When Ludacris sang about painting the White House black, it raised eyebrows, but overall his acti...
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At What Point Are Pundits, Who Mercilessly Joked at Dubbya's Expense, Holier Than Thou?
Obama jokes are circulating on the Internet, and while some are truly funny Obama jokes, others teeter precariously on the line of being little more than racist Obama black jokes. Still others simply cross the line and are nasty, racist Obama jokes and one marvels at the lunacy of the jokester. Yet a third element is in play: the thin skinned pundit who sees any Obama joke as an example of bigotry, racism, or implied hate speech.Racist Obama Joke in a Florida Classroom
The Filthy Rag (you've just gotta love the name) reports that a seventh grade social studies teacher on September 26th allegedly asked his class what the Barack Obama's "CHANGE" was short for. The answer? Allegedly he wrote on the board: "'Can You Help A (expletive) Get Elected.'"
I don't think anyone needs to have a roadmap drawn to where the "N" was leading. Nevertheless, the teacher was suspended with pay three days later, reported to the Florida Department of Education, then suspended without pay for 10 days, and finally taken out of the classroom setting and transferred to an adult education program. Last but not least, he is required to submit a written apology and attend sensitivity training.
Obama Black Joke Fell Flat At January Western Stock Show.
The Rocky Mountain News reported back in January that a man from Greeley speaking at the National Western Stock Show banquet had to apologize after making an ill considered Obama black joke. He asserted that "'They're going to have to change the name of that building if Obama's elected.'"
When Is An Obama Joke Not A Joke?
When Ludacris sang about painting the White House black, it raised eyebrows, but overall his actions were defended summarily by his fans and others who thought that this was just some guy spouting off on a recording. If Chris Rock's in town, ready to drop the "N" bomb from stage, people pay good money to see and hear it.
So when is an Obama joke not funny? When does it cross the line into bona fide racism? Similarly, at what point are pundits - who mercilessly joked at Dubbya's expense - holier than thou?
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Comments
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Very interesting. A Big CONGRATS at this pleasant moment. * * * * *
p.s. Obama is only 6% African. He's 50% white with alot of Arab mixed in. Of course that will only be relevant if he screws the country over. Then Harlem will be screaming Uncle Tom.
Good point Sylvia. Pundits have likened Bush to a monkey for years. I gather that won't be acceptable this time around. But look at his ears!!!! Come on, it's killing me insiiiiiiiide!!!!
Thought-provoking item. Congratulations on your BEST OF AC award this month. 8-)
Interesting topic.
Great article! Congrats on your win!
A great article. We all know when a joke crosses the line between cultural comment on race or stereotypes and real offense. President Ford was lampooned for clumsiness, Nixon for paranoia, Clinton for his wandering eye and fast food eating, Carter mostly for his family and peanuts, Bush 41 - not too funny, I guess just the 'read my lips' line. W for his malapropisms most of all. We will find Obama's quirks and make fun of them. But, no most black people do not spout the "N" word, and it is not okay for a teacher to use it in class. It is pejorative outside of historical context. And I agree with Carly Hart, the race of the teller doesn't factor in - it is the intent and slant of a joke. We know when someone means to offend or demean and when they just want a laugh.
;-);-)
So far the only negative race issues I'm seeing towards Obama is coming from white people. Black people and others who are not afraid of black people are rejoicing at a great moment in history, while I've already experienced mad white people dropping that n-bomb. Well, I guess inbreeding out of fertility will take care of that. Very interesting topic, Sylvia.
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