About Me
- Funmi Iyanda
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Funmi Iyanda is a multi award-winning producer and broadcast journalist. She is the CEO of Ignite Media and Executive Director of Creation Television
Monday, January 21, 2008
Between the Black Person and the Female Person
(Disclaimer: The opinions contained below are not by an expert on America or someone interested in being an expert on America).
If I had a dollar (not worth as much these days) for every time I have been asked what my opinion is on the American elections, I might be able to buy myself a Cartier Santos. Only very few people have asked about the Kenyan crisis or the future of South Africa under Zuma. It would not be remarkable but for the fact that the people asking are Nigerians, many of whom have no idea who Sullivan Chime is or that his election had been nullified. In a way I am not surprised as I used to be baffled at the passion and detail with which friends in the last national assembly debated policies of the Blair Administration even when they have no idea where Ileoluji is. It could be the power of the west controlled media, it could also be escapism but left to me the one thing I would love to borrow from America is her internal insularity and the tendency to see the world only as it relates to America and her "enlightened" interest.
Therefore in the race to the white (una hear that? White!) house, who will serve the African (dem no see us as sovereign, independent and widely divergent nations within a continent) interest best? The woman or the black man? Isn't it an interesting place America and the world (by virtue of America's power and influence) has come to? The next American president may come to a choice between the two most discriminated human groups in the world, the female person and the black person. Sure strides have been made in the emancipation of both, more so in certain countries and regions than others. I also do admit that it will be uncharitable to reduce Clinton and Obama to human statistics as both are strong human characters regardless of gender or colour but charity does not make a great copy. So which is America more ready for, a black president or a female president?
If there is one thing the re election of Bush in 2004 proved, it is the power of America conservative core voters for whom all these newly fangled non evangelistical rights, ideas and advocacy remains a confusion. It may be politically incorrect to say so but wouldn't America rather elect a woman person than a black person? All my right of left leaning, intellectual American friends are quick to support Obama for fear of being perceived as racist, uncouth and uncool but they are not only in a minority, there are cracks in their ranks.
As to the more charitable question of a choice between Hillary and Obama, my gut instincts say it will be Hillary. Obama may be the more likable young, handsome, rhetorically eloquent poster child of a progressive America (where in lies the lie, yes I know how that sounds) but Clinton is a reflection of America's uncomfortable truth. Dogged, connected, established, calculated, ambitious and effective all in a nicely coiffed exterior. All admirable if she wasn't a she.
Personally, I prefer Clinton. I do not find her likeable but I admire her, every line on her face, every battle, every position she has is earned and won in spite of the fact that she is not a lovable cuddly person. She works hard, she is knowledgeable, she has experienced public admiration, disdain and derision at different levels and roles (student activist, lawyer, mother, wife, first lady, senator) of her adult life and emerged, bruised but winning, hair blow-dried. I can only salute such a person. I am suspicious of the fact that the most important reason I am supposed to like Obama is because he has African roots, so what? I have not even heard a definitive statement about the Kenyan wahala from him. His speeches are too slogany which irks me as a Nigerian used to that sort of hoodwinking (vision 2010, 2025, change agents, change agenda, anticorruption etc, e bloody tc). I am also suspicious of squeaky clean public image or untested public poster children. That deep American drawl, 2.5 kids, stepfordy wife and goody two shoes rhetoric from a black man though understandable (no white establishment anywhere can digest a less dusted down black male) is Oreolly, Denzelly and motivational speaky.
As a Nigerian, I don't expect any of the candidates, including the now frankly uninteresting white males to favour me, however as an Africa black female person I once again lean towards Clinton. This after comparing their actions and positions on things like immigration, foreign policy and women's rights. I actually empathize with Obama because he cannot overtly play that African card too much or it will hurt his candidacy, similarly, if elected he would have to constantly prove that he is not unduly biased by his ethnicity. With experience he will learn to walk that thin line, right now, he hasn't got the experience. Clinton has had to walk that line regarding her gender and has found that balance and her voice.
