The beauty of “Around The Way Curls” is that the content is created from two minds. Antoinette and I are very different in our perspectives and narratives of our own lives and opinions. In this way, you (the audience) are always engaged with our different ideas and from at least one of us you can find something with which you can relate. Antoinette is very openly pro Obama and believes in his push to empower the middle class. Thus her many political posts. I on the other hand, am not. I am not pro Obama. In saying that, I DEFINITELY am not a Republican nor pro Romney.
I am proud to see a Black accomplished man. I am proud to see a strong representation of black family. No diggitty, no doubt. But I can not ignore the implications of his leadership or (lack there of) when it comes to the real tests of character in maintaining equality and justice for ALL.
I am pro peace and equality which can not be achieved unless truth and honesty are honored and practiced. Our national politics do not rest on those pillars. They never have. I do not believe Obama is in the same lane as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr nor Malcolm X. Those two men gave up their lives because they spoke out against the very system that Obama represents. They were radical and demanded, fought and died for more than the watered down “bios” that we are taught about them. Equality for all. I don’t think Dr. Martin Luther King would be “smiling” down at Obama. He probably would be disappointed and slightly scared that the face of America’s continued politics of injustice, duplicity and domination is a perverted reflection of his own.
I know ya’ll are going to go H.A.M! Gettin’ the people going! Nonetheless, I felt I needed to say my personal piece knowing that there are others out there who feel the same way.
Check the video below. It really provides another perspective…
I feel you 100%. his internatl. politics are not that great, in fact policy has killed many innocents http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220828/US-drone-attacks-CIA-chiefs-face-arrest-horrific-evidence-bloody-video-game-sorties.html Its horrific
For the most part I love Cornell West. I went to see him speak a year ago, and he was brilliant.. but that being said, he’s also a HUGE hater. He is forever talkin shit about Obama and Jay Z, but he claims to be “cool with them” and like them. Just because people aren’t doing things the way you would do them doesn’t make them wrong.
Talking shit? Is he making the shit up? I love Jay but Lord knows he nor Obama are above having some real awful, stanky piles of shit. Nothing that Cornel said in that video was hateful. It was true
Just noticed the extra l… Cornel West
We have to remember that the president is politician, not a civil rights activist. That’s it. So we shouldn’t automatically expect Obama to fight for or be concerned about some of the same things Dr. King would just because he is black. For instance, I’ve noticed that a lot of religious people are mad at him because he supports gay rights and feel he is going against God. However, again he is a POLITICIAN. What else are we to expect from him?
So what do you expect from your politicians? Who makes the laws, regulates institutions and acts as a representative of a nation of people? Who do we turn to to protect our sovereignty? Who did Martin Luther King appeal to and revolt against during the civil rights that he knew had the where with all and power to bring about change? I can understand the argument that perhaps he is simply human and unable to do everything himself as somewhat reasonable but the argument that he just a politician makes no sense.
What should I expect from a politician then?
I am not defending the president or making an excuse for his shortcomings neither do agree with everything he says or does. I also respect and agree with your point, but the point that I am trying to make (and hope it makes sense) is that times are different. Dr. King and Malcolm X were a movement by themselves. They were ready to die for what they believed. Sure they had to appeal to politicians to help bring about change, but they were going to get change by any means necessary. President Obama cannot be faulted for not having that same drive because he is of a “different breed” than Dr. King and Malcolm X. I would even say a lessor breed. Not to say that he is just a politician, but I do believe that he is more concerned with holding power and pleasing people, than maintaing certain principles. Which I think he is doing a good job at.
Sad days and times…
I absolutely love that you posted this-thank you Shanti. I saw this video yesterday and fell in love with Dr. West again and again . I think that people really need to start educating themselves about how the American system works. I cannot tolerate it when people try to defend Obama and argue that he is a politician and not a civil rights leader/activist. We have to ask ourselves how we define a politician. Not the definition that has come to be, but what politicians are meant to be…they are here to serve the people and ensure that our rights are met, yes?I love what Obama signifies–and if I had voted, I would have voted for him because he is a lesser evil. I love that he is a strong educated black man with a strong black family–we need those kinds of images in today’s world. But I can’t read about what Obama has done and not done in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine and countless other countries including the U.S. and be a supporter. I know that MLK, Malcolm x, and every other great black leader would agree with Dr. West. Please people educate yourselves about the system that you support.
