too right!

Don't you think Bill Clinton's condescending attitude is related more to personal resentment/bitterness (stemming from a sense of he and his wife's entitlement) than to resentment that "blacks have the audacity to express then execute their own interpretation of democracy?"  If Barack Obama had been running against any other Democrat in the primary besides Hillary Clinton, I don't think Bill Clinto would showing any of this attitude.

BELEDY... I think Bill's condescension is a mixture of personal resentment and an inherent dismissive attitude some whites don't think they possess toward self-sufficient blacks.

During the entire campaign The Clintons have referred to Obama as articulate, inspiring, smart as a whip.  He's not some high-achieving black 13 year old in a mostly white junior high school, he's an adult man running for president.  Of course, this is my opinion, but I stand behind it full heartedly.

BTW, there's been plenty of posts and discussions here at The Root and at other entities that have addressed this very issue.

Keith - thanks for your reply.  I can see your point, although I am undecided about how I interpret his actions.  If I accept that his dismissiveness is fueled by "latent" racism, the next interesting thought would be that Bill Clinton never expressed racist (dismissive) thoughts until he felt personally threatened by a black person's success.  Which would give him something in common with people who say they never felt angry at black people until they didn't get x job, into x college, etc.  Hmm . . . seems obvious when I write it out.

(I have followed several of the debates about Clinton, the campaign, and racism, although I don't usually comment.)

"During the entire campaign The Clintons have referred to Obama as articulate, inspiring, smart as a whip.  He's not some high-achieving black 13 year old in a mostly white junior high school, he's an adult man running for president.  Of course, this is my opinion, but I stand behind it full heartedly."

Hear! Hear! Say it again. It is closely akin to the "articulate" compliment that white folks love to lay on black people.  

Bill Clinton was not the "first black president."  The emergence of Obama has put that obvious fact into stark relief, and his childish outbursts are the result.  

Repubs tried to tell you about BC a long long time ago.

Why oh why does everything have to be all about skin? Can you let it go? Is hatred so ingrained in you that it isn't possible? Why does everything have to be all about you and the color of your skin? Get over yourselves!

Can't Bill Clinton have the same personal resentment and bitterness towards Obama that he would understandably have towards ANY competitor of ANY color that shattered his family's dream of putting the 1st woman president in the White House? It is unfortunate that two such wonderful people ( Obama and Clinton) had to be running against each other at the same time when the election of either one of them will make history. Somebody had to lose and if it happened to the candidate you were hoping for well, I for one would like the right to be just as dissappointed as I would be if she were running against a WHITE man without any comment or disappointment being automatically viewed as racist!

To concerned and confused:

Have you ever considered that black people would earnestly like to NOT HAVE TO second guess every nonp-beneficial encounter with a white person? We black folks honesty, really, sincerely DO get tired of having to guess, "now, was that racist, or is this person simply rude or, perhaps, just poorly trained?"

What many white people fail to understand, perhaps reasonably so since there is no way you could know, is that for every time a black person bothers to voice their suspicions that they are experiencing racism at a particularly moment, THEY HAVE ALREADY CHOSEN TO IGNORE 100 OTHER SUCH INCIDENTS that were equally as suspect.

Have a little sympathy.

You know how much you second guess yourself, and others, on a regualar basis, for any number of reasons. Now imagine having to also factor in when someone says or does something sideways to you, whether or not it is an act of racism, and then having to determine how to respond. First, no one is going to say, "you are right, ma'am, I was being racist just then," so you are NEVER sure. Second, if you do nothing simply because YOU YOURSELF are tired of being accused of being the girl who cries racism everytime you don't get your way, then you suffer the guilt of knowing that you have just made it that much easier for a racist to assault the next black person they encounter. Third, you could be totally wrong about the person, and then your cries of racism actually cause people who experience real incidences to not be taken seriously. And the considerations and calculations go on, and on, and on.... EVERY DAY. A HUNDRED TIMES A DAY.

You try living under that psychological nigtmare and see how you feel when someone flippantly dismisses any accusations of racism as whining. That shat is infuriating!

You may be right: Bill might just be a sore loser. But we will never know. And that is just another wonderful side effect of white supremacy that black people have to learn to live with: we have to second guess every interaction with and comment from every white person we meet.

We don't enjoy that madness any more than you do.

And also... I hope Obama wins the Presidency by a landslide as he deserves  to ! Maybe, MAYBE once a person of color holds the highest office in the land and things happen that are twisted around in voice or in print to be all about a persons skincolor, instead of whatever its really about - people will then  FINALLY see how irrelevant, harmful and divisive it is to assume racism where none exists!