America stands at the cusp of a very interesting reality; a new sort of leadership is required even if it is only on the surface. None of the white males bring that to bear, Obama would be great if I had more to go by in terms of experience and concrete action but Hillary is more deserving and perhaps better prepared, I like warriors and humans whose flaws I know. However, whether America will vote either of them against a fairly good white male candidate is a matter I am undecided about but I just feel that Clinton might be a more interesting new world leader going forth.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
42 comments:
I am for Obama, being black and of African heritage is one of many reasons. We have female leaders in the likes of Lady Maggie in the UK and Marcel in Germany. What we have never seen in the world's history is a black African leading a majority white country… of which he has paid a huge sacrifice?
This in itself is a victory on its one. Clinton represents all "white educated, privilege people male/female. It is time for a change, a different perspective to it all. See where experience, "earning one’s stripes" has gotten the U.S and the rest of the world.
The real global issues are conflict, terrorism, climate change, poverty etc. For centuries, these issues are being addresses by the so called “experienced people” and they have never provided lasting solutions. We need world leaders that can connect to the hearts and minds of the people, work outside structures and systems and deliver real change and lasting solutions to the people
I say, lets have a different perspective. Is this change? So be it.
'I am also suspicious of squeaky clean public image or untested public poster children. That deep American drawl, 2.5 kids, stepfordy wife and goody two shoes rhetoric from a black man though understandable (no white establishment anywhere can digest a less dusted down black male) is Oreolly, Denzelly and motivational speaky.'
I find your issue with Obama's 'goodnes' really puzzling. Is it such a bad thing, that he has no deep, dark past ? Is it such a negative thing that he seeks to be motivational, and inspirational, instead of aggressive and confrontational ? If anything, america, and maybe, by extension, the world need less arrogance and confrontation. I wonder why you refer to him as a good-two shoes, or as an oreo. Does his (apparent)goodness, and seemingly strong family life then negate his blackness ? What exactly are you trying to say ? And, from what i have read of his wife, Stepford wife is the last image that comes to my mind. As i understand, she is a well-educated high achiever in her own right, and their relationship seems to be one of two equals - strong, high achieving people.
I would be happy to see Obama win, because of his credentials and i agree with you that it is sad when, at the end of the day, the question will be, white woman or black man, it is just too reductionist.
May the best person win.
Hey u!Kilonshe?
It worries and amazes every one that knows me that I have no interest in dimesions of american politics, I shd as this soveriegn will indeed impact my future and my continent. It would be interesting doe to see who wins as they have pitted the 2 xtremes against each other, the black man or the ball breaking female. Shd I align with Obama because his black? or with Hill becoz shez female?
Im not a feminist, yes Chinkin and Charlesworth will outraged to discover that I accept its a man's world but I INSIST on being seen and heard, but voting for Hilary becoz shez a woman is simply condesending and supporting Obama becoz hez black is leaning towards for a lack of better word 'rascism'he might suprise you and end up being an orieo.
Im judging them on merit, what can they offer me as an african, will Africa be the G8 priority instead of climate change? Will the MDG evr be realized. Will they stop using the carrot and stick on Africa to get us to know tow? How will they empower me? This what I look at when Im choosing a leader. It selfish but has proved very effective.
I lean towards Hill coz she reminds me of myself,lol! :)but then again im not american so why shd my preference count?
Am sure for Clinton, Obama to me, should not have contested now against the clintons.
I disagree with you on so many levels; but, hey, we can't blame your unintellible perspective on American politics as your disclaimer rightfully claimed.
Methinks that you would do yourself a lot of good to read more about Obama and what he stands for and try to fully engage yourself with the issues at stake before making sweeping statements.
Most of the 'glowing' remarks you used to describe Obama, whom you know little or nothing about are somewhat disingenous, derogatory and stereotypical at best.
I'm sure you are caught by the gender bug and the historical believes that the Clinton's have done more for African-American's, hence your support for Hillary...However, I respect your position, this is a new era and I see alot of me in Obama. An American. An African. Young. Handsome. Squeaky clean, eloquent and an upcoming progresssive African American. That's why I'm in support of Obama 200%!
Besides, an African would connect more with the world on global issues like aids, poverty, race relations, corrupt african govt., terrorism etc. unlike our 'experienced' white American leaders who have proven over the years that they only intervene if there is an 'American interest' involved. that's where Obama comes in to provide that needed change from the status quo.
For the first time in america, a black African American man is standing against White America establishment politicians; the Clinton's inclusive, and we are close to making history...just stand by and watch history unfolds as Obama goes ahead to win the democratic nomination.
