Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

mjno — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:08:54 GMT

Obama's Pastor yesterday spewed HATE. My question that is food for DEEP THOUGHT, IS How can Obama belong to a church for 20 years that has these beliefs? WHAT kind of church is it? This pattern fits with Michele's earlier comments about America, and her thesis topic.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/12/obamas-controversial-pastor-puts-church-in-hot-water/

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Excalliber — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:25:53 GMT

There was no race issue, until Clinton and Ferraro brought it up. All part of a clever plot. Throw the bums out.

YES WE CAN

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

donnajp2006 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:55:43 GMT

What has Sen. Obama done for civil rights? No one seems to know. The Clinton's have been activists for civil rights since the 1970s and have fought long and hard for the disadvantaged. Come on Democrats wake up and check out who really cares about you. Sen. Obama would not even attend the State of the Black Union in New Orleans and Sen. Clinton did. Stop voting color and vote who will help you the most. A Hillary supporter (a woman over 50).

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

vbrakes — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:58:23 GMT

Why is it racist to say people are positively biased (Ferraro) but not racist to say people are negatively biased (Cornell professor and student)? Those who call Ferraro racists should also call the professor and student racists because both parties made statements about the biases of others.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

uptowneast — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:03:37 GMT

I believe this paper, though very interesting, has left out a major component in drawing their conclusions. If we as a society, have such an extensive race/gender bias, then why were Edwards, Todd, Kucinich etc so quickly eliminated from the nominee pool? By the writers estimations, we would be looking for a white male leader.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Adam A — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:10:25 GMT

As a white man from Pittsburgh PA, I would like express my remorse at the current state of affairs as I “reject and denounce” the recent comments of Geraldine Ferraro.

I have been very impressed with Obama and believe he is a decent person. My wife and I have followed him and his campaign closely. We have listened to every major speech and interview and have also donated to his campaign. I have never in the past been interested in or involved with politics. We believe Obama is truly a beacon of hope in this world. His message is truly inspiring and has moved me to regain a bit of hope for the future.

While following the campaign, I have been bothered by what I saw as cheap attacks from Hillary Clinton. She has continued to attack Obama in unfair ways, twisting his position, words and events to her perceived advantage. I believe Obama has been above this and he has tried to honestly present his position without this kind of unfair and misleading attacks.

Nothing prepared me though for these comments from Ferraro and the lack of response from Mrs. Clinton. There should have been immediate outrage from across the country from men, woman, black, white, Republicans and Democrats. These are some of the most racially charged, ignorant, and disgusting comments I have ever heard put out into the national debate. I would have been sick to hear someone like Rush Limbaugh say this. I just couldn’t believe I heard this from the Clinton Campaign.

To suggest that Obama owes his success to his race is to suggest that every educated black person in any position of importance is not as talented as a white person but that they owe their position to affirmative action. This is the same as to suggest that any woman in a high position is due to her looks. It is a way for ignorant people to belittle other’s accomplishments based on their race or gender.

The Clinton campaign has belittled the entire Obama constituency by suggesting that we only support him because he is black. Obama is a highly educated, eloquent, and talented. He has written two books and inspired millions. I for one am impressed by his character and his message. My judgment has not been affected by the “advantage” of his being black. It is sad to see that race is still being used to prejudge a person not on their accomplishment but on the color of their skin.

I had begun to hope that the country and the world were becoming more enlightened. I saw the success of Obama as a testament to how far we have really come. Truly we still have a long way to go. The ignorance of our country’s racist and sexist past continues to shadow the future.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

mylands — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:16:29 GMT

I find it very interesting that this "study" finds that overall the women/gender issue is "easier to deal with" in thios arena then the Race issue....and that this study was conducted by two men.

It has been proven over and over again, it is very difficult to come up with a purely scientific, unbiased study.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Voting4Change — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:44:27 GMT

Well said Adam!

As for the Hilary supporter... I am voting for someone who care about "me"..... even though you may not see it, He cares about you too. Intergrity is what makes a true leader... something Hilary knows nothing about. I need to do a little research to verify the claim, but I heard she initially voted against the civil rights movement.... Furthermore, Senator Obama wasn't even born at the start of the movement and when it concluded he was only 7. He's been working for "us" all his life. Trust me he understands the plight of the civil rights movement way more than the Clintons ever will.

YES WE CAN! Obama' 08!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Reverend T — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:50:56 GMT

As an ordained minister, Ph.D candidate, concerned citizen, a hope monger and an Obama supporter, I value unbiased research, truthfulness, and the transparency in all spheres of social and political life. As an African American man in America I understand the issues of race and gender from my lens of experience. What I have learned in all my educational, and cultural experience is that more I learn the more I grieve. The increase in knowledge brings about an increase in sorrow. This perspective about the psychology of race and gender is a perspective to consider as one of the many explanations for why we think what we think and do what we do. Race is socially constructed which means it was created by man. Historically, there was a movement in the sciences to prove that people of African descent due to their biological heritage where innately inferior to those of European descent. Blackness is associated with bad and evil, and whiteness with what is pure and good. Those images conjure up emotions and negative or positive feelings about others based on what side you are on. To be of African heritage and to be associated with the a country that has been proven scientifically to be the cradle of civilization from which all other people have descended is truly a blessing and it instills a sense a pride, and esteem in a people. The truth my friends is that race was socially constructed to be divisive, and not unifying. Race was created to denounce the accomplishments of a great people in order to exalt another people. Race is used today because it touches a nerve in our inner core of being. If you are an Italian and you marry an Irish person your children are classified as white. If you are European and you married a Kenyan your child is classified as black. Is it interesting that Sen. Obama is half white yet socially constructed racial classifications sees him as black. Truthfully, we have reconstruct in our minds how we see ourselves and judge others: Not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Voting4Change — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:58:50 GMT

BTW.... the only reason Hilary went to the Black state of the Union address was to presuade the black vote. Senator Obama can do more for us if he is elected President than any one visit to a state of the union would ever hope to accomplish. His slow but steady approach to the electoral process is what has gottten him in the position he is in now. He choose to continue to reach out to the people and hear their stories than to put on political aires. he believes that everyones voice should be heard, and that every vote counts! He didn't just pick and choose states that best suited his candicacy like your beloved Hilary... He choose to reach out to everyone.

I applaude him for keeping his focus and his promise to honestly represent all of America!

You are so right Senator... if you can't get into the White House honestly, than you don't need to be there".

Hilary and her constituants should take notice.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

pinkpanther87413 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:59:02 GMT

voting

1973 de-segragation protest nation-wide Obama was 12 and like me as i'm also 46 but at years end i was well aware of my surroundings even remember the scream of a mother who was just told her son was dead the one thing i cannot forget cause it still happens today

Why does it happen ? Because Americans are just that by definition not by actions and a sad point to point out today. I understand if you turn inside out, a black man, white man, gay man, streight man prescher,criminal, we all look the same, and no one can tell the difference they see when not inside-out! So only intellegence or lack there of is the only EXCUSE they got, not even a reason but a flat out EXCUSE and we parents know what an EXCUSE is don't we! Vote for who you feel will do the job and pick those to do the jobs with wisdom, with the country at heart, not there own pocket.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Time for Change — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:02:45 GMT

This article explains a lot, thanks.So if his campaign starts to be about what he's done, it won't help.

Now I see why Obama never cries racism but Clinton and supporters often cry sexism.

"So if his campaign starts to be about what he's done, it won't help." ---I think the Obama and Clinton campaigns know this which is why the Clinton campaign often complains Obama speeches lack substance. Soon after, her suppoters complain about the same issue trying to force Obama to cite what he has done.