Did Obama ever say he was a civil rights activist? Did he ever compare himself to MLK? I don’t think I have ever heard that. Criticize the right people. Obama is a man that against all odds did his thing through sacrifice hard work and determination. And now is forced to defend himself day in and day out against critics who are not pushing us forward but instead supplying us with a ton of distractions. I’m not mad at him at all. I’m proud of him. Damn proud. You just don’t accomplish the things he has by sitting on your ass and complaining the way so many of us often do. That alone is praise worthy.
And realize that Obama can not call all the shots. There are plenty of hoops he still has to jump through in order to get anything accomplished.
After seeing this clip two things come to mind. One is yes I do see Cornell West’s point and agree that there are many injustices that are not being directly addressed in this country. However the second thing that came to mind is how hard people are on President Obama, especially Black people. While I do hope he will try harder to address these injustices people have to remember that he is a politician. He is not the person who directly runs this country. He must jump through many hoops to get anything accomplished, and as we can see from previous legislation there are many people who negate his ideas just for the sake to making things difficult for him. So I sympathize with him. He has this historic role in history as the first “Biracial” President and the pressure is tremendous from all racial groups. But without full control and enormous opposition it is important that people, especially the Black community are realistic about the degree of changes he can actually make.
Ok Dr. West and Tavis are huge Pres Obama haters so its hard for me to listen to them because they are not objective. They are still mad he did not court them when he decided to run for office. Plus they both are very very messy and self important. Who are they to determine if Obama is black enough or who can use anything of Dr. King’s? Why is it a problem if the 1st black president of the USA places his hand on the bible of a man who stood for many causes including racial and economic equality. Does MLK’s family have a problem with it? So Obama has to have the exact ideals of King to use it? IMO ludicrous.
Yes, we must expect more of our politicians. But am i the only one who saw them good ole boys fight the Pres tooth and knife over anything and everything the 1st term just because. yet it is expected for him to come in the white house and turn it upside down. Not realistic. Unfortunately the public is not even aware of who they vote into congress. thats who I’m disgusted with because they sit in these roles forever crying, blocking and doing nothing! Not all but too many. its just like coming into a job at a large corporation where you are excited to make a mark, have good ideas for improvement but the dysfunction is so deeply entrenched. Grass roots movement from the people is the only way things will change.
Do I think King would be smiling down? Yes because black people are typically proud of each other when we make great achievements. Would he be disappointed that Obama had to play the political game? maybe but as far as in concerned If you want to go in the White House or any political office you have to sell out on some level. Until raising billions of dollars is not a factor and the system is revamped corporations will run this country. King and X were not politicians. Huge difference.
My president is black y’all.
You make valid points Shanti. I would just like to say that black people as a whole have it bad wanting to categorize or compare every black person that does something great, to another black person who did something great first. I respect the President, but I honestly don’t think he ran for office five years ago because he was trying to make history, I think he did it simply because he loves politics, that’s his lane. With that being said, I’ve never heard Obama compare himself to Dr. MLK Jr. but rather have heard the people(American citizens)say it. I think he was paying homage to Dr. MLK Jr. by using his bible at the inauguration. I mean it was held on the MLK holiday for crying out loud. If the man hadn’t said a word about him at the inauguration then people like Mr. C.West would be raising cane about that. I really do appreciate this post because it gives a perspective on how so many of us are consumed by group thinking. Logically, there is no comparison between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & the POTUS.
*I appreciate your point of view btw ^_^
Thank you for this article! I’m South African and believe you me Obama-fever was inescapable here for a few days. It saddens me that his Blackness becomes relevant to him and his supporters when they like and when the issues that plague Black people world-over are brought up and involve some commitment from him, there’s awkward silence. Mediocrity is a terrible thing and being proud of someone’s achievements doesn’t mean allowing them to do mediocre things and get away with it, even in leadership. Criticism and debate is part of the beauty of democracy.Obama is supposed to be the ‘face’ of some sort of global change but he’s making the same mistakes while the world cheers on. ~[]~
My thing is that we should not criticize Obama for the global hype. He never said he was a savior and he has also NEVER compared himself to mlk. ever
I am apologizing in d’avance for my poor English ( I am not a native speaker)
Really interested by your post and wondering if the disappointment it is not coming from too high expectations. I am in Belgium but even here people were expecting a lot from him. I mean Obama was not only US president but the world president and savior. The reality is just different. After all, as you rightly said Obama is human confronted to the reality and complexity of exercising power. Even if he probably failed in many ways. I assume that being in power he had to compromise with opposition, economic world,….
