He said that there are always problems in society. He's not saying there aren't ANY obstacles. But given Obama's victory (which Dr Bennett recognizes as a milestone), are those obstacles still stacked as high as they once were? Steve Harvey made the same point on BET following Obama's victory and was applauded by the audience. Bennett makes the same point... and he get's called insensitive and racist?
A white supremacist that cared more about black kids getting an education than Obama, Illinois or democrats.
When teachers unions get paid off for votes through raises, with no accountability along with telling Obama no way on vouchers, which btw provides the education they don't, blacks are silent.
We shouldn't need them because the school system should be accountable; Why need vouchers in the first place? Give the each kid money vouchers to go to the best, then they'll have to teach.
BENNETT: Well, I don't think it is either,... But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could ... abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. So these far-out, these far-reaching, extensive extrapolations are, I think, tricky.
hey bennet is right.....obama is an intelligent man who didnt make any excuses....now all black americans should realize that they dont have any more reasons or excuses.....dont blame bennet because he isnt afraid to stand up and say it..... and look at the uneducated fool from venezuela....chavez who calls obama uneducated and he went to harvard...
the comments show that only ALMIGHTY GOD can cure our ills. Only then will there be peace on earth. Let's try to read the gospels today to see how Jesus would view them. Black White and all in between are not living christian values so what do we expect besides anarchy ?
No blacks have any excuses because one made through, Bill Bennett is an un-virtuous turd who should go back to gambling his kids tuition away like he did before on those online offshore gambling sites, what racist a pig Bennett is.
@lighwave fuck all you liberal scum that just want handouts... get off your lazy fuckin asses and be an american for once... work your hands to the bone..
@polishfarmer - i agree. i am republican and I work hard for my education and yet a democrat sitting next to me asking for help on an assignment and when i told him the instructions are written on teachers folder he said he didn't want to read it. well i said FUCK YOU. I will not help you when you to lazy to read one page. He failed the class a week later. I got a B-.
What they've been saying on CNN (and most media outlets) that day was that the fact that America just elected a black man makes their democracy legit. I don't think so, because when your choices are still as limited as the last election and the gross inefficiencies of the election system (among others) are not repaired then there is still a problem.
Musicfan, get a grip. Obama won because of his ideas and leadership first and foremost- it is a credit to America and to his opposition that they did not make race the overriding issue. Obama busted thru a barrier that has never been broken thru in the entire history of mankind- that accomplishment should be celebrated but once. You don't like him, speak to the ideas you disagree with- dislike him for his color- go crawl under a rock with the rest of the invertebrates. God Bless America.
The sad truth? The race card will continue. The funny thing is that no other nation on the planet is being obligated to elect a minority leader, and no non-White nation has ever had a White leader.
Lastly, I think where you are missing my point is that Obama is not black but indeed African American in regards to academic definition of African american. He has more direct lineage to Africa that most African Americans. African American is an ethnicity. there is a difference between race and ethnicity. Being Afro-whatever is completely different from being African and having citizenship in another nation. It highly complex and it perplexed me when I first learned about it while in undergrad.
All of these people have more in common than they do differences.They all share the same ancestry and their culture is African based if you look at the music,customs and traditions.
The differences in Caribbean,American and Southern American Black Africans is merely based on the varying degrees of Western influence-Afro-Latinos being more mixed than any of the others.
Not all Afro-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinos, Afro-Brazillians look the same or have the same cultures. Culture is heavy when differianting people into ethnic groups.
The racial mixture in African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans is more or less negigible.With many of these Black African women,they were raped by the white slave master but not all rapes result in impregnation and most of the babies that were born were usually killed by the mid-wives-these babies were not considered human beings.
Lastly,I am not bothered how people identify themselves but,if we are honest,Obama cannot be considered our first Black President.
WOW! WE GOT a new President AND a boatload of ANGRY BLACK PEOPLE LOOKING FOR ??? HANDOUT? AND HATE?? AND HYPE?? then the little matter of those detonation dust covered dollars Obama was given at the Unabomber Picnic! now its: PAYBACK! for their vote! that the few bucks will be worthless when the gas prices are $10 bucks a gallon! and the bread costs: $8.00 a loaf cause FUEL is thru the ROOF! doesn't REGISTER with those little acorns huggin the TREE! the tiny "plink" of: PROBLEMS?Hhmmm~
I am aware of what organizations like the NAACP do, it is right in their name. Advancement of Colored People.
Now, I know it would be all the rage if there was an organization to help whites. Oh, I forgot, whites are handed everything, they don't need help. The only point I was trying to make is individuals should be self reliant. You can only and should only depend upon yourself. Everyone has preconceived notions about everyone else, regaurdless of color.
This guy still gave up because he thought he had discovered the reason he wasn't good enough. Racism or discrimination aren't always the reasons someone isn't given an opportunity, I believe that is what this man is saying, it is going to be harder to cry wolf if things don't go the way an individual thinks they should go.
If it is that rare then we wouldn't have institutions like the NAACP. Affirmative Action wouldn't be around. I agree these 2 organizations were needed at one time, the only purpose they have now is to perpetuate reverse racism. I am not trying to make a general comment about any one group of people. Everyone is different to one degree or another. I heard a white guy make an excuse of not getting a job because he had tattoos, same as being black, No.
First off, affirmative action is not an organization.
You are obviously also unaware about what organizations like the NAACP and Urban League as well as others do.
I originally thought that I was dealing with someone who had an understanding of certian things but I was obviously mistaken. Youtube would not be the place for me to try and enlighten you.
This guy isn't saying it is going to be the end of all racism. It is the viewpoint that the race card is sometimes played as a cop out to ones own failures. It doesn't matter if you are black or white or brown. If you want something bad enough you can achieve it. To simply give up based on ones color or background is itself absurd. To turn around and use it for an excuse is worse.
"is the viewpoint that the race card is sometimes played as a cop out to ones own failures."
I will admit as I have always that some are confused as to whether look to negative external or internal reasons for certain outcomes however this is not their fault the fact that many have to grapple with this is because we live in the society we live in. That sort of confusion will at times arise. However I believe that it is rarer than many have made it seem.
"If you want something bad enough you can achieve it. To simply give up based on ones color or background is itself absurd. To turn around and use it for an excuse is worse."
Yes, you believe in the American dream and that America is a meritocracy. I am achieved more in my 22 years than most people. I believe that I can achieve anything that I want but that is not without having to deal with people's prejudices and preconceived notions of who I am and what I am capable of.
Those who give up because of discrimination are thos ewho take an emotion based approach to an issue. They look at it as an issue with them or some personal inadequacy. When someone does that, they harbor negative feelins about themselves and the world around them. This has the potential of leading to failure.
This are basic findings and theories of motivational and social psychology.
I was always taught that I am a capable, smart and beautiful person regardless who who tells me differently. This is because I have been enlightened and raised with a family who nurtured me about my own cultures, histories as well as other things which gave me a sense of pride and purpose.
When I am faced with similar problems that may defeat others, I know how to navigate them because I look at things from a problem solving perspective.
For example, when having problem being able to advance in the fashion industry of New York which is known to be racially, culuturally and socio-economically prejudice. I ventured off into my own thing by starting my own enterprise. Entrepreneurship became a tool of empowerment. I am self-employed and I manage my own destiny. I do not have to compromise myself or feel intimidated. My clients are usually upscale black urbanites and black owned companies.
You say LoveTruth that "he is no less black than a vast majority of American black community".This is completely false because Obama is straight mixed race and the white blood in african americans is insignificant-don't the mid-wives killed most of these babies that were mixed as they were seen as sub-human.
Listen, I studied on an academic level the cultures and peoples of the African Diaspora so you need not to behave like you are educating me.
"Black Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans are the same people and their ancestry is African.
The American and Caribbean term just names the land they occupy."
Too some degree but they are still different people because they have different cultures and live in different territory so that must be mentioned and respected.
Being of mixed race and lineage is being African American. Obama said this himself actually so you can go look it up.
Lastly, people Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans have shared background but neither are full descents of pure African blood. My paternal great-grandmother was Scottish. My paternal grandfather was Indian. My paternal great-grandfather was British. My maternal grandmother was half Asian.
They of their offspring considered themselves to be black.
Although they live in "different lands" the Afro-Caribbean and the African-American are the same people.They happen to be in those strange lands because they were placed there around the time of slavery-less than a few hundred years ago.Both are Africans that are in different lands and their culture is still African influenced.I don't think the Irish-Italian example is relevant to this as that's a different race with a different history.