And to think Geraldine Ferraro commented Obama has an advantage----unbelievable.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

NewsWkDickG — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:07:22 GMT

This current example is not a red-necked racist expressing his stupidity but rather it is an effort by educated and powerful people who are trying to gain advantage and will do anything to do so. Keith Oberman said it all and no one needs to add anything. It was said accurately, fairly, without bias and without reservation. He was very right on! He even addressed Ferraro's current effort to separate and keep talking, as if that is a planned ploy. Now the Democratic Party, the superdelegates, need to just take it to heart and put this garbage to an end before the Party and November chances are ruined. This shouldn't be pushed aside and the recognition of fault should include any inaction by the Party leaders for (un)intentionally ignoring it. Also hopefully the voters will see the Clintons for what they really are, for what they have exposed themselves to be. I don't personally believe they are racists but I think they don’t think beyond themselves and have clearly established that they will do anything, dirty, racist, dishonest, reprehensible, whatever, without conscience or hesitation. Similar to GWBush, in being strongly sociopathic, maybe even worse. And Keith kindly blamed the Clinton advisers but lets get serious, there is really too much consistency and literally the buck stops with Hillary! It would seem it is time to put her aside before she causes more harm!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Baka — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:14:52 GMT

Race and gender .. the cycle of life .. I grew up in Detroit .. as a child going to school .. we

were all equal but growing up as an adult ..life changes .. I played golf for over 10 years with

a partner that was black .. there was no bias ..we were one in competition .. We become what

we believe in .. good or bad .. nobody is above the law .. I have seen politicians go to church

and become Sunday school teachers and then in their public lives become corrupt officials

just for power and creed .. life is exactly what you make it .. Nobody can say they are

above the law ..becuse of race or gender .. you be the judge ..

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

QuitFoolingAround — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:18:24 GMT

The findings of this study are indeed interesting. All males and females from all races should read this and attempt to find themselves, because we are all there somewhere.

Adam, thanks for your comments. It is, however, disturbing that you believe that Sen. Clinton's campaign suggests that you and others "only support him because he is black". If you have any evidence of that (other than the remarks of one person), I'm sure others would like to see so they might adjust their views of the Senator. No one has implied that Sen. Obama is not highly educated, talented and eloquent. But so are many other people who are no longer a Democratic presidential candidate, like Senators Biden and Edwards. If there was such a pro-white male bias, wouldn't they still be around?

And Voting4Change - you heard "she initially voted against the civil rights movement"? She was in her twenties when the Civil Rights Act was signed into law!! Where and how could she have voted against that? Did that information come from the same people who said Sen. Obama would only take the oath of office with his hand on the Qur'an, not the Bible? Is it OK to slander someone with fabricated information as long as it's the other guy?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

RENEA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:23:54 GMT

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY HILLARY MESSAGE KEEPS CHANGING? HILLARY IS NOT STUPID.MARK PENN A INSIDE POLLSTER GETS PAID 4.3.MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN FOR GOOD REASON.PENN S JOB IS TO HONE HILLARYS MESSAGE.PENN HAS TAPPED INTO EVERY FEAR WITHIN THE DEMOCRATIC BASE.OLDER VOTERS OBAMA IS A DRUG HEAD.LATINOS OBAMA WILL TAKE CARE OF THE BLACK VOTERS BEFORE HE TAKES CARE OF YOU.JEWISH VOTERS OBAMA IS A MUSLIM.WHITE WOMEN OBAMA IS A BLACK MAN PICKING ON ME.MIDDLE CLASS WHITES OBAMA CAN NOT PROTECT YOU.OBAMA WILL BE A WEAK COMMANDER-IN-CHEIF.NOW IT IS OBAMA BELONGS TO A RACIST CHURCH.HILLARY KNOW SHE WILL NOT ELECTED THIS TIME OUT BUT IS MAKING SURE IT WILL NOT BE OBAMA EITHER.SINCE FEB 5TH HILLARY AND MCAIN HAVE HAD THE SAME TALKING POINTS.HILLARY WANTS MCCAIN TO BE ELECTED THIS TIME OUT.HILLARY IS LAYING THE GROUND WORK TO RUN IN 2012.HILLARY BET IS THAT DEMOCRATICS WILL HAPPY TO VOTE HER 2012.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

moongirl16 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:33:50 GMT

I would vote for Barack Obama even if his skin was purple. His success has NOTHING to do with race, and EVERYTHING to do with his message. People like this do not come along every day, and we would be foolish to let this pass by because we cannot overcome our prejudices. I wish that all the surrogates on both sides would just keep their mouths shut.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:53:24 GMT

Adam made a good heart-felt point.

mnjo, who was pretty much called ignorant by just about everybody yesterday, made a good point also. Hate, Again.

He picking on a church. Easy to see why Adam said what he said.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

ssbn777 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:21:27 GMT

Ferraro was exactly right. Obama wouldn't be where he is if he weren't black. You can't tell me that 90% of blacks would be voting for a white guy with the exact same charisma and stances as him. He wouldn't be an 'historic' candidate.

Voting for someone BECAUSE he's black is just as racist as voting against someone because he's black. There's stereotyping and hating going on here, but the PC establishment wouldn't dare call it that -- it's perfectly alright to call a white man a racist but to accuse a black man of racism? Never.... Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Al Sharpton, et. al. are just as racist and hateful as the KKK or neo-Nazi's.... There will never be true equality in this country as long as groups or individuals like that continue to push their 'victim' mentality....

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

austria2 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:36:52 GMT

Reading this, it made me play John Lennon's song 'Imagine'. Imagine there are no countries - all of one race - then there will be no racism. Imagine if all of us are men or women, then there is no sexism, right? (But how can we multiply?) Imagine, if there is no religion. So there will no more war between two different religions. Imagine if there is no possession, no greed and nor hunger. 'And the world will live as one'. Wow, can we do that? But even in a family of same race, same religion and with enough wealth, there is fight between brothers and sisters and between parents and children. And with all his blessings, what made Gov. Spitzer do what he did?

The answer, my friend, is 'blowing in the wind' - the wind that makes you think and do wrong and the other wind that blows into your mind and spirit to do what is right. The answer, my friend, is 'blowing in the wind'. So let us listen carefully.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

ecg3817 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:38:17 GMT

If you think that Ferraro is right.....

Launch the video at this site...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23601041/

Kieth Olbermann has hit the nail on the head....Great Job Keith....

This is the link that you need to be sharing.

Take a look....

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

blkjdphd — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:42:17 GMT

I'm one of the authors of the article mentioned in the Mr. Romano's piece. Let me raise a couple of brief points: 1) I can fully understand the critique that my co-author and I would find that Obama has a harder way to go than Clinton, beause we are both men. We did not conduct an empirical study, we synthesized all the empirical research on implicit race and gender attitudes. At least half, if not most, of this research was conducted by women. Yo really need to read the article to get a sense of what the research is. You can download it at:

http://ssrn.com/abstract=1102704

2) I think lots of liberal/Democrats will say, "Oh no, not me, I'm not racist; I'm no sexist." Take the test and find out:

http://www.projectimplicit.net/

3) To harbor unconscious racial or gender attitudes does not make someone racist. It just means that they have not reconciled their inner attitudes with those they believe they or would like have. Regretably, these bhaviors play out in various forms of behavior--including voting.

4) As for Ferraro's comments, I think you've had instances where Blacks have voted in huge numbers for a White guy--most Democrats, and certainly Bill Clinton. Interestingly, I'm not sure that one can say that Blacks vote for Black candidates because they are Black. Implicit bias research indicates that over 60% of Blacks harbor implicit anti-Black/pro-White attitudes. Arguably, their voting for a Black candidate would have to be despite that candidates Blackness. On the other hand, 60-90% Whites harbor implicit anti-Black/pro-White attitudes. At the implicit level, their voting for White candidates is because of that candidates Whiteness to some degree.

5) I think the interesting research here is actually in regards to Whites respons to critiques about racial attitudes and how their likeing or disliking of Blacks predicts how they will respond.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:42:22 GMT

SSBN 777? I thought 777 was a SSN fast-attack? The NC isn't it?

Are you one of those cowardly blanket racist hiding out and faking submarine numbers? Have you mentioned to the CO that black people voting for black people is racist?