I am always reminded of Chris Rock's "Bring the Pain" analysis of Colin Powell's ill-fated attempt to run for president. The whole thing about white people giving him the same "complement," being

that he, "speaks so well... the man is just so 'well-spoken." Now we are hearing the same thing about Obama; as though his ability to "speak well," whatever that means, is the one worthwhile characteristic he possesses. Well, as Mr. Rock pointed out, speaks so well is not a complement... and it isn't! Rock put it very well when he said, "He's (Powell) a well-educated man! What words were you expecting to come out of his mouth? 'Imma drop me a bomb today! I be prez-o-dent!'" Obama is a smart man for gods sake... and to ask what he has achieved? It is maddening.

Oh, and by the way "concerned and confused" - which is a very appropriate title  - your complaint, "why is everything about skin... let it go" is something I challenge you to reconsider. Why is everything about skin? Why does the color of a man or woman's skin dictate public perception of that person? I know, I know, you know plenty of black people, right? Additionally,

why does justice in the american legal system often depend on the color of a man's skin? Why does the color of a man's skin determine whether he will be tased to death by cops believing that people with a certain color of skin are just more inclined to commit criminal acts? Why is it so mind-boggling for men and women of a certain skin color to want fair treatment by the law and the same friggin human rights as everyone else? Tell me that. If you were being treated like this because of your skin color, would you give it up? Please. Instead of getting angry, try and understand what is really going on... it isn't what sean hannity and fox news are telling you.

Dr Spaceman - I truly appreciate your taking the time to respond, but honestly nowadays nobody cares if Jesus is Purple as long as hes come to save the world. We get tired of having to censor ourselves too. I f I dont like you  you can rest assured it is because I dont like you not what color skin you were born in. However if I seek to express that dislike, I can't, for fear it might be assumed racist. That isn't fair,

concerned and confused

do you honestly think "nobody cares" about skin color anymore? maybe YOU don't, but unless you are emailing from Siberia, where perhaps the demographics make that statement true, I will assume you don't mean that literally. as for you not being able to express a dislike for someone who "happens to be" non-white for fear of being called a racist...

BOO-FRICKIN-HOO. CRY ME A RIVER, BUILD A BRIDGE, AND GET OVER IT.

i am going to let you in on a little secret: most black people think the whole idea of white guilt and this current epidemic of whining that white people are swept up in these days because they feel so "bad" about possibly being considered racist is TOTALLY LAUGHABLE.

if the worst that whites have to worry about when it comes to interacting with people of color in this country is being called racist . . . i'll take that ANY DAY over worrying about being turned down for a loan because i'm black, or getting murdered by the police during a routine traffic stop because i'm black, or being chased by a mob of white teenagers for walking through "the wrong neighborhood," or being put out of school PERMANENTLY for getting into a fight with a white kid, or not getting a job even when I was qualified because i'm black, or being accused of being in a university simply because i'm black, or having to live in a neighborhood with inferior supermarkets, etc., because i'm black, or being given an uneccesary histerectomy because i'm black, etc., etc., etc.

if you can't tell a black arsehole off simply because they ARE black, then you might be a racist.

this is still America, you know. freedom of speech and all that. we black folk didn't fight and die and march and get bit by dogs and firehosed, etc., for the right to speak freely, only to now have to hear white people whine like babies about being afraid to speak their minds.

To paraphrase Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dr. Spacemen you're my hero.

It's amazing that there can be so much racism in America without anybody being a racist.  That's quite a trick.  And if there was irrefutable proof that Jesus was purple, white people would fall all over themselves to prove it was untrue, just like their irrational reactions to any portrayal of Jesus as a black person in plays, music videos, or movies (though that portrayal is closer to the truth than the images of Jesus that make him look like a 70's heavy metal guitar player).  Color blindness ia a myth.  Everybody sees color.  The challenge is to interact with people in a way that isn't based on stereotypical prejudices.  One problem that white people have with race relations stems from the influence of political correctness; they can no longer make racist statements with impunity.  This is what led to the increasingly moronic discourse about Obama, and the Clintons' pandering to ignorant racists during the primaries.  

hey dr spaceman,

not everything is about race. someone possibly insulted a black man? guess what...