Yes, the reference that I gave was relevant. However when dealing with whites, people love to give more complexity while people in the African Diaspora are considered a monolith.
Being African and of prominent African ancestry are two different things.
Once again, I find it offensive that you refuse to give Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans there diversity. I will continue to use Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American in the same way I will use Afro-Cuban and Afro Brazillian. Moving on...
At the end of the day, you need to take it up with Obama. He said in both of his bios that he is a black man of mixed heritage.
My close friend and roommate is mixed however she knows that while people acknowledge mixed race, when aligning herself, she aligns herself with what is called "black" in this country.
I usually refer to Obama as African-American which is open to his diversity than black which for most is a very blanket and term that does not reflect ones ethnic diversity.
You seem to be jumping from one assertion to another.First off you falsely claimed that Obama is "no less Black" than any African-American then you backtrack and accept that he is "not Black but indeed African-American".
These plus irrelevant comparisons with different races is making your post muddled and perplexing.
You are right that there are differences between Afro-Caribbean and African-American and Afro-Latinos etc but these are only slight variations.
I believe that Obama is no less black than many blacks in this country however to be accurate and formal, he IS African American. Take it up with Barack the fact that he has openly accepted and labeled himself as being both African American (ethnicity) and black (an informal word in regards to race).
There is no backtracking on my part. I simply tried to explain the difference between race and ethnicity. I also tried to explain the African Diaspora as an umbrella term.
I brought up the fact that in comparison to people of European and dominant European ancestry diversity is given while the diverse African Diaspora is flattened and viewed as a monolith. This is extremely relevant especially in a conversation with a person who chooses to look at the African Diaspora as one-dimensional. It is worth every mention. The African diaspora includes anyone of African lineage.
African American means a Black person of African ancestry who has American citizenship.
Just because you are mixed,you cannot talk for everyone.I know that the majority of Afro-Caribbeans and African American have pure African ancestry.The mixture is negligible otherwise the majority of Afro-Caribbeans and African-Americans would have long hair and much lightghter skin...
Bell Hooks once said, For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?
This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite writers and thinkers.
There are two aspects of her words that relate to the argument that many of us are having on this thread.
The first aspect is that I believe strongly in our society's ability to progress. However we will stay stagnant if we choose to live in a state of denial or complacency. Change and transformation comes with work! We cannot say that something has been fulfilled or overcome when no one has worked for these results. Change is not instant. It is a process. It takes time and we are hopefully moving in the right direction. Denial and a lack of regression will only make us regress. We don't want that!
The second aspect is that there is a difference between hatred and blame and then accountability.
I am merely speaking about accountability. Thos who choose to take offense with my words turn them into words of blame and hatred. Blame and hatred are counterproductive. I have and never will engage in the latter emotions/actions.
Harboring the false belief that we live in a "post-racial" society will only encourage denial and complacency. This will result in a further marginalization of the issues we need to be addressing.
There was a great article written by Jason Zenergle called "the Message Keeper". You can find it at The New Republic. Jason Zenergle (like most white journalists and scholars) merely gave terms to methods of black accomodationism that has been practiced for decades.
It is what my proud Afro-Caribbean family told me I had to do in order to be successful. For African Americans success means being able to conform and winning trust and likability amongst whites.
You must look a certain way, you must smile, you must rarely show emotion, you must come off as kind and benevolent, you must do the dirty work when demanded, you must avoid and distance yourself away from other blacks etc.
Its how my father was able to last as long as he did on Wall Street. He bargained. I will not ask for equal pay. He will not demand a much needed promotion. Instead, he will play the happy token negro that the company can parade around when needed. Blacks and whites alike fall for this when looking from the outside in.
You are accepted if you are not a threat and if you conform.
I do this too. It works but I consciously do it. Life is a game of chess. You see it has nothing to do with a society's openness or transcendence of race. It is actually a sad situation when you are black and have to walk on pins and needles, on a tight rope while the dominant community taps themselves on the shoulder for being so open so willing.
I watched Barack Obama do this throughout the entire campaign.
I am no fan of Shelby Steele but he said one thing that made sense. In order to win over white society and white voters, Obama as well as other black politicians will have to become bargainers instead of challengers. In the end, bargaining is successful in regards to personal gain but it provides little to no substantive change.
To equate this individuals ascendance with a perceived evaporation of racism, racial division, institutionalized racism and race privilege would be a line of thinking that should be reserved for the simpleton.
Speaking about black people using generalizations of "complainers" and "lack of personal responsiblity" is an old and very racist ideology. I believe that I need to inform the people on this wall of this.
This has been promoted throughout our society for the purpose of marginalizing issues that the status quo would to prefer to not address.
<- for the actions of a few idiots. I say a few idiots because this election could not have been won without a large turnout from Caucasian voters all across the country. Mathematical impossibility. And it's that fact that makes me the happiest. A lot of people are color blind after all. Says a lot.
Bill Bennett has been and always will be an oversized, rude mouthed bigot.That being said,there are plenty of Blacks who will still have excuses no matter whose in charge, but also plenty of whites whose attitudes have changed as far as hiring and promoting minorities who have worked hard and deserve a meaningful place in society.
I think the appropriate way to word his thoughts would have been to say that this election will inspire black communities beyond the self-imposed aspect of racism that has become part of the psychology of some African-Americans. When you hear something long enough, you start to believe it, even when you don't think you believe it. The election of Obama will hopefully address that phenomenon.
Sadly it seems like, for some people, this argument is just making race relations worse (see below).
Good point. However as an African-American, I can say that it's not really self-imposed. Like you said, you hear something long enough, you start to believe it. I've been called nigger a LOT. LOL.
But, what I think this election says is that racism is not gone, but we have to stop using that as an excuse of not achieving what we want out of life. Obama himself experience racism in this campaign, but he didn't let it deter him from his goal. Nor did he blame everyone of that race ->
Its not about being called a nigger. It is about the reality of institutionalized racism and race privilege that can be seen in all of our institutions.
It is the perpetuation of the same old racist ideologies and beliefs.
but if you will look at your past since the conception of your country basically killing anything in your way and enslaving other humans to do your work for you, whether they be african mexican south american or even chinese. America could do with a good dose of humility and maybe a little regret and sadness at the actions of your dads and granddads and greatgranddads but not much further into the past so easy to understand why the planet hates you. Grow Up stop picking fights with everybody
I don't know what he means excause in standard of education? So know all races from black, white, yellow, green, purple can have eaqual education and funding no matter what income level? Or that no more excause that racism againist blacks, yellow, etc could not fairly get the job or treatmnet? Or that white American society does not opress other races anymore since we have a half black half wite president?
That guy is a dumb-ass...how many Presidential hopefuls can you name that underwent so much scrutiny for their ethnic background, religion, what their wife said/downing him because he had a strong wife? Not being a person of color, all his ignorant ass can ever do until they day he dies and finally IS black in his grave is observe from the outside looking in. He will never walk a single day in a person of color's shoes - so his unintelligable comments are without merit. Ass.
I love how the only negative comments on what he said were character attacks and nothing of substance to the fact that Obama put to rest the "I can't get there cause I'm black" argument.
It's amusing that right-wingers who likely voted against Obama are those most likely to claim that his victory in the presidential election single-handedly ended racism and discrimination forever...
I have no problem with a black President. I have a problem with people electing him just because he IS black. Let me assure you, he will have struggles and make mistakes, just like EVERY President before him. Whether you choose to believe it or not, I am of the opinion that there will be some serious race issues down the pipe, like never before. To think that George Bush ALONE got us into this mess, you are miss informed.
more respect to america? ofc, but instead of crying for respect because you elected a black person for press, why not start of with not nominating stupid rednecks?
Chill out haters. He said that there are always problems in society. He's not saying there aren't ANY obstacles. But given Obama's victory (which Dr Bennett recognizes as a milestone), are those obstacles still stacked as high as they once were? Steve Harvey made the same point recently on BET and was applauded by the audience. Congrats to the new President elect.
I am proud of what has happened by the election of OBAMA. I dont for a second believe that all of the racial problems are solved by this,alone. Bennet would have you believe this. Just read the blogs from the other side. They still show there hate. If you cant take what WE THE PEOPLE have voted on. I think MARS would be a good place for you some where not on this earth. Take Bill,Sean,Rush,and all there minons and ditto heads with. God Bless America
Bennett's right. The deck isn't stacked in this country and Obama didn't have to overcome any prejudice. Affirmative action is a sham!