Even if he does not, at least we will fight a good fight and make a stand that the time is right, it's now for an African American to rightfully take it's stands and it's place in American politics and the dividends of this fight would be felt for many years to come.
excuse you funmi!Obama has not said anything about Kenya crises...what do u want him to say?he is AMERICAN what is his business with KENYA..yes he is half Kenyan!!he wasnt born in Kenya,he didnt live there..thats d way it goes in this country your parents maybe from Nigeria but if u werent born there or never lived there you are AMERICAN!!!!!!he is just a candidate not yet the president..WHen he becomes president he can start adding crises of other nations to his Agenda!
I am surprised that there is no mention of the Mr. Clinton effect. The nostalgia of the Clinton years might be the deal breaker, not the suspicious vagueness of Mrs Clinton's answers during debates, nor the workings of a too well-oiled campaign machine - so well-oiled that it is sometimes distractingly disgusting.
That deep American drawl, 2.5 kids, stepfordy wife and goody two shoes rhetoric from a black man though understandable (no white establishment anywhere can digest a less dusted down black male) is Oreolly, Denzelly and motivational speaky.'
Yeah, I feel you gurrl! Obama ain't never beena jail, ain't never been shot, got only one baby mama with 2 kids. Instead, he went to college, and became a senator. WTF is that!! he aint black!!!
Seriously though, we ought to be proud of the man and indeed of America. Both have come a long way. I dream of the day we 'Brits'
get to that point where we can stomach the idea of a black PM.
Having got that off my chest, I just love the Clintons. I'm all for Hillary, but those tears (after the Iowa vote) made me wonder if she can hack the job.
@aspiring nigerian woman - Obama and his wife represent priviledge too. Underpriviledged pple dont usually have ivy-league education.
Yeah, I feel you gurrl! Obama ain't never been to jail, ain't never been shot, got only one baby mama with 2 kids. Instead, he went to college, and became a senator. WTF is that!! he aint black!!!
@Anon 10:29:00 PM
Do you mean to say that it is only White people that go to college or university?
Do u mean to say that it is wrong for a black man to be a senator?
I am appalled by your stupid and uneducated comments.
Underpriviledged pple dont usually have ivy-league education? What da hell?...You must be really meesed up by the gabbage your see on TV or what the White people want you to believe about your own 'black' self!
Take your mind off the gutter...blacks or African Americans are way better than that!
Yeah, this are the kinds of statements that do more harm to black people than good. the blame should lie squarely on some of the sentiments on this post for insinuating these kinds of remarks.
Black people dont need to get shot, go to jail or have different baby mothers to prove their mettle as black men or women in America or anywhere in the world. Nigerians living in the United States can attest to that!
This is why Obama is elevating the discourse of how we feel and appreciate ourselves and at the same time, uplifting, inciting all of us on the key issues and most importantly, seeing a bigger dream of being the first black President of the United States.
The Clintons of this world wants to keep blacks and African Americans as second class citizens so that these kinds of styreotypical sentiments or comments will be reinforced by the little minds of this annonymous commenter!
Shame on you.......
Aunty funmi, i just cam across this video and i wanted to know what you thought about it.
http://www.viewnaija.com/videos.php?cate=&sub_section=videos&id=1895
I am for Obama. Dont ask me why.
What will Bill Clinton be if Hilary becomes president? First-Man?..lol.
Americans are reminded of the mixed legacy of the Clinton's and the "elephant in the room" of Bill Clinton's own record of lack of truthfulness with the American people, and therefore lack of credibility. Do we want Clinton Dynasty Part II with all the character issues that went with it; i.e. Monicagate, or do we want a fresh start with a fresh perspective and a new idealism and new energy that an Obama candidacy offers.
I am routing for Hilary. I feel that she is tough enough to take on the big boys in the shadows that push agendas (the big tobacco boys etc) and grab their cahones...LOL..I love the imagery that conjured.
Seriously though, the fact that i know she is calculated, ambitious, has been in the game for a while are pluses for me.
She isnt squeaky clean and frankly i dont think she can afford to be because politics is not about playing nice and singing kumbaya around a bonfire. Its about being able to wheel and deal, make unethical and difficult decisions etc...which is why if u cant take the heat, dont get in the kitchen at all.
It will be very very interesting regardless of what happens cos somehow i dont think America is ready for a black or female president....
