I rarely post anymore because it seems to me that many participants in these "debates" are solely interested in venting the accumulated gasses of their angst and expecting others to agree it smells like a rose. Those who don't agree are branded and labeled all sorts of stuff and so it goes ad infinitum. No minds are ever changed, common ground is seldom acknowledged and everyone just vents away, enjoying the scent of their vent and that of others who relish the same flavours. Not necessarily a bad thing if that's what people want - just the way it is I suppose.
I have no dog in the political side of the hunt for truth, but people's take on the mixed race/cultural side of things is interesting. No attempt to change anyone's mind here - just offering for consideration the perspective of someone who has actually lived some of what is being talked about.
I am of mixed parentage and though I never ever felt compelled to "pick a side" or choose a label for myself, the reality is that in life people do judge and label you according to your appearance. When I am in North America, I happen to look more "black than white" to people and therefore I am considered black. It has never been an issue for me and I have never felt the need to say to anyone
"Uhh, excuse me, but I'm actually part white you know..." I understand the cultural perspective and just leave it at that. Have I "chosen" to be black for some reason? No. Others who are unaware of my genetic profile go right ahead and make up their own minds based on what they see.
You all know that Obama is genetically mixed so at your convenience, you use that to imply he is somehow hiding his whiteness to bask in the significance of being the first black president and to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities and advantages that come with being black in America.
Absolute nonsense.
If you did not know all about Obama's parentage and you saw him on the street you would (and do) see a black man. For his entire life - his skin, his hair and his features have identified him to others (and quite likely himself) as a black man. What do you expect a person to do - go around with a picture of his white mother, apologizing for his physical appearance and assuring everyone that he is in fact half white, despite what they actually see standing in front of them? Get friggin' real folks.
Like it or not, by all social standards that exist in America (and it's all about appearance) the man is black. How much that matters to you and what
- if any - bearing it has on how you choose to judge him is entirely up to you.
This is just a commentary on the race/mixed race issue and is NOT about racism - so if you feel inclined to drag it down that old road, please don't bother.