After all, it's not like a former secretary of education remarked THREE YEARS AGO that aborting every black fetus in the country would reduce the crime rate...oh, wait a minute...
"Bennett's right. The deck isn't stacked in this country and Obama didn't have to overcome any prejudice."
And if you actually believe that nonsense I've got a Bridge to Nowhere I'd like to sell you. I knew this was coming from right wing nimrods like Bennett if Obama won: "Look, the nigger won. That's proof that the playing field is level and the deck isn't stacked."
No other European country has ever elected a black candidate, if my memory is correct. Why are we the country who is black sheeped(no pun intended) when it comes to race? We are light years ahead of everyone else in this and it's like we're the one stuck in the past. I don't understand.
Why are we the ones who feel like we have something to prove to others who are behind us?
Actually slavery was imported to the colonies by the Europeans and Muslims. At the very moment of the signing of the declaration of independence, slavery began its decline. In the US slavery was on its way out from day one. Many of the newly formed state constitutions banned the importation of slaves. Some banned the holding of slaves. I suggest you do some research if interested in the truth of this matter.
maybe it´s because European countries don´t have that many black people in their country.
I can´t find any statistics, but I would say the percentage is quite low in e.g. Germany.
So you can´t compare these things.
But e.g. Europeans had already many women as leaders of their country, which US hadn´t, but I wouldn´t say that Europeans are that advanced in women rights because of this.
Because European countries didn't have institutional slavery for centuries (although they did profit from it) within their borders. That's what makes this so unbelievable. In a country that still often stereotypes African Americans, we've elected an African American president. It says so much about our country. Ethnically, we're a very complicated melting pot.
i take it from your moan that you are an american. first off uk has had a few coloured mps over the years and i think a couple of black bishops first woman leader over twenty years ago! you are blacked sheeped as you put it because of your (and i mean no dissrespect ) attitude to the rest of the planet, americans are so far behind they think they are leading the way. This only means the rest of us are already over the horizon. I know it is hard to understand why the world hates america.
blykken, I have to respectfully disagree with you on the cocaine example. It is not a "rich" or "poor" drug difference, it is a difference in terms of addiction. I am not nieve about the differences, and I know people who have stooped to the lowest lows when hooked on crack. Although it could be possible for powder, the difference is stark. My own observation is that people on crack are much more inclined to engage in criminal behavior as they fall into the never ending cycle of crack addiction.
Obama's election would've been truly monumental if it were done in the 50s or earlier. Let's just stop acting like b/c Obama's black, everything is suddenly gonna be fine. Everyone knows it takes more than electing a black pres. to fix shit.
The president, a government official, OUTSIDE of society and culture-at-large, CANNOT just make everything possible for everyone. I read the dumbest thing in my local newspaper: Some black woman said she wasn't gonna go to college, but then Obama got elected, and she got all happy and thought "I can do anything!" Lol. wtf.
This politically correct "first black" crap has got to end. It doesn't prove a damn thing, esp. not that there was massive discrimination in this day and age.
Obviously, but the Obama presidency is simply symbolic of the times we are in. He was obviously the better man of the two. Well, at least the more charismatic one with the better campaign strategy.
Just a comment on someone saying that obama is not the typical r=brotha from the hood. I am full black and I have many 1/2 and 1/2 friends. I will tell you that if president Obama did not consider himself black he would have NEVER married and stayed with Michelle. It is irrelevant to anything but just wanted to give my 2 cents
I find it funny how all the Obama supporters and liberals keep harping on nd on about "racial divide" and all this other bullshit. WHAT racial divide?? This country's been pretty colorblind for at least the past few decades!! We've been ready to elect a black pres. for a while now; it's just that the right black hasn't come along until Obama. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for pres., but they're a bunch of race-baiting douchebags. Alan Keyes is a far right nut.
Shirley Chisholm wasn't bad in 72, but there were still more qualified people like McGovern. But most of the time, not many black people end up running for either party's nomination. So this crap about it being 'historic' only goes so far as to mean it's just another first, in terms of race. But it does NOT mean we were somehow unable to elect blacks earlier than 08. Get your heads outta your asses people.
Btw, I am not a McCain supporter or Republican. I am Independent.
This was the subtext to McCain's concession speech, too. Bennett's just coming right out and saying it: It's the end of racism, and all the darkies can stop their bellyaching.
Unfortunately, it's not. It wasn't when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It wasn't when Jackie Robinson took the field for the Dodgers. It wasn't the end when Jim Crow got rolled back. It wasn't when Sidney Portier won an Oscar. And it isn't now, even though it's a great step forward.
Rascism is alive and unfortunately well in America. One of the bighgest mistakes I see is that still often see it as a black white issue. Sigh... Racism is within every cultural group. Shoot, I read it and see it even on many of the UFO videos about aliens , comments and both. Eugenics still plays with people's heads. The racial divides are 'inbred' anymore. People can be both extremes.
I also agree the election of Obama is a step forward
Yes, all the REAL African Americans who are getting their asses whooped by racist cops and politicians on a daily basis can clearly relate to a wealthy half-Kenyan, half-German born elitist who is related in blood to Dick Cheney. Yes, Obama is just a typical brotha from the hood.
Heh. That's what I've been saying! Obama's lived above poverty for at least 3/4ths of his life. Most of the poverty he knows is just meeting people in poor areas of Chicago as a community organizer. He's such a phony in acting like he KNOWS poverty. All the impoverished blacks just stepped in line to vote for him just b/c of skin color, assuming he's "one of us." It's pathetic. That's no reason to vote for someone. The black community really has issues, it seems.
u are such a fool!!! being able 2 relate 2 rich or poor is a quality dat come from within...doesnt matter if u grew up rich or poor unless u really grab it!!! look up da word inclusive!!! why did rich white people vote 4 him then???? get sum humanlity about urself!!
I have never seen so many hysterical black people acting crazy about Obama. It's like they won the lottery. I am happy that for the first time, they can look at their kids and tell them "You can be president." But c'mon already. You've have had the right to vote for years and many of you voted this year for the first time just because a black man was running. Where were you all of you when the white guys were running? At home bitching about "The Man".
MK1000b-That's pretty stereotypical. This is my third election that I have exercised my right to vote. And I don't sit at home bitching about "The Man". It's sad that you, like many others, are downplaying the importance of this election. This was a historical election. I think everyone has the right to "act crazy" regardless of race.
Wow, do you think our nation will ever get over bringing Africans out of the crap-hole that Africa is to America and bettering their lives in 200 years while Africa is slowly disintegrating and refuses to get over their own prejudices? Get over it my brothers and sisters, until you've lived in Africa you will never appreciate the short hell weve been through to get to this point. Grow up you all!
And the world will not have respect for you yet because you voted for Bush twice retard fuck. In addition the world was against the war in Iraq as were many Americans but you totally disregarded the worlds opinion because Bush wanted to be a fucking cowboy and McCain a 'maverick' who crashed 4 planes which consequently caused a blackout in Madrid and also dropped a BOMB on his own men kiling 134.I say thank your lucky stars that Obama is president bitch.Stop bitching assfuck and start supporting
Why didn't Bennet have higher expectations for Bush in fixing the problem with education. Is it because Bush actually said 'Is our children learning' and he can't fucking speak English? Why do you expect Obama to fix up Bush's fuckup and also transform everything that went wrong.I think it is time for a sign of a relif that McCain didn't win and like Obama said changed won't come overnight we all have to work at it.Lets not forgot that Bush FUCKED THIS COUNTRY UP. And Obama has to fix the FUCKUP
Um,no Bill.This is a wonderful step in the right direction but to imply that America is now somehow impervious to criticism regarding racism,or that no more "excuses" can be made ignores the fact that half the country voted against Obama and in many cases did so out of ignorance and fear.
i cannot believe that NOW, there are no more excuses.....this country has been run on excuses for 200 years....not to say i don't have every confidence Obama will go above and beyond the call of duty, what troubles me is people waiting to throw the first stone. disgraceful, did anyone say anything like that at Bushs' 2000 win or 2004 win....HELL NO.
Excuses - racecard - I agree - there have been 43 white presidents - and white folk have been conplaining and making excuses - and no says anything- the excuse tag is total bullshit-
Pesident Obama means that the US finally lived up to the founding documents - this dose not wipe out the history of slavery, jim crow, racism, hate and economic segragation and years of poverty -
I am happy that the BEST MAN one this election - but dont tell me I cant conplain about what is wrong in the US.