Not so easy to be president nowadays.
*advance
Real Talk, to become a politician in the united states is to cross into the realm of darkness. Why I say this because for anyone to expect one man to come in and make a significant change while president is fooling themselves
and that’s not a jab at anyone. The US government is a system of checks and balances, no one entity is supposed to fully govern with absolute power. Now I like Obama and am happy that he has made it to the select club of men and hopefully one day women that have led this country but regardless of his time in Chicago as an organizer, I did not expect him to come in and make sweeping changes in 2008. I didn’t care how much he stated that he came from the people, he was ill prepared for this role and ill prepared to come in guns blazing. What he did that was apparent from the beginning of his first term was to hand the reigns over to those who he thought knew better (Reid and Pelosi) and govern from the sidelines, to be the referee when needed instead of a take charge leader. I’d like to call this his observation phase. As time went on and he realized that oh shoot that’s not going to work because he was getting called out left and right, he had to change his game plan but he still managed to input laws that have helped (i.e Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act)
Now in regards to equality and justice for all, I know folks say never say never but I’m saying that you will NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR see that in this
country. This system is set up in one of two ways: 1) You come in for a limited time with some power and perhaps you want to do great things but you’re extremely limited at times in how that can be accomplished (i.e: presidents, governors, etc). 2) You come in with an opportunity to stay in power for a long time but how you stay in there is based on what you do for your constituents (if they care to pay attention and vote) and how you play the game or better yet who funds your game (i.e: Congressman, Senators, Mayors, etc) and then you have the exception which is #3 in which you come in guns blazing and make the changes that you want to make and say fug everyone else (i.e: special mention: Micheal “3rd Illegal Term” Bloomberg whom while I don’t like some of his politics, I ain’t mad at him for some of the others.
For this country to change, it’s going to take more than just picking a random person and hoping for the best, it’s researching what that person believes, seeing what their track record is, eliminating the big business that backs many of these candidates, holding your politician responsible for his actions, more people actively getting involved in politics and running against people who appear to have unlimited terms in office (Lindsay Graham, McCain, Reid, etc, etc). Bringing this light this notion that only a small member of the government makes decisions that the larger majority go along with (going on right now in the House and Senate).
Malcolm and Martin were successful because they started from the bottom on up and because they built their base and for those who say they did it alone, let me sound the buzzer, errrrrrrrrrrr. One man may start a movement or highlight or be the face of the movement but they are never and have never done it alone. The government had no choice but to pay attention to the Civil Rights issue because they let it fester for so long; you couldn’t be Kennedy or Johnson and ignore it because at this point the people had brought themselves together to a point in which they could not be ignored. It’s like the tea party movement of today, why did the Republicans pay so much attention because the party had banded together and infiltrated the republican party, placed people in the party who could speak for them and their twisted views and they were fully funded.
Now to end what could be a 7 page letter if I truly continued on how I feel, I will say that I’m looking forward to what Obama does in his second term because now there are no worries about reelection but of course he will want to have a legacy, so let’s see what it is. I’m proud of my president but I will hold Obama to the same standards that I hold any other politician, no special passes because we both have melanin and he’s a “first”.
First let me say, finally a real post. And I love how you opened it, because through out this month I noticed a major difference between you and Antoinette (Beyonce posts) No hate just realizing the major difference. Uh that’s all I have to say. Peace.
they are just funny light posts. It be like that sometimes : )
Well said, S. I am proud of what the president has accomplished. It just pains me to see that he is one of “them”.
What does that mean? ‘One of them’ Please explain
Preface: I am in no way a supporter of President Obama or Democracy as presented to us this day and age. I didn’t vote for him and will never vote again, period.
