Reader Question: I Wonder Why Black Folk Embrace a Man Who…

Dear BMWK

by Lamar Tyler | on March 23rd, 2008 | 17 comments

I got these questions in from one of our white readers:

I like the Obama stuff. I wonder why black folk embrace a man who:

A) is bi-racial
B) grew up attending private schools
C) comes from a semi wealthy family (not from the “hood” or “streets”)

as one of there own?

If he identified as white, do you think that he would have a following like he does, or would he be just another C. Powell. How about if he was running on a Republican ticket?

Here is my response from my POV. I can’t speak for all black people but this is how I see it.

A) Obama may be bi-racial (the new PC term) but as we’ve seen in the past week or so America still considers him a N#$%@. That’s why we embrace him as black. Regardless of what he thought prior to that he’s one of us. I guess that old saying about one drop of blood is true. Tiger Woods thought he was Cablicanasian until he won the Masters and that good ol’ boy told him not to order fried chicken or collard greens for his Champions Dinner. America has a neat way of letting bi-racial folks know they’re black so that’s something we don’t have to do.

B) Plenty of blacks go to private schools, especially middle class (or if you can dribble a basketball behind your back and dunk at 10). This question was kind of suspect… would we only support a black candidate from the DC or Chicago public school systems?

C) See question B. Why would he need to come from the hood or streets? This may be a case of too much BET 106&Park or Sucker Free Sundays on MTV2. This has rap persona written all over it. Contrary to what some whites may believe you don’t need some type of uneducated Gangsta with street cred to be respected by the black community. See Martin Luther King, Denzel Williams, Oprah Winfrey and anyone else that’s ever graced the cover of Black Enterprise.

I don’t think Colin Powell identifies as white. Achieving what he has in his lifetime I’m sure he’s been reminded more than once that he may be light skinned but he ain’t that light. This is a quote from Gen. Powell:

So in 1963 when I came home from Vietnam, having served my nation, having sworn an oath to the Constitution to serve my nation, I came home and was denied access to restaurants and refused service in hotels and motels. If my skin was white, or if I could shine it up a little more than it is and put a hat on my head so my hair wasn’t showing, as long as I could prove I wasn’t black, then I was free to enjoy these benefits. The fact that I was a soldier of the nation was irrelevant. And this all rested on the Constitution, according to the courts. And according to some 30-odd presidents, and according to some 180 Congresses. This isn’t ancient history to me, this is my lifetime, my generation. I choose not to forget that we have this history. No one loves the Declaration or the Constitution more than me, but you have to see it in its correct perspective. And because it was so misused over those years, and it took us 200 years to get into the spirit that was intended by the Founding Fathers, even though they knew they couldn’t do it in practice at that time, even though it took us 200 years, we can’t ignore the legacy of that history that is still contaminating the present. I think tools such as affirmative action are useful to help us rub out, sand down this inequity that continues to haunt the present, that came from the past. Some say, “We don’t wallow around in old history.” Why not? We wallow around in the beauty of the Constitution and the Declaration, that’s old history. So let’s wallow around in all of it, as did the black people for all those years. Therefore, I think it is appropriate to use tools such as affirmative action and other similar tools.

So I think that sums that identifying with white thing. As far as Obama, I don’t know. If Obama identified as being white and others identified him the same way maybe the Clintons wouldn’t have said some of the things they said and they wouldn’t have been exposed. If they don’t say certain things they still have a nice share of the black vote so there’s no way you can tell.

If he was running on a republican ticket I think the black community would still be with him becuase he has the ability to inspire and appeal to peoples senses. That’s why he’s been able to get independent and republicans to cross the line and vote for him. Blacks know the democrats don’t care and if they didn’t before they do now but they also know if the dems don’t care the republicans don’t give a damn. After this election you’ll see more blacks becoming independents since our voice isn’t appreciated in either party.

BMWK family speak on it! Give us your answers, opinions, POV…

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

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Comments (17)

King James Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

:-) This is cute but not worth much of a comment. good stuff. your response is pretty good.
Kemi in Toronto Cdn Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

The whole opinion is irrelevant! Coming from an African woman who was also a foreign student in America, Obama has no solid roots like that. This is a man whose white mom fell in love with a foreign student from Kenya, had a kid, after college went back home, sadly gets killed in a car crash, then she fell in love with another foreign student, married him then moved back home with him to Jakatar, Indonesia, he dies and she moved back to the States with her mixed kid then raised him alone there. What about all the moving around the boy did as a kid and not knowing his dad? Sorry, that's just my opinion.
Mom of 3 Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