BOO-FRICKIN-HOO. CRY ME A RIVER, BUILD A BRIDGE, AND GET OVER IT.

only a hyper-sensitive person (or culture) could see racism in a bunch of compliments. Please, try to condescendingly compliment me and thus hurt my feelings.

peace, dawgs

Nobody I know my age or  younger  was actually raised to be a racist, even if some of our  parents may have been. Nor have they gone out of their way to  do anything harmful to anyone based on color, that I know of. No I don't live in a cave I know stuff happens and when it does it is up to all intelligent folks to do whatever they can to make sure it doesn't  happen again.Yes, I believe racism is learned, on both sides - I've never seen a white baby complain about having to  play with a black baby yet! You r white guilt comment is just ugly though, please explain to me why I should feel guilt for  something I never did and never participated in, it's not my place to hold anyone down black or of any color, just to be sensitive to the fact that it still happens and not to be part of it.However, in trying to be sensitive to other people's feelings of course we wouldn't want to do anything someone **might** think racist, or hurt their feelings!. You have even managed to make concern for others anugly thing! Listen to your hatred showing!! We are damned by you if we care for your feelings  and damned if we dont give a care for anyone but other whites. We can't win, we are bad bad bad and no amount of talking convinces you otherwise.  I've been reading and trying my best to understand but I gotta tell you fi you are so willing to make something  good in to something ugly well no wonder you have problems! Most of those things you say are still happening there are laws against, I'd sue them if I were being discriminated againt if I had any means to. Meanwhile I've moved to Texas from California, I work in a place that is probably 85-90 percent black and I have to be twice as good as anyone else just to keep my job! There are some people who look at me like they wish I'd die and they don't even know me, it's all because I'm white, I guess. Then there are others that don't openly hate me, they just make sure I have to cross every T and dot every i so I am sure to be stressed and not enjoying my job.I don't understand it and I got to honestly say I have experienced more racism directed at me from black people then I have ever in my life seen directed towards a black person. And we are not superior supremist or anything like that unless you are just referring to that there are more white people in this country at the moment than other races but that is changing.How much has to change, please oh please tell me what the magic bullet is to put an end to all this negativity!

Oh and did I mention that if you can actually come up with what a person can do not to be hated I'd gladly do it if I can, but I'm starting to get convinced that all this negativity is like a crutch, what are you gonna do without it? Meanwhile I drive through Mc Donalds and hear black people calling each other the N word and speak to each other in ways I'd never consider in a million years and you wonder why white people dont know what to do and are confused as hell!

Did it ever occur to any of you that when a person no matter the color they are has stood in the way of another persons life ambition, things that are said about them may be less than perfect and it has nothing to do with race? what if he were speaking of John McCain instead? Do you then think white people would be sitting around picking fly crap out of pepper  all this reading between the lines for what was said vs what was meant?

I suppose now if I say that Obama is well spoken and one of the most Charismatic people I've ever seen, AND has some great ideas for the future of this country what I actually mean by that is.....geez I can hardly wait to hear it. Sometimes all you mean is what you said, and sometimes a compliment is just a compliment.

and duh...I use well spoken because it is a good descriptor of any person of any race that is a good speaker there is no put down of any kind in that!

Bill Clinton did a lot of good for  a lot of people in this country  -of any color.

How soon we forget, and bite the hand that fed us all. leave the man and his failed ambitions alone. I am sure he feels let  down, anyone would.just take a look at the state of the budget then, vs. now.

Aren;t there more important things to worry about, like the current insane dictator we have for a president perhaps? Can we pick apart what he says or is there just too much material there?

concerned and confused:

>> Meanwhile I drive through Mc Donalds and hear black people calling each other the N word and speak to each other in ways I'd never consider in a million years and you wonder why white people dont know what to do and are confused as hell!

... And here it is. The old "if we can't say *** anymore, why can they say it" complaint. I think we've all seen or read this complaint dressed up a thousand different ways over the last 5 years or so. What is so confusing c & c? That you can't call a black person *** with impunity any more? Let me help you, then, since you seem to have been bothered by my post all afternoon: LET. IT. GO. And actually, you can say *** if you want to; you just have to be wo/man enough to handle the repercussions, if there are any.

Perhaps you should ask your therapist why you care so much that whether or not anonymous black people hate you. Or why you care so much about what I typed.

And you work at a job that is 85% staffed by black people? I take it it is a solidly blue-collar job, then? Are your employers black? If yes, then I don't understand why you fear for your job - they hired you, didn't they? If your employers aren't black, then why do you give a *** what some of your black co-workers MIGHT think of you? Apparently, you haven't tried making friends with them, because you have to SPECULATE that they hate you. That's what happens when speculate instead of engage: you are left to your own mental devices. Try this: ignore them, do your job well until you can find one where all of your co-workers love you, and when you get off work seek out your own loved ones for comfort.

What is with all of you white people who are so concerned about what anonymous, lower-class black people do/say/think? I'm black, and I don't spend spend ANY time thinking the antics of low-class whites, or worry about what low-class whites think of me. EVER.

A few of the members of the cleaning crew who work on my job are white. And rude. I speak to them when they come in in the evening to pick up my trash, and they rarely say anything in response. Do I notice? Yes. Do I care? No. Do I think they don't speak back because they are racist?

No, I don't. I think they are mad that they have to call me "Sir," and that I obviously make WAYYYY more money than they do and have a better quality of life. Do I have the power to get them fired for being rude to a senior staff member? Yes. But I never will because their lives are already hard enough, I'm sure. But . . .

