Mary Mitchell

If you have a problem with Obama being referred to as black, blame him for referring to himself that way. What is your point anyway?

Mitchell comment:

My discussion was about the one-drop rule as it relates to Obama being referred to as possibly the first black president.

I think Tiger Woods might agree with you Mary but he hasn't had much choice in the matter either. I believe Obama is classified this way because some believe there will be many benefits to be had by this forced race association. And my guess is it aint the white folks that care whether he's the first African-American or non-white president. Ask yourself WHO is considering Obama "black" and ask THEM why!

Obama has embraced his African roots, and in front of the media at every opportunity which is fine. He has used his minority status to his advantage - why not given the dire straits of the Republican party. It's not the "public" who isn't giving him much choice - it's Obama (who changed his name from Barry to Barack) and the media creating this "one drop" rule as you state. It's clear Obama, if he runs, will use his ethnicity to separate himself from the rest of the pack (all white). So far, this strategy seems to be working.

Mitchell Comment:

The media didn't create the one-drop rule. That was born out of slavery and segregation.

People reacted the same way to Tiger Woods several years ago, when he first became a big name in golf--emphasizing his black father over his Thai, I believe, mother. Wasn't Woods also criticized for speaking up to redress the imbalance? And he's a GOLF player.

Does Barack consider himself white then?
And, he wouldnt be the first, Bill Clinton has already been named the first black president, remember??

Sad to say, but many white Americans still view the use of the "one drop rule" in terms of social status and position. If Obama becomes president, highest status position of this country, many white Americans would be more content saying we have a non-white president, rather than saying the president is black. For anyone considered, non-white, the question lies to follow, "so what race are you?" When "other" is listed on an application and checked, I wonder what question is asked of the applicant regarding race? I suppose one would have to take into account the interviewer and interviewee's belief regarding the "one drop rule". In the U.S. many only choose to see in "black" and "white". Where is our diversity and will there ever be a time when we all can look at the content of character and not the "one drop rule" of one's race?

Mary, you are right in that Americans embrace the one-drop rule. African-Americans, that is. The example that comes to mind was the Bobby Rush-Barack Obama congressional primary race. It was Rush's people who attacked and successfully may I add Obama's 'whiteness'. It wasn't that long ago. And I didn't hear the finger-pointer, either. Oh how everybody has forgot.

Mary, the man is an African. He has black skin, nappy hair, Negroid features and an African daddy. White mommie isn't too visible except in his speech pattern. Barack is no white boy no matter how you try to look at it. His lineage is known. His daddy was African so he is an African American which translates to black guy for me, which, to me makes him the first black or African American president. Is that so difficult?

As far as black women having white children, usually there is some indication of their Negroid genes in their features or hair texture, uh, that is except for old Michael Jackson. Judging by his towheaded, blue eyed white kids the man has the genes of a Viking I guess.

Let's see, so black and white women have black babies, but rich black men can have pure white babies. All this is getting very complicated isn't it?

Affirmative action laws and quota programs enable the one-drop rule to be advantageous some. The one-drop rule will remain in effect until this country and its laws are truly color-blind.

Sad to say, but many white Americans still view the use of the "one drop rule" in terms of social status and position. If Obama becomes president, highest status position of this country, many white Americans would be more content saying we have a non-white president, rather than saying the president is black. For anyone considered, non-white, the question lies to follow, "so what race are you?" When "other" is listed on an application and checked, I wonder what question is asked of the applicant regarding race? I suppose one would have to take into account the interviewer and interviewee's belief regarding the "one drop rule". In the U.S. many only choose to see in "black" and "white". Where is our diversity and will there ever be a time when we all can look at the content of character and not the "one drop rule" of one's race?

Dear mrs Mitchell,thank you so much for you insightful comments-you are always on the money-I have always wondered about that"one drop rule"-if that's the case alot of so called whites are really black-why can't bi-racial people (which most of us are)make the decision themselves on how they wish to be viewed? I feel they are the best of both worlds!!!

Ms. Mitchell never fails to amaze me with her smoke and mirrors writing and her incessant attempts to blame everything on whitey. IT IS OBAMA who rarely, if ever, mentions the white side of his family. It is Mariah Carey, Halle Berry and tons of other half and half celebrities who never mention the white side of their families. There is SO much more political and financial mileage in being black rather than white in our politically correct society. Don't hang this one on the evil white man. This is their choice.

Mitchell Comment:

I definitely disagree. Obama's first book dealt with his mixed-race background extensively. Further, "evil white man" is your opinion, not mine,

I think the fact that Obama's appeal cuts across racial lines is much more important than whether he is 1/2, 1/4, or even one drop African American. If white people who support Obama refer to his race as black, what's the difference? Obama's ideas and charisma are more important than his skin color. If anything, it is a credit to African Americans that so many white people are energized by him.

