hmmm...why does everyone keep calling Barack African-American?

[SomedayMommy]

Does he refer to himself as African-American?

Not only is he 1/2 black, but he's also 1/2 white. Why does everyone try to tuck away that part? But I am already tired of him constantly being called black. SO WHAT if he's black? Would it be historical should he be elected? Sure it would. But should it be the ONLY thing that's focused on? Absolutely not! He's an intelligent, senator running for President of the United States! That right there speaks for itself. I'm sure he wasn't elected senator just because he was black.

Anyone else tired of the fact that it's always brought up that he's black? I'm not sure if we have any black ladies or gents here, but I'd love your thoughts...

FYI, FWIW, he is my favorite candidate behind Hillary.

[BC-lisa in venice]

He is black for the same reason the nearly 100% of black folk in this country are of mixed race yet they identify as AA. The one drop rule taught us that the world would not see us as anything but African so you might as well embrace it. As to the importance of his ethnicity, have you lived in this country for more then six and a half minutes? Our history in regards to race relations especially with regard to Americans of African descent (see the comment on the "one drop" rule) is pretty sad. I can certainly see why it is surprising and hopeful that he is doing so well. It means that things ARE better, that maybe we have moved away from the bad old days. BTW he is far more nuanced about his racial identification. In fact his first book really delves into his ambivilance about his race and his search for identity.

[BC-Lulu_4]

Obama is a real African American in my opinion. He is first generation. His father is from Kenya.

[Magnolia]

Why? I'm guessing because he is a person of color and that makes him unique in a sense. It is an accomplishment for a person of color to be successfully running for the Presidency. And, no it should not be the only thing that is focused on.

[SomedayMommy]

Oh, of course he's a real African-American. Even if someone's grandpa was from Africa, or great-grandpa. Sorry if the way I posed the question inferred otherwise.

hmmmm...I don't know how else I can ask for it to make more sense. I mean, I'm very proud that we're far enough along to where a person with African roots can win the dem nomination. I just honestly wish that it were more focused that like most Americans, he comes from a rich, diverse heritage. Aaah! Maybe that's what I was trying to get at. I know his mom is white, but does anyone know her heritage? Europe? Eastern Europe, etc. I wish he could stand for a candidate united races together as opposed to driving a wedge even further between them.

Shoot - I wrote this, and I've confused myself even!

[SomedayMommy]

Originally Posted by BC-lisa in venice

In fact his first book really delves into his ambivilance about his race and his search for identity.

Thanks! I think I will read it!

[BC-lisa in venice]

Originally Posted by SomedayMommy

I wish he could stand for a candidate united races together as opposed to driving a wedge even further between them.

Shoot - I wrote this, and I've confused myself even!

I think I know where you are coming from. Sort of why does he have to choose, why do we even have to think about it? Why can't we all just hold hands and sing kumbya? The thing s that race still is a part of our experience and of who we are. Not in a negative separatist way but also as a way of being an individual. There ARE cultural differences and differences in how we are perceived by the wider society that form us for better or worse. I think one of the most interesting things about him is the fact that he transcends race in many ways but in others he seems to understand the impact and limitations of racial thinking. Here's an interesting article about it by a Asian/CC writer talking about racial identity.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/kamiya/...opinion/kamiya

[Pearls]

Someday Mommy - Glad you asked this! I just asked someone this last Friday!

[marg]

I assumed he is referred to as AA is due to the old one drop rule as Lisa described. Sad isn't it?

I read a profile of Tiger Woods a few years back that touched on this subject. The writer wondered why he isn't called a Thai-African or something to reflect his mothers heritage. One of his freinds, I think it was Shaquille O'Neill, responded that "Thai athletes don't get death threats.."