I NEVER EVER SPEND ONE SECOND OF MY LIFE FRETTING THAT SOME ANONYMOUS, LOW-CLASS WHITE PERSON MIGHT NOT LIKE ME.

That would simply be... Its just unfathomable. Maybe you need a new life, c & c. Or some black friends, so you'll feel better. Tell you what: from now on, you can tell anyone you like that you a black friend who is an "actual doctor" -- Dr. Spaceman.

Honestly I would love to have some black friends ! Thanks for offering. I have been making a lot at work but no one that wants to like hang out with me after work though... too bad.. I have a nice pool.

Dude, seriously though - It doesn't hurt me to see people call each other the n word and treat each other with no respect because I can't, thats ridiculous.. i would never in a million years., and wouldn't want to. Ever.

It does make me sad though and confused at why they would perpetuate what should end.

I can;t say where I work but it's an awesome job for a person of about half a college education, and they let me work hours that iI can go to school to continue to improve myself. I'd sure like to keep that job too, so I'll leave it at that. Why do you assume that because a lot of blacks work there vast majority in fact, that its solidly blue collar?

Ok you have a point - I'll go get a life ...yeah stuff bothers me but if it bithered more people maybe there would be more open discourse and less hating. White people get unneccessary hysterectomies too. Greed is color blind.

how much money has bill clinton raised for hiv work done in africa?

how much have any of you?

it's sad to see a grown man melting down, as clinton has over the past months. i think much of the anger stems from the unfair media coverage during the democratic primary. i voted obama, but hillary got jobbed. the media made obama look  cooler than the nintendo wii.

 but i hear the author. everything is peachyking when black folks are passive and agreeable. anything  contrary is perceived as insolence.

I have never been much of a fan of Bill Clinton but let's get real. All of this labeling the man a hating racist is a little over the top for me. I don't fault him for trying to get his wife elected president. And certain blogs and talk show host did everything to make folks think he was running for grand wizard of the KKK during the primaries and most of us bought into it. Can we please stop always trying to make Obama out to be a victim. It's really not a good look and I don't think it helps his run for president. Now, since Clinton didn't use the right adjectives to compliment Obama he's a racist. I'd be PO'ed at Obama too if his camp tried to twist everything I said into a racial issue. In 07 a lot of you were still calling him the first black president. Now he's Jesse Helms. This is too funny.

He's pissed off because he didn't win, it's as simple as that.  Turning his snotty comments into some sort of Liberal Cecil Rhodes White Man's Burden conspiracy is just silly.

Smart as a whip? That is what Bill Clinton said of Barack Obama. What is that? Honestly I do not think that Bill is a racist but he used race as did his wife and the old racial attitudes of some Americans to TRY to win. If you are a FRIEND to black people, love black people, have respect for black people then why would you do this? You mean to say that winning the White House is more important to staying true to your supposed ideals?

Perhaps he thought we black people wouldn't notice or that we would notice but forgive? I do not understand why it is now Obama's responsiblility to tell Blacks that he isn't racist. Bill Clinton said some dumb, foul things during the primaries and now he will have to deal with the consequences of his OWN words. He may not be racist but he is dismissive and angry. If he feels that he was 'misunderstood' then why wont he call Clyburn or Obama himself? Why this ugly episode for public consumption? Why? Because he wants to hamstring Obama's run for the White House.  

How is it that he is the smartest politican of this time (according to MSNBC) and does not know how to conduct himself politically? Either he aint that smart or there is a bunch of hype over nothing.

Bill, take your time processing your disappointment but do us all a favor RUN from TV cameras and microphones. Oh and how much good is he "helping" Africans when he openly disdains Obama? I am willing to bet that the Black Africans he is visiting have tremendous pride in Obama and would be surprised and saddened by his current hissy-fit and sour grapes.

I gotta hand it to you Keith, when you throw it out there, folks sure get there rankles up! (Myself included).

  What is WRONG with you people?! Does everything have to be about color and racism?! FACT: Blacks are just as racist and have bigger chips on their shoulders. Bill Clinton is not angry that Obama is black and gets the nomination; he is angry because he (through Hillary) can't be in the white House again!

  Do you think Obama will change the nation because he is black? Obama being a black-american (there is no longer any such thing as african-american unless you are an african that was naturalized in the USA) and possibly winning the Presidency is a great thing. HOWEVER: He was already well off financially to care about poor blacks! He cares about their vote, that's it! He is still, at the end of the day, just a politician who has blinded us all. Yes, even me. If anyone actually LISTENS to what he has to say, it is the SAME gibberish that everyone else has said. He just paints a prettier picture. Black americans need to grow up! Take the fronts out of your mouths, go to school, take care of your children and stop pretending all your problems are caused by white americans. Don't like what I say? Tough! The truth hurts, doesn't it! The other truth is that I have just repeated what Obama has said. Tell me, what is the difference? Why can he say it and be loved? Why can't people in society who love society  say it without being called a racist?