No thats not true, the popular vote was closely won. That being said, the people who hire fire and give chances still have a bias when it comes to colors in good jobs. I am speaking on an average persons level. There will always be the exceptional person in the group to which they cannot be denied. For you to say that the race thing is now void. I can take you to a couple of places where you would few weird walking next to me. The looks alone will change your mind.
The racist ones are, for the most part, largely in the lower, uneducated classes. These people have NO power. I imagine that you would take me to a lower-class neighborhood or some rural Southern country town in order to get those kinds of looks. Those people barely matter when it comes to having power in the world. And no one has an excuse when it comes to getting an education. If you are the best man, then that's what matters most amongst the educated circles.
That's an interesting point. I think that's why it's important to look at racism as a system of advantage based on race rather than individual predudices. We all have individual predudice. But there certainly exists a system of advantage in the U.S. that favors the dominant race. The same can be said for gender, class, ability, etc. The truth is that a black presidency does not mean the end of black suffering. Tomorrow one in a hundred black men will still be imprisoned.
Why would anyone go into prison? Because they did a crime. Black men who are well-educated and are on the road to personal responsibility and success aren't the guys you'll find in prison. It's only those who have fallen victim to drugs or the gang subculture whom you will find in prison. Police are only needed for violent crimes, and violent crimes generally occur where society is split between the haves and the have-nots. How does one become a "have"? Education is a start.
My point is that the system of advantage based on race is what has imprisoned black men. The drug war is a good example. Crack Cocaine still has much harsher consequences than powder cocaine, the difference being that one is a "rich drug" and the other is a "poor drug." And so we have created a moral hierarchy when it comes to drugs. The same goes for marijuana, why is alcohol legal even though it is a much more physically destructive drug? One is socially acceptable to the "haves.
Um ... cocaine is never "socially acceptable" unless you happen to be around other coke addicts. And if 1 in 10 blacks go to jail, what are the other 9 doing? And as far as the alcohol comment, that's a completely different subject.
This is not true. I have found that too many have tried to contain racism to a characteristic of low income and uneducated whites.
I grew up in one of the richest towns in America in the suburbs of New York City. I also currently live in NYC (what is considered to be progressive. My life experiences directly contradict my experiences.
My life experiences directly contradict my experiences. not comprehendy this sentence surly life experiences and experiences are the same thing dont know about you but i have only one experience to turn to and that is my experience of this life.
The world already developed more respect for the united states because of this election, but statistics suggest that espcially older white men like this guy didn't vote for Obabma by a very large margin. So it's probably not his turn to brag with the result since Obama obviously won despite the racial resentments that still exist. And thus excuses might still be as justified as before.
hey bill, here's an idea: push yourself away from the slot machines and the all you can eat buffets and go for a walk, get some exercise, man. You need it.
Why do people keep thinking a affirmative actions are only for blacks. It is for all minorities including women and the disabled. Statistics show that the people who have benefited from affirmative action the most are women, particularly white women.
You're full of shit thikatoya. The stats show it helps particularly black women, although all BLS's stats are based upon faulty logic. Because 90% black women hold gov't jobs means that there isn't much work available for black women in the public sector? You got to be fucking kidding me. 90% hold gov't jobs b/c of AA!!
Doesn't matter though, Obama killed AA. Even Jerry Springer agrees with Bill Bennett(Air America). This is why white America voted 4 Obama. To wipe the slate clean.
First off, by the way you commented show how ignorant and hateful you are. And just because "Jerry Springer" and other people agree with that means absolutely nothing to me. Like I said, you have to be living under the rock to think that all of a sudden, no racial excuses.
Three years later we've find out what happens when you elect a man as President because of his race.
Pyretix 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
He said that there are always problems in society. He's not saying there aren't ANY obstacles. But given Obama's victory (which Dr Bennett recognizes as a milestone), are those obstacles still stacked as high as they once were? Steve Harvey made the same point on BET following Obama's victory and was applauded by the audience. Bennett makes the same point... and he get's called insensitive and racist?
krausza 2 months ago
i remember when that fat fascist phony was playing commando when he was drug czar by dressing up in camo fatigues wearing all that web gear
DawnOfTheDead991 10 months ago
Obama has one excuse after another for why he cannot do what is right.
JosephAlibinMuhammad 11 months ago
BILL BENNETT HIT IT ON THE HEAD
abredell 1 year ago
@abredell More like: Was hit on the head
DawnOfTheDead991 10 months ago
RITBLIH Religion Is The Biggest Lie In History, look for it and like it on Facebook!!
hevblade 1 year ago
what really sounds retarded is when you rant about how liberal and / or conservative someone is...
Darusdei 1 year ago
No excuses, white man has been president of this country since inception and whites bitch, complain and have excuses every damn day lol
Bahia82 1 year ago
Mrs. Romney Will be the NexT First LaDY...........
Mitt Romney Will be the Next PresiDent of the UniTeD States Of America........
FireYourJOB 1 year ago
@FireYourJOB
Keep dreaming
viz1 1 year ago
Regardless of color, most of our college campuses are stocked with slackers.
apexcells 2 years ago
So even when black COLLEGE GRADUATES are 50% LESS LIKELY to get a job than white college graduates, there aren't any "excuses"?
I repeat: COLLEGE GRADUATES.
keyboardplaya 2 years ago
hell i agree with him and i'm black!
wise4me 2 years ago
this guy is a white supremacist.
yourmajezty 2 years ago 2
A white supremacist that cared more about black kids getting an education than Obama, Illinois or democrats.
When teachers unions get paid off for votes through raises, with no accountability along with telling Obama no way on vouchers, which btw provides the education they don't, blacks are silent.
We shouldn't need them because the school system should be accountable; Why need vouchers in the first place? Give the each kid money vouchers to go to the best, then they'll have to teach.
averitas 2 years ago
hes racist. period!
yourmajezty 2 years ago
BENNETT: Well, I don't think it is either,... But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could ... abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. So these far-out, these far-reaching, extensive extrapolations are, I think, tricky.
csmceo 2 years ago
This is why Bill Bennett is a has been.
1uzfeTT 2 years ago
nope. that, more or less, is why we are talking about bill Bennett right now.
csmceo 2 years ago
RESEARCH THE NEW WORLD ORDER!!
hogsonquads 2 years ago
hey bennet is right.....obama is an intelligent man who didnt make any excuses....now all black americans should realize that they dont have any more reasons or excuses.....dont blame bennet because he isnt afraid to stand up and say it..... and look at the uneducated fool from venezuela....chavez who calls obama uneducated and he went to harvard...
beachkid1 2 years ago
the comments show that only ALMIGHTY GOD can cure our ills. Only then will there be peace on earth. Let's try to read the gospels today to see how Jesus would view them. Black White and all in between are not living christian values so what do we expect besides anarchy ?
whutdahelkid 2 years ago
There is no God. Wake up kid.
CharismaticRecluse 2 years ago
I BEG TO DIFFER, FUCK HIM
graduation911 3 years ago
puppets raise the wage first lower the cost of living and close the sweatshops!!!!! puppets.
leviamenra 3 years ago
listen to this asshole claiming respect he didn't earn!
HILARIOUS! what a blowhard
hickeye 3 years ago
No blacks have any excuses because one made through, Bill Bennett is an un-virtuous turd who should go back to gambling his kids tuition away like he did before on those online offshore gambling sites, what racist a pig Bennett is.
lighwave 3 years ago 7
@lighwave fuck all you liberal scum that just want handouts... get off your lazy fuckin asses and be an american for once... work your hands to the bone..
polishfarmer 1 year ago
@polishfarmer - i agree. i am republican and I work hard for my education and yet a democrat sitting next to me asking for help on an assignment and when i told him the instructions are written on teachers folder he said he didn't want to read it. well i said FUCK YOU. I will not help you when you to lazy to read one page. He failed the class a week later. I got a B-.
Alvamations 1 year ago
@Alvamations Um, how did you know the guy sitting next to you asking for help was a Democrat? He actually told you - or is that just your guess?
rakrobn 1 year ago
@rakrobn - oh, we are classmates and co-workers for the past nine months. and he told me.