You seem to have a problem with skin color as all of your columns deal with race. Listen, Black or white the only color I care about is the color of my money:

GREEN!

Those 13" Black and White televisions must've had a profound effect on your youth!

Mitchell Comment:

Given that this blog is a forum for the discussion of race issues, what did you expect?

I had a great conversation with my Mom about this when Alan Keyes was talking up reparations and telling people Senator Obama wasn't an African American because he wasn't a descendant of slaves. She says 'white' people (and she includes us in that category) are going to be a lot more forthcoming about their ancestry if this country ever does anything about reparations.

As someone of a mixed background who grew up in a white flight suburb, I like to consider myself culturally caucasian. Having read the senator's first book, I think he's rather CC also.

I think that black people embrace Barack Obama for one very simple reason because we always accept anybody under our tent. They can look white and that’s ok and they can look mixed, or pure Nairobi Black and that’s cool too. Whites can sometime have trouble accepting those down in the boondocks, or even the other side of the track. Black people are just more acceptable of those who may not be just like us, but have what we think or view of as “our� characteristics. Once you meet that hurdle, just consider yourself in. Hey, blacks consider Bill Clinton as one of us because we felt like he belonged. While the President never confirmed his genealogy, he had an undeniable rhythm that was natural and not mimicked---so we let him in. Now Obama could take it one step further, he even has the features.

The one drop rule really meant that you can’t have seat under the white tent, but the black tent is open and available 24/7----if you want to come in. What is sad about the rule is that there are millions of whites who live in this country who don’t know they have African roots. Wait, wait one minute, if the mother of modern homo sapiens is known to have originated in Africa, then it would stand to reason that somewhere we all have common ancestry? So, really how different are we---really? If we can interbreed among the various racial groups, then Mother Nature is telling us that it can’t be that much of a difference. So, what’s the fuss?

When a person of color or biracial person becomes prominent then white people always want to acknowledge their "white" heritage. Everyone wants to claim a successful person.

Can we say Barack, Halle and Tiger?

to K. Kovach: Show some decency please. Its white man, not white boy. And as far as the senator goes, he's 1/2 black, 1/2 white in race. Or to specific, a male human being.

Is the color of our skin really matter? Either you are black, white, red, green or blue, does not predispose you for being good or bad. so what is your point?
I don't know if your are black yourself. If so, let me tell you that I am verry desappointed of you. By talking about the race issue all the time, we black have invented a neosegregation against ourselves. That is the sad part of it. So next time you see Obama, think about everything but his race. If you have a car that you like, please do so not because of its color but because of its engin and features. Otherwise you could be stupid. You may just don't know it.

Everyone seems to respect Barack Obabma for addresing his African roots but honestly, can he be accepted as anything else? According to Adrian L. Lee: "It is Mariah Carey, Halle Berry and tons of other half and half celebrities who never mention the white side of their families" --- this is untrue. Mariah Carey has only recently began addressing her "black side" because the media loves to show celebrity dysfunction and nothing that I've read regarding her black family so far, has been shown in a positive light. As far as her "white side' is concerned, does she really have to explain that, when you look at Mariah Carey what do you really see?
Halle Berry's mom was seen immediately when the white audience started to take notice and began addressing her as a "star". So there is no comparing these two. As far as Barack, he may win all the popularity contests towards the Presidential chair but until America gets past what they can see, he definitely won't sit in it---that's the reality, in a better America maybe but this IS NOT a better America, NOT YET! The black community--- all around this country--- is heavily under funded in education, employment, healthcare and other valuable resources (none of which is by accident) so thinking that this country, with its history of oppresion will forgive this so called one- drop rule is laughable.

There are many Great African-American men all over this country that are in a continuous fight, everyday for much less.

I'm a Kenyan from Western Province,neighboring where Obama's father originated.From my community and Obama's father's community,a child is identifyied by the father.Though Obama is an American by birth and socialization, he still remains the father's son.He is thus a Luo and an African.So Obama is a Kenya American.When you read his book Dreams from my Father, and even his second book,Audacity of Hope, Barack clearly states this position.What is wrong with being African anyway?
Dr Oruoch

I think a lot of people are missing the point, Mary. If I can interject my two cents, I don't think mainstream America still thinks about the one-drop rule... I think it's solely a matter of appearance. Mariah Carey, for instance, has a Black father and a White mother, but you never hear anyone call her Black because she doesn't look it. At the same time, Halle Berry also has a Black father and White mother, but because she's brown, she's considered Black. It seems to be a matter of appearance and physical traits, not the one-drop rule.

I think various reporters and journalists look for the easiest classifications into which everyone can fit, and that becomes the story.