@all, ha! dissent, delicious! Unfortunately l cannot muster the required passion as l am a bit ambivalent about this topic.
Once again l emphasize that regardless of who becomes president, it will not better the lot of the African, only Africa and Africans can solve Africa's problems. I cannot support a person on account of his skin colour. When l see a battle wearied Obama, l will see a reflection of the struggle and toil that all black people of the world are familiar with, then l may be able to connect with him.
"...only Africa and Africans can solve Africa's problems"
I agree!
Obama is not vying to be the president of Africa. he is vying for the president of the United States. so that vitriol u just spewed about Obama should be retracted and please, be above the fray to apologise.
we know that you cannot support a person on account of his skin color, but it is also apparent that you're gender biased based on the comments on your post. now we all should not judge people based on race or gender, but about character, about issues, and things that are most important to us!
Let us all take the high road and think before we speak, rather than making comments that denigrate us instead of uniting us!
anon @ 5.02 ...."excuse you funmi!Obama has not said anything about Kenya crises...what do u want him to say?he is AMERICAN what is his business with KENYA..yes he is half Kenyan!!he wasnt born in Kenya,he didnt live there..thats d way it goes in this country your parents maybe from Nigeria but if u werent born there or never lived there you are AMERICAN!!!!!!he is just a candidate not yet the president..WHen he becomes president he can start adding crises of other nations to his Agenda!"
LOL at hes only half kenyan so the kenyan crisis doesnt concern him...
Are you for real?
Dont care much for either candidate because i dont know how much either winning will impact on me. the same ten and ten pence ojare!
Great post, Funmi. You captured many of the thoughts that I'd been trying to pull together
I agree with you mostly, I also think this election is making people align based on race and gender,which is a major pitfall to avoid if the world is to truly become an egalitarian society.
A leader should be chosen based on their willingness and ability to serve and not gender nor skin colour or as in naija case, tribe.
Hillary Clinton seems to be driven by only her ambiton to be first female American president. If her purpose is truly to serve her people, can she not continue to do this in her capacity as an ex-first lady and an internationally recognised person.
As for Obama, he seems to be saying the right things but can he achieve them, only time will tell.
Like you, i intend to remain dispassionate but cannot resist the pull of the drama.
If Obama being black can last this long in the race without dirty stories about him published then he`s good enough for me.
Especially in a society where being black is enough to be guilty.
Shame to see us black being cut in the same game.
being black put one in a struggle without doing anything at all, so for Obama to have gone thus far shows he has over more than you will like to acknowledge.
You don`t need to see his struggle and he doesn`t need a powerful,pitiful story to connect with those that appreciate success.
ironically if he had come with stories i bet you will ve accused him of using the race/struggle card.
I have posted a lot on this issue and as I sit here in Florida I am bemused by your position Sisi mi. I guess to each his own. Senator Obama recognises that the US needs transformation in times when its assumptions and established behaviour are no longer making it competitive or productive. He also recognises that true leadership is about inspiring the multitudes and creating a movement to deliver sustainable returns.
Senator Clinton is no feminist her entire record is as a Wife of a President not as an independent fighter in her own right. She can of course afford to tout an experience of pandering to groups whose knowledge of the issues are usually broad stroke not nuanced. Hence the reason why her husband is called a black president. This is the same Clinton who blocked the UN from stopping the genocide in Rwanda, who never saw it fit to make the destruction of Liberia (their cousin state in Africa) an issue for the US. The same Clinton that left the Somalians in a lurch. Is it ever occurred to anyone to realise that as the Gulf of Guinea becomes the new critical region for Oil that the next president has to be one who at least is open to dialogue rather than Gung ho foreign warfare. Mrs Clinton voted for the Iraq war and continues to promote a foreign policy where the first option is the Gunboat with those she disagrees with.
I watched the debate in South Carolina and Sisi Funmi it is obvious from reading your stuff you have no idea what it means to be a so called ' Big black man' in the West. Barack Obama like most of us cannot afford to show anger or even be anything less than clean cut if he does he gets lumped with stereotype of an aggressive therefore dangerous black man. The Mental institutions and prisons are filled with Black men who let racism get under their skin and let anger still their dreams. I have to stop my hands are shaking. I am a father of three such black boys I know what we all go through.
i am for Barack!not because of the color of his skin!he is the only one who has the balls not to play dirty politics.Hilary is a women spitting venom by refering to irrelevant issues and insulting Obama publicly!i hope he wins in south Carolina.