38006 1 year ago
@polishfarmer Just shut up dumbass. You make no sense
Janetvdl 11 months ago
What they've been saying on CNN (and most media outlets) that day was that the fact that America just elected a black man makes their democracy legit. I don't think so, because when your choices are still as limited as the last election and the gross inefficiencies of the election system (among others) are not repaired then there is still a problem.
ezzthemc 3 years ago 6
Musicfan, get a grip. Obama won because of his ideas and leadership first and foremost- it is a credit to America and to his opposition that they did not make race the overriding issue. Obama busted thru a barrier that has never been broken thru in the entire history of mankind- that accomplishment should be celebrated but once. You don't like him, speak to the ideas you disagree with- dislike him for his color- go crawl under a rock with the rest of the invertebrates. God Bless America.
moffat691 3 years ago
The sad truth? The race card will continue. The funny thing is that no other nation on the planet is being obligated to elect a minority leader, and no non-White nation has ever had a White leader.
musicfan1996 3 years ago
Let me tell you about a nice little place called South Africa.
SevenSixTwoNato 2 years ago
And, if he can,then there have been 'Black' Presidents before,based on your argument that "everyone is mixed".
Chels1l 3 years ago
There have been presidents in the past with African lineage.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Lastly, I think where you are missing my point is that Obama is not black but indeed African American in regards to academic definition of African american. He has more direct lineage to Africa that most African Americans. African American is an ethnicity. there is a difference between race and ethnicity. Being Afro-whatever is completely different from being African and having citizenship in another nation. It highly complex and it perplexed me when I first learned about it while in undergrad.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
All of these people have more in common than they do differences.They all share the same ancestry and their culture is African based if you look at the music,customs and traditions.
The differences in Caribbean,American and Southern American Black Africans is merely based on the varying degrees of Western influence-Afro-Latinos being more mixed than any of the others.
Chels1l 3 years ago
Not all Afro-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinos, Afro-Brazillians look the same or have the same cultures. Culture is heavy when differianting people into ethnic groups.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
The racial mixture in African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans is more or less negigible.With many of these Black African women,they were raped by the white slave master but not all rapes result in impregnation and most of the babies that were born were usually killed by the mid-wives-these babies were not considered human beings.
Lastly,I am not bothered how people identify themselves but,if we are honest,Obama cannot be considered our first Black President.
Chels1l 3 years ago
I see love and truth has been replaced with hate. Welcome to politics. memama is not one of ours. Sounds spanish.
unitedwecouldstand 3 years ago
Go Bill Bennett, you are so correct, leave Sarah Palin alone! I'm sick of it,
classicfilmgirl 3 years ago
Is it just me, or does he look like "Norm" on "Cheers"?
redhead761 3 years ago
WOW! WE GOT a new President AND a boatload of ANGRY BLACK PEOPLE LOOKING FOR ??? HANDOUT? AND HATE?? AND HYPE?? then the little matter of those detonation dust covered dollars Obama was given at the Unabomber Picnic! now its: PAYBACK! for their vote! that the few bucks will be worthless when the gas prices are $10 bucks a gallon! and the bread costs: $8.00 a loaf cause FUEL is thru the ROOF! doesn't REGISTER with those little acorns huggin the TREE! the tiny "plink" of: PROBLEMS?Hhmmm~
memama2 3 years ago
memama.. you need to make use of the audio preview. you might come off as coherent next time.
raafhornet 3 years ago 2
that rant was both stupid and meaningless
ahabthewhaler 3 years ago
I am aware of what organizations like the NAACP do, it is right in their name. Advancement of Colored People.
Now, I know it would be all the rage if there was an organization to help whites. Oh, I forgot, whites are handed everything, they don't need help. The only point I was trying to make is individuals should be self reliant. You can only and should only depend upon yourself. Everyone has preconceived notions about everyone else, regaurdless of color.
jcuatt 3 years ago
People like Bill bennett who I met while an undergrad can shove it because they know little to nothing about black people.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
This guy still gave up because he thought he had discovered the reason he wasn't good enough. Racism or discrimination aren't always the reasons someone isn't given an opportunity, I believe that is what this man is saying, it is going to be harder to cry wolf if things don't go the way an individual thinks they should go.
jcuatt 3 years ago
If it is that rare then we wouldn't have institutions like the NAACP. Affirmative Action wouldn't be around. I agree these 2 organizations were needed at one time, the only purpose they have now is to perpetuate reverse racism. I am not trying to make a general comment about any one group of people. Everyone is different to one degree or another. I heard a white guy make an excuse of not getting a job because he had tattoos, same as being black, No.
jcuatt 3 years ago
First off, affirmative action is not an organization.
You are obviously also unaware about what organizations like the NAACP and Urban League as well as others do.
I originally thought that I was dealing with someone who had an understanding of certian things but I was obviously mistaken. Youtube would not be the place for me to try and enlighten you.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
no excuses blacks. can't blame the government now. get off your lazy asses and work.
nashsteve13 3 years ago
This guy isn't saying it is going to be the end of all racism. It is the viewpoint that the race card is sometimes played as a cop out to ones own failures. It doesn't matter if you are black or white or brown. If you want something bad enough you can achieve it. To simply give up based on ones color or background is itself absurd. To turn around and use it for an excuse is worse.
jcuatt 3 years ago
You said,
"is the viewpoint that the race card is sometimes played as a cop out to ones own failures."
I will admit as I have always that some are confused as to whether look to negative external or internal reasons for certain outcomes however this is not their fault the fact that many have to grapple with this is because we live in the society we live in. That sort of confusion will at times arise. However I believe that it is rarer than many have made it seem.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
"If you want something bad enough you can achieve it. To simply give up based on ones color or background is itself absurd. To turn around and use it for an excuse is worse."
Yes, you believe in the American dream and that America is a meritocracy. I am achieved more in my 22 years than most people. I believe that I can achieve anything that I want but that is not without having to deal with people's prejudices and preconceived notions of who I am and what I am capable of.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Those who give up because of discrimination are thos ewho take an emotion based approach to an issue. They look at it as an issue with them or some personal inadequacy. When someone does that, they harbor negative feelins about themselves and the world around them. This has the potential of leading to failure.
This are basic findings and theories of motivational and social psychology.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
I was always taught that I am a capable, smart and beautiful person regardless who who tells me differently. This is because I have been enlightened and raised with a family who nurtured me about my own cultures, histories as well as other things which gave me a sense of pride and purpose.
When I am faced with similar problems that may defeat others, I know how to navigate them because I look at things from a problem solving perspective.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
For example, when having problem being able to advance in the fashion industry of New York which is known to be racially, culuturally and socio-economically prejudice. I ventured off into my own thing by starting my own enterprise. Entrepreneurship became a tool of empowerment. I am self-employed and I manage my own destiny. I do not have to compromise myself or feel intimidated. My clients are usually upscale black urbanites and black owned companies.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
My parents taught me the values that made me resistant and resilient; the values of the black value system.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Are you related to Sarah Palin?
Galit11111 3 years ago
No, I am not white, stupid or from Alaska. Why would you ask?
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Sorry, that was a reply to someone else, sorry.
Galit11111 3 years ago
No problem because that was beyond offensive for reasons I shouldn't have to express.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
You say LoveTruth that "he is no less black than a vast majority of American black community".This is completely false because Obama is straight mixed race and the white blood in african americans is insignificant-don't the mid-wives killed most of these babies that were mixed as they were seen as sub-human.
Chels1l 3 years ago
No it is not, you obviously are unaware of the definition of the ethnic group that is called black in Western Hemisphere.
Many African Americans have and have had close mixtures in their family but are still considered black. This is what I am discussing.
However this is youtube and I cannot go through all the specifics.
The backgrounds of Afro-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans are not homogenous.
This is even visible in the appearance of many AA and ACs.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
I see what you mean but Obama is not Black and is more accurate to say he is of mixed race.
Black Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans are the same people and their ancestry is African.
The American and Caribbean term just names the land they occupy.
Chels1l 3 years ago
Listen, I studied on an academic level the cultures and peoples of the African Diaspora so you need not to behave like you are educating me.
"Black Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans are the same people and their ancestry is African.
The American and Caribbean term just names the land they occupy."
Too some degree but they are still different people because they have different cultures and live in different territory so that must be mentioned and respected.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Being of mixed race and lineage is being African American. Obama said this himself actually so you can go look it up.
Lastly, people Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans have shared background but neither are full descents of pure African blood. My paternal great-grandmother was Scottish. My paternal grandfather was Indian. My paternal great-grandfather was British. My maternal grandmother was half Asian.
They of their offspring considered themselves to be black.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Correction: All of their offspring considered themselves to be black.
Lastly, I differiante between Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans becasue they have different cultures, they are from different lands etc...