Did you stop to think that it's really, really stupid to constantly sit on race and say nothing about your particular choice, candidate or idea?

Did you think: If I have any type of economic prosperity or entitlements, was it easier for me or those I dislike because they exist? I'm going out on a limb, but I assume you have never been on the other side of the hate stick.

And yes, there are racists in all colors, creeds and religions.

And no, there will never be true equality. Look at how you think. The sad part about it is even if someone explained how uninformed you are and put it on a chart -you'd still be lost at sea. I hope you not responsible for navigation.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:46:45 GMT

Oh! ecg3817!

That is a good article to read and video to see.

Won't help SSBN, but is good!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

lillea — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:03:00 GMT

I do not plan to vote for Obama. But his race is not the reason. It is his left wing voting record, his stance on the Iraq war, his lack of substance on issues and his questionable associations.

I would vote for J.C. Watts or Conni Rice in a "New York minute" because of their conservative stance on issues.

People who vote solely based on color or gender are racist and sexist.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Keith Weber — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:04:08 GMT

>> P: There was a study that came out a couple of years ago titled "American Equals White." And what it showed was that at the implicit level people tend to correlate whiteness with Americanness as opposed to blackness with Americanness. <<

People who don't associate blackness with Americanness lack historical context. Blacks have lived side-by-side with whites in this country since the 1500s. Blacks have been an integral part of American history. It is to our collective misfortune that many whites apparently don't recognize their deep kinship with blacks. We are brothers and sisters and need to start acting that way. It is ridiculous that we have let surface differences persist into the 21st Century.

One of the keys to changing this is to re-frame our conversation to be about class divisions and struggles rather than about racial divisions and struggles. Americans should not have to be black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, male, female, straight, gay, or any of the other surface measures to be afforded the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that others have. It's been said so many times it sounds trite, but we need to become a colorblind society.

It is not in humankind's interest to remain divided by artificial measures (as opposed to the real measures of wealth/poverty, freedom/oppression, opportunity/lack thereof, etc.) as our world becomes smaller by the year. We are running out of space and time. I won't vote for Obama because he is black. I will vote for Obama because I believe he will start the healing process in this nation and because I believe he will inspire us to be a great nation, once again.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

lillea — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:05:35 GMT

To mjno:

AMEN!!

That ranting was FAR from a "Christian" sermon. It was filled with racist hate.

Scary!!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

pmcs — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:08:21 GMT

Hillary is Democrat's greatest enemy. Hillary and her campaign is destroying Democrats.

After this Primary is over, Hillary will switch to GOP.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Bass Pro — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:14:55 GMT

Today I saw a photo on Fox News of Senator Obama and his minister. Fox must think we're pretty stupid to think we don't know what they were up to. It was obviously a Racist attack,

This begs the question; Is Fox working with Hillary?

Hillary has Racially attacked Obama on at least 3 occaisions.

First, When Hillary mentioned that LBJ had helped with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act. Who did she think she was fooling? Obama immediately recognized that as diminishing Dr. King's accomplishments.

Then, She started with the "Barack's not ready ads". A 3 year old would have spotted this one as really saying don't elect a Black man, you know the kind that prey on White Women. Barack countered with "we've waited long enough" and "yes we can". I'm not sure who he meant by "we've" & "we" but putting that aside Hillary was out of line and clearly racist.

Next, the big one. This one was so blatant thay even SPITTING Chris and little boy Chuck Todd from MSNBC saw through it. She use a the "RED PHONE" ad cloaked in the guise of "I'm more experienced than Barack when the call comes" which was in reality a warning to the White Women of America that ,elect a Black Man and you can expect a 3 AM visit from one! Barack and the DROOLING Matthews were all over this one.

Now it just so happens, I'm a Hillary supporter and I admit i didn't see these thing the same way.

By Obama's standards, that makes me a Racist.

Does the same standard apply to the young men who went south to promote civil rights and were considered AGITATORS by the locals and then were killed and buried iin the swamp?

Were they really part of a Racist conspiracy designed to belittle Martin Luther King Junior's legacy?

Senator McCain in 2008 and Hillary Clintor in 2012 & 2016

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

metzlerd — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:36:52 GMT

It's one thing to study the results of decisions such as votes based on race. That gives you information, which is fine. The problem comes when you then interpret the data. You can say that 80% of a certain race voted a certain way when given the chance. All that is fine.

Leaping to the conclusion that you now know what they are thinking and their value system is where you go off the deep end.

It is incorrect to assume that because a voter is the same race or gender that they voted for, that the reason is obvious. At that point you are saying that there is no intelligence involved, no other qualities in play accept their gender or the color of their skin.

It really also has nothing to do with this election.

If Obama called Clinton an empty head with a couple of boobs. There are a whole lot of women that might take offense to that. You might look and see that 99% of all women are voting for Clinton at that point. That does not mean that 99% of the women voting are just voting for Clinton because she's a woman. You could not even say that those women were offended by that statement, although it is quite likely that this would happen. Nor could you assume that all the men voted for her because they don't want to feel sexist.

In order to find out what the reason was, you would have to have a discussion with all of those women. It is not even enough to ask them leading questions, as is typically done in a poll, as more than likely those will be taken out of context.

Most importantly, what has this got to do with fixing our problems?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

blkjdphd — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:47:16 GMT

Then we turn to the handfull of studies on implicit bias and the 08 election--all show that things don't bode well for Obama. The problem with polling is that people do lie and most people are not so introspective as to know what their actual feelings are on certain issues. At a certain point, people can become debiased or debais themselves at the implicit level. Maybe that has happened for some folks. Maybe not.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

blkjdphd — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:51:54 GMT

It's interesting that lots of people keep saying that Obama called Ferraro and/or Clinton racist. To my understanding, he has never said this. I think he knows well-enough that to call a White person racist--whether tru or not--in this day and age only alienates Whites. Aside from burning a cross on his front lawn or calling him a "***", I'm not sure most Whites are able to see racism or racial animus n other forms of behavior. Maybe it's a ploy: Make others believe Obama is playing the race card to piss of other White voters and casue an erosion of White support from Obama.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

RetiredMarine — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:54:51 GMT

It is amazing the spin people can put on events and what someone says in order to advance their own agenda. Newsweek continues to put out stories that raise even more issues and hatred. That is understandable because after all, controversy keeps them going a lot better than "nice" stories.

But as an undecided voter, I am amazed at the blame game people will do in order to advance their own beliefs. Looking at some of these posts it is incredible. Fox news runs a story showing pictures of Obama and his minister. One person in this blog automatically blames them for the ongoing problems of pushing racial tensions. News flash.... ALL news agencies will run a story, esp if it includes controversy. It is very hypocritical to only focus on the one that doesn't help your own agenda while turning a blind eye to those which do help your agenda. As for the minister and Obama, so far I have considered Obama as a person of character as he has not resorted to the same outright smear campaign that Hillary has done. But then you do have to look at his minister. This is someone of great influence in his and his wife's lives. The minister spews out hatred and intollerance of whites as well as demonstrates a sort of hatred for the US overall. So that does actually make a person wonder about Obama because of his associations with this guy. Even in a simple security clearance, if you are associated with a hate group or one of the subversive organizations - the likelihood of gaining a clearance is minimal to none. So when someone running for office of President is associated with such an individual, it does raise doubts and concerns. I actually applaud Fox news for their reporting of it and wonder about the other news affiliates. We are supposed to be putting a person in office that will be BEST for the United States (political parties be damned). If indeed a person is associated with a subversive group, that should be known

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:56:37 GMT

Dear Metz;

It's not a leap or skip or baby step.

It is a conclusion when it happens to you.

Blatant, tongue-in-cheek or passive hate probably never happened to you, so your opinion might be like your choice, based on nothing.

And sadly, there is not a good amount of intelligence involved. Read mjno, lillea or debunk. Not that bright.

But your points are ideal and factual, especially about it having nothing to do with the election - while unfortunately having something to do with the election.