My wife is bi-racial (Black father/Italian mother). She will correct anyone who seeks to categorize her one way or the other. She'll accept bi-racial or multi-racial, but not Black OR White. Choosing sides would be denying her heritage.

I have heard Senator Obama refer to himself as a Black man, but in the context in which he was making the statement, he was referring to how he (and others) have been treated because of the color of our skin.

To Cheryl.

As an African American woman
-which fits you more perfect than many -
you would feel this way.

You are not a threat(In a way that would offend if you were a man)

Most "African Americans" are mixed with some non African culture(Hence the term "African American")

ps. Only in America is one asked to differentiate between the "heritage of his heritage", which is RACIST IN ITSELF AND DAMN STUPID!! The only difference is how much tan we took from the union.

Africans are a proud people that are removed from American slave mentallity...true.

But go a few blocks down the street alone, or a different state where you have to get by on your wit,
or go to a Cub game with an African American male that has a white girlfrind or two or three...*wink*
You will find out as quick as Scrooge on Christmas or Tiger being ask not to bring "Collard Greens to the Masters"

Mayibuye!...Wake Up!

Wait - you're saying the "one drop" for Obama is caused by "slavery and segragation"? You can't be that naive...it's Obama who has made his African roots part of his flirting with the media about a Presidential run. It's Obama who changed his name from Barry to Barack. It's Obama who paraded the media around his father's heritage in Africa. This is all fine and probably a terrific strategy to continue to separate himself from other candidates. But PLEASE don't suggest Obama's race allegiance is all about slavery - he is making these choices and they are all centered around balancing his enormous appeal to white voters (as evidenced by his Senate win), and trying to retain the black community's support.

MITCHELL COMMENT:

U.S. Senator Barack Obama did not establish the one-drop rule. I included the link for essays on this subject with the hope that you would read up on the subject before responding.

Many of the posters here are historically ignorant and only post here to spew their racial venom anonymously. Mary didn't invent the "one drop" rule, she is merely reporting the news regarding B.O. Slave masters created this dividing ideology to be able to misuse the children they fathered with Slaves. It allowed them to sell, beat, rape, and murder their own children with good conscience. It has also been used to strip deserving off-spring of their biological birthright and inheritance (Jefferson,Thurmond,etc.). The current situation in our society is more a symptom of the bigotry seen across cultural lines. Black people are known to be very open and welcoming to people of all racial backgrounds. Blacks often take in strays from all walks of life. When you have nothing it is easier to share it with others, when you are blessed with much, people tend to be very guarded with what they have. If you read Obama's book or really just be honest with yourself you can see that people of mixed race have long been seen as blacks BY WHITES. B.O. speaks of his treatment by other students throughout his school years. When whites don't care that you are as much White as you are Black, you become black. Regardless of they way that person feels. You will flock toward who welcomes you and treats you fairly. White people throughout the history of this country have proven without the shadow of a doubt that they are not willing to do that.

Regardless of the way one defines themselves, society will always label them based on how they look. Obama can say that he is white and people will look at him and they will not see a white person. People of color have experienced this all there life. As a person of mixed race, I am constantly being asked "what am I." People judge you based on how you look and hence, treat you differently because of that.

And to the comment posted by Shecky Fuller - you may see that there is "more political and financial mileage in being black rather than white in our politically correct society" - but for ever mile ahead I get - there are a whole lot of potholes that I must overcome to get where I want to get....

If Africa is the cradle of humanity, aren't we ALL, by use of the One-Drop Rule, "African American" or "black"?

My heritage is (as far as I know) strictly white European. But, of course, those white Europeans had to have come from out of Africa at one time or another. What year/century/age/eon was the cutoff?

I have often been tempted to check the box for school applications or other documentation in which I could benefit from being a minority. Who would challenge me? Would I have to act black? Be measured against a color chart? Be forced to demonstrate rhythm?

I am cynical enough to think that tons of whites are “passing� because I never hear about it being challenged. And, if it were challenged it could blow the lid off of the idea of “race� in America.

Mary, is race just a lie waiting to be unraveled?

If Africa is the cradle of humanity, aren't we ALL, by use of the One-Drop Rule, "African American" or "black"?

My heritage is (as far as I know) strictly white European. But, of course, those white Europeans had to have come from out of Africa at one time or another. What year/century/age/eon was the cutoff?

I have often been tempted to check the box for school applications or other documentation in which I could benefit from being a minority. Who would challenge me? Would I have to act black? Be measured against a color chart? Be forced to demonstrate rhythm?

I am cynical enough to think that tons of whites are “passing� because I never hear about it being challenged. And, if it were challenged it could blow the lid off of the idea of “race� in America.

Mary, is race just a lie waiting to be unraveled?