It is like me saying Irish and Italians are all the same...they are white. That would not be accurate.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Correction: "Differentiate" "because"
I didn't mean to reiterate an already discussed point.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Although they live in "different lands" the Afro-Caribbean and the African-American are the same people.They happen to be in those strange lands because they were placed there around the time of slavery-less than a few hundred years ago.Both are Africans that are in different lands and their culture is still African influenced.I don't think the Irish-Italian example is relevant to this as that's a different race with a different history.
Chels1l 3 years ago
Yes, the reference that I gave was relevant. However when dealing with whites, people love to give more complexity while people in the African Diaspora are considered a monolith.
Being African and of prominent African ancestry are two different things.
Once again, I find it offensive that you refuse to give Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Americans there diversity. I will continue to use Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American in the same way I will use Afro-Cuban and Afro Brazillian. Moving on...
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
At the end of the day, you need to take it up with Obama. He said in both of his bios that he is a black man of mixed heritage.
My close friend and roommate is mixed however she knows that while people acknowledge mixed race, when aligning herself, she aligns herself with what is called "black" in this country.
I usually refer to Obama as African-American which is open to his diversity than black which for most is a very blanket and term that does not reflect ones ethnic diversity.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
You seem to be jumping from one assertion to another.First off you falsely claimed that Obama is "no less Black" than any African-American then you backtrack and accept that he is "not Black but indeed African-American".
These plus irrelevant comparisons with different races is making your post muddled and perplexing.
You are right that there are differences between Afro-Caribbean and African-American and Afro-Latinos etc but these are only slight variations.
Chels1l 3 years ago
I believe that Obama is no less black than many blacks in this country however to be accurate and formal, he IS African American. Take it up with Barack the fact that he has openly accepted and labeled himself as being both African American (ethnicity) and black (an informal word in regards to race).
There is no backtracking on my part. I simply tried to explain the difference between race and ethnicity. I also tried to explain the African Diaspora as an umbrella term.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
I brought up the fact that in comparison to people of European and dominant European ancestry diversity is given while the diverse African Diaspora is flattened and viewed as a monolith. This is extremely relevant especially in a conversation with a person who chooses to look at the African Diaspora as one-dimensional. It is worth every mention. The African diaspora includes anyone of African lineage.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
African American means a Black person of African ancestry who has American citizenship.
Just because you are mixed,you cannot talk for everyone.I know that the majority of Afro-Caribbeans and African American have pure African ancestry.The mixture is negligible otherwise the majority of Afro-Caribbeans and African-Americans would have long hair and much lightghter skin...
Chels1l 3 years ago
That is not true. You obviously are completely unaware of this fact. The majority are not of pure blood ancestry.
I learned this on an academic level no just making assumptions or falling into popular belief.
Lastly, I am not mixed. I am no more or less mixed than many Afro-Americans or Afro-Caribbeans if you look into their blood lines.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Bell Hooks once said, For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?
This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite writers and thinkers.
There are two aspects of her words that relate to the argument that many of us are having on this thread.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
The first aspect is that I believe strongly in our society's ability to progress. However we will stay stagnant if we choose to live in a state of denial or complacency. Change and transformation comes with work! We cannot say that something has been fulfilled or overcome when no one has worked for these results. Change is not instant. It is a process. It takes time and we are hopefully moving in the right direction. Denial and a lack of regression will only make us regress. We don't want that!
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
The second aspect is that there is a difference between hatred and blame and then accountability.
I am merely speaking about accountability. Thos who choose to take offense with my words turn them into words of blame and hatred. Blame and hatred are counterproductive. I have and never will engage in the latter emotions/actions.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Harboring the false belief that we live in a "post-racial" society will only encourage denial and complacency. This will result in a further marginalization of the issues we need to be addressing.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
There was a great article written by Jason Zenergle called "the Message Keeper". You can find it at The New Republic. Jason Zenergle (like most white journalists and scholars) merely gave terms to methods of black accomodationism that has been practiced for decades.
It is what my proud Afro-Caribbean family told me I had to do in order to be successful. For African Americans success means being able to conform and winning trust and likability amongst whites.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
You must look a certain way, you must smile, you must rarely show emotion, you must come off as kind and benevolent, you must do the dirty work when demanded, you must avoid and distance yourself away from other blacks etc.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Its how my father was able to last as long as he did on Wall Street. He bargained. I will not ask for equal pay. He will not demand a much needed promotion. Instead, he will play the happy token negro that the company can parade around when needed. Blacks and whites alike fall for this when looking from the outside in.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
You are accepted if you are not a threat and if you conform.
I do this too. It works but I consciously do it. Life is a game of chess. You see it has nothing to do with a society's openness or transcendence of race. It is actually a sad situation when you are black and have to walk on pins and needles, on a tight rope while the dominant community taps themselves on the shoulder for being so open so willing.
I watched Barack Obama do this throughout the entire campaign.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
I am no fan of Shelby Steele but he said one thing that made sense. In order to win over white society and white voters, Obama as well as other black politicians will have to become bargainers instead of challengers. In the end, bargaining is successful in regards to personal gain but it provides little to no substantive change.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
To equate this individuals ascendance with a perceived evaporation of racism, racial division, institutionalized racism and race privilege would be a line of thinking that should be reserved for the simpleton.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Speaking about black people using generalizations of "complainers" and "lack of personal responsiblity" is an old and very racist ideology. I believe that I need to inform the people on this wall of this.
This has been promoted throughout our society for the purpose of marginalizing issues that the status quo would to prefer to not address.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
<- for the actions of a few idiots. I say a few idiots because this election could not have been won without a large turnout from Caucasian voters all across the country. Mathematical impossibility. And it's that fact that makes me the happiest. A lot of people are color blind after all. Says a lot.
mikeboogie25 3 years ago
Bill Bennett has been and always will be an oversized, rude mouthed bigot.That being said,there are plenty of Blacks who will still have excuses no matter whose in charge, but also plenty of whites whose attitudes have changed as far as hiring and promoting minorities who have worked hard and deserve a meaningful place in society.
niabianiabia 3 years ago
I think the appropriate way to word his thoughts would have been to say that this election will inspire black communities beyond the self-imposed aspect of racism that has become part of the psychology of some African-Americans. When you hear something long enough, you start to believe it, even when you don't think you believe it. The election of Obama will hopefully address that phenomenon.
Sadly it seems like, for some people, this argument is just making race relations worse (see below).
1FullofGrace 3 years ago
Good point. However as an African-American, I can say that it's not really self-imposed. Like you said, you hear something long enough, you start to believe it. I've been called nigger a LOT. LOL.
But, what I think this election says is that racism is not gone, but we have to stop using that as an excuse of not achieving what we want out of life. Obama himself experience racism in this campaign, but he didn't let it deter him from his goal. Nor did he blame everyone of that race ->
mikeboogie25 3 years ago
Its not about being called a nigger. It is about the reality of institutionalized racism and race privilege that can be seen in all of our institutions.
It is the perpetuation of the same old racist ideologies and beliefs.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
"self-imposed aspect of racism that has become part of the psychology of some African-Americans. "
Yup, racism is self-imposed because it is indeed fun and enjoyable.
Of course I am being sarcastic.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Bill Bennet is a pompous biggot. What this election means is that people like him are losing to tolerance, justice and equality.
oluoch28304 3 years ago
but if you will look at your past since the conception of your country basically killing anything in your way and enslaving other humans to do your work for you, whether they be african mexican south american or even chinese. America could do with a good dose of humility and maybe a little regret and sadness at the actions of your dads and granddads and greatgranddads but not much further into the past so easy to understand why the planet hates you. Grow Up stop picking fights with everybody
scottypaul266 3 years ago
I don't know what he means excause in standard of education? So know all races from black, white, yellow, green, purple can have eaqual education and funding no matter what income level? Or that no more excause that racism againist blacks, yellow, etc could not fairly get the job or treatmnet? Or that white American society does not opress other races anymore since we have a half black half wite president?
hmmyeah 3 years ago
That guy is a dumb-ass...how many Presidential hopefuls can you name that underwent so much scrutiny for their ethnic background, religion, what their wife said/downing him because he had a strong wife? Not being a person of color, all his ignorant ass can ever do until they day he dies and finally IS black in his grave is observe from the outside looking in. He will never walk a single day in a person of color's shoes - so his unintelligable comments are without merit. Ass.
indigomorocco 3 years ago
I love how the only negative comments on what he said were character attacks and nothing of substance to the fact that Obama put to rest the "I can't get there cause I'm black" argument.
nagoura 3 years ago
What is this draft-dodging, compulsive gambling, joke still doing on TV ???
stbhs71 3 years ago
It means the white voters are pussies. We voted a coon in.
mac777daddy 3 years ago
how?? your fat ass momma and daddy didn't get elected
mber18 3 years ago
I think you should take back your comment and watch what you say next time..your comment is very racist and sensitive!