Your best point is: It will not solve anything. But isn't that the scorge of the universe now? Inherent stupidity focusing on what doesn't matter.

And yeah, the question are leading.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:02:19 GMT

Retired Marine almost had me convinced.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

char12 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:13:01 GMT

How can people even what Obama near the white house after what his preacher said about us

the White People? Black Jesus!! and talking so hateful about President Clinton and Senator Clinton. He was with that preacher for 20 years - wrote his book influenced by that preacher.

I will never ever in my life vote for him. I am scared of him and his followers.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:25:47 GMT

Lillea meet Char12.

Char12 this is debunk.

Oh! And over in the corner is your preacher.

Sitting at the head of the table is BassPro and vbrakes.

Behind the curtain is ssbn.

Go Char go! Sing it from the mountain sweety.

Protect "us White People" capitalized like God.

Too, too funny!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

American Life Observer — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:48:50 GMT

Thank you so much for this article. It needs to be read and reread because there are so many deep but simple concepts at play. It reinforces everything I have believed about this campaign. For example, all the brouhaha about Michelle Obama feeling proud about her country is very easily explainable through the lens of this article: there is a subconscious wholesale perception that whites are good, blacks are bad, which leaves many AfricanAmericans feeling marginalized becuase they really are shunned or kept at arms' length. I don't understand how that could possibly be soo hard to believe and is being made a political issue by Hannity and the like.

Another point is that so much is being made about the fact that women are voting for Hillary and blacks are voting for Obama. Statistically it's true, but it is also very simplistic at its core and the consistent harping on this by the media is not helping either cause, esp Obama's because there are more whites than blacks and there could be a backlash against him if you go with the flow of the media's hype. The fact is if the voting season had started in places like GA or SC, Obama would NOT won, or have had the support of the AfricanAmerican population. He really only appeared on the radar for many of them AFTER he got validation from white states like Iowa.

No one talks about this. Not even Oprah's rallies were really that helpful in bringing in blacks in the beginning because they were sceptical of him and most believed he was Muslim. It is simlistic to assume blacks are voting for Obama just because he is black. They are also voting because they see the cross over appeal.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Bass Pro — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:00:01 GMT

If Barack dismissed all of his supporters who have played the race card, he could hold his rallies in a phone booth.

McCain 2008-2012... Hillary 2012-2020

Florida will sink Obama and I'll be there to applaud.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

votenic — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:08:09 GMT

2008 Presidential Election Weekly Poll

http://www.votenic.com

New Polls Posted Weekly!

Results Now Instant!

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Bass Pro — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:20:46 GMT

Hillary should just step aside and let Senator McCain field al of the Racist attacks. Obama is as confident as the Captain on the Titanic just before the encounter with the Iceberg. McCain will win in a walk. The Florida Poll has McCain sinking Obama by 10 points and a virtual deadlock in Pa. & Ohio. He'll be lucky to beat Nader after McCain is through with him.

McCain 2008-2012....... Hillary 2012-2020

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:35:49 GMT

God bless people like Bass Pro.

He can take all the kids of different color and belief fishing on his little bass boat on his little compound lake and explain to them the color, texture and feel of the race card while saying he doesn't use it.

Shame he didn't read American Life Observer, ecg3817, QuitFoolingAround...

...or the article that he's responding to.

You wonder if Pro even knows that the article is about people just like him. Thick.

He'll beat nader?

Be there to applaud?

Go Hillary. Meet your constituency.

Good luck with that.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

MrHegemony — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:45:38 GMT

@ Bass Pro: Clearly you're grasping at straws. All of the polls that have been taken - from last year through to this year - show that McCain vs Hillary is the Republican's best bet in November, and that if it were flipped, McCain gets beaten by Obama in the general.

What Bass Pro and other Hillary supporters are doing is looking at single, specific states where their candidate does better, and then deluding themselves that it'll hold true nationally for the General.

Want to know the reality? Hillary hasn't been fully vetted by the Press or by Obama yet. If she steals the nomination and gets into the General with McCain, the Republicans are going to take her to task - expect all of the sordid sex scandals to come back up and be replayed over and over and over again, expect to finally get details on the Clintons' financial ties - with huge emphasis on the Islamic ones - which will cover everything from cattle futures to donors to the Clinton library, expect Bill's perjury and impeachment proceedings to come back. And this is just the tip of the proverbial "iceberg".

The list on Hillary is long and sordid and no one's covering it right now in any way remotely like it will be if she should become the General Election nominee.

Oh? And you think that she could beat an incumbent McCain in 2012? She's got even less of a chance at that than she currently does. The facts are there, the polls are there, the public sentiment is there: Hillary can never hope to beat McCain, ever.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Bass Pro — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:36:30 GMT

To Mr. Hegemony

I didn't mention Hillary vs McCain. I've been looking at polls on real Clear Politics where all of the polls by all of the pollsters are logged in. I not arguing the point that Hillary would do worse, though I doubt she would do worse in florida or Ohio or Pennsylvania or Texas or California. I am a Hillary supporter who has said many times that Obama has won. Didn't you see that I said Hillary should step aside in my comment you're replying to? My point is that Hillary supporters like myself will not vote for Obama. Does that clinch a McCain win? No, but I think McCain will beat Obama because of people like me. I believe full well that you're an obama supporter, only reading what you want into my comments. If this makes you feel better she couldn't have won without him either.

Now if you want to know how it's going between OBAMA vs McCAin take a look at the polls. The latest Florida Gallup Poll has McCain leading OBAMA by 10 and that's the closest one that's current. Look for yourself. if you've got the nerve. Whether Hillary is doing worse vs McCain is not an issue. Obama has won the nomonation. Ask yourself what the outcome is if 30 percent of the Florida Democrats vote for McCain. Don't worry when he loses he can blame it on the imaginary racists. He won't have to think back to when he falsely labeled Hillary a racist and seriously pissed off her supporters. Obama must beat McCain not Hillary! Can i make it any clearer for you?

McCain in 2008...Hillary in 2012 7 2016. How's that float your boat?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:49:13 GMT

Dear Mr. Hegemony;

Please excuse Mr. Bass. He has not read this article carefully -if at all, and cannot stop from using race as the be all. or end to his means.

He can't.

But don't take him too seriously, he's an imaginary racist and is really not there.

No the spirit of his drivel was not for Hillary to step aside.

His content in earlier pest-like posts was worse than this.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Lee Holmes — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:03:05 GMT

Raschlinski needs to do more research. In point of fact[scientifically and emprically,including at Cornell],ethnic studies departments including their literatures predominate at all major[and many minor] colleges and universities. The ''Mandingo''days are over. So much for ''literature bias''unless it be directed at Dead White Guys,so now a college sophomore cannot tell the differance between Shakespere and a milk shake,but CAN quote you Baldwin chapter and verse.[Of course,we also see as a portion of ethnic studies deriving precisely from race-based AA programs,[a subject studied elsewhere by todays NEWSWEEK],dorms and halls in colleges across America cut across racial lines,each sealing themselves one off one from the other,out Wallacing,Wallace.[all for '''racial integration'',of course].

Parks,still living in the days of Rosa Parks,forgets that time moves on. For empirical ,having-a-can-of-beer-before-the-tube knowlage,look closely at the next commercial you see with an ensemble cast. It can be either seriously looking at money investments,telecommunications,or lighthearted glimpses at the ways we rent cars at airports,or shop for auto parts themselves. Food,restarants,alcohol,travel,take your pick.

Participants in these commericals are split into three groups. One is always an African American[usually in a ''power''or supervisory position]. The other will be a woman or women of any race,[also portrayed from a ''power''position],or a minority male. The last is a white male,usually a subordinate. One does not have to guess who is playing the buffoon,asking ignorant questions,goofing off,or ''not getting it'',engaging in ''Jackass''-style behaviors. Give it a shot. You will find that your analysis will match anyone elses[except for maybe these cloistered Cornell nabobs],and display the touchiness of race and gender relations in America today as viewed through a camera,let alone politics or alleged ''centers of higher learning'',where all knowlage exists, and is displayed, in a vaccum,always subordinate to gender,racial,and ideological allegiances,rather than the unfettered freedoms of the human spirit.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:23:15 GMT

Lee;

Did Raschlinski say anything that was true in spirit or belief?

