Why does the media refer to Obama as "black"?

Question

He's biracial, so it's inaccurate and bad journalism to refer to him as a black candidate.

Answer 1

One reason is that it is easier for the media to refer to anything in black and white terms, so to speak. Subtlety and complexity are not the media's strong points. Another reason is that traditionally having even one black grandparent makes you black. And a third reason is that Obama self-identifies that way.

But what difference does it make if he is black, brown, or half-white or whatever he is? We should be talking about his ideas and his personal qualities.

Answer 2

Biracial is also an inaccurate term. Biracial could mean any combination of any two races. He appears to be black so that is the label he gets. He doesn't seem to have a problem with that label so why should you.

Answer 3

The media--contained in the Seventies. properly, easily, Nixon coined it and the media picked it up, and has used it ever considering. each president has advisors who're no longer voted in via Congress. i understand people hate the evaluation, yet Bush had a finished of 40 six over his words, with 36 at one time. no man or woman looked as if it would care then Edit: to Brutus, no, czars do no longer "bypass down legislations." that is fantastically a lot as a lot as Congress, very last time I study the structure. Obastro: Please tutor us your data that Obama criticized czars. we will wait...

Answer 4

if they say biracial it loses its wow factor a black candidate sells....creates buzz......go ahead say it biracial candidate,black candidate which has a better ring.........inaccurate has nothing to do with it as long as it fits the left wing agenda they will say anything

Answer 5

Why does it matter what race he is? If people don't want to be judged by the color of their skin, why would people applaud a minority (mainly 'blacks') for a tremendous feat? Is it a surprise? What, he's not suppose to be able to do it because he's black?
That's what the liberal media implies.

Btw, I wasn't so much answering your question, but responding to some of the answers you've received on here.

He's black, white, muslim, who cares? He's a PERSON. And no, I'm not voting for him (not a Dem).

Answer 6

That's the best example you could come up with for "inaccurate and bad journalism"? Sorry to sound condescending - but the crap they spew on CNN and Fox News for the majority is inaccurate and bad journalism - why would you expect them to get that right?

Answer 7

That is a good question, I think most mixed race people will be referred to by their dominant color by most, because he looks more black than he is white, I wonder if black people refer to him as being white?

Maybe one day evalution may take us to the next stage and make us all blind.

Answer 8

We're ALL biracial, once you come down to it.

His father was from Kenya. HE is from America, hence an "African-American". His Mom was from Kansas, but nobody's gonna vote for the "Red-Neck from Kansas"!

The media calls him Black so White people can vote for him, and feel good about themselves.

Obama smokes cigarettes, so the only REAL black thing about him are his lungs!!!

Answer 9

Maybe it's the lingering after-affects of being a segregated country for so long but it seems that if you are as dark as he is, you are black. Bi-racial seems to be reserved for half-black people who are far, far lighter. Rather coarse but apparently true.

Answer 10

If he wins perhaps future candidates will not be referred to racially.