KROGERSGROUP 3 years ago
Bennett is an asshole...Shut up and go play some slot machines Bill.
kac56 3 years ago
It's amusing that right-wingers who likely voted against Obama are those most likely to claim that his victory in the presidential election single-handedly ended racism and discrimination forever...
BrezhnevIsMyCoPilot 3 years ago
Would the MSM please do us ALL a big favor and "retire" this gambling addict nut job.
DrRoberts9 3 years ago
End affirmative action
Aiursrage2k 3 years ago
Bigotry is still with us and continues to suppress the hopes and dreams of millions of people in this country.
duhCider 3 years ago 2
I have no problem with a black President. I have a problem with people electing him just because he IS black. Let me assure you, he will have struggles and make mistakes, just like EVERY President before him. Whether you choose to believe it or not, I am of the opinion that there will be some serious race issues down the pipe, like never before. To think that George Bush ALONE got us into this mess, you are miss informed.
austinga05 3 years ago
more respect to america? ofc, but instead of crying for respect because you elected a black person for press, why not start of with not nominating stupid rednecks?
ikanaide 3 years ago
Chill out haters. He said that there are always problems in society. He's not saying there aren't ANY obstacles. But given Obama's victory (which Dr Bennett recognizes as a milestone), are those obstacles still stacked as high as they once were? Steve Harvey made the same point recently on BET and was applauded by the audience. Congrats to the new President elect.
krausza 3 years ago
I am proud of what has happened by the election of OBAMA. I dont for a second believe that all of the racial problems are solved by this,alone. Bennet would have you believe this. Just read the blogs from the other side. They still show there hate. If you cant take what WE THE PEOPLE have voted on. I think MARS would be a good place for you some where not on this earth. Take Bill,Sean,Rush,and all there minons and ditto heads with. God Bless America
nextship05 3 years ago
Bennett's right. The deck isn't stacked in this country and Obama didn't have to overcome any prejudice. Affirmative action is a sham!
After all, it's not like a former secretary of education remarked THREE YEARS AGO that aborting every black fetus in the country would reduce the crime rate...oh, wait a minute...
jet33177 3 years ago
"Bennett's right. The deck isn't stacked in this country and Obama didn't have to overcome any prejudice."
And if you actually believe that nonsense I've got a Bridge to Nowhere I'd like to sell you. I knew this was coming from right wing nimrods like Bennett if Obama won: "Look, the nigger won. That's proof that the playing field is level and the deck isn't stacked."
SabuPtolemy 3 years ago
you really believe that obama didnt have to overcome any prejudice?!
ur a pathetic exuse for a human being.
liiveurlife923 3 years ago
How is Obama the first black president? He has a white mother so he's as qualified to label himself white.
lukewarmstorm 3 years ago 2
Accusatory, chronic gambler Bill Bennett speaks.
lighwave 3 years ago
I'm scratching my head here...
No other European country has ever elected a black candidate, if my memory is correct. Why are we the country who is black sheeped(no pun intended) when it comes to race? We are light years ahead of everyone else in this and it's like we're the one stuck in the past. I don't understand.
Why are we the ones who feel like we have something to prove to others who are behind us?
LooseLatitude 3 years ago
ummm i dont think the Europeans have had a history of race issues against especially black people...thats why its a big deal
mber18 3 years ago
Actually slavery was imported to the colonies by the Europeans and Muslims. At the very moment of the signing of the declaration of independence, slavery began its decline. In the US slavery was on its way out from day one. Many of the newly formed state constitutions banned the importation of slaves. Some banned the holding of slaves. I suggest you do some research if interested in the truth of this matter.
g699a 3 years ago
@LooseLatitude
maybe it´s because European countries don´t have that many black people in their country.
I can´t find any statistics, but I would say the percentage is quite low in e.g. Germany.
So you can´t compare these things.
But e.g. Europeans had already many women as leaders of their country, which US hadn´t, but I wouldn´t say that Europeans are that advanced in women rights because of this.
BMWizardofOz 3 years ago
Because European countries didn't have institutional slavery for centuries (although they did profit from it) within their borders. That's what makes this so unbelievable. In a country that still often stereotypes African Americans, we've elected an African American president. It says so much about our country. Ethnically, we're a very complicated melting pot.
jumboband 3 years ago
i take it from your moan that you are an american. first off uk has had a few coloured mps over the years and i think a couple of black bishops first woman leader over twenty years ago! you are blacked sheeped as you put it because of your (and i mean no dissrespect ) attitude to the rest of the planet, americans are so far behind they think they are leading the way. This only means the rest of us are already over the horizon. I know it is hard to understand why the world hates america.
scottypaul266 3 years ago
blykken, I have to respectfully disagree with you on the cocaine example. It is not a "rich" or "poor" drug difference, it is a difference in terms of addiction. I am not nieve about the differences, and I know people who have stooped to the lowest lows when hooked on crack. Although it could be possible for powder, the difference is stark. My own observation is that people on crack are much more inclined to engage in criminal behavior as they fall into the never ending cycle of crack addiction.
SlimSh8E 3 years ago
Obama's election would've been truly monumental if it were done in the 50s or earlier. Let's just stop acting like b/c Obama's black, everything is suddenly gonna be fine. Everyone knows it takes more than electing a black pres. to fix shit.
whoo689 3 years ago 2
The president, a government official, OUTSIDE of society and culture-at-large, CANNOT just make everything possible for everyone. I read the dumbest thing in my local newspaper: Some black woman said she wasn't gonna go to college, but then Obama got elected, and she got all happy and thought "I can do anything!" Lol. wtf.
This politically correct "first black" crap has got to end. It doesn't prove a damn thing, esp. not that there was massive discrimination in this day and age.
whoo689 3 years ago
Thank You! Blacks have allowed America to pimp them with symbolism but no real substanitive change.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
Obviously, but the Obama presidency is simply symbolic of the times we are in. He was obviously the better man of the two. Well, at least the more charismatic one with the better campaign strategy.
redchango 3 years ago
Just a comment on someone saying that obama is not the typical r=brotha from the hood. I am full black and I have many 1/2 and 1/2 friends. I will tell you that if president Obama did not consider himself black he would have NEVER married and stayed with Michelle. It is irrelevant to anything but just wanted to give my 2 cents
dzuki77 3 years ago
I co-sign. Many "brothas" esp. when successful cannot even do that much.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
I find it funny how all the Obama supporters and liberals keep harping on nd on about "racial divide" and all this other bullshit. WHAT racial divide?? This country's been pretty colorblind for at least the past few decades!! We've been ready to elect a black pres. for a while now; it's just that the right black hasn't come along until Obama. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for pres., but they're a bunch of race-baiting douchebags. Alan Keyes is a far right nut.
whoo689 3 years ago
Shirley Chisholm wasn't bad in 72, but there were still more qualified people like McGovern. But most of the time, not many black people end up running for either party's nomination. So this crap about it being 'historic' only goes so far as to mean it's just another first, in terms of race. But it does NOT mean we were somehow unable to elect blacks earlier than 08. Get your heads outta your asses people.
Btw, I am not a McCain supporter or Republican. I am Independent.
whoo689 3 years ago
While your other comment made sense, this doesn't.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
From the slot machine king............but he is correct
televin 3 years ago
he's completely right
dragonfox312 3 years ago
Can't any of you bozos make a comment without using the F word?
consv 3 years ago
*sigh*
This was the subtext to McCain's concession speech, too. Bennett's just coming right out and saying it: It's the end of racism, and all the darkies can stop their bellyaching.
Unfortunately, it's not. It wasn't when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It wasn't when Jackie Robinson took the field for the Dodgers. It wasn't the end when Jim Crow got rolled back. It wasn't when Sidney Portier won an Oscar. And it isn't now, even though it's a great step forward.
huntnd 3 years ago 4
Rascism is alive and unfortunately well in America. One of the bighgest mistakes I see is that still often see it as a black white issue. Sigh... Racism is within every cultural group. Shoot, I read it and see it even on many of the UFO videos about aliens , comments and both. Eugenics still plays with people's heads. The racial divides are 'inbred' anymore. People can be both extremes.