Other than for marketing purposes - and money spreads - are real time, real life pratices reduced to individual behavior or mass percentages?

Your description of TV participants was quite accurate - media-wise - but hold no water realistically.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Bass Pro — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:31:47 GMT

Alvy, You're a little too caught up in yourself. Didn't read this blog . Did I infer that I did? No. Either you're new to all of this or it's over your head. Tthe blog brings us together, it doesn't bind anyone to the article. If i wanted to call you a name, I would. I don't want to. Not right now anyway.

The spirit of my drivel wasn't to ask Hillary to step aside? No of course not. Not anymore than the spirit of your lead in comments were to have Hegemoy excuse me. You wanted to insult me. The message was that obama will lose because he has labeled Hillary a racist.

McCain 2008 ... Hillary 2012 7 again in 2016. If you can't stand the message ignore it.

Have either of you went to see what the 3/12/08 polls are for Florida, Ohio and Pa.? Hehemony's response was to quote the national polls. I don't disagree with what he reports. You must know because you seem to know everything that just as the Primaries are about Delegates, the General is about Electorial votes. Do think your guy can win without Ohio, Pa or Florida. Ask Al gore who was cheated out of Florida if it was an essential state.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

use your head — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:36:49 GMT

to: Bass Pro

I'm just curious what exactly is the reason you will not vote for obama please stte it clearly? because if hillary your suppose canidate fo choice says if she loses her supporters should vote for obama do not trust her judgement. a second point hillary and obama voted the exact same way on every vote except two so they are not very different on the issues. so please tell the world your true heart why you cannot vote for obama? you are nt a democrat and 30% of Fla dems voting for mccain that's a funny but not based in reality. use your head not your emotions if you won't vote for obama but your a dem that would vote for hilary please do enlighten the rest of us as to why?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Alvy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:51:09 GMT

Pro Bass! You little Tiger!

Sadly, I'm not new to writing or communication.

Yeah, I am a bit caught up in myself.

But you will not see me pounce on race and belief every-single-day- like you.

I ask for facts about the potential nominees Pro. I want to know more about the issues and how they differ. Anything else is drivel. Especially race relations. I understand race relations and like every one else, I understand you. Your a little fishy, but hey, you're the Bass Pro. Please do take a minute to read the article - if it's not too over your head.

I get weary of closet, thinly veiled intolerance such as yours. It's actually fun to poke a stick in you.

And please Massa Bass, please quote Obam's miscues as far as race matters go. Please cut and paste the quote where Obam calls Hillary something along discriminatory lines - so we can all come over to your way of thinking. You keep saying it, and I think your the one capable of showing it to us. I bet you'll get right on it and not say something hick-like like "go find it yourself". Oh! You already said that yesterday.

You rule Pro.

Hillary 2012 and 2016!!

And fish dude, I did mean to insult you. The shocking part is that you actually got it.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Character Is Then New Demographic — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:29:46 GMT

From the article:

"Something like 80 to 90 percent of adult Americans harbor at least a mild negative implicit bias toward African-Americans, and a good 30 to 40 percent harbor very negative biases."

I would add that it's not just whites, but even blacks harbor a negative bias against blacks.

Here's a way to test it -- an open question:

Would anyone here on the blogs want to be born black?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:02:26 GMT

Hey Pro Bass,

I am looking at the above article and when I clicked the "comment on this article" link, I was brought here. So, I believe that those that created this web site intended that one read the article before making comments on it. The article talks about implicit or intuitive racial and gender bias.

It mentions that 80 to 90% of the people, even those that have never burned a cross harbor a slight negative animus towards blacks.

The article also mentions that a black person's resume, no matter how impressive does not overcome the bias.

Must blogs and their aft comments have supported this suggestion.

People react to Obama's middle name because unconsiously blacks are considered not to be "apple pie" american. Some democrates will chose to vote for McCain if Obama wins the primary because they are racially biased against blacks to the point of cutting off their noses to spite their faces. They ignore his specific and detailed ideas about healthcare, the economy, campaign reform and Iraq because this unconscious racial bias causes them to ignore the resume.

They jump into a debate about Obama without finding out why the debate is taking place because they have unconsciously formed an opinion about him that is so strong that they do not need facts or knowledge of any kind to support or refute it.

You Bass, are among those people. You are easily manipulated by the mere mention of race. You will vote against your core political beliefs because he that may champion your cause will be

a couple shades darker in skin tone than you.

Keep posting, Alvy. Maybe we can cause some of these blind democrats to see Obama's resume and actually get the clue that he is not only viable but he is also more capable and has better ideas than Clinton.

Maybe afterwards, we can maybe convince the oil companies that it would be in their best interest to not gouge us any more.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Nins — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:10:32 GMT

A blogger named Edson writes "Did the word Democrat really come from democracy?"

Here is a derivation of the words "Democrat" and "Republican."

The United States of America is a republic, that is to say, a Federal government in which the people are represented by elected officials from the various states. Before we were a republic, we were a democracy made up of 13 individual states that were not united. A democracy is a form of government where the individual citizens have the right to speak their minds and influence the political discourse. Democracy was named after Demosthenes, a citizen of ancient Greece with a speech impediment who practiced talking with his mouth full of pebbles to overcome his disability. Demosthenes later became a great political orator. This is where the Democrats derive their name.

The original Republicans were in favor of the states joining to form a republic (which is how that party got it's name). The original Democrats were opposed to this idea, they represented the individual states and were worried that the republic could gain too much power over the states, and through the exercise of tyranny, deny individuals their freedom. Trust me, people were pretty passionate about their liberty in those days, having just fought for independence from England. The Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were all hammered out by serious-minded men who sought to balance the need for individual freedom with our shared common cause, the needs for united strength and social order. Balancing the rights of the individual against the rights of the whole society is what America is all about. This is not only a great achievement for our nation, it is one of the greatest achievements of mankind. And we have, by and large, been true to our ideals over the past 227 years. The system of government we initially established, although needing occasional revisions, has stood the test of time.

Let's not forget where we started from, that impulse towards equality and freedom.

America is, with all it's faults, a meritocracy. Most of our founding fathers would never have had a voice in the 18th century English government they rebelled against, a monarchy where you had to be born into power. In America it was different. If you had intelligence, passion, ambition, drive, talent and a little luck, you could change the world.

This is the real secret to Obama's popularity, his ability to touch this archetype in our souls. This is why a white, conservative middle-aged female Republican like me wants to vote for him. He's got that blend of intelligence, passion, ambition, drive and talent. I'm giving him my vote to proffer him the last ingredient, a little luck, so I can watch our Republican Democracy in action, and once again change the world.

IN GOD WE TRUST

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:44:23 GMT

Character, you hit it right on the head.

The answer should be, no one wants to be or have been born black in America.

One would argue even though America is a great country in which to live in spite of

it's problems, being marginalized into non existance as a black american is a lot worse

overall than being beaten or someplace else at war.

At least then you know that you are considered and your existance acknowledged.

Obama's appeal to blacks is he is being seen. He is an ivy league graduate, a great orator with intelligence, passion and talent, and he just happens to be a member of the previously unseen

constituents of American society. To blacks, his personality makes him seen, his resume makes him viable.

Obama should appeal to white deomocrates because his resume and ideas are better than

Clintons they should stick with him after the primaries because, in light of the price of energy,

the unemployment rate and the fact that we are in Iraq when we should be in Afganistan, a democrate in the white house is a better option than a republican.