After reading this, I'm still offended that one would believe that in order for black America to get behind a bi-racial candidate, he must be from the hood and go to public schols. I think the question from your white reader may have somewhat come from exposure to too much BET because there seems to be an assumption that everyone must come from the hood to rise to greatness. Or maybe it is just my perception of their take on the situation. I grew up in a middle class neighborhood with both of my parents, went to public school, college and law school. I don't understand why I should feel the need to get behind Obama only if he grew up in the hood and went to public school. I support Obama because of his track record as a Senator, his true desire for change, his stance on health care, and his ability to break and reach across color barriers.
AverageBro Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

Actually, his family was very much working class and made many sacrifices to send him to private school. His book talks often about the unnecessary financial difficulties his grandparents encountered due to his grandfather's risky business decisions. They were far from wealthy.
www.anythingblack.wordpress.com Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

everyone is entitled to their opinion besides it slim pickens naa mean?
rawdawgbuffalo Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

i would imagine different reason for diff folks, black, from il if u from there, his wife
Kandee Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

What I heard that person ask was: a) Black people hate whites and why would they support someone who is half white. Whites hate blacks so watch out because he might turn on you at any time ("tragic mulatto myth" - can't trust them) b) He had access to privilege which affords him honorary white status, so he can't identify with blacks because they're all poor and strugglin' c)America is made up of the upper class, middle class, lower class, then blacks. He obviously can't relate to your plight because you have no working class, middle class or wealth to relate to (white ancestors made sure of that). We all know you guys love your ghettos! Plus, we can't possibly share common issues like health, wealth, education, safety, family, etc. His/her hidden assumptions are thinly veiled. Some people fear that if blacks were in power, it would be payback time. But no one is out for revenge, just fairness.
Misbeehavin Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

He/She sounds like one of those people who does not what to see Black people stick together. I believe most people support Obama because of the things he says, and the changes he wants to bring to this country, not because of his skin color. This person obviously pays alot of attention to the way the media portrays blacks.
Sisterknits Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

Well said "TheDad" There was a time in which I would have been offended by the reader posing these questions. However, I am glad that the reader took the time to ask. It is one of the ways we can educate white folks about how diverse, innovative, and creative we are. There are other ways (e.g., reading, developing authentic, multilayered relationships with people of color), but not everyone chooses to go that route--not necessarily initially anyway. Here's a litle about me and my POV: I am a clinical psychologist, a professor, and an expert in Black parenting. I grew up middle-class and my father went to college. As a a professor who is responsible for training doctoral students about clinical issues that Black families and other people of color face, I am always in the position of having to educate and dispel myths about people of color. My students often come to graduate school with little experience with people of color. In order to train them, I have to create a safe space where questions can be asked. After all, they will be responsible for providing psychotherapy to clients from all different backgrounds at some point whether they have the knowledge or not. Over time, I've just gotten comfortable with this role. I've had to even though it is a little wearying at times. As I watch the debate about Obama and the "race speech" unfold, I'm more dismayed and discouraged by the ignorance, assumptions, and lack of curiousity I see in those that disagree with or those who were confused by Obama's positions. It suggests a lack of interest in meaningful dialogue that can move us forward as a country. At least with the reader posing the questions, we can change his or her opinion, hopefully. From there, he or she can take what was learned and educate others or at least make them question assumptions and stereotypes they hold. We can plant a little seed and keep the dialogue going. In that way, I think BMWK is providing a great service. My 2 cents
TheDad Monday - 24 / 03 / 2008 Reply

Thank you Sisterknits for the compliment. We really appreciate it!
the white reader Tuesday - 25 / 03 / 2008 Reply

OK guys, the entire reason that I asked the dad these questions is becasue I was sitting with black people at work having a conversation about it. All of my comments to the dad were from black people. I said that I didn't believe that people would rally behind a candidate because he was black but would rally behind him on his issues. A black waoman said "I only have one word OJ". I brought it to the dad for comments just like his. He is intelligent and can look at the actual issues. I asked the dad off the site for his opinion so that I could take intelligent comments back to work because the people were making me angry. I personally like Obama. Will I vote for him? I don't know yet. As far as YOUR comments about me. I have read this web page and have commented on things and NOT one person has questioned me. Because you didn't know I was white, but since MY color has been brought to attention.... I do not have anything to do with MTV, BET and the like. I can't comment on that part of the blog because I don't watch those shows, music video's etc. I actually respect rappers like Ice T and Snoop. I will not listen to rap or ANY OTHER KIND OF MUSIC for that matter that talks about sex, ass, drinking or using drugs. Didn't the mom make her son take those kinds of songs off of his ipod? I used the terms "hood" and "streets" (Did you notice that they were in quotes?) as a general term. If you knew me I would have used the term Shanty Irish or the corridor, because those references are from where I am, but someone in Canada would not understand them. Did you know that ghetto was a term used for a place where they used to but jewish people and later on Japenese people? Not black! The private schools comment was again not me. Most people assume that if you attend a private school that you have money. My kids attend a private school and we are far from wealthy. My husband attended public schools and he turned out just fine! So, I think that public schools are just fine. As far as being bi-racial (the new pc) term. What's the old term? My kids are bi-racial, and that is the only term I have used in 15 years. Mixed? You mix a cake, not kids. Mullato? I believe that is some sort of mule. Again, not my kids. We embrace the black and white culture. Even my 5 year old can quote the black fact of the day. (We have a calendar) They know there black side and there irish side. So, I am pretty sure that I am not worried about being turned on or stabbed in the back by black people in power. My children also know the Baptist and Catholic religion because their father and I are different religions. Oh ya did I mention that I am happily married to a black man and have three wonderful boys? We have been together for over 18 years. I am 38 so that is almost half my life. I guess I just de-bunked the rest of your assumptions momof3, kandee and misbehavin! SO the next time try and get the facts before you make your assumptions about people. In fact, that is all I was trying to do....
Misbeehavin Wednesday - 26 / 03 / 2008 Reply

