him black? Who really gives to squats about his biological make up! Morgan Freeman should be ashamed of himself for even making such an irrelevant foolish comment. Let me guess WEB Dubois wasn’t black either huh? Please stop with the non-sense it becoming quite disgusting.
President Obama Is Surely African American. Morgan Freeman Need To Mind Is Own Gay Business. I Am Sick And Tired Of These So-Called African American men Walking Around With Earrings, Long Hair And Their Clothes Hanging Off Their Behinds. Morgan Freeman Is A male Not A REAL MAN Like President Obama.
d**n if he does . . d**n if he does not!! We of like minds are thankful for a thoughtful president – albeit ” brown and not black enough – sarcasm folks. Why Boyce is so hateful of HIS “KING OBAMA” – who knows how deep the jealousy root goes and spreads – Smiley – West are you also suffering from the poisionous root fever?? Please refrain from namecalling the POTUS – it only belittles you and exposes you for your jealous self. Enough is Enough!!!
HE HAS DONE NOTHING FOR US YOU FOOOOOOLS!
Reversed or denied assistance to the poor,
National science foundation money, ear marked for the disabled reasercher—CUT!
denied pell grant to those most in need!
home heating for the poorest of the poor! Cut!
medical coverage for surviving orphans! Cut !
Deaf-est ear IN RECENT HISTORY to those unfairly on death row or prison! Where was he when that brother got excutued, troy Davis???
on vacation
But didn’t he jump when Wall street failed!!!!$$$$$
EEEEFFFFOBAMA
he does not identify with you!!!!!
it’s a shame when a Black man speak his mind about the president, you ignored a*s brainwashed negro’s seem to have a problem with it. i’m african american and have been criitical of obama since day 1.
the state of the union address should of been enough for you negro’s to determine what kind of president he really is, he is the first president since truman not to mention the poor, minority. in his entire address he never mentioned you negro’s period. wake yaw a*s up, and realize that obama is Bush JR. they even have the same blood line….
Uh huh…I read it and so because an “actor” said these things It’s supposed to move me. This is a man so low down he married his wife’s daughter. Oh, I know he played a president before. I think he’s a “hater” to boot. He takes himself way too seriously.
I don’t know how many ways I can say this but I’ll say it again, I’m not so gung-ho Obama I can’t see the error of his ways. So while there are those who want to beat up on him for all he has not done I am looking at the good he has done. Like any president, he has an OJT (on-the-job training)….I don’t know anyone who truly has any idea what this job entails. That’s why all of them have their hair turn white seemingly overnight.
In my opinion, it most likely was the fact that Obama is “mixed” that White folk felt comfortable enough to vote for him thinking “well his mama was White so surely he won’t punish us for slavery if he’s president.”
If anyone can tell me with a straight face that Bush was good at or for anything but his own personal agenda. All the reasons President Bush gave us for his war are false. Bush said he invaded Iraq “to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein’s support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people.”
We now know that these were false claims. Disinformation about Iraq was produced by a special unit within the Pentagon run by Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Feith. The unit operated outside the normal intelligence channels of the CIA and DIA. Its purpose was to create false intelligence to enable Bush to initiate war with Iraq.
Why did Vice President Cheney, the Secretary of State, the National Security Advisor, and the Secretary of Defense all lie to the American people and to the entire world? What is the real agenda?
Millions of Americans have come to their own conclusions about the reasons for Bush’s invasion: (1) Oil: the US government wants to hold on to power by expanding its control over oil, and Bush and Cheney want to reward their oil company cronies. (2) Military-security complex: Police agencies favor war as a means of expanding their power, and military industries favor war as a means of expanding their profits. (3) Neoconservative ideology: Neocons’ believe in “American exceptionalism” and claim that America’s virtue gives the US government the right and the obligation to impose US hegemony on the rest of the world, especially in the Middle East where independent Muslim states object to Israel’s theft of Palestine. (4) Karl Rove: Rove used the “war president” role to rescue Bush from attack by Democrats as an illegitimate president elected by one vote of the US Supreme Court. (5) American self-righteousness over 9/11 and l**t for revenge.
All of these reasons came together to make a cruel war on an innocent people.
So do me a favor and quit trying to find so much fault with our President when he’s trying to do something for all of the 99% of which Black folk are inclusive. As under Clinton, when the country prospered so did many African Americans and even the greedy wealthy did with paying higher taxes. Doing what he has done for Gays & Latinos is a “political” strategy and not so much a “moral” one in my opinion. He has absolutely zero chance of winning without the Latino vote & I think foolish Biden forced his hand to come out for Gays when he opened his big mouth on national TV.