I am speaking as an independant, conservative, black man.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Jack3213 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:04:52 GMT

JUST A FEW REMINDERS OF THE CLINTONSD DISGRACE AND HOW WE SHOULD NOT CONSIDER HER: As they departed the White House, the Clintons left with furniture, lamps, prints and other items totaling $28,000. After an enormous public outcry, the former first grifters returned this truckload of public property swiped from the Executive Mansion. For his part, William Jefferson Clinton successfully perjured himself in the Paula Jones sexual-harassment lawsuit.Long-subpoenaed billing records from Hillary Clinton''s days at Little Rock''s Rose Law Firm magically materialized at the White House in January 1996 -- just four days after a statute of limitations expired, thus sparing her from potential civil liability for advising Madison Guaranty, a failed bank whose collapse cost taxpayers $60 million.Today, Hillary Clinton''s tax returns remain concealed, while Barack Obama released his. How did she "loan" her campaign $5 million in January? Voters need such answers now, not after Election Day, especially since Bill Clinton''s speech and business income enhances their combined wealth. After White House Deputy Counsel Vincent Foster died from a gunshot to the head in Fort Marcy Park near Washington in July 1993, his office should have remained sealed for forensic purposes. Yet, two days later, the Clintons personal financial records are to be temporarily kept in a locked closet in the White House residence.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

QuitFoolingAround — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:55:16 GMT

Perhaps Sen. Obama's is a different candidate than we've seen before, that transcends race, gender, etc. and will rise above the fray and unite us all, but the same certainly cannot be said of his supporters, at least not some of those that comment here. So as not to be as equally disrespectful, there is no need to list names, although it should be obvious. I hope the Senator is all the good things that people say about him because the least common denominator of his supporters seems to be bitter and mean spirited. WWBD?

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Southern Bell — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:17:57 GMT

What a surprise that two men conducted this survery and seem to say that women have an easier time of it than men when it comes to running for political office.

What a bunch of caca.

Andrew, I don't know if you're a sexist but your posting the YouTube clip of HRC's 60 Minutes appearance sure makes it look like you have an agenda. Why didn't you have the decency to actually include all her comments instead of showing the "abridged" version.

Mr. Kroft: "You don't believe that Sen. Obama is a Muslim?"

Mrs. Clinton: "Of course not. I mean, you know, there is no basis for that. I take him on the basis of what he says. You know, there isn't any reason to doubt that."

Kroft: "You said you take Sen. Obama at his word that he's not. . . . You don't believe that he's. . . ."

Clinton: "No, no. There's nothing to base that on, as far as I know."

Kroft: "It's just scurrilous . . .?"

Clinton: "Look, I have been the target of so many ridiculous rumors that I have a great deal of sympathy for anybody who gets, you know, smeared with the kind of rumors that go on all the time."

If anyone had actually seen the damn thing and wasn't gaga over Obama I seriously doubt they would conclude Hillary was "race-baiting" . Especially if they had seen or read the whole damn thing instead of the one that excludes her last powerful words.

Shame on you, Andrew. Shame on you for not at least letting your readers know exactly what HRC said on 60 Minutes.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

hope-3 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:38:13 GMT

This is exactly why many in the DNP didn't want hillary to run.She doesn't know what it is like to lose?Gentlemen this is not about his guy or your guy,it's about unification of the democractic party?These two campaign's are at polar ends with striking differences.The person best qualfied to run against John MCcain should be the one with less baggage and is able to pull the opposite candidates voters.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Lee Holmes — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:28:40 GMT

Alvy: I am unconvinced. Especially when we see that such media stereotyping was not only fought against,but was the subject of many tomes bearing upon the racial or gender-based damage such stereotypes invoked. ''Frito Banditos'',''Uncle Bens'',''Aunt Jemimas''[who was reconfigured as a composite of women of all racial groups],the ''*** and hos''of Rap,''dumb blondes'',''My Wife,I Think I'll Keep Her''[CLAIROL],The COMET plumber,and other forms of advetising viewed as sexist or racist over the course of the last century. White males are safe targets because white males largely do not complain,and involve themselves in other pursuits dwelling upon grievance,Affirmative Action being the more prominant.

The point here is that in seeking racial or gender based targets,either within the fantasy of media or the reality of the outside world,we are stuck in statis in advancing real racial advance,the very reason why King,and Malcolm X[in his enlightenment post-Africa period],sought to focus upon the ''human''vice ''racial''aspect of all interrelationships based upon race. This ideal has since been hijacked by those who place ''Rev''.or ''Pastor''before their names and engage the nation in protracted racial debate,acrimonious in its construct,[and often false in its accuasations.The Duke ''rape''case,the Tawana Brawley incident,the festooning of hangmans nooses by a Columbia University professor all come instantly to mind],and those who foolishly deny minorities as citizens,their rightful place at the American table of business,laws,housing,and education.

This concept of racial ''pride''is destructive and nonsensical. True racial progress is earmarked by the removal from the collective psyche or such ''pride'',particularly when it is freely allowed to exist in some races,but not all.[thus an Orwellian Animal Farm mentality presents itself].

Obviously,many of the worst offenders in the struggle for racial progress are the very same professors of colleges and universities detailed in the above Romano article. Anti-Semitism,racial separtism,males as an ''evil'',''whites as an ''abomination'',Christianity As Cult[to be denigrated at whim,yet hold Islam,Hinduism,Buddhism,and Atheism to the highest sociological standards],are allowed their widest,freeist applications on American campuses,which become proving grounds for the next generation of the nations politicians,who are influenced by the ideals learned in these places which are themselves,removed from reality,existing in vaccum.[indeed,what we see from real racial progress,is evidenced most clearly by the very antithesis of the Academic arena,the military,where colorblindness exists as a matter of fact and virtually all are allowed to progress ''as far as intellect and talent will take them'',particularly among the enlisted,where ''affirmative action''based upon race or gender is a thing unknown,whites serving under blacks,Hispanics under Asians,blacks under whites,men under women]. They appear to have it worked out due to the patent fact that all lives depend upon the actions of each other. This injects the supreme human ,as opposed to ''race''or ''gender'',denomination into all of its affairs. The nation at large could do worse than to learn such lessons,either ''hanging together,or hanging seperately''.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

MsCjay — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:52:32 GMT

I'm exhausted and disgusted with all of the negativity during this historical time. I am learning that Race and Gender are a true factor and there is no getting away from it. I supported Bill Clinton during the wosrst time of his presidency and was leaning towards Hillary, but they come as a package and who wants his past antics to come up in a General election. With the way things are going we will have 4 more years of Bush politics and God save us all. We pray for a better world were race isn't an issue, but who are we kidding, God Save us, God help us.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Braes — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:03:50 GMT

No one in the media has laid a glove on Condi, and it is because they would get tarred a bigot. She has been an abysmal failure. Now, if the alleged liberal media won't take a shot at a Republican, what makes you think they are going to go after Obama, no matter what he does or says.

The White vote amongst registered D's has been evenly split between the two front runners.

The Black vote has not.

Nope, racism is alive and well, it's just that the shoe is now on the other foot.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:04:32 GMT

Lee,

In an attempt to understand your point, I will attempt to restate it in a couple of sentances

minus the subliminals within {} brackets:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The commercial media pushes a racial agenda by showing minorities and women as

intelligent and leaders over white men.

Academia pushs a racial agenda by studying the literary works of non-white-male people.

Racial pride is antithetical to racial unity because in order to be truely unified we all must lay aside our individual cultures and embrace a 1 generic superculture similar to how the army does it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does this accurately paraphrase your post, Lee?

If so then lets take the first two statements first:

The new media and the new academia is called pendulum swing. Simple physics.

The original swing was so far in favor of white males that white males were the norm.

In this case a still pendulum, one that is not swinging, would be white male as the norm.

We need a counter swing to readjust to norm.

My hope is we as the human race will no longer require this pendulum, but as of 2008 [ which is less than 40 years after some real attempts at racial equality had been undertaken, againt hundreds of years of the other] this is not the case.

