Jezebel
Holy shit! Is Geraldine Ferrarro singlehandedly destroying the Hillary Clinton campaign AS WE SPEAK and we're too distracted by the Spitzer saga to notice? Nah, we're probably too distracted by the Spitzer saga. But...my sources in the leftist blogger community say that Ferrarro's statement to The Daily Breeze that Barack Obama wouldn't be in the race if he weren't a black man — remeniscient of her 1988 comment that Jesse Jackson wouldn't be in the race if he weren't a black man — has a lot of people REALLY REALLY ANGRY. A Latina political blogger has emailed an angry message to the vaunted Hillary Latino outreach committee. Keith Olbermann is going to do a special skewer-session about it tonight. Me, I'm still in the "dumbfounded" stage.) But I'll say this: her statement didn't actually surprise me. A story: one of my best friends is an ardent Hillary supporter mostly, she confessed to me the other night, because her best friend in high school was a light-skinned black man. "He got voted to lead everything. He'll always be more successful than me. Everyone loves a light-skinned black guy!" she said. I laughed.
I thought of how badly I hated George W. Bush in 2000 because he reminded me of this kid I ran against for some lofty student council position in fifth grade. He was an idiot, a total, shameless unabashed tool, and yet inexplicably well-liked! No one seemed to notice the emptiness of his charm. No one seemed to care because he was so...confident! They believed the hype. (Fools! I would have been soooo much more competent!)
Okay, so, to the present. Barack. He's got a little of that light-skinned black guy thing happening. In high school he signed yearbooks with little Afros over the B and O. BTW, do you think anyone ever teased him for having those initials, B-O? Nah, he'd have laughed it off, cocky bastard. He openly admits he played a "flashy," "street" game of basketball, clashing with coaches who thought he wansn't disciplined or team player-y enough. Oh man, then that guy gets into Columbia? What were his SATs, even? Does anyone know? Why isn't that public?
Okay, so... done with the rhetorical exercise! So here's the thing. I think I get what Geraldine Ferrarro was saying, and that's what's so despicable about it. She's trapped in high school, at the student council election she couldn't win because she wasn't popular enough. Lady, grow the fuck up! Have you read anything Barack Obama has written? Turns out the black boy can write pretty good! (Oh yeah, and teach constitutional law.) His blackness is very much a part of his identity. He struggled with it. Felt alienated. Funny thing that, the way "confidence" can sometimes result from experiencing/conquering alienation at an early age! And seriously, the kid was raised in fucking Indonesia. Would anyone want a fortysomething first-term senator in charge of making every major American foreign policy decision at one of our most tricky moments in history if he hadn't been raised in Indonesia? I probably wouldn't!
But WAIT: that's hardly the only advantage Barack Obama's being born a Kenyan Irish Hawaiian whatever has afforded him in his life and career. Having his flameout father abandon him — he got a whole BOOK DEAL on the basis of coming to terms with that! What's more, it also clearly afforded him not only an element of empathy for underprivileged Americans that furthered his career, but a nuanced perspective on the foreign policy challenges posed by poverty in Africa and maybe even the entire Third World! Beyond that, the fact that he is black has drawn OTHER BLACK PEOPLE who had maybe been previously disillusioned by politics into actually voting. But the fact that he is successful and black makes him relatable to all those other successful black people who go through life hounded by the nagging perception that wherever they are, whatever they have accomplished, affirmative action is to credit for all of it. Successful black people like Michael Eric Dyson totally dig that the Obamas understand this phenomenon.
It is all so unfair!
If you are thirteen years old!
Comments
RACISM!
EVERYONE'S GOD-DAMN RACIST!
Maybe she secretly trying to derail Hillary because of what I call the "Angela Bassett Syndrome." She believes she was supposed to be the first and is pissed at who really will be.
my sister talks like this about hillary too, that barack would have won student council president even though hillary obviously worked harder, but she doesn't make it about race. but it's still about high school.
The fact that the Clinton campaign has accused Obama of "playing the race card" by daring to be upset at Ferraro's comments may be the most enraging part of this whole mess. Apparently it's OK for Hillary to whine and rage about every little thing, but Obama has to take racist comments with a smile.
I could keep ranting about this, but it would be the longest comment ever so here's this instead:
[sassette726.livejournal.com]
Racism is worse than Sexist?!?! Lawd, Praise White Jesus!
You know, I was just in a meeting, and one of my co-workers was talking about how another one of our co-workers gets way gung-ho about shit and never shuts up, and he called the guy "Geraldine Ferrarro."
Pleeeeeease stop trying to pick which is worse! Racism and sexism are both shitty! Christ on a cracker.
Ohmahgawd, WHAT? I can't even understand this post.
@J.D.Regent: But what about Prom Queen?
How is she destroying the Hillary campaign? Does a fundraiser have that much power?