I also agree the election of Obama is a step forward
Beadbud5000 3 years ago
Yes, all the REAL African Americans who are getting their asses whooped by racist cops and politicians on a daily basis can clearly relate to a wealthy half-Kenyan, half-German born elitist who is related in blood to Dick Cheney. Yes, Obama is just a typical brotha from the hood.
STFU
TorontoBoi 3 years ago
Heh. That's what I've been saying! Obama's lived above poverty for at least 3/4ths of his life. Most of the poverty he knows is just meeting people in poor areas of Chicago as a community organizer. He's such a phony in acting like he KNOWS poverty. All the impoverished blacks just stepped in line to vote for him just b/c of skin color, assuming he's "one of us." It's pathetic. That's no reason to vote for someone. The black community really has issues, it seems.
whoo689 3 years ago
u are such a fool!!! being able 2 relate 2 rich or poor is a quality dat come from within...doesnt matter if u grew up rich or poor unless u really grab it!!! look up da word inclusive!!! why did rich white people vote 4 him then???? get sum humanlity about urself!!
sneekpassem 3 years ago
every community has issues you ass.
liiveurlife923 3 years ago
I have never seen so many hysterical black people acting crazy about Obama. It's like they won the lottery. I am happy that for the first time, they can look at their kids and tell them "You can be president." But c'mon already. You've have had the right to vote for years and many of you voted this year for the first time just because a black man was running. Where were you all of you when the white guys were running? At home bitching about "The Man".
I'm glad you all are waking up. Peace.
MK10000b 3 years ago
MK1000b-That's pretty stereotypical. This is my third election that I have exercised my right to vote. And I don't sit at home bitching about "The Man". It's sad that you, like many others, are downplaying the importance of this election. This was a historical election. I think everyone has the right to "act crazy" regardless of race.
Mwkick 3 years ago
Wow, do you think our nation will ever get over bringing Africans out of the crap-hole that Africa is to America and bettering their lives in 200 years while Africa is slowly disintegrating and refuses to get over their own prejudices? Get over it my brothers and sisters, until you've lived in Africa you will never appreciate the short hell weve been through to get to this point. Grow up you all!
faowife 3 years ago
And the world will not have respect for you yet because you voted for Bush twice retard fuck. In addition the world was against the war in Iraq as were many Americans but you totally disregarded the worlds opinion because Bush wanted to be a fucking cowboy and McCain a 'maverick' who crashed 4 planes which consequently caused a blackout in Madrid and also dropped a BOMB on his own men kiling 134.I say thank your lucky stars that Obama is president bitch.Stop bitching assfuck and start supporting
abby495 3 years ago
Why didn't Bennet have higher expectations for Bush in fixing the problem with education. Is it because Bush actually said 'Is our children learning' and he can't fucking speak English? Why do you expect Obama to fix up Bush's fuckup and also transform everything that went wrong.I think it is time for a sign of a relif that McCain didn't win and like Obama said changed won't come overnight we all have to work at it.Lets not forgot that Bush FUCKED THIS COUNTRY UP. And Obama has to fix the FUCKUP
abby495 3 years ago
No more excuses STFU ASSHOLE. Bush the retard was in office for 8 years and he fucked up this country Bill Bennet needs to go fuck himself.
abby495 3 years ago 2
Um,no Bill.This is a wonderful step in the right direction but to imply that America is now somehow impervious to criticism regarding racism,or that no more "excuses" can be made ignores the fact that half the country voted against Obama and in many cases did so out of ignorance and fear.
bluesborn 3 years ago
i cannot believe that NOW, there are no more excuses.....this country has been run on excuses for 200 years....not to say i don't have every confidence Obama will go above and beyond the call of duty, what troubles me is people waiting to throw the first stone. disgraceful, did anyone say anything like that at Bushs' 2000 win or 2004 win....HELL NO.
tenacity18 3 years ago 2
Excuses - racecard - I agree - there have been 43 white presidents - and white folk have been conplaining and making excuses - and no says anything- the excuse tag is total bullshit-
Pesident Obama means that the US finally lived up to the founding documents - this dose not wipe out the history of slavery, jim crow, racism, hate and economic segragation and years of poverty -
I am happy that the BEST MAN one this election - but dont tell me I cant conplain about what is wrong in the US.
Shiftyeyes516 3 years ago 2
Good point, no more excuses. The 'race card' is no longer a viable option.
redchango 3 years ago
No thats not true, the popular vote was closely won. That being said, the people who hire fire and give chances still have a bias when it comes to colors in good jobs. I am speaking on an average persons level. There will always be the exceptional person in the group to which they cannot be denied. For you to say that the race thing is now void. I can take you to a couple of places where you would few weird walking next to me. The looks alone will change your mind.
darkchocosinger 3 years ago
The racist ones are, for the most part, largely in the lower, uneducated classes. These people have NO power. I imagine that you would take me to a lower-class neighborhood or some rural Southern country town in order to get those kinds of looks. Those people barely matter when it comes to having power in the world. And no one has an excuse when it comes to getting an education. If you are the best man, then that's what matters most amongst the educated circles.
redchango 3 years ago
That's an interesting point. I think that's why it's important to look at racism as a system of advantage based on race rather than individual predudices. We all have individual predudice. But there certainly exists a system of advantage in the U.S. that favors the dominant race. The same can be said for gender, class, ability, etc. The truth is that a black presidency does not mean the end of black suffering. Tomorrow one in a hundred black men will still be imprisoned.
blykken 3 years ago
Only if "one in a hundred black men" commit a crime!
jakesdoc 3 years ago
Why would anyone go into prison? Because they did a crime. Black men who are well-educated and are on the road to personal responsibility and success aren't the guys you'll find in prison. It's only those who have fallen victim to drugs or the gang subculture whom you will find in prison. Police are only needed for violent crimes, and violent crimes generally occur where society is split between the haves and the have-nots. How does one become a "have"? Education is a start.
redchango 3 years ago
My point is that the system of advantage based on race is what has imprisoned black men. The drug war is a good example. Crack Cocaine still has much harsher consequences than powder cocaine, the difference being that one is a "rich drug" and the other is a "poor drug." And so we have created a moral hierarchy when it comes to drugs. The same goes for marijuana, why is alcohol legal even though it is a much more physically destructive drug? One is socially acceptable to the "haves.
blykken 3 years ago
Um ... cocaine is never "socially acceptable" unless you happen to be around other coke addicts. And if 1 in 10 blacks go to jail, what are the other 9 doing? And as far as the alcohol comment, that's a completely different subject.
redchango 3 years ago
Simple minds make simple assertions.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
WOW that's real pround. I guess you'ld have agree that illiterate ppl cannot read.
hamace 3 years ago
I co-sign.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
This is not true. I have found that too many have tried to contain racism to a characteristic of low income and uneducated whites.
I grew up in one of the richest towns in America in the suburbs of New York City. I also currently live in NYC (what is considered to be progressive. My life experiences directly contradict my experiences.
LoveTruth86 3 years ago
My life experiences directly contradict my experiences. not comprehendy this sentence surly life experiences and experiences are the same thing dont know about you but i have only one experience to turn to and that is my experience of this life.
scottypaul266 3 years ago
The world already developed more respect for the united states because of this election, but statistics suggest that espcially older white men like this guy didn't vote for Obabma by a very large margin. So it's probably not his turn to brag with the result since Obama obviously won despite the racial resentments that still exist. And thus excuses might still be as justified as before.
pixmix 3 years ago
hey bill, here's an idea: push yourself away from the slot machines and the all you can eat buffets and go for a walk, get some exercise, man. You need it.
scottn999 3 years ago
Why do people keep thinking a affirmative actions are only for blacks. It is for all minorities including women and the disabled. Statistics show that the people who have benefited from affirmative action the most are women, particularly white women.
tinkatoya 3 years ago
You're full of shit thikatoya. The stats show it helps particularly black women, although all BLS's stats are based upon faulty logic. Because 90% black women hold gov't jobs means that there isn't much work available for black women in the public sector? You got to be fucking kidding me. 90% hold gov't jobs b/c of AA!!
Doesn't matter though, Obama killed AA. Even Jerry Springer agrees with Bill Bennett(Air America). This is why white America voted 4 Obama. To wipe the slate clean.
rofyle 3 years ago
First off, by the way you commented show how ignorant and hateful you are. And just because "Jerry Springer" and other people agree with that means absolutely nothing to me. Like I said, you have to be living under the rock to think that all of a sudden, no racial excuses.
tinkatoya 3 years ago