Let me remind you, the GOP met at a nice restaurant the day of Obama’s inauguration to plan one thing and one thing only….how to make Obama a one term president! If you listen every Republican parrots the same exact comments like they don’t have a mind of their own and reading from an email blast daily of what’s on the days agenda. FOX news was conceived during the Nixon years to come up with a single televised news medium to further the GOP agenda and they have done just that! As I’ve pointed out before a Study Finds Fox News Viewers Least Informed Of All Viewers! The GOP and like minded folk to be blunt, hate this man because of the color of his skin….he has no right to be in the Oval Office that they feel belongs only to a White man. They long for the Mad Man days and the 50′s when Blacks as well as women knew their place. They are no longer Master’s of the Universe!
This is futile, I realize to change your mind about anything. The last thing I will say is yes, perhaps there is more Obama can do to help African Americans but regardless of what he WANTS he doesn’t have absolute power to do anything. He, not unlike those before him, worry about their legacy. Accomplishing the Affordable Health Care is something all presidents including Nixon have tried since Roosevelt and have failed. Republicans said the VA Education bill was, along with Social Security and Medicaid socialism. It took time for Americans to see the benefit of these things none of us can see being without. Surely if he’s re-elected and if the Dem’s can regain the majority the health bill will be tweaked and improved upon. I’m done!
Great Job Dr. Boyce! Your analysis is spot on. Most Afrikans in Amerikkka are so afraid to question President Obama and his policies that he has no reason to enact policies to help our cause. In my opinion, a man or woman’s upbringing has a great influence on the decisions that he makes and how he looks at he world. And our President being raised by White people has to have had an effect on his thinking and actions. Therefore, we should not be surprised about his lack of focus on the needs of our community.
I’ve always liked Morgan Freeman as an actor and felt that the industry had slighted him big time, but of late I’m glad to see that he’s getting his much deserved props. Having said that I must also say that I’m quite surprised at his comments about the POTUS because I watched the PBS program with Prof. Henery Gates on family roots in which he was with Morgan Freeman showing him his family roots, and wouldn’t you know it, he’s got white in his family tree too, so I guess the question could be asked, how black is Morgan Freeman, since he decided to make an issue of this. Just Asking.
Am I confused by what has occured during “President” Obama’s presidency? My question is, “What do you think would happen if he declared a black agenda in this obviously racist society?” The President reacted to the Henry Louis Gate situation and got annihated by Republicans and the media. If that isn’t proof enough as to how this society would have handled a black agenda I don’t what else would be. Furthermore, the problems facing black america, no government can solve. It’s self inflicted and can only be solved by taking personal responsibilty and making the right decisions when it comes to ones welfare. One thing we should all know by now is that there isn’t any messiah that can magically change the issues facing our community.
I totally agree Donnell. It’s soo SAD to me how certain BLACK FOLK think Obama should cure all ‘Black ppls” problems. He is president of America. I just don’t see why people don’t get IT!
Are all those that are speaking of the comment Morgan Freeman made addressing his comment or what they “think” he is speaking of? Stating that President Obama is not the first Black President is a fact for those that “Study to shew thyself approved.” It is a fact that he is not the first Black President of the United States. In fact, the first Black President is John Hanson. A little research is all it takes. Looking on the 2 dollar bill, the 7th person from the left sitting is where you can find who is to believe to be John Hanson.
Many things is taken out of context to make tabloids valid with the art of deception. We should not let “no corrupt communication” come out of our mouth, but, we allow money to rule…the same that is the root of all evil.
You know, I generally appreciate and embrace the abilities of our educated 21st century “activist” brothers like Boyce, and his peers Cornell, Roland, Tavis and Michael (Dyson). However, I sometimes find their rhetoric to be the tune of Charlie Browns teacher; wah-wah-wah- wah-wah. Don’t get me wrong all of these brothers have that strengths and can be very informative. While I tend to find legitimacy and enlightment in some of their foreboding I can’t help but wonder with all their education, connections and ability to articulate themselves, why the intent is often to talk down their own people just to insight more of what we don’t need; Hatred. These brothers are very intelligent, very well spoken and can debate with the best of them, about politics or the taste of Kool-Aid vs Wylers. But if the intent of their words is enlighten us, why is the result almost always the same, NOTHING. Where is the Action? Albeit controversial, at least Al gets off his b**t and takes a trip for a cause. It Vexes me how these brothers can open their mouths to speak on the behalf of Black America,only to have it completely ignored by whites who have the power or even the mind to help and the only thing we become enlightened by is speed and agility by which they can sink us further into the chasm of dispair, by the rhetoric of nothingness. I’ve read comments on here about no response from Boyce regarding comments made. This site and his sites where created for us to listen to him, not the other way around. If his goal is to get us talking, responding to his unbalanced views and or disareeing with him. He’s done his job. I wonder how popular he would thinks his rhetoric to be if he logged onto the site one day and there where no comments or feedback on his commentary, I imagine his next story would be about the discovery of Tupac and Biggie found playing cards in the back of the Piggly Wiggly in Selma. Anything for attention. Do us all a favor, KING Watkins, use your powers for good, not evil. Yes, hold the black president accountable, but don’t hate him cuz you ain’t him. Get it grip and pull it together my brother, you slip is showing.