(real question, no attitude involved)
The thing, to me, is that if what she is saying has even a bit of truth to it, I think the same can be said for female politicians (when we're talking Democrats/liberals) -- people who want Change and whatnot will vote for these people who are minorities (I'm counting women because take a look at any legislative body and tell me a woman is not a minority there) who are "safe" in that they are very much like every other politician -- well-spoken, well educated. You know, they've done what it takes to, um, become a politician. But we can always say they did well because they had that little bit of "flair" (different colored skin/a vagina) that makes us feel progressive when voting for them.
I'm not saying either of them got where they are based on that, but I can see what she is saying, and it applies to ladies, Latinos, Asian-Americans, etc etc.
i think she has a point, and i think sexism is still socially acceptable, where racism isn't
@PICKLES_IN_MY_TUNA: MICHELLE OBVS. so retro. the feminist girls never make queen.
@blackbirdfly: I stopped reading halfway through.
I heard this on NPR this morning and was hoping it would just be ignored.
@braak: Seriously. It astonishes me how hateful 4/5 of the human race is. At least it seems that way.
@katekate: me too!
@J.D.Regent: So Hillary is Tracy Flick and Barack is...Chris Klein? Who would be Matthew Broderick?
@ineffable.me: Killing it with her incredibly bad, bad press. And GF isn't exactly inspiring HC's grassroot contributors, which will really kill HC b/c the majority of her cash in the last six weeks has come from online contributions.
It's been pointed out already, but Ferrarro herself would not have been on the ticket with Mondale but for her vagina. So there.
@ineffable.me:
I think because it brings to the forefront many underlying currents of the Clinton campaign, that many young people like me are completely nauseated by. Clinton's surrogates (and herself in that infamous "as far as I know" comment) are pushing it as far as they can, for as long as they can get away with it.
Hopefully this is the end.
@Macloserboy: There is a great 90's Peanuts comic where Lucy reflects that by the time she's grown up, there will probably have been a woman president. And proceeds to get pissed that she therefore won't be the first.
Oy, Geraldine, shut the fuck up. Not only do you sound like a racist, you sound like a bitter sore loser. Oh wait - you WERE the nominee for VP back in the day? So tell me again how Jesse Jackson being black fucked you over?
@sarrible: Ralph Nader?
@missmay: I agree with you to the point that sexism is still socially acceptable, and that it's so pervasive that people don't even notice when it's happening. But I don't think she has a point. Obama is where he is today because of who he is, and that includes all of it. His upbringing, his education, his skin color, everything that is a part of him is what has led him to this point. Remove one of those factors and who knows where he would be right now. So extracting one thing and pointing at it as the only variable is bullshit.
She's also successfully turned the conversation int Obama as the Affirmative Action candidate, and is still a paid member of HRC's campaign.
I think she's right (although a dipshit for publicly saying it at this point in the race, and missing the bigger picture)-- Barack Obama wouldn't be in this race, doing this well, were he not a black man. I just think people (like Ferraro) who see this a sign that black people have advantages, or racism is over, are misunderstanding racism. A whole hell of a lot of Obama's white supporters have treated him like some kind of novelty item, or been overly amazed by the fact that he's accomplished and articulate, as if it's shocking, rather than expected, for a black man to be bright and charming. The number of cringe inducing offensive things I've heard/read from Obama supporters is astronomical. White liberal tokenism is racism too. I also think having a black president/serious contender, who doesn't speak out about racism and "racial" events the same way old school black politicians did allows people to feel better and have these glib conversations about the improved state of race relations and how amazing "change" is, even as one of the boldest waves of hate crimes in recent history continues, and no one talks about it because we're too busy celebrating our progress. People would rather push a button and pretend that voting for a black candidate somehow address racism, and have the issues go away, than do the difficult daily work of changing stuff. Obama is in the election because of his race-- but it's by no means a victory for progressive anti-racism.
You are starting to make some sense there, Moe! ;-)
I hate to play the "who's more oppressed game" when it comes to White women and Black men, because it's a losing battle. I think both parties are oppressed, but in very. different. ways.
However, if Ferarro (and Steinem and whomever) is forcing me to pick a side (which I think they are), I'm gonna have to say Black men have it tougher that White women. 'Cuz even tho' a Black man is a man, a White woman is still... well... White. YouknowwhatImsayin'?
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What you have so adeptly pointed out here, Moe, is that some people think Black people have gained advantages because people are afraid to NOT vote for them, not pick them first, not admit them into schools, not pass them to the next grade out of fear of being seen as a racist. And that was Ferraro's point. People like him because they are afraid not to. And that tack belittles every accomplishment, achievement, and accolade Obama has ever garnered. Bad form Ferarro. Bad form!
@katekate: I was thinking maybe James Carville. Or Howard Dean.
@sarrible: Bill, obviously!
@trescharmant: yeah, well, people need to STFU and let Hillary run her damn campaign. I'm sure tons of people associate Steinem's editorial with Clinton way in the back of their mind, and now this.
Ugh I hate how other stupid asses can totally derail people. Ann Coulter will undoubtedly show up on some stupid show tonight to (shock!) agree with Ferraro and the two of them will ride this publicity crapfest as long as they can, and then Hillary may as well just drop out.
