When you think of the African-American community you generally think of the people descended from those who were kidnapped by force and sold into slavery. You think of the group that has suffered from rasism and a lack of civil rights over the last 200 sum-odd years. When looking at Obama you realize that he doesn't descend from slaves and that his mother was white. It is also interesting to note that the Africans actually were the ones that sold their countrymen as slaves to the white man. Perhaps (just speculating) Obama's great-grandparents were involved in the slave trade?
So I ask you, If Obama was elected would he represent the next step in equality and Human rights? And even furthermore, does he represent the African-American community?
2007-01-23 10:59:18 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
He did grow up in the US. and even though he may only be technically half black and his dad is Kenyan; in the US, there isn't much of a distinction.
I think if he were elected it would figure, that when white folk finally do come around and elect a brother that they would only go half of the way :)
BTW, Kenya is in east Africa. Its was west Africans mainly involved in the Slave trade, more specifically, the Ashanti in Ghana I think were te ones sellin brothers into slavery. It was means to an end, they were trying to get rid of their rivals.
Doubt Obama's people were involved.
2007-01-23 11:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if he represents the African American community cause each person is an individual and each has their own opinion on matters. What I like about Obama is his character and the fact that he pushes for Honest Leadership and Open Government and he lead the fight to pass Illinois' first ethics reform bill in 25 years. I don't believe he is trying to be a representitive of any particular culture or race. I am not right or left wing. I would like to have a politician I think is honest and has integrity. I don't want someone that is going to be pulled one way or the other by lobbyists or special interests groups or MONEY! Maybe its just a dream I have.
2007-01-23 11:11:05 · answer #2 · answered by boxerslive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the South in the 1960s, Obama could not even have voted, much less run for, or win, public office. That's the personal part of the "change" The public part of the "change" is changing the way the US has done its business for the last 8 years. We're going to start with a president who understands the job, has read the document that he will swear to uphold, and who will show up for work.
2016-05-24 02:09:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he represents the african-amer. community, I would hope and do think he represents all people in this country. If his grand parents were involved in slave trading....what the hell does that have to do with hm? My grandparents sins are not mine....are yours?....My great grand father was a boot legger...My fault?......
I have a different take on it than you do, if he were to be elected, I would fear for his safety from both blacks and whites...I am serious...
I would rather have him any day than that Hillary dude....she really bothers me...and since you asked...
would you rather have friggen Jessie Jackkson....talk about a bad rep..........
2007-01-23 11:07:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think he represents what the African American community SHOULD be seen as. Intelligent, articulate hard working people..the fact that one of his parent wasn't American and one is white doesn't erase the fact that he grew up here as a Black male. He went through all the frustrating and insecurities that comes with growing up a black man....
But instead of letting that own him, he owned his destiny. He made choices ( after making a couple of bad ones like his autobiography reveals) and those choices led him to be what he is now : a very good contender to the White House.
I'm sorry but when I hear those sort of arguments you just gave, it makes me angry to see that on top having to break color barriers in Washington, he has to convince blacks that he is "black" enough??? Do you think people in America see him as a "half kenyan, half caucasian American"....?
2007-01-23 11:12:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
who effing cares if he represents the African-American community-- as long as he believes in helping the disenfranchised and the minorities and human rights, then he will truly represent all Americans. and I highly doubt that his grandfather selling someone into slavery will make Barack Obama do the same...
also, wasn't he born in Hawaii anyway?
2007-01-23 11:08:27 · answer #6 · answered by car of boat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does it matter? It sounds like you are really all about meeting the needs of the African-American community rather than the needs of ALL Americans. In fact, I detect a bigot! Who cares about his skin color? Let's get real.
I am African American! This type of expression is embarrasing to African Americans!
2007-01-23 11:05:39 · answer #7 · answered by sundayschool 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think he does. he is a great guy and he doesnt even have to represent the black community if you dont think he does. im a girl, & white teenager and i definately think hes the best person for the job. he doesnt only care about blacks alot, but everyone. hell be much better than bush, i can tell you that.
2007-01-23 11:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by hannah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's half Kenyan and half European. So i guess he does represent the African American community.
2007-01-23 11:02:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He represents the people who have and will vote for him. I don't see Newt Gingrich getting a whole lot of the black vote.
2007-01-23 11:01:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