We are still talking about it, we still have white democrats that ignore Obamas resume and will vote for McCain if Obama should win the nomination.

As far as the 1 world superculture is concerned: who's should we adopt. I think we got into this mess because white males required every one else to buy in to their culture. In order to make it in business, we had to golf. We had to embrace what they considered to be the "great works of literature". We had to look and act like their neighbor. We had to where grey tweed suits, with white shirts.

It did't work, Lee. It doesn't work outside of the military, It will not work outside of the military.

Every culture posses positive and negative attributes and we should seek to understand the historic beginings of some cultural views and appreciate the quantifiably more successful aspects of those cultures. It worked before. It was somewhere in the 15th century [give or take] that europeans learned from "everybody else" that bathing was actually a good thing.

Perhaps once again we can learn from this artical and the comments below and above that we still have a long way to go and can start heading in that direction by looking at Obama's resume before deciding whether he is a good candidate or not.

It is the pretension of those that disagree with affirmative action that a person's merits should be the bases for selection, but only when those merits cease to be closely tied to said person's external shell will this be truely possible.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Lee Holmes — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:00:28 GMT

Beachcomber: No. You shine a narrow beam upon my arguments. Academia fosters a racial agenda by the advancement of grievance politcs in all of its arenas. These are specifically racial and gender-driven in their construct. Radical racial and gender philosophies exist as a mainstream concept only within the halls of academia. Anywhere else,and such philosophies would be seen as lunatic.[as they are when they escape such a rarified world,such as a CUNY Prof.Leonard Jeffries theorizing in his Afro-Centric class that ''whites are an inferior race'',or a Southern Connecticut University Prof.Griffs proclaiming that ''Jew doctors injected black babies with the AIDs virus'',or more recently,the furor over associated professor Ward Churchills comments on the ''Little Eichmanns''of 9/11]. There are,unfortunately,far too many more examples where these came from,all from academia,all racial and gender driven in their theories.

The second is simple:Replace ''Black Pride''[or ''Brown''] with ''White''. What is the first mental reaction? If it is negative,and to nearly all,it is,then why all of this ''pride''nonsense to begin with? Does it foster or retard racial unity? You inserted ''superculture''.Not I. I merely showed accurately where race relations in a social system work better than in others based upon colorblindness.

Media,on the other hand,chooses racial cowardice. Better that they not used any ''pendulum''at all,but were more racially democratic as to how they choose their targets. Or,why should anyone choose to look inept and stupid before millions of home viewers? Again,white males choose other grounds upon which to fight. That media still engages in such racial and gender-based nonsense,shows how little they have learned.

Make no mistake. Merely replacing the foibles and evils of the ''white''over many generations [while those of all races were busily enslaving ,killing,and ransacking the nations of their own birth],with another evil will not garner the progress you seek. Then too,a party that has designed itself to be the champion of the minority has played a most digraceful role in having to set these arguments of race and gender back on the table to begin with. These are not White Citizens Council rednecks sitting on a 1950s Mississippi bench but the best Ivy Leaguers with impeccable liberal credentials and even they are blowing it,sounding more and more like a Stemmons or a Wallace.[nor are the black firebrands helping any,as Obama himself attested to a few hours ago].

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:08:55 GMT

Ok, Lee,

On your accertion that academia fosters many outragious racial and gender biased view points, I agree.

On your accertion that the media showing white men as buffoons or any man as the buffoon in the family not being cool, I agree.

I will also agree that it seems unfair that any statement of pride seems to be OK accept that of "White Pride".

However, as Alvy once said, outside of the media or Academia, we still have a reality where

the formerly oppressed must share a plot of land with their former oppressors.

As this blog suggests, a form of that oppression invisibly exists in the implicit psyche of 80 to 90% of the people.

We still have society where a black candiate with greater qualifications is being lambasted and marginalized in blogs and aft comments based upon purely racial sentiments.

We still live in a society where the term "White Pride" is redundant.

The thought the a person with 20 years of public service experience, a military background, a harvard law degree and a near equal voting record with both Hillary and McCain is not qualified is the epitamy of "White Pride".

No one black can be qualified enough to lead me is the root thought of this very blog and these many comments.

Your arguments are great in the very halls of academia but they do not work out here.

We all know that racism exists. We all know that whites are not the only racists, but this knowledge does not help or excuse the purely unfair and rancidly stupid comments made on this blog.

We must stay on point. We are talking about the election of a president in America not what is going on in Samalia or any place else.

In America, the so called progressive, liberal, democrats who claim to have applauded MLK are now associating Obama with his former pastor. They are now calling him a muslim because of his middle name. They call him empty and unqualified in spite of his service record and accomplishments. They are [symbollicaly] ignoring him while still talking about him.

This is our country and our kinsmen and this blog and comments are what they are about. Take a look at it.

This entire discussion embarasses me,

The fact that this blog exists embarrases me.

You also should be embarrased by it.

Let's move from theory to practical application. The best way to end racism is to not be racist.

We pretend that to be the case but this entire election screams just the opposite.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Lee Holmes — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:38:16 GMT

Come now Beachcomber. Do you really think that ''40 Acres and a Mule''is suddenly going to be entered as the next spending bill in Congress?[and a Democrat one at this?] No dice. And,no,this is not ''Somalia''[although,African racists are butchering other Africans by the millions,and continue to do so in a way that the same leftists that support an Obama,are the same ones that demand that we answer to another African war,one that will be ''just''despite the demonstrable presence of the exact same forces these claim are ''losing''us Iraq,or ''producing more terrorists''[although how Iraq can do one,but not Sudan,let alone Afghanistan,which is also a Moslem nation,where we are still,is beyond me].

White guilt is redundant. Not white pride.Else NEWSWEEK would not be agonizing over the alleged ''dearth''[for the nth time]of African American actors in dramatic roles despite the fact that last years Best Actor Oscar winner,was an African American[Forest Whittaker,''The Last King of Scotland'',portraying another African butcher],in a alleged ''news-magazine''run top-bottom by a bunch of white liberals[who are always agonizing over something.Else they would not live].

You touch upon a firm point that these same liberals that lionize King are a pack of mere hypocrites. King would have found more comfortable quarters among the white working class[who are surrounded by those of all races who share their travails],than the white ,so-called[especially after the Haavaahd-employed Samantha Power debacle],''educated'' white liberals,who live in bastions unencumbered by the presence of minorities,except it be to clean their bathrooms,watch their babies,or groom their lawns. Indeed,according to the National Urban League,[Mar.2007]the most segregated regions in America are those in New England,with the worst offender,The Hamptons,where the Clintons hold court,and the Spielburgs lounge on the beach.

African Americans have been sold a bill of goods by white liberals and their lackey racebaiting cronies.[who after all,need a job and a camera pointed at them]. Kennedy does not in truth,give a damn about why Bloods and Crips engage in racial internecine warfare killing innocents as a matter of course,with Hispanic gangs shooting back. Or the factors that impell these. Neither,for this matter,do the Maxine Waters or Sanchez sisters,who congressionally represent Ground Zero of this madness.Yet they are dependably re-elected term after term while the people die.[worse casualties in fact,than most portions of Iraq today].

Yet men who marched with Dr.King are ridiculed as ''rightwinged gun nuts''such as actor Charlton Heston,[who wore a sign,visible in the films of the 1963 March in DC,which proclaimed ''All Men Are Created Equal'']. Or those who suffered in POW camps while those who never served this nation a day in their lives achieve credence because they have the ''Inside Job''on 9/11,or sat upon NV antiaircraft guns in Hanoi for photo-ops [One who was also credited with saving the lives of African American sailors on the USS FORRESTAL and who has never in his life taken any regard to ''race'' or ''gender''].

Time,long past time,to unfetter the shackles of those who keep ALL people down,and who arrogantly ride upon the legacy of better men and women than they could ever hope to be,and who equally arrogantly claim their struggles to be their own.,and worse,appear in the churches and the places of those who strive to meet ends only at election time.