I’m late to this game, but I’ll throw in my hat, anyway. Cornell West, Dr. Boyce, and Tavis Smiley play an important role in our Black American dialogue and they are doing so at the risk of their reputations. They are speaking “truth” to power. Our President is the most powerful man in the world (besides Bernanke), whose coattails are being tugged at by the European Union, NATO, the UN, China, Russia, the majority Republican Congress, and the tepid Democrats in the Senate. Their importance cannot be understated.
As slaves we are happy to be treated to any kindness, and laud the Clintons as our own family: who put more Blacks in jail than any other Presidents. I was working for them as a government servant, as it were. These malcontents are saying, “Hey, we’re here… don’t forget us.” And that voice needs to be heard, to keep the needs of our community within the Presidents horizon. Even though their motives may have been personal (revenge for mistreatment a la Gingrich who shut down the government because he felt he wasn’t treated fairly), they serve a purpose.
Jews in the US get what they want? Why? Because they complain. Gays get what they want? Why? Because they complain and mobilize. Blacks? We sit and talk in the kitchen about who is more lighter-skinned than another, and if this person is half-this and half-that.
Do not underestimate the importance of the Black Farmers’ finally getting their due. That lawsuit languished for decades, and no one cared (he signed it). The Native Americans were owed billions of dollars pursuant to a treaty that no one in government cared to distribute. Like us, they let it languish.
I believe Messieurs Watkins, Smiley, and West are keeping their voices loud and angry, so someone will hear. Someone in the Administration will keep us in mind. They see what I see: this is it for Black America if he is not re-elected. We will never have a chance again in our lifetime, now that Obama’s Presidency has re-vitalized the dormant diseases of race-baiting, hatred, and vilification. And as much as you want to believe Hilary will champion us (I was for her until I was against her), we don’t know. The Clintons succeeded in politics by splitting the middle, compromising to the right.
I will never take any race gospel from Morgan Freeman seriously. Why should we? Because he drove a car for a white woman in a movie, and fell in love with a white nurse in another. And he wants to marry his niece? Just because you are rich does not mean you are intelligent in anything except making money. He of all people is not the standard-bearer for any Black American, IMHO.
Grow up, Black America. Let us call ourselves whatever we want. The reality is, the White majority and those who aspire to be like them, will see what we refuse to see: no matter the shade, we’re Black, and are treated Black. Now, if we could start mobilizing in our own rainbow of light-to-dark skin color, we might be as great as the rainbow of gays whose civil rights has eclipsed our own. Now, they can marry, and we’re still trying to get the right to vote, something not enough of us do.
My last piece of advice: walk 3 people you know to register to vote. Today. They want to take away 5Million votes. That means we need 5M more to make up the difference.
I’ll be making calls from my home for the Obama re-election. If he’s our President, then let’s act like it and do what we can to get him re-elected, instead of sit around talking about color. Go to BarackObama.com and look up your locality and call your city’s DEM HQ. Ask them what you can do. Mark my word: if we do NOT do this, we will be talking about the greatness of his one term. I believe the loudmouths will get their way — if he’s re-elected.
Why is it so hard to scroll in these comment boxes?
Dr Boyce…What is wrong with you. Have you know idea why President Obama supported the Latinos refugees and the Gay community. Just think about those two constituenties for a moment and then ask yourself why you are talking to your readers about whether the President is Black enough for you.
The President has a Black agenda and it’s JOBS, HEALTHCARE, LOWER TAXES FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS
Compare and contrast the above with the Romney policies and see what that will get you.
Get a life people and get behind this President before you get “buyers remorse”.
Why do you think corporate America is fighting and donating more money to Romney than to any other presidential candidate in the history of America, because they know he will be all about them.