But babes,were you serious abt that last comment you left!NOT COOL at all...NOT COOL!
Aunty Funmi... Your Grammar too 'mush'... chei you go school no be small. Nawa oh
It kinda brings a tear to my eye when you say Obama has not been tested. For a black man born to an african father and a white mum in yankee to be where he's at today then i'm sure he has seen his fair share of testing...
I love Mrs Clinton, but your reasons for wanting her in the White House are exactly the same reasons why the white male politicians (status quo) are struggling at the moment, John Edwards is a case in point... that's why Obama's message (Change) rings so true. Obama does not just speak change he is change (being black and all). Hillary becoming president as much as it will be amazing is still beleivable, but Obama as president is something of a new beginning, a beginning America probably wants. That's why he is making so much waves.
So Aunty abeg try cut the bros some slack... and the fact say you dey equate am to Naija politicians is laughable...bye bye
So who do you vote for if you are a black woman? Are you a woman first before being a black person or a black person before being a woman?
If you are a white male do you vote for Obama because he's a man or for Hilary because she's white?
If you are a Yoruba man, do you vote for Adedibu because he's Yoruba or because he's a man?
Random questions really!
http://naijamusing.blogspot.com
Sorry my sister cannot leave this issue somehow. Here is a good link for your research and go to Youtube the fourth most watched video is Obama speech on the MLK holiday it should give you some perspective. It is time we started standing up for substance that will build a new African possibility where the President of United States is both emotionally and intellectually linked to Africa. On Kenya it is not true that Obama is not involved and because CNN is not covering it does not mean it is not happening. Senator Obama is in regular contact with Mr Odinga and in fact during his trip to Kenya in the summer of 2007 predicted this outcome if the government did not change its approach. He has to be careful since his father is from the Luo ethic group like Odinga and it would further polarise along ethnic lines i.e. Kikuyu versus Luo. Anyways if you have the time this is worth a read.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/the-truth-behind-clinton_b_82952.html
Hilary is rather nasty and ruthless. I have been watching her in the past few days and her campaign is really indecent and very dirty. Its not a do or die. Obama has acted so decently in the face of obvious provocation and for that he gets my vote. Decency means everything to me and I hate dirty people.
this is def a monumental race for our generation.
obama is idealistic, intelligent,passionate,conscientious and cognizant. a breath of freshness in the murky waters of american politics.
like u, i was cynical at first but the more i learned about him and the way and manner he reacts to issues and situations the more respect i have for him.
he has helped opened my eyes and mind to the possibilities of our men, the kind, loving, honest,disciplined and wholesome ones u don't get to hear about or see on the evening news..
yes,a lot of them are naija men.
as for his wife Michelle, u couldn't be any more wrong!
she is def urs and my kind of woman. strong,confident,unpretentious, no-nonsense, grounded,no holds barred, bright and mischievous.
so why am routing for Hillary?
love or hate her, she' def a woman to be respected.
is america ready for a black president or a woman president? that, is the gorilla in the room.
@akin: Hillary ruthless and dirty; Obama clean and decent? That's totally baseless and simplistic. This is the very reason Bill Clinton has been rather expressive of his frustration with the biased media coverage of both candidates-are you aware of the Obama campaign meme describing Hillary as the democratic candidate from Punjab-a jab at Indian-americans-one the media refused to misconstrue as racist? did you watch the last debate at which Obama took the first shot at Hillary-attacking her personally, questioning her truthfulness? I just think Obama's losing his cool shows he is not used to tough questioning and being challenged aggresively on his record. He is a great guy and wld probably make a decent president but i personally find his rhetoric a little too slogany as well-I'm bringing change and unity etc. What exactly does that mean? That he won't take a stand on hot button/divisive issues. Day 2 of his presidency, he'd have to take a stand on some of these issues by signing or vetoing some bill or the other-and then, does he still remain a uniter? What exactly is change? change to what?change from what? Fact is obama has been smart abt playing the usual game of press leaks, misquoting your oppnents etc which they all play -only he has managed to appear like he doesn't!