Fact is Barack as nice a man as he is, has done absolutely nothing as a politician yet. When he actually does something then I'll think of him as a serious contender. Being propped up by the liberal media and Dummycrats is not eneough.

America has to get rid of the one drop rule. It doesn't make any sense anymore, now that Jim Crow laws are supposedly over. Most blacks in America have at least some white ancestry. Very few of us are pure African.

I do not think it is the one-drop-rule when it comes to Obama. I would consider it the one-parent-rule and he does have a black parent. When is someone black as opposed to no longer considered black? Why would anyone want to be not black?

I am ashamed tha even though the USA is preaching "democratic rights" all over the world, it does not practice the same with respect to Obama. In him, you have the best president. A person who will not only to unify USA but also to unify the world against terrorism and yet he might not stand a chance just because he is not PURE WHITE! Give us a break and elect a person for what he stands for and what he is. Not by his colour!

Would you rather be led by a white idiot or by an inteligent and honest American irrespective of his race?

America ought to grow up!

Mary, this country will always be divided by skin color. Blacks did not create this divide! The divide started legally in this country upon the passage of Article I,sec.2 of the United States Constitution.

Shecky and jerry the sica bro' ..check your ancestors..The Dna from a white man leads back to a common ancestor"a black woman from africa...that makes you and jerry part black,how ironic!(you wont see it in mainstream media ) it doesnt matter what race Obama claims,the world sees him as a black man anyway....DOC

My 7th grade social studies class recently emailed Oprah stating that Barack is an African-Anglo American.

As usual, in matters of race and/or politics, the hypocrisy is stunning. Obama wraps himself proudly in his "African-American-ness", and rightfully so. But if anyone, usually white people, have the audacity (there's that word again) to suggest that he is getting alot of this attention based on the fact that he is black, they are called racist.

And everybody is just too cowardly to call anyone on it.

By the way, when is the media tour thru Kansas scheduled?

I take your point, and it is a good one. However, everyone knows that traditionally what "black" refers to in our society is anyone who 1. couldn't pass as white, or 2. chose not to identify themselves as white.

If you met me you'd assume that I'm white. However, at least half my family traces it's American origins back to the 17th century, so what do you think are the chances that I'm entirely white. All those generations of my family marrying other people in the South - a region where the "black" population was a disproportionately large part of the general population?

I'd say that the chances that I'm entirely Caucasian are practically nil. Wouldn't you?

And speaking of Barach Obama, do you remember his trip to Africa. Remember those huge crowds of faces so black that it looked like a sea of night? How often do you see faces that black here in America? Not often.

The truth is that you and I, provided you also can trace your family back to the before the Civil War, are neither black nor white. We are varying degrees of both.

So why do I say that I'm white? Probably that has a lot to do with the cultural norms and habits that inform my family. A lot of it is skin color, but much of it is not. The same is probably true for you.

As time goes on and we as a people become more mocha than white or black, we are the ones who determine who we are... Just like the Jews, we will self select based on a cultural understanding of our own identity.

Barach Obama is half African, but he's black because he says he is.

Didnt Martin Luther King want no one to look at color or race? Obama is a hypocrite he went to Maryland and told us to not vote for a person because of the color of our skin and he comes he and says we need to stick together.

Thank you for addressing the one-drop rule, Mary. I'm embarrassed by how entrenched racism is in some of your respondents, but I appreciate your level-headed responses.

I wish that people would separate the two issues of "is Barack good for the US?" and "is the one-drop rule ubiquitous and harmful in US culture?" To answer the first, find any of Sen. Obama's remarks on the Iraq war, faith in America, etc. and be amazed at his skill to respectfully get the heart of a matter, with an eye to improving American's lives (I can't even imagine Bush, Kerry, Clinton etc. speaking like this, let alone acting on those thoughts.) The answer to the second question is "yes!" For too long has racial injustice kept the US from realizing its true potential. Only by recognizing and changing instituted discrimination like the one-drop rule can we live in the America of the founders' dreams, where each of us can proudly look one another in the eye.

To the respondents who call being black an asset, you're putting the cart in front of the horse. Well-connected wealthy influential black people have the advantage of saying, "and I'm not guilty of getting where I am as a beneficiary of centuries of majority white vs. minority black racial injustice." But if you consider black people as a whole, being black is no advantage in contemporary US. I'm no sociologist, but being black means you're more likely to be poor, to be discriminated against, and to have friends who are like this too (rather than friends who would be more likely to help you with upward mobility.) And yes affirmative actions have attempted to level the playing field by getting blacks into the positions they would have naturally been in were it not for vicious racism, but are any of the legislations enough when the country doesn't change its own heart towards race? And do employers now have to look at successful blacks wondering if they deserve their success or if