Why would blacks question if Obama is "Black Enough"?

Question

Just because he is well educated, well spoken, and well mannered, should not mean he is not "Black Enough. If blacks define "Black Enough" as uneducated, rude, belligerent and speaking ebonics, i.e. "keeping it real", then that would explain why so many blacks are doing so poorly in this country. Am i wrong to think that blacks should look up to Obama, and if he is not "Black Enough", then maybe you are TOO BLACK?

Answer 1

Not ALL blacks! Just the ones with the ignorant state of mine to question is a black person is "black enough." If we are educated and well mannered then we're not black enough. If we stay in the hood and cussing and screaming at each other all day then we're black enough.

Answer 2

You are, of course, correct in stating that people should look up to Obama. He shows what a person can become.

The problem is the disconnect. Many black people - in fact, people overall - feel that they do not have the opportunities to advance such as Obama did. While there is an element of truth to this, I also feel it's dependent on the person. I was raised with crime, gangs, drugs, teenage pregnancy, cops in my high school, etc. I had the choice to engage in this or be different. I chose a scholastic road - and it wasn't easy. Sadly, there is an element of "entitlement" in our society. People think they should just automatically make $$, have great jobs, a great home, a great life. They forget that even those who break through have to work at their jobs. But because of these attitudes (entitlement and presumed lack of opportunities), people start believing that certain groups of people that are like themselves, should only have so much or act a certain way. If one doesn't behave in this manner, then these people feel that said person is "too good" or "too high and mighty" for them and can't relate to their woes.

Again, there is truth there. Can a wealthy person truly relate to the ailments of a destitute person? Can a well-educated person relate to one with only a grade school level diploma? Can a person who has a choice of jobs relate to a person who has trouble finding one job?

But I also feel the alternative is true - we all make our choices, like dropping out of school, having a child, joining a gang, etc. Should we chastise those who escape that fate?

Sadly, it's human nature to look for the bad, not the good. People see Obama and wonder if he can truly relate to them. People wonder if he's too far removed from "ordinary life" to truly help those he wants to support. It's a fine line.

From my perspective, race shouldn't enter the issue. I would no more trust a person who "kept it real" than one who is overly educated. Both have flaws. What's important are the issues at hand and REALISTIC goals. If Obama claimed he's going to set "Washington on fire" with his ambitions, that's an empty promise. But if he shows how he thinks he can work within the system and get items done, and I agree with his overall goals, then his race and education don't matter.

Sadly, though, most people think about the "Black enough" issue and not the real issues.

Answer 3

To tell you the truth. this whole " is (s) he black enough?" jazz is sad. all this is nothing but envy. I'm 32 year old black man from the south-side of phoenix . I teach in computer information systems in college and high school students. I would to see more blacks get involve more in technology, but every time i try to get more people in technology. i get is that technology doesn't make the money, boring, and only whites and other races make it. that hurts me so bad. and if a black person do make it in technology. you get the name calls like Uncle tom, your becoming white, sell out, etc etc. I would like to see Obama as president and that would be great. We as black people need to stop this childish game and grow up once and for all. all we do is going backwards and forward.

Answer 4

I suppose it depends on your definition of Black, it is a current trend in the united stated for persons of mixed race to identify with the race they most resemble even if that race is of a minority part of their actuall geneology. In the US if you were to actully rate people on being "pure" or one race or another you would be hard pressed to find many people who could make the claim. I know that where im from many of the "blacks" call themselves african when in fact a great majority of them are of hatian decent and dont have a drop of african blood in them. I suppose if its politica and you have a choice then you will use whatever most benifits you in the polls. Barack certainly sides with the minority side of his heritage as the arab side would hurt his votes and the minority side gets him most of the minority and liberal and "white guilt" vote. All politicians exploit anything they can they all have a price and usually its whatever will win.

Answer 5

Why should it matter in the first place? If her acted any more like an uneducated, rude, ebonices speaking belligerent, then they would ***** that he was too black.

Answer 6

You have a valid point, but some asshole is going to call you a biggot racist no matter what.

The real problem with a black president is special interests. Blacks stick together and I wouldn't want to live in a country when a power hungary minority has the ability to get their reperations and special treatment their begging for. I wouldn't worry though. Obama doesn't have a chance in hell.

Answer 7

he's no jesse jackson, thats for sure....but Obama is whiter than Colin Powell....and the left called Colin Powell an uncle tom all the time...so what does that make Obama?

Answer 8

He would be a good role model. Goodness knows one is needed!!!!!

Answer 9

Thank you! I agree with everything you just wrote. I don't get it either.

Answer 10

people just wan't to know if he's in touch with poor poor me oh my