Why can't we talk about race?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Why can't we talk about race?
93
Wed, 10-15-2008 - 4:35pm

I've seen this come up here and elsewhere. In the *very strange* thread about Obama's birthplace (or something like that; I couldn't follow the propaganda, quite frankly), two posters said that they wish Michelle Obama had not referenced race. (I don't mean to point those individuals out but merely point out their posts.)

In a country where race is a huge elephant in the room, I don't understand why we shouldn't talk about it. Of course this election is about race. For the first time in our country's history, a black man is running for president on a major political party ticket.

It doesn't have to be a bad thing or a good thing. But race is a factor in this election. It's not necessarily a factor because of McCain or Palin or Obama or Biden -- but because one of the candidates is black. Likewise, gender is an issue, simply because we have a woman on the Republican ticket. Why avoid the topic? Why suggest that the candidates or their spouses not talk about it?

Laura

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Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 9:24pm
no role
Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 9:33pm
I feel that those who are educated about politics and really care about the future of this country will not consider race (or age for that matter)in this race. Unfortunately, that's not a majority of the country (check the stats). I hope that a majority of the country will vote based on what they feel is best for the US in general...I am afraid that even though people walk into the voting booths shouting their candidates name, they will draw on their "roots" and inner thoughts once they place their actual ballot. As much as people like to deny it, racism still exists in this country and until people are truly honest with themselves and others, it probably will remain that way.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2008
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 9:36pm


i DEFINITELY think that people WILL be voting based on race.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 9:58pm

<<Oh i'd love to expand on it....many people feel "obligated" to vote for someone who is black to prove that they are not "racist." >>


There are many ways

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-02-2006
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 10:20pm
Race should hold absolutely no relevance in this current presidential race (although it will), nor should it have ever held any power in past elections. I think that we must be honest with ourselves and admit that as much as America is a great nation as a whole, we still live among a bunch of ignorant people. Just to think that someone may not be granted the opportunity to be our next president simply because of the color of their skin (which is also as much white as it is black) is truly despicable in the truest form of the word. We are all one people under God!!! Blacks, Whites, Asians, and even Muslims. Americans need to elect either candidate based on their personal merits and character and not what color their skin is or what religion they so choose to be a associated with. No matter what I say, there will unfortunately be people that will not vote for Senator Obama solely based on the color of his skin and that is truly deplorable in my book. I'd like to believe that Americans have truly moved passed the inequalities of our past, but it is with wide open eyes and a terribly saddened heart that I know that America as a nation still has much further to go when it comes to basic human rights. When are we going to come to the very realization that as a nation, under God, WE ARE ALL ONE PEOPLE and there is no such thing as a superior race when we are all God's children, made in his very own image. I just hope on election day, the USA will look past our pettiness and vote with an open heart and an open mind for who is the better choice for our next commander in chief.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008 (14 Days and Counting)

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Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 10:21pm
Race should not be an issue, and by you posting this question on the website, you are making it an issue. I am disappointed that this is the main disucssion on a website designed to get women talking. Do we not have something more important to discuss with all that this nation faces; other than race?
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anonymous user
Wed, 10-22-2008 - 3:03am
I think John & Sara will win the race to the WHITE HOUSE....AND THAT'S FOR SURE!!!!
Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Wed, 10-22-2008 - 8:09am
It's big, and Obama is Arab, not African. Why does the rest of the world want this man to be the next Prez of the #1 Super Power ? I just got back from Russia, and he's all they want !
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anonymous user
Wed, 10-22-2008 - 9:52am
It plays an obvious role. So ridiculous.
Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Wed, 10-22-2008 - 10:11am
I think that Mr. Powell is a prime example of how the race will affect the election. The Africian American Republicans are now turning on the Republican Party and I think that this election is a joke and race is all it will be about! You've got millions of Africian Americans who are going to go out and vote for Obama and not even care that he has been lying to the American people throug this entire race. I think Obama is nothing but trouble and he will bring the end for us all and all people are caring about is his color, they don't care about anything else!

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