  You all better look within yourselves, toughen up and make the real difference that our country needs.

Obama ran as a wunderkind and his campaign was an amorphous one based on "change" and "hope", much like JFK, who had a lot more experience in Washington than Obama had when he ran.  Relatively speaking, all Obama really had distinguishing him from HRC, Edwards, etc. was his ambition, charisma, intelligence, and vision for the future - his experience lagged far behind any other viable candidate.  Bill Clinton is, in part, correct in his assessment of Obama - he is potential without proof, which is why so many people voted for this Washington outsider.  He's a smart, driven, savvy candidate for President who is short on experience when compared with HRC and McCain (who has over 25 years in national politics under his belt).  Obama's certainly an accomplished candidate with a lot to offer, but he's less accomplished than his adversaries.

I'm voting for Obama in the fall (though I didn't in the primary), but contending that Bill Clinton is a condescending racist is a bit much.  If you think that's bad, wait until the debates.

I think that Mr. Clinton had his opportunity to impact the lives of all who are Americans whether they voted for him or not. Mr. Bush and others who hold the office is not just President of those who agree with him. I am concerned by anyone who does not learn and use their new knowledge to alter or change their behavior. That being said ,I know for a fact that intelligence ,knowledge or even desire does not translate to behavioral change.

Disappointment is something all of us humans must deal with. Self-reflection is usually a way to get insight and journey toward our purpose . I believe learning is  or can be beneficial to  accomplish that purpose. No matter what Mr. Clinton says, I don't think race is a part of his hurt. He blew it and wanted another chance through his wife.

I was also disappointed when he allowed his weakness to limit his ability to achieve his and our goals.

I am hopeful that Mr. Obama who seems to surround himself with good knowledgeable and experienced people and who has proven to be a competent manager  who listens and learns will win ,however , I know that no one person will save anyone from the position of the presidency.

All of us alive today have work to do if we want change ,respect and success in providing for the generations following.

We do have to pay the consequences for choices we make, individuall and collectively.

Taking responsibility , dealing with consequences , learning and making the best of our lives is the

business of each of us human beings.

                  elderglo

Seriously. Some days I can't even make it through the comments on these posts because they are so filled with venom. For that matter-sometimes I have trouble reading the actual posts too...but I do it because I honestly do want to understand.

Look, I hate Bill Clinton. Always have, probably always will. HOWEVER, I realize that his comments are not racially motivated-the man LOST. He thought his wife was going to be President and continue the family legacy (have no doubt-chelsea was next)....so yea, he's bitter. It's not because he doesn't like BLACK people....he just wanted to WIN. Now, he's choosing his words so carefully that he sounds rude-but he doesn't want people to know just how much he hates having to campaign for Obama. Not because he's black, but because he whooped bill's wife booty. Hard.

I'm sure there are a few of you here who will say I need to get some black friends or some BS like that. Here's what I have to say about that-I've lived with 3 black girls at once. We did all the stuff girls do-went to dinner, went shopping, went out, watched tv together, etc. But not a single day went by that I didn't walk into a conversation where they were talking about how awful white people were...or something so similar I was offended. Why is it ok for black people to talk about white people like trash? I would never-and I mean NEVER-say the things about black people that some black people say about white people.

As for the whole calling each other the "n" word, etc....if it's so disrespectful-just STOP. If it's not disrespectful, why do you care who says it? And I don't want the tired line of "we can say it, you can't". That's a cop out reason (like when you're kid asks "why" and you say "because i said so") Give me a REAL reason. I don't want to say it. I think the word is dirty, degrading, disgusting and should be forever taken out of use-whether in the full n***er or n**ga form.

Can I get a show of hands----who was ever a slave? Who was forced out of Africa and brought here? I don't want to hear about your ancestors-I want to hear about YOU.

Oh-and if you want to call me "cracker" or some other "slur"...go ahead. It's cool. Know why? Because if white people can say it-so can you.

@Whitepeoplearepeopletoo

Are you serious?  First of all, black folks don't care what people of other races think about OUR use of the n-word.  We really don't. So, calling you a cracker wouldn't make me feel better.  It would only bring me down to your level.  I don't see race like Colbert but, I can't stand stupid people.