I whole-heartedly agree with Dr. Cornel West on his assessment of the inauguration and what was to transpire. We as a community, must continually hold our leaders accountable or any actions the make or fail to make when in positions of power, that’s the only way we will ever see “change we can believe in.” President Obama being a person of color, in what has been described as the most perfect democracy in the most powerful country in the world has, will and should continue to draw comparisons to past leaders that have been identified as great. Forget him drawing the comparison, we must do it! Dr. King (of his final days when he was more radical and outspoken before assassination) would absolutely disagree with him using his Bible, let alone Malcolm X’s Qua-ran to be sworn in because of what they represented and what he claims to represent, but actions dictate otherwise. How can you continuously use words of peace while destroying innocent families (collateral damage) for corporate greed. While watching his speech I found something extremely disturbing, not once did YOUR/OUR President mention addressing the needs of the community that looks like him. He mentioned gays, latinos, immigrants, women…but never African-Americans, Blacks etc. White representation is assumed, giving that they are the governing power structure, so no need or mention has to be explicated. But not to mention the most disenfranchised body of people within this countries borders is ridiculous! I love to have discourse on why that was. One can only assume that either he isn’t allowed to mention us or we are an after thought for him.
Obama can not do everything for the black community just because he is black. Enough said. We have to help ourselves. Cornell talks about the high rate of black men in jail for drugs/crimes that makes me angry when I hear this argument. Excuse me, but no one forced them to do so. Even if there were policy changes on drug sentencing there would STILL be people in jail because or their choices. And the arguement of an individuals circumstances only goes so far with me. There are too many oppourtunities given nowadays for a way out (and too many examples of successful black and other races of individuals who came from nothing to have it all)IF you chose to take the right path. If you dont want to go to jail, don’t sell drugs, don’t commit crimes.. do the right thing, simple logic. If anything Barack Obama should be an example that if you stay disciplined and on the right path, stay in school, get a higher education, work hard, you will succeed. Nothing is going to be handed to you. He, nor his parents, were born with a silver spoon. When I think about Dr. King I think about how he started movements in the communities first and then it went national, gained ground support, and evoked change. It was the voice of the people lead by him that changed policies. Change does not happen from the top down, in terms of social changes, it has to be from the bottom up. A fire has to be lit under our asses and in our hearts to demand change and I dont think Barack Obama is the person that’s going to lead us to do that. And after observing him for the past four years, seeing the person that he is, I dont expect him to. I dont think it is fair to compare him to Dr. King because he can only be Barack Obama. Just like you and I can only be ourselves. But that’s just my personal opinion. I am proud of him for the oppourtunity that his election and leadership represents nonetheless! Thanks for posting this.
I agree 100%. Obama tried using peaceful measures to resolve international policies, and was ridiculed both by international rulers and opponents in congress. How many times can you approach a country or group in a diplomatic way to talk about their wrongs and why their feelings are hurt? Its like bringing a knife to a gun fight at some point you are ill-prepared for what you end up with.
Obama is not a civil rights leader he is the President of the USA. As the President of the United States during HIS inauguration, he chose to use the bibles of both MLK and Lincoln. Neither of these men were spotless and both had shortcomings. He wasn’t trying to conjure up the spirit of MLK or Lincoln but rather pay homage to these great men. Why hold Obama to standards in which no other man nor president has been held to? Why fight to further the divisiveness that is already running rampant in our country. Why sit on a panel and spout indignation instead of being a part of the change. How many times does Obama need to say help me because I cant do it by myself before we as people get off the sidelines waiting for something to happen and / or complaining about whats not right?
I was paralyzed by the events of 9/11 and before i sit complain about military actions that intended to protect me or my country, I’m waiting & thinking long and hard on the idea of me or them. Obama may not be perfect but of the millions of decisions that he has had to make, a great deal of them have benefited me.
We all need to realize that presidency is like marriage, you may not get your way 100% of the time but you have to compromise and meet in the middle because Everyone’s lives are at stake.
I stop by this blog from time to time, but this is the first time I’ve ever posted.
Just wanted to say, I thought your post was really refreshing. I’m not an Obama supporter either, probably for different reasons, as I am a Bible believing Christian who lives each day for and from Jesus, or at least prays to, so most of my opinions about the world and politics are vastly different from what the president stands for (and they didn’t match up with the belief system of the other candidate either).