The real racists are the ones most cunningly masked in plain view. They appear in all colours,wearing no Klan suits and evidencing no supremacist salute. These are speakers of the suave and the stentorian,wearing Saville Row suits,and hinting darkly of the ''return to the lynch mob'',while they ply their racial divisiveness,their racial bigotry,and their racial guilt.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:16:22 GMT

So.. It is revealed, Lee.

I do not see anywhere in my posts where I was asking for any kind of handout from congress or anybody else be they democrat or any other party. The fact that you read my posts and your mental filters deduce the need to mention "40 acres and a mule" is disturbing.

Once again, the substance of what is said is marginalized by a implicitly ingrained stereotype: "Blacks just wine and want a handout."

The fact that the very few black actors in hollywood are winning oscars have nothing to do with the numbers of black actors actually employed and that get decent, viable roles.

Once again, like in the past, a black man has to be massively better than his white counter parts in order to receive recognition or consideration.

But hollywod does not matter. The American presidential primaries matter.

Let us also get away from Samalia, Suddan or any other nation and keep our eye on the ball which is a man with an impressive resume is called an empty suite, unqualified, dirty and unfit in spite of the facts that he is more qualified and has better ideas that his opponents.

I will digress to a tangent and return:

Let us look at the time of the early 30th centrury. It's between 1900 and 1930. There are no electic refrigeration but everyone has an ice box to keep perishable food items fresh.

A white man has a business selling blocks of ice to homeowners for their fridge and a black man also has a business selling blocks of ice.

They get their ice cut from the same wholeseller.

The white businessman flourishes and the black one does not. Why? Because it is perceived that "Mr Gilmore's" ice is colder and keeps better then that "Roscoe" fella's ice.

Picture a general store. A man that is obviously drunk and looks unkempt and dirty opens the door of the shop and enters. A white couple follows him in. The man opens the door for his wife. They have to pinch their noses because of the stinch of the drunken man that entered before them. The shop owner escorts the bum out of the store opening the door for him so that he may leave. Shortly after, a black man enters. He is wearing a Eruopean silk suite. A gold chain hangs from his vest pocket to a button. He is wearing a hat, spats and carries a cane crowned with a solid gold design. He smells of the most notable cologne of that time. He moves about the store grabbing a few items and lastly gets a card for his sweaty. H approaches the cashier and peels a $5:00 bill from a big wad of folded cash. After saying thank you, he turns the door knob and leaves. As the previous couple leaves, the man takes a hankerchiff from his coat pocket and wipes the door knob before opening it for his wife.

This may sound ridiculous but we know this to have been true during that time. What is even more ridiculuous is that we can apply that same mentality to 2008 election.

Hillary Clinton is a Yale graduate. Most of Hillary Clintons career has been spent in a private law firm, Her only real, verifiable public service experience is her short time as the New York Senator. She has no military record and the fact that she is married to a former president does not count.

Barrack Obama is a Harvard graduate. Most of his career was spent in public service in illinios, 20 years of it, and he is a military man.

Both Clinton's and Obama's voting records are nearly equal.

However "Mrs Clinton" is perceived to have better qualifications and more experience than that "Hussein" fella.

Clinton would be a much bigger target for the republicans than Obama would, because she has more apparent skeletons in her closet. However, it is believed that Obama is more dirty and the only reason that we do not see that dirt is because the press is not doing their job. Since we can not find any real dirt on him, we find dirt in his middle name and his former pastor or because Farakahn said he was a good candidate.

Did we go crazy when Bin-Laden released a tape endorsing Kerry during the 2004 elections?

No we did not.

This is reality.

This is America of 2008.

You can not excuse this or minimalize the tragic nature of this by pointing out other countries because we are not judged against the actions of other countries, we are judged against our own constitution and against the noble ideas of human and civil rights.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

BeachComber — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:19:52 GMT

I misstyped and meant 20th centry in the previous post.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Lee Holmes — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:44:15 GMT

Beachcomber: This will not wash. On no other nation on planet Earth do those of African heritage enjoy the rights granted them by a nation with its most unique constitution. It has reached its apogee by the fact that rests before us in the form of Barack Obama.[we have already noted where some of the most powerful congressional committees in Washington that steer the events of millions of Americans are chaired by African Americans]. Yet who raise up their voices to inject race into the discussion? Not McCain,who could care less,but those who attended your selfsame liberal colleges and universities who are not ''unkept''and do not peddle ''ice''. ''Latent racism''it may be,it is racism nonetheless. Nor,as I observed earlier,do black racebaiters help advance the discussion. They are intriguers. Nothing more.

The dubious values of racial-based anything[older ''quota systems,AA,and the like],is that they pit race against race,and offer little more than disharmony. For this cause alone they must go. Then too,the rights enshrined in the Document you yourself cite at the conclusion of your post make clear that race may in no way be taken into consideration. A fact that the clearly uncomfortable Sandra Day O'Connor stared at in her affirmative vote in 2002s MICHIGAN. Pass to Obama,and it is clear that the MSM is being almost paranoid in its care to treat him differantly than a Clinton due to his race.[Wright,as a bombthrower,can be tossed over the side. Not Barack however,and the fact that he has not been asked more probing questions as to what he would do as president in areas not centered upon ''repudiation of Farrakhan'',proves this. In the last debate,Russert thus wasted his and our time with this issue]

We have gotton potatoes from Obama,but no meat. His advisers have been largely failures in articulating Obamaian policies,indeed,often at odds with what the man himself has said,such as the now-departed Sam Power regarding Iraq. What we can ascertain is that he is a tax-and-spend,thus cut from normal,predictable,liberal cloth and thus is no revolutionary. His Iraq policies are confused,and he is now forced to waste more precious time over D'Affaire Wright. I see no lucid energy policy from any of the candidates. To sum,the jury is still out on this man and his alleged ''expeience'',not as a black man,not as a blended man,but as a politician.

re: Expertinent: The Political Psychology of Race and Gender

Teri B. — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 05:29:17 GMT

Not THIS Woman - Not at THIS Moment in History!

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Gender bias is very acceptable all around the world, and it's been rearing it's ugly head in the democratic primary.

Generally, I think it's a good thing for the most part, that our society has an open, friendly, often humorous dialog about gender. It's better that tip-toeing around our differences, as we often do on racial and religious issues, afraid of saying the wrong thing and causing offense. Most of the time, I wouldn't find a lot of this stuff offensive.

On the other hand, we have allies, such as Saudi Arabia, where women are beaten for being raped, aren't allowed to drive a car, or attend school. There are practices like arranged marriages, honor killings, forced abortions, sexual slavery, and female castration that we, as a world power, should be more outraged about, more proactive to end than we are.

I wonder how many people know the percentage of women who are raped and/or victims of domestic violence during their lifetimes? 1 in 3 women will be victims of sexual assault during their lifetimes. Women in some countries are still treated as property.

Women have had to fight for the right to vote, own property, and a lot of other rights men took for granted and still do. You can say a lot of things about Hillary Clinton, but you can't say she hasn't been an advocate for women and children her entire life.

So, yes, I take gender slurs against the first woman to have a serious shot at the presidency of this country seriously. I don't think they have a place in the discourse any more than racial slurs against Obama. Denigrate her for her policies or her integrity, but not because she's female. Not this women - not at this moment. It denigrates all women. Like her or hate her, all women deserve this one small concession in the dialog. Women's suffering is usually the last to be acknowledged or addressed.

I'm not some rabid feminist, but I am extremely proud that a women has broken through and come so close to leading this country, but just like there are ignorant people who won't vote for Obama because he's a black man, there are people who won't for for Clinton because she's a woman, and I've encountered quite a few of them. They call me "honey" and "babe" and tell me not to get emotional, while lacing their remarks with references to shrillness, pantsuits, and crying for votes.

In this election, for once, we should be as sensitive to gender slurs as we are racial slurs and be proud of these historic candidates we've selected.