Now Bill isn't racist... we all know @ his boy Vernon Jordan and his affection for sisters... well any woman besides his wife.  Former Pres. Clinton is upset because his whole family and CNN couldn't beat one brilliant upstart w/ a Hebrew name in a gimmie election.  Even though, Billy said his fair share of  stupid things like comparing him to jessie "exposed…lol" Jackson in South Carolina, but he's not racist...  He's just trying to extort $30 million dollars to cover his debt.  I'm on to you Slick Willie.

Clinton reminds me of the dude that goes to a dive bar, drinks too much, makes an azz of himself, gets escorted out by the bouncer then gets mad when his boys  don’t have his back and stay in the bar. I’m sure Whitepeoplearepeopletoo, has dated this guy or girl in college.   I really hope he gives a hell of a redeeming speech in Denver.

The real racist/idiot is John McCain.  How much nerve does it take to vote against affirmative action in AZ on a Monday, cry about the race card (in an obvious joke) on Wednesday,  then auction your wife off the following Saturday at a Biker Rally (BTW white women benefit from affirmative action the most).

Call me Uppity if you want.... I like that one.

@ afeliciano:

Seriously, your assumption that all black people have fronts and are not educated is the reason why posts like this are necessary. I get so tired of non-blacks (mostly whites, but sometimes other ethnic groups) assuming that I am a certain way because I am black. I use very little slang (even though I grew up in the inner city), have a 145 IQ, super high standardized test scores, have an engineering undergraduate degree and am currently completing a masters, but to 99% of the people I run across, I must be some hoochie-fied baby mama on welfare because of my black skin.  Too many people, even Slick Willy, make comments about black people that are based on racist assumptions, and want us to overlook these comments like there was no harm done. I'm sorry, but I expect someone to look at me for what I am, and not prejudge me. I bet I would get in a lot more altercations with my friends, coworkers, and associates if I made assumptions about other people how people make assumptions about me. There are some people, white, hispanic, asian, etc, where I live that exhibit bad behavior that I am certain not one person of any of those ethnic groups would want me to automatically assume that they do.

Food for thought: Some things are clear from reading these posts.  One, is that very few of the people who respond REALLY KNOW folks of varying ethnicities.  Proof?  The overwhelming oversimplification and sweeping generalizations about "white folks/black folks/other folks" think and feel.  Were most of these posters truly functioning in a multicultural world of their own choosing, these stereotypes and racial reactions would no longer exist.  In other words, the more you get to know people who are not like you, the more you see that we have more similarities than differences.  Of course, racists of any color don't like to hear that.  Two, there are writers here that are clearly trying to LEARN about other people and they are shouted down with ugly diatribe which does not contribute to understanding.  That's unfortunate and what irks me most is TheRoot's determination to keep that type of monologue going without generating some healthy DIALOG.

DELTA... I'm not sure I understand your comment.  

I don't think you can blame The Root for putting flame to ugly diatribe about race.  I can only speak for myself and I will say this:  I know many types of people and ethnicities. In fact, I seek out LIKE-MINDEDNESS above all [at this point in my life].  I also know racial insensitivity and arrogance when I hear it and sometimes I feel the impulse to document it. I agree with you when you say people are stuck in black folk/white folk land, but hey, folks bring to the table what they're struggling with.  Unfortunately, there are some white Root readers who come into these blogs just to scream "get over it" and "stop whining". And for me, that's insulting to the legacy of black people, to the on-going struggle of black people, and to America as a nation.

In an ideal world, we all should get along and love one another and know each other FOR REAL, but there are many unhealed wounds in this nation and there are lots of subtle stabs and condescension that some people [black, white and other] refuse to tolerate or sweep under the rug.

And if some of us [i.e. Thurgood Marshall, Fannie Lou Hammer, Ghandi] didn't challenge the "subtleties" and then DEMAND change nothing would move forward toward that better all-inclusive, more-evolved place.

I'm curious. What do you expect to read here on TheRoot?

Mr. Adkins:  Getting from point A to point B requires that Clinton's remarls are taken as exactly that:  Clinton's remarks. There is nothing wrong with posing the question as to why he made them - and I agree with those posters who presume envy as the basis.  Indeed, to envy, I would wonder if it is also generational envy because in some instances, these types of disingenous statements, tnad the speaking out of both sides of the mouth (i.e., Clinton's statement that he is intelligent...but qualifies to run; Jackson's I want to castrate him...but, I support him) seem to come from older folks.  But to then tie Clinton's statement to "a segment of white America", the "ugly white man's horms" and "white men like Bill" is designed (from my perspective) to invite those who (based on limited real life experience) can only think in black/white/other terms.  Such readers, in turn, become angered and bring out their bile. After all, no matter the color, most of us don't want to be placed in a statement that appears to accuse an entire group. I would like to see The Root writers refrain from using this kind of bait and offer articles that enhance healthy dialog...because, yes, each side must learn what the other is feeling in order to learn to get along.  Instead of framing these articles in ways to seek dialog, the tone encourages an avenue for the laying out of more stereotypes.  Meanwhile I will continue to "challenge subtleties and demand change" from all writers.  Thanks for asking.