The Dad didn't post the facts so of course were going to make assumptions.
TheDad Wednesday - 26 / 03 / 2008 Reply

If you didn't offer up that info they're not assumptions we're making, we're responding to those comments coming directly from you until noted otherwise. If you would have noted who made the comments before hand (which you could have done) then I would have reponded that either your coworkers were joking and you didn't take it as that or they're just ignorant. IMO. ha ha On that other note you're the only person I hear use bi-racial, every one I know that is "bi-racial" calls themselves mixed. There is even a company started by two women call mixed chicks hair products. (www.mixedchicks.net) so I guess it's just preference. I don't prefer for anyone to call me the pc term african american, I'm cool with being black. But still either way doesn't bother me.
Read the book Saturday - 29 / 03 / 2008 Reply

What kind of comment is why wouls we support a balck candidate wo went to private school??? Jesse Jackson's son went to private school.elite St. Alban's in DC. What in the world does public school have to do with anything. Mine went to a private school. Lots of black children attend private school. Obama's family was not wealthy. Several facts need to be corrected: He was raised by his grandparents the majority of his life. His real father died after his mom was divorced from Lolo his Indonesian step-dad. Barack Sr. wanted Barack and his mom ..Stanley to live with him and several other wives, but she refused. Stanley Anne is his mom's name..she is now dead. Barack has 1/2 brothers and sisters who are also bi-racial. He has 1/2 brothers and sisters who are full African- Luo tribe. Barack Sr. graduated from Harvard..so did Barack. His dad was a failed government worker in Kenya. he was raised primarily with his grandparents...mom was in Indonesia where she returned to finish school and work...took his sister Maya with her. His gparents-Toot and Gramps were not rich. Mostly lived in an apartment. Toot worked in bank and Gramps sold furniture and insurance.
Sisterknits Saturday - 29 / 03 / 2008 Reply

Here, I think that the fact that the comments contained in the questions posed by the reader came from other Black folks really doesn't change the nature of the conversation. Those individuals don't speak for all Black folks any more than do the readers of the BMWK blog. The truth is many blacks and whites have stereotypes about Black folks because they are everywhere. They are hard to escape. Context is everything to discussions about race. More details about context might have changed the tone of the comments toward the reader, but I doubt they would change content much.
TB Saturday - 05 / 04 / 2008 Reply

I think the question was honest, however there is a lot to learn about Black people. Thirty percent live in poverty, not 100 percent. Which means that over 50% of us, like Obama-don't come from the hood. In fact, WE-African Americans-have been supporting candidates like Obama well, forever. Look at Kerry. He went to private schools, etc. SO the point is-education. Educating yourself on what is African American and you will find it to be heterogeneous, complex, multi-faceted, good, bad, easy, difficult, rich, poor, everything. In fact, I don't know any African American who isn't bi-racial. My father from Cuba and my mother is African American-I consider myself African American. My husband's mother is white, and father is African American-we are all MIXED. I volunteered for Harold Ford Jr. in Tennessee, he went to St. Albanis private school like Al Gore, and I supported the both. So, that has nothing to do with anything. ALOT of AA went to prestigious schools, I am one of them. But just learn more. Learning is the key to overcoming racism, sexism, etc. The more you know, the better you'll be. Great question and nice guts!
Really Saturday - 17 / 09 / 2011 Reply

I was raised to consider people as people sad so many people want to claim they do the same when they stand by people or go against people purely based on color. Yes 3 percent more white people voted for a white person saying 47% voted for a black person. Ninety some 90 percent of blacks voted black. Did some of those white's vote purely on color YES but even a higher percentage of blacks voted straight black. If you do that you are a RACIST. Racism can not be stopped when the most racist group in America today does not have a problem with being racist as long as it is not against them!!!