I work for a college humor magazine. I just copy edited the nth million piece featuring some kind of "Hillary's vagina is dried out" "joke." I'm going to go with sexism being worse, because it's so much more acceptable. For whatever batshit reason.
Racism is equal to Sexism. They both make something that appears different to your eyes (being a certain color or having a vagina or penis) inferior, without actually knowing IF anything really different on the INSIDE. Question anwered.
The only people who should be qualified to address this question are women of color. I do not like when white women feel that they can speak with any authority on race relations, when there color allows them automatic entrance into the dominant class.
If all things were equal, then all women would make the same amount of money. Sure, white women make less than white men...but they generally, make more than many men of color as well as ALL women of color...so, WTF is this chick talking about! So, at least from an economic vantage point, it's MUCH better to be a white person, whether you're male or female.
I was pretty undecided on who I would vote for, but the more I hear from the Hillary camp, the more I want to vote for Barack just to be recalcitrant...this whole thing may really begin to undermine her campaign, for real. 'Cause it's creating an "us versus them" dynamic that may push Hillary supporters of color, over to the "dark side".
As far as I know, and I'm sure some rabid HRC backer will correct me if I'm wrong, but Obama hasn't made an issue of difficulties because of his race on the campaign trail, whereas HRC has spoken repeatedly about the difficulties she faces, "unfair playing field", etc.
Yeah, it's really an unfair advantage to be named Barack Husein Obama, and be winning those COMPLETELY black states like Iowa and Wisconsin.
Sorry, I'm just totally disgusted. I'll step away from my computer now to hit the streets for Obama here in Phila, and can't wait until after April 23, so I can change my registration away from the Democratic party
If I'm being honest, I forget Obama is black sometimes, when I think about how awesome it'll be when he's president.
I think that this is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. You know why? Because other peoples causes are BORING.
Seriously. I learned this my first year of art school and I consider it one of the most important lessons I ever learned.
...I am now only hearing of her "racist" history...so I don't mean to play devils advocate and want either candidate to be the general election victor...but he has a short record in DC (for some, his outsider status is appealing, I know), and some of his appeal is that he is handsome, a strong orator, charismatic...and black.
I get it--its condescending to think he wouldn't have the appeal all by himself, white or black.
...Wuold he? Even if he TRULY deserved it based on his resume, way of thinking, political style, and eloquence? What IF this charming but "inexperienced" candidate was white?
@rocknrollunicorn: Well, Hilary could come out and say all this is bullshit and doesn't represent the kind of campaign she wants or the candidate she is... but she doesn't, does she?
@LadyNo:
But I don't think she pointed it out as the ONLY variable. Honestly, I see where she's coming from. but the same applies to any minority/female candidate, and it was a shitheaded thing to say nonetheless. Blaming the Clinton campaign for it is also shitheaded. HRC didn't put words in GF's mouth, seems GF knows how to run her own mouth pretty well.
@sarrible: I love Howard Dean. I want it to be him, except I don't want him to get stung by bees.
@ineffable.me: I think the media can sort "endow" her with that power. This contentious election is the best thing to happen to media viewership in a while. They'll elevate her language to headline status to fan the flames and Geraldine Ferraro will come to represent so much more than her own personal opinion.
Geraldine, honey, sweetheart, baby doll... If you want the Dems to take the White House back, then go away and shut the hell up.
@samethingwedoeverynightpinky: Well said. Of course, I think Ferraro's comment comes from a dishonest place, or (and?) one of bitterness, but I think you made a really good point here. A depressing, disheartening, good point.
I think older women, like Ferraro, are sad that they may not see a woman President in their lifetimes. As a younger woman I'm sure I will.
The notion that racism is somehow unacceptable in our culture? The prison system gives the lie to that. Sure, it's probably easier to get away with representing sexism (say, in the media), but it's easier to get away with perpetuating racism (in our institutions).
@rocknrollunicorn: It's NO coincidence though, that the conversation is turning this way, even via a surrogate, because they're hitting the ground here in PA, which is an extremely racist state, for the most part, and where our governor, an HRC backer, has stated that people here don't want to vote for a black guy. Believe me, this is very calculated....and Clinton is not vehemently backing away from her statements.
These inanely offensive comments also ignore the fact that everyone has a race, including white people.
If anyone says Obama is where he is because of his race, don't dare fucking forget that all those white men ruling politics are on top because of their race.
@samethingwedoeverynightpinky: Well put, and I have to say I think you very aptly captured one of the reasons I have a knee-jerk bad reaction toward my young white male peers who are crazy for Obama, and I think in the end it is some kind of weird twisted double white liberal guilt reaction and I'm probably no better than those who seem to somewhat fetishize his race as proof they are progressive. sigh.
@lola82: @trescharmant: so it's a mix of "by association" and speaking what people think hillary is thinking but not saying sort of thing.
gotcha