These Ignorant “n*****s” Like Morgan Freeman Is Always Supporting This Racist Trash Against President Obama. President Obama And Michelle Obama Is A REAL MAN AND WOMAN AND REAL PARENTS. We Need More African American MEN And WOMEN Like Them To Save Our Children, Our Race And Support Our President Instead Of All These Sorry Pieces Of Trash.
David W. Johnson, Jr., Founder & President
Time To Save Our Children
timetosaveourchildren@gmail.com
Are we the same people who crowned Bill Clinton as the first black president, without even 1 drop of black blood? You only have to look at President Obama to KNOW he is black. Come on folks!
Thank you PM…and we as blacks folk now have healthcare coverage. My black family members came home from the wars. My black car factory family workers in Detroit are still working. Youth in my community have received free jobs trainings and skills and are now working. My gay brother is now openly married without the stigma….and I could continue to list accomplishments on how the black communities in America have and are currently benefiting from prez Obamas term in office…enuf excuses complaints and bullshit! And vote him a second term and watch how he really ramps it up
This is all a racist rant to denounce President Obama and represents the most despicable hypocrisy by Morgan Freeman.
If you are black and you call Morgan Freeman’s white agent and ask Morgan Freeman to do somethiing for the grassroots black community, his white agent will tell you that Morgan Freeman doesn’t beleive in race.
Not only will he tell you that, his tone and consonance will reflect the tneor that you are a racist for being black and asking Morgan Freeman to give one red cent to anything black for his trinkets and his loyalty extends only the to white community; and that your black b**t has a lot of gall to be asking Morgan Freeman to share anything with you negroes, especially “his” money.
And, without the strange caveat of saying Mr. Freeman [or whatever nouveau riche black personality you're speaking about], doesn’t believe in race; pretty much all of the “have arrived” black celebs have white agents who make it very, very clear that these nouveau riche negroes are there “n” word, and they decide how these “n” words spend their money, and make it quite clear that none of it is circulating back to anyone and/or any cause that benefits negroes for all of the milking is done on their end of the racial spectrum not in negroville.
Sooooooo, Morgan Freeman must be on the oppositions side, as in the Mitt Romney camp, as his agent made it very clear to me that Morgan Freeman doesn’t believe in race; but he does limit his philanthropy to whites only as do most negroes who have
“arrived.”
I was waiting for this comment Joe L. Love it when truth cones out.
America Has A Lot Of “n*****s” Like Morgan Freeman Who Rather Criticise President Obama Instead Of Supporting Him. What Does Morgan Freeman Think He Is With Earrings In His Ears Like A Woman. He Is Not A REAL MAN. He Is Bi-s****l. I Wish God Would Remove All These Stupid “n*****s” From This World And Save All My REAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Truthfully, we are all mixed race, those who choose to segregate themselves by race are truly ignorant to their history.
This is a very unfair assasination of the character of President Obama. He is not Martin Luther King, Jr or any other extra ordinary Black leader, he is the president of the United States of America. He is the people’s president and he has attempted to help those who need help most. If a lot of Black families do not fit the bill, it is not his fault. Those men who think that President Obama is not Black enough, should examine their own characters. What are they do but self obsorbing their personal gains and not doing anything for Blacks per se. Writing an essay here, and talking in front of audiences about the plight of Black people there, ain’t nothing. What has anything that these Obama complainers done to enhance any Black community.
As for the president’s ethnicity, he has 1% of something Black in him, so rather his complainers, his relatives, or anyone else thinks about his color, he is Black. He could look whiter than Romney, and as long as he has that 1% Black running through his views in the form of blood, he is Black.
Barack Obama has had his hands full with straightening the mess made of this country for the last decade and after four years, he has had to deal with a lot, including, but not limited to threats on his life and the lives of his family. He has been brow beaten by every racist in America. He has been stymied by the Republicans in every attempt to right some of the blatant wrong done to people in this country. He has had his accomplishments dragged through the mud like dirt. And he continues to operate in spite of the degradation.
I love all people, but President Obama has a special place in my heart and I love him. His color may play a part for my loving him but above all I love him because he is a Black “man” who has weathered a lot adversity and continues to perserve. He knows his job and he performs it to the best of his ability which out performs both Bush presidents, Ronald Reagan, and Nixon.
Notice I skipped over Mr. William (Bill) Clinton. I loved him too. He was great and also a president of the people. Black people loved him too because he laid a lot of ground work for the advancement of Black people.
So all you haters and ignoramouses, live your little menial lives and leave my president alone and let him do his job. If your Black behind is covered, be thankful, and if it is not, tell Obama, not some commentary.