@funmi:nice piece but I strongly disagree with your insinuation that those of us deeply interested in the US pres race are pretensious and choosing the US above Africa>>that distinction is unecessary in a globalised world and besides, it is possible to keep a balance. The stock market crisis shows the continued relevance of the US to the world economy for example-we therefore are all stakeholders in some way or the other.
@ akin,i thot i was the only who noticed how ruthless CLinton has been?please who saw the debate on 21st?Clinton just showed me she is like any other dirty politician who cannot wait to use past information against her opponent,a lot of the things she said were so uncalled for...Miss iyanda just because Obama had a decent life growing up doesnt mean he isnt black and hasnt had his own fair of struggle..he doesnt need to have grown up on crack,been part of a gang,have bullet wounds and be a baby father before he can qualify as black!
2 Ola:
You are a true Clintonite and actually from that perspective it is easy to see things the way you do. I do agree Senator Obama protests too loudly but do not agree that he is underhand or has attacked the Clintons in quite the same way. In fact the example you choose was in the early days and he reprimanded the people who did it and apologised as well. To the meet the so called lack of specifics well all the analyst who have reviewed the policy positions of Senators Clinton and Obama have found them to be significantly the same apart from the issue of mandates for Health Care cover something I would be delighted to debate with you specifically. Whatwe have left is the issue of character and judgement not experience because Senator Obama has the same if not more number of years of direct government/ legislative experience (i choose not to count being first lady).
The specifics including real battle include the following :
- Originating and facilitating passage of law videotaping of suspects
- Death Penalty review
- Child care funding
- Ethics and funding Legislators
All Obama none of which are either easy politically or simple organisationally. There is a difference between leadership and management. A true leader is capable of motivating and inspire a people to new levels or place of behaviour. They are transformational in nature reframing the approach and outlook to issues. that is Barack Obama. sometimes just highlighting specifics traps people in the same old dialogue it however does not mean you have got answers. On the other hand there are managers who are transactionals bogged down in detail and incapable to lift their eyes to say a new dawn because their to trapped in what they know to make room for what they do not know. Hillary Clinton fits that role completely. The real question is what does America need going forward, more of the same establishment with a few policy tweaks or a profound change in paradigm. If you choose the latter then you are backing the wrong candidate. Her candidacy is part of a third term strategy to repair her husbands legacy and to gain the power they have become accustomed too. To each his or her own. It is great to read Sherri's post at least she is not reducing Obama but making a considered choice.
I appreciate the fact that you would vote for Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama, if you could. However, I think that some of your comments are a tad bit uninformed and even offensive.
Like anon 2.56 said, it's strange that you find Obama's image suspicious because he has no dirt in his past. If anything, he's the true symbol of all that is noble about America....son of an immigrant who studied hard, graduated in the top 1% of his Harvard law class, did a lot of public service work pro bono when he could have been earning huge amounts in the private sector and then went on to become a senator, and subsequently, presidential candidate.
Michelle Obama is also a Harvard law graduate and was quite easily the most articulate, poised and intelligent prospective first lady that I listened to during the campaign tours last year. For some reason these facts don't inspire you, and make you proud, but make you "suspicious?" Hmmm..
Your comment about him being 'oreolly' was particularly shallow. Apparently, now he's a white person inside because he's too 'squeaky clean,' too intelligent and too articulate? . I respect your opinions Funmi, but some of your comments in this post left me baffled.
"Hillary Clinton seems to be driven by only her ambiton to be first female American president."
Thank you for this post. My feelings exactly.
Now we have her husband pushing behind her,which makes matters even worse. Right from the Iowa caucus i knew this lady agenda was aimed at her own ambition not necessarily because she cares so much about the mid-class or universal healthcare. If at all she does, it still doesn't dismiss the fact she chasing history and she'll do anything to get it.
After all Bill clinton's effort in S.C, OBAMA won. I love it!. Illinois will definitely vote for him that's for sure. Bill and his Hillary wife can continue with there dirty politics, the man called OBAMA will win while they are there.