Gee Keith, you seem to know a thing or two about hate and racisim. Why are you a racist anyway.

Can you even answer that or has your (alleged) intellect confused you. What lies underneith if you will. I have all the time in the world to wait for your answer.

DELTA...

Thanks for your response and your point is clear and well-made. And like you, I believe creating dialogue that fosters healthy understanding is paramount and urgent.  But there's also another reality that exists. And for me to ignore it and attempt to be inclusive as I examine it is cowardly.  I certainly love to wake up in the morning and set out to have an amazing day [like everyone else] and I do. I enjoy reading online news or having dinner with friends [like everyone else]. But unlike everyone else, I'm faced with subtle and covert racism on a daily [a common occurrence for people of color in this country]. And unlike everyone else, sometimes I feel a need to call attention to that ugliness [even if it's microscopic] so we can create dialogue and foster a healthier attitude about this country's reality and hopefully CHANGE IT.

I never said ALL white men. I said SOME white men. And with a recent political history decorated with the likes of Strom Thurmond, David Duke, segregation, I believe I have a basis for the use of the "white man horns" terminology.

So, DELTA, it looks like we're here on TheRoot challenging each other and that's a good thing.

Mr. Adkins:  And, how does one begin creating an ideal world where we "all get along, love one another, and know one another FOR REAL?"  We do so by setting examples, such as those exemplified in the ones you site: Marshall, Hamer, Ghandi - three who pushed beyond stereotype and increased the opportunity for achieving that ideal. And, who holds people such as these three back?  Those who insist on "calling attention to ugliness" rather than showing examples of rising beyond the petty to embrace that which is good in MOST people irrespective of their ethnicity.

DELTA... I'm still not sure about your point. But I will definitely disagree with Marshall, Hammer, etc being examples of those who didn't point out the ugly.  Thurgood Marshall went to court and demanded the University of Maryland to think about their racist notion that blacks didn't deserve their education. As an attorney, Marshall was extremely outspoken about institutional white supremacy and how witnessing black prisoners being beaten by white cops inspired him to seek justice for ALL.  If that's not pointing out the ugly in order to make change... well, I don't what is.

It is my opinion that one must look at the wound, in all its ugliness and infection, understand its origins then find a suitable solution to clean it and therefore fix it. [Even if it's a slow fix.]

Mr. Adkins:  You are using your writer's platform to sweep readers u[ in your assumptions through the use of speculation and generalizations.  This is hardly the same thing that Marshall did. Marshall used his position as an attorney to address and help eradicate SPECIFIC, KNOWN (prisoners being beaten) issues.  You are attempting to stimulate conversation by seeing race and victimization behind every issue for the mere purpose of bringing out the racists and racialists that also read these articles. Unfortunately, what you are doing does not encourage conversation and understanding; yet, were you to reframe your writing it might...........and, in so doing, you would stand as an example of someone who does not play into the black/white/other boxes that more of us than you might care to imagine have long since left behind.  Continued best wishes to you as you consider this awesome challenge.

DELTA... I completely disagree with you about my stance, my interest and my single-mindedness about race and other matters.  It's clear you're convinced otherwise and that's fine. As far as Thurgood Marshall... as a young man he lived near a jail and saw on many occasion black prisoners being physically abused by white cops. And those memories helped fuel his desire to seek equal justice for black people. He spoke of this often

But back to you:  if your interpretation of my posts is that I'm looking for racism everywhere then that's too bad.  One, because my interest in humanity and the humanizing of black people is important and sometimes I see injustice and dismissiveness and I want to say something about it. Two, it sounds like your interpretation speaks more to your world and your ideals and what you rather see happen.  Well, in my opinion, you have to get a little dirty before you can appreciate the clean. And isn't that what we're all seeking?  A more clearly-articulated, cleanly-understood world where race and class and gender become secondary to equality?

I'm willing to agree that we disagree on my intentions and alleged single mindedness.

BTW, if one feels inhibited or alienated by my posts there's nothing I can do about that and I'm certainly sorry they feel that way.  But I have readers from every walk of life and every ethnicity, nationality and color... and they don't have any problems with dialoguing.  [And it appears neither do you].

Mr. Adkins:  No need for defensiveness.  I realize you are struggling AGAINST your singlemindedness, appreciate your efforts otherwise would not read your column.  Also, clearly appreciate your willingness to dialog.  That's my point:  it is the only way anyone can get to the bottom of specific issues and it beats stereotyping.  Best wishes!