Anyway, just wanted to say, it was nice to read a blog for a change where an alternate point of view to the masses is expressed… even if it’s not the same as mine, it is much appreciated.
And just a reply directed toward the last gentlemen who was feautured in the Young Turks clip,not only are President Obama’s beliefs vastly different from Dr. King’s, they are vastly differently from the Bible He is swearing on, itself, so, it really shouldn’t surprise anyone that the symbolism of using MLK’s Bible and the reality of what the President practices and preaches don’t add up. It seems like many people these days don’t really mind if what you claim to believe and who your words and actions show you to be, don’t gel. That’s the world we live in today, and the President is really the perfect representation of American society and culture…
But thats just my opinion.
God bless!
Aja
I agreed the first time you mentioned this fact, and I still agree. I appreciate you giving your opinion about a subject that is often ignored because of the implications that may come from speaking about it. Respect!
I totally agree. he must be held accountable. i get sick when i hear about the drones killing innocent people
what kind of annoys me about criticism towards obama is that the same kind of criticism is not shared about other politicians. not even people in the state you (and others) live in. which makes me feel like there’s some sort of double standard. “white” politicians can shit on us all day but let someone of color do it….it’s just interesting to see. i’d like to also see a post about your local and state elected officials…
I really appreciate this post. I feel like the black community can be so reluctant to say anything bad about Obama.
i haven’t gotten a chance to see this video BUT i do understand that there is a big difference between Dr. MLK and Obama. There are a few things to consider as similarities, though. For instance, Obama’s ability to organize the community is exceptional. The fact that he made it to the White House against all odds. And the fact that he has to deal with needless opposition from the GOP and still get the job done. All these things need to be acknowledged as difficulties that he must face, which require a determined and passionate spirit to overcome- and that, I dare say, is in the spirit of Dr. King. I’ve always believed that the only way to uproot racism and class discrimination in America is to infiltrate the system. You can’t do that without operating within the boundaries of said system. So, are we there yet- as far as Dr. King’s dream goes, I think we are. We are in a place where the fight for equality is happening on a better playing field bc Obama is an example of what can be accomplished. Do you think the GOP ever imagined that they could be challenged by a black man for the highest office in this country and lose? How easy can it possibly be for Obama? I am proud of him. None of us, inside or outside the black community, can expect this man to be the one to change this backwards psychological condition in America. We can only expect him to be the best human, man, husband, father, politician and president that he can be. And we must all, as the Bible says, lift our own cross. We are all responsible for educating ourselves and each other. We must all research the real history of our nation and our people- all people. Not the nationalist, white-washed history that is taught in our public school systems. We are responsible for understanding how our system of government works and what roles we play in it. I am dismayed at those that feel they can turn their back on their responsibility of voting because that TRULY is NOT in the spirit of Dr. King. Not to mention the fact that we accept defeat with that attitude. This nation is built on our voice. Obama would not be in office if it weren’t for our votes. And it’s his doing, his skills, his charisma that got so many involved in the democratic process- but we need to take it further. We need to find out who our local government is, who our state government is, who represents us in the Senate and the House of Representatives. We need to be curious and we need to be active constituents. Yes, we must make sure our politicians and policy makers are doing the right thing. We ensure that by voting the right people into office. Obama carries on the legacy of Dr. King and Malcolm X in that he has shown by ACTION what can be done and he continues to educate and motivate people to get involved in government. He is not an activist, this is true. He stands for progress in America. Let’s remember that he cannot change this country alone. Let’s remember that it is our individual duty to be examples, be informed and share information with each other to continue to move forward. This is not only a political- it is also spiritual, psychological, emotional, socioeconomic AND political. And also, I think it’s very important to mentions, ALL VOICES are important and they should all work together. We need grassroots movements, we need people addressing all areas and elements of the condition. Being respectful of people’s accomplishments and working toward an improved movement should always be the goal of all leaders. We will not always agree but we can always choose to be positive and grateful for the platforms we now have. I still stand by this saying- “The beauty of our unity is the power of our mix.” When it comes to theories, there really is no wrong answer.