By the way Miss Iyanda, did you read his book Audacity of Hope. I think you need to that'll give you an insight to this man you clearly do not know of so much.
like the insightful piece about Obama. I just don't trust him and
won't be bamboozled into doing this cos he has African roots. He seems
to be only black when it is convenient while his remarks when he went
to Kenya i think last year or the year before made me dislike him
instantly since then. Besides, i have such a soft spot for my Hilary,
i cant be shifted. Maybe if he was not running against Hilary, i would
definitely be behind him just for his "African Roots" And you got the
Stepford husband to the Stepford wife just down pat!!!!! Besides what
strong opinions apart from the so attractive and seducing slogan
"change" does he have. Change to what exactly. My dearest Condie is a
Strong Black woman who supports the status quo. so the fact that u
"change the skin colour in the white house does not mean you change
the policies and status quo!!!!! Insightful analysis like i said. Ku
ishe opolo (Good Brain work, i think is the translation)
Meanwhile so bad belle ppple don't have anything to criticize us for,
it is Leonardo Da vinci to his Cesare Borgia and not Michelangelo.
Michelangelo apart from his many popes was to his Lorenzo "the
Magnificent" Medici. (See your Blog piece about Ribadu)
Obama's slogan is not change but Yes we can. He is not talking of himself but about the American people. I also felt he did not get it after his visit to Kenya but truly how many leaders of the US get Africa. It takes a openness about complexity. How many Africans even get it as well. Barack is the man for the time and the time is his to shepherd a movement. I am tired boomers and their crap. I am sick of the assumption that they are that can and has achieved social as well as political transformation. It is time for a new generation, my generation to look up and see the glory of the infinite possibilities that our times can offer. It is time for change that we can truly help create and fight to sustain. It is a call for the generation that understands that things cannot be imprisoned by ideology and identity cannot be reduced to identity politics but human complexity that frees all of us up to the possibility of greatness. Yes we can in the US and Yes we can in African. I promise you the genie is out of the bottle and it is yes we can in Nigeria. We will stand in spite of those of us who are prisoners of the politics of fear, insecurity and mediocrity. Yes we can from now from the Pacific to the Atlantic . We will stand for something more than the food on our table and more that the fear of the other. We will stand fro the dignity of the human being in full complexity. Yes we can and we must.
Mr Fineboy expressed my sentiments best/Have we black people bought into the lie.I'm a Nigerian in America who excelled through sheer hard work and got an Ivy league education-I do not come from a priviledged background.By the grace of God and sleepless nights I was blessed with this.Same as Michelle and Obama.Why should black people be called oreolly if they study,work hard,get Ivy league educations and don't collect baby mamas?I feel insulted but more so because black people are saying it and not white people.We have indeed bought into the lie from colonial masters.I respect you Funmi but this I did not expevt.An increasing population of black people are working hard,taking the high road and trying to live decent lives only to be disparaged by theri own race for doing so.How can we then move forward as a race?As for the elections...may the best man/woman(human being) win.
FYI - Obama put out a commentary on the crisis in Kenya on Jan 23rd. While he is actively campaigning to be president of the United States, he is staying abreast of what is going on in Kenya.
It is rather sad that we have been brainwashed to the extent that we question Obama's experience or lack thereof. What experience did Kennedy have before taking office? What experience does GW Bush have? In the little time Obama's been in the senate, he's stood out. He hasn't compromised his position. He took an unpopular stance against the war. What more can we ask for?
It is time for a CHANGE and unfortunately, Hillary still stands for the status quo. Even if your interest is based on what the eventual president can do for Africa - what did the Clintons do? Are we (Africans) better off for them having been in the white house? I think not.
Finally, I think a lot of people are pitching their tent with the Clintons because they can't imagine a black man in the white house. Not now. Perhaps not ever. That's the real tragedy in this matter. We have been told we can't do it and we believe it. It's sad, really.
Link to Obama's comments during a Kenyan radio programme on 29 Jan 08.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/45744
Hillary will get the job done....Obama just has charisma !!
@Gbemi,
What happened during Kennedy's time? Yes it was a time when Americans felt good about themselves, bvut how far tdid that government advance society's functioning? Go and read up a few on that regime. It is exactly what scares me about the Obama-mania. He makes us feel good - and after that inauguration day when we all feel 'oh a new day' - what happens with mortgages, college aid, health care and all those issues common Americans face? Will the feel-good opium take them that far? Did it take them far at all under Kennedy? Or under Reagan?
I'm grateful that Funmi puts in in sharp perspective here. And for all those who continually choose head over heart.
i was going to comment but when i saw FINe boy's comment..there was no need! i will only repeat what he has said!