Where shall I begin?  Well I'm a Bahamian and was probably a naive islander when it came to racism.  I had never experienced it until I came to America for a vacation standing outside a mall in Orlando. My friends and I were talking and waiting on our taxi when some white kids (15-18 yrs old) felt it was fitting to call us N**GERS and laugh.  You think that would hurt me, well it didnt! What really hurt was seeing those two BLACK boys with them, LAUGHING! Our view of racism as black people is very narrow truth is we only see racism when the sin is committed by white people. Everytime someone from the Caribbean enters America they experience racism not only from whites but from us (black people).  Yes, I said "us", because we look just like you though you think we are poor, dumb savages.   How can you fight racism when you yourselves are racist?    

Selah Think on these things

DELTA... Woa.  Defensiveness?  That's a cheap shot and a juvenile one at that.  I'm defending my point, yes, but I'm not being defensive. Interesting.

And "struggling AGAINST my single mindedness"?  Mmm... sometimes I'm under the belief I'm actually having dialogue with someone who's truly inspired by ideas and truth and understanding the dirtiness of life, but then I read something like "struggling against my single mindedness" and I think this is just another person trying to get the upper hand and using dismissive language supported by... I have no idea [which sounds personal].  

Thanks for your interest in my blog, but I'll have to step away from dialogue with you.  I don't have the energy to monitor readers who are not interested in discussion that challenges the way we look at the world [however painful].

Personal, Mr. Adkins?  I don't even know you; and, that's the point.  I am basing my comments on what you post and say, and in no way intend or am attacking you as a person.  I suspect though, that this is simply your way of not dialoging beyond what you find comfortable, and of course, that is quite all right.  Surely you understand exactly what is meant by the struggle against single-mindedness because we ALL have to do that at one time or another and it takes nothing from us to recognize that it's happened and work our way through it.  For a few moments it appeared that was exactly what you were doing, and I was delighted to see that....indeed, it reminded me of myself when I have to do likewise.  In the final analysis no one is perfect whether we have discussions or not and each one of us can learn something new every day.  Takes some patience and understanding though; not simply cutting one off at the knees.  Best wishes!

There's something here that I don't understand - if you mention the Clinton's Obama's people get all charged up and excited and it seems to have a good effect on the campaign.  McCain doesn't seem to have the same impact. Why not? It seems like we need some issues that get Obama and his  supporters as excited and effective as  the Clinton's cause it's not them we're up against right now.

I didn't follow the whole conversation but I think Delta's comment about there being a generational issue is astute. It's interesting that Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson may be in agreement on some things about Obama. It makes me a little worried because, although Obama brings in a lot of new young voters, the states that are going to be important to win have a lot of older people who have a track record of going out to vote.

DELTA...

Of course you don't know me.  Is that truly your honest reaction to my recent post?  And when I said "personal" I meant your tactics, your stuff.  [Not attacking me personally].  I'm always suspect of readers and commentators who make comments like "struggle against your single-mindedness" and then when challenged about such a comment come back to clean it up by saying we all struggle, etc. You don't expect me to believe that was your intention, do you?  

Look, I'm not interested in the passive-aggressive dialogue. If you want to discuss America, race, gender, art, film, theater, healthy eating, let's do that. Otherwise, this other you said this and I said that is feeling extremely juvenile.

Nothing is being cleaned up. You are making the same kind of assumptions about me (passive/aggressive, juvenile) that you made about Clinton.  At least in my case, you are not trying to expand your notions about this responder to others who are supposedly like me.  When it came to Clinton (chose to expand your critique to include statements such as , "white men like Bill" in order to fan unecessary flames and I stand by that.  I intend on discussing issues and this is clearly one of them.  We should fully well explore the purposes of statements such as Clintons (as well as other people in public life) and should certainly call things as we see them, but it is not necessary to do so by making sweeping racial and ethnic generalizations.  Like it or not, we can all get past single-mindedness by keeping this in mind and in practice.

DELTA...

Look, it appears you're adamant about teaching me a lesson on racial and ethnic stereotyping.  I applaud your relentlessness and your passion.  Unfortunately, your argument doesn't hold up on this end. I have never made a sweeping generalization about whites, or any others.  Hence, the terminology "SOME white men".

And all although you make a very valid point about knowing all types of people in order to have a better understanding of the world, that point does not apply here either.  

From where I sit:  your agenda in this debate isn't clear [or at least I'm avoiding what's really going on here]. But to avoid another lesson from you I'll simply say Thanks and onward and upward.

Obama has been refered to that way by other black politicians.  Have you never referred to a much less experienced competitor, or a WOMAN in that way?  Black & white men do it all the time.  Stephanie Tubbs Jones was plenty more qualified for POTUS than Obama, but she didn't whine. Of course she was tougher, stronger, wiser, smarter, & had more character than Obama. that comes with maturity.