So...

One of the presidential candidates in the upcoming US presidential elections is "black" (despite the fact he's half white).

Congratulations on the US for setting this historical precedent for themselves (although most of the planet is wondering what the big deal is -i.e. it's about time - same reaction if it had been a woman).

Now, without meaning to insult the entire US portion of the membership, I'll just say that the perception of many people outside the US (including myself) is that the United States is an extremely racist and violent (gun loving) place in some areas. Witness the Rodney King episode, the existence of the KKK, organizations like Stormfront, fiery rhetoric by preachers and ministers on both "sides" and many statistics like those on prison populations etc.

You have to admit that the US has deep divisions along racial lines (the leftovers of everything from slavery to Jim Crow, MLK's assassination and Rodney King) and these are about to surface IMO.

We were in for a History making moment no matter who won the democratic nomination this time around but in my humble opinion we are about to see the United States tested in a way it has not been tested since MLK's assasination.

To me this US election season will bring out either the best in people and the US will leap forward in an enlightened manner to finally purge the ghosts of slavery or it will bring out the worst in people and tear the country apart along racial lines.

I have personally noticed an uptick in what I would call "black haters" or racists coming to post on ATS. Some have been outright haters but others are trying to be more subtle by asking "innocent" questions and egging on a heated debate.

In past US election cycles (always a "special" time on ATS ) we had the great divide of red/blue, left/right, liberal/conservative but this time there is the race factor. In fact, they can disguise themselves as "liberal haters" when really what they object to is a "black" candidate.

I fear what could become of ATS if this gets out of control.

So I ask the membership (I'm speaking for myself here not the staff), do I have reason to worry?

Am I wrong in thinking that... "the black haters are coming"... "the black haters are coming"... ?

Will my beloved ATS be a victim in this US election cycle?
.

Will they actually hate him because he is black. Or will they hate him because he is not all white? How will we tell who is hating him for his skin pigmentation and who is hating him for his lack of maturity and his poor judgment? How will we tell who just does not want him for president, but doesn't actually hate him personally?

Unfortunately, I think it is inevitable - at least through the election.

As a former civil rights investigator, I can say that racism is a diminishing problem in America, however, rational citizens are often intimidated by a sophisticated spin on race that focuses not so much on skin color but on spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt. Racists don't often play their hand so obviously these days, its much more subtle.

Simple for me, the guys a socialist to the core and the programs he espouses will put a tremendous burden on the country.


Vote Dem now and pay later.

And fwiw, my dream team for the Repubs was Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell.

Condy would make a good Prez and Colin has the skills and personality to make the VP slot more than it's ever been.

Originally posted by Gools

Now, without meaning to insult the entire US portion of the membership, I'll just say that the perception of many people outside the US (including myself) is that the United States is an extremely racist and violent (gun loving) place in some areas. Witness the Rodney King episode, the existence of the KKK, organizations like Stormfront, fiery rhetoric by preachers and ministers on both "sides" and many statistics like those on prison populations etc.

You have to admit that the US has deep divisions along racial lines (the leftovers of everything from slavery to Jim Crow, MLK's assassination and Rodney King) and these are about to surface IMO.

Your perception is not reality. The racial divides are not deep, nor are they widespread. There may be rare and isolated instances of racism, but they are no worse or more frequent than those found in other countries I've visited around the world.

I would suggest that you will find far more hateful and racist speech coming from the middle east, with their racism and hate directed towards Jews, than you will ever find coming from the U.S.

And your post is only fanning the flames.

In case you weren't paying attention, the Obama campaign was well aware of the sensitivity about racism, and didn't miss any opportunity to portray Obama as the victim of racism, even when none existed. It seems like the entire essence of your post is focused on looking for an excuse to call people who disagree with Obama racists.

Yes, I am insulted and offended at the entire stereotyping of Americans that you just displayed in your post. Your stereotyping of Americans is an example of the exact type of stereotyping that you seem to condemn.

Even the title of your thread is disgraceful in its implications.

Apparently you've never been to America. Maybe you should try visiting here before making blanket, stereotypical statements like those in your post.

Originally posted by Gools
I have personally noticed an uptick in what I would call "black haters" or racists coming to post on ATS.

Where?

Some have been outright haters but others are trying to be more subtle by asking "innocent" questions and egging on a heated debate. In fact, they can disguise themselves as "liberal haters" when really what they object to is a "black" candidate.

OOOOOOH ... there.

Those are the so-called 'black haters'? People who don't like racist Obama, his racist wife, his policies, his lies, his rhetoric, his agenda, his Bilderberger connections, his gaffs, his marxist and socialist policies, his intent to disarm America, his connections to terrorists, his 20 years sitting in an anti-white/anti-jewish church, his 'Uncle' Wright, ... the people who don't like those things MUST be 'typical white people' and are racist but are just hiding it, eh?

Couldn't be because of the very good reasons I mentioned, could it?

With all due respect - you are projecting.

Am I wrong in thinking that... "the black haters are coming"... "the black haters are coming"... ?.

Yes, you are wrong. If Obama gets elected it will be 'the white haters are coming' ... 'the white haters are coming' ... Given Michelle Obama's college thesis, Uncle Wright, Rev. Meeks, The Farrakhan connection, etc etc.... there will definately be 'white haters' living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

I am of the opinion that you have it backwards.

Originally posted by FlyersFan
[I am of the opinion that you have it backwards.

He does have it wrong. But, in fairness, can you say that it's totally his fault? Watching our OWN media gives one the impression that this country is full of white guys, just sitting there waiting to rape a black woman or beat up a homosexual. Watch one of those CSI-type shows and note how often the perpetrator is a deranged white racist targeting minorities. And the "news" channels? Please, if the OP has watched more than fifteen minutes of that dreck, I can totally understand why they have that impression as well.

Originally posted by kosmicjack
Well if we Deny Ignorance and stick to the issues instead of rumor, innuendo, lies and character assassination, that would be a start.

News Flash kosmicjack ... discussing the rumor of 'Michelle Obama and that Whitey Tape' (which obviously was part of what you were referring to) is part of what ATS does ... verify and debunk rumors. We do it all the time with everything - 'bush is going to invade iran' 'aliens at area 51' 'rumors of bomber movements' 'rumors of UN prisoner boxcars at the border' blah blah blah

Another news flash - EXPOSING politicians isn't character assassination or telling lies .. it's exposing them. It's what we do here.

Obama isn't getting a free ticket because you like him.
He's going to be vetted just like the rest.
Everything about a potential POTUS is an issue.
So, kosmicjack, deny ignorance and vet the man.

Originally posted by Gools
Some have been outright haters but others are trying to be more subtle by asking "innocent" questions and egging on a heated debate.

In fact, they can disguise themselves as "liberal haters" when really what they object to is a "black" candidate.

Honestly, I am stunned at the above attitudes you display, especially as a moderator.

Essentially, you're saying that you have taken it upon yourself to "see through" people who are racists and who are hiding their racism by posing "innocent" questions? Are you serious?

And now you can tell when somebody who dislikes liberal philosophy is really a closet racist?

Ok, rather than just be disgusted by your attitude, I will give you the benefit of the doubt...

Please explain how you can tell the difference between a legitimate "liberal hater" and a racist liberal hater? Or how you can tell the difference between "innocent" questions and those that just *appear* innocent and are intended to just egg people on?

This should be good...

I don't hate African Americans. I just hate Racist African Americans that are running for President. There is no doubt that Obama and his wife despise Caucasians. If he wasn't racist he wouldn't have married her and went to that church for years. Im only sticking up for the White Man. As a white middle class American I feel like I jobs are being given to undereducated African Americans just because of their race. The African Americans segregate themselves by wanting special treatment for the so called minorities. If they want that then I will treat them as such. Obama and his wife are no different. If he isn't elected president there will be riots in the black community. Mark my words this will happen. They will Riot. You can quote me on that also. I'm sick of there special treatment. I do not get any special treatment and had to achieve everything I have on my own. If they don't want to be labeled anymore then they should stand for equality for everyone not just African Americans. If you want to label me as a racist go for it. It doesn't bother me at all. Good Day

[edit on 9-6-2008 by eric52081]

[edit on 9-6-2008 by eric52081]

Originally posted by jamie83
Your perception is not reality. The racial divides are not deep, nor are they widespread.

Perhaps.

And your post is only fanning the flames.

... It seems like the entire essence of your post is focused on looking for an excuse to call people who disagree with Obama racists.

You missed the point entirely, including my example in my second post. That's what I'm talking about.

Apparently you've never been to America.

I've been to the US plenty of times and have friends who live there. One of my best friend lives in the Detroit area.

I know of what I speak and denial is not just a river in Egypt.
.

Originally posted by passenger
can you say that it's totally his fault?

Sure. Self responsibility.

Watching our OWN media gives one ...

I must not watch the same shows as you. I don't get that at all.
Oh .. and I've never watched CSI. If I watch a show it's usually
Top Chef or Ghost Hunters .... that sort of thing.

Originally posted by FlyersFan
With all due respect - you are projecting.

With all due respect - keep you dime store psychological analysis to yourself.

You don't know me. I assure you I don't fit into one of you little pigeon holes of political classification.

My post is about a certain type of poster who is showing up on ATS lately.
.

[edit on 6/9/2008 by Gools]