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Mad Props to Barack! (2453 hits)

As I watched the lead up to Barack’s speech, I was struck by an unintended (or maybe intended) side effect of Barack’s candidacy for president of the USA. Of all the Black folks interviewed in the streets…each person spoke favorably and clearly about Barack.

From the doctor interviewed at Times Square to Ray-Ray interviewed in the housing project, every single person was joyful and extremely articulate. Please note, I watched a news crew interview people “in da hood”…and everyone spoke as if they had in-depth political and worldly knowledge.
It’s like brothers and sisters have been waiting for the moment when we could show that we know how to think deeply too. It is as if Black folks have been saving up knowledge and insight waiting for the moment when our voices would be valued and heard.

So I ask you…
Is Barack making Black folks smarter?

Does his presence on the national and world stage give young brothers and sisters a role model to aspire to become or immolate?

Have you noticed a difference?

Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 11:13AM
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I agree...the smarts have always been there. It seems to me (non-scientific) that people have been waiting for a chance to show how smart they are.

Barackism seems to get folks to show their true brilliance...
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 11:34AM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

it's like cars.. you didn't know how many models of your car are on the streets until you buy yours, and start driving it around! We've always been smart, it hasn't been the most socially acceptable thing to do to display them! Barak has made it ok to recognize that Black men can be BRILLIANT! (WE've got countless examples of Black femaie brillance in the public eye, Oprah, Condi, (who speaks Russian btw...)and dare i say it... beyonce? ( it takes brains to make a fashion line work for more than just a couple of years, y'know.!)
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 11:43AM
r.e jones

I think that Barack Obama open the eyes of many people to realize that we can actually get to the place where he is. Our children are now looking at becoming the president of the United States, and he should them the way to accomplish this. Yes, I have notice there are several more people concerned about current events in the country as opposed just the ones on the block.

Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 12:29PM
Emmanuel Brown

Emmanuel,

I think I'm seeing Black in America with the same lenses you are using. There seems to be a renewed emphasis on being knowledgeable about issues that are important to black folks and the world. Little Black children are seeing a reflection of themselves in the media attention Barack garners....and it is great. Young Black people want to be famous for what they know and can contribute to the world rather than rap or sports!
Amazingly, even rap music is shying away from club happy-music (dumb’d way down) and into more knowledgeable topic based anthems.
In the past week I’ve even seen thugs, gangsters, and hustlers having detailed/ heated discusses about conditions Darfur and Iranian nuclear missiles. I heard a group of inner-city sisters (poor single-parent Boomkesha and dem) talking about who Barack should have in his cabinet and why. And their conversations were deep and informed!
These are incredible times not just for Barack, but anyone who sees this as their opportunity to STOP PLAYING DUMB…and show their mental prowess.
I pray this catches on and spreads like wildfire. It would appear that the sleeping giant is starting to wake-up….so watch out world.

Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 1:02PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

I don't think he makes black people smarter. We've always been smart, I just think sometimes people get caught up by "peer pressure" or "society pressure" and may look down on intelligence (at least that has been my observation). You know the geek who always gets picked on kinda thing. Anyways, I think now people are seeing and realizing that its okay to speak eloquently, that there is nothing to ashamed of and Barack is the perfect example.
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 1:25PM
chivonne lawson

Irma,

You are 100% correct that's why I say non-scientific. The hood is diverse and so are the people in the hood.
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 2:21PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

I think it has given Blacks a new found hope and rekindled a fire of confidence in that we can do what ever we put our minds to. One of our great writers said, " you over come fear with action". Obama did not give into the negative and fear but, chose Can Do instead of Can't.
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 3:27PM
Esther Pinkston

Esther...spot on!

I think that like so many in the Hip Hop culture, Barack's example is one of can do. Unlike Hip Hop however, Barack is showing that you don't have to sing, dance, or break a sweat to be in change. People will value you for you brain rather than your swagger.

Barack represents ..."Who would want to be a simple "baller" when you can be the president or own the team?"...
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 5:43PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

I THINK HE DOES ADD INSPIRATION AND A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL CHOICE TO THE PICTURE. HOPEFULLY HE WILL FOLLOW THROUGH BECAUSE WE DEFINITELY NEED A CHANGE.
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 7:21PM
ReJeana Turner

I don't think he is making us smart or smarter. I believe that the "hoods" are getting news coverage for something positive, and it's our chance to show America who we really are - when asked. The media is so quick to point out the negatives when it comes to our neighborhoods, and this election is just allowing a positive light to shine on our "hoods."
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 8:35PM
MONA HILL

Mona...that was deep. I 100% agree...
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 9:06PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

I don't think it he makes people smarter. I believe that he brings out the smarter people. Meaning that those who are now following him or trying to gain polical knowledge are coming out. They are now watching the news, reading the paper, internet etc... I believe there are still misinformed, uneducated, and even ignorance among some Black Americans. However I don't think many of them showed up to the rallies, conventions etc...
Just my opinion
Mike Perry
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 10:42PM
michael perry

Dear Dr. Glover:

The vast majority of African Americans are very proud of Mr. Obama but to insinuate that African Americans "lack intelligence" is "way off the mark". People of African descent have made numerous contributions to help advance western civilization on all levels. African Americans have also made substantial contributions beyond the "sports & entertainment" arenas that have aided in the advancement of our American society. Mr. Obama's presidential nomination is indeed, historical, but he is simply a product of the "blood, sweat & tears" of countless individuals, both black and non-black, who chose to fight "injustice" and "inequality" when it was accepted as the "law of the land". When I see Mr. Obama, I sincerely believe that Abraham Lincoln, William Wilberforce, John Brown, John F. Kennedy and Harriet Beecher Stowe are smiling down from heaven along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, John H. Johnson, Harriet Tubman, Medger Evers, Ida B. Wells, Dr. W.E.B Dubois, Lorraine Hansberry and A. Philip Randolph in addition to countless others who have gone on to glory. Even within the sports and entertainment arena we have outstanding individuals such as Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Venus and Serena Williams, Wilma Rudolph, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jaime Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and I haven't even touched the musical arena. Dr. Glover with or without Barack Obama, African Americans still have plenty of outstanding, accomplished brothers and sisters to be proud of. Mr. Obama is not the first nor will he be the last person of African descent to make history. Please keep all of this in proper perspective.
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 10:55PM
GAIL COOPER

Gail you lose me, with Whoopi Goldberg & Jamie Foxx
Saturday, August 30th 2008 at 11:30PM
Kenneth X

For a long time we as black people, we have been looking for our black hope and I think it's Barack. I think the black Americans are proud that they have someone running for office that can finally relate to being a minority and having to live with dissavantages. Barack getting this close to the presidency is proof that things can and will change. Black people never really stand together for hardly any good causes, but I think it time for all of us to stand up for change that's in our favor and support the man that had enough courage to stand up for what he believes in. To everyone that want to make a difference please go out and give Senator Barack Obama your vote and let him know he's not standing alone. Benny Faye Douglas
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 12:20AM
Benny Douglas

We must be very careful not to fall into the same condescending posture as our counterparts. Is it really that surprising that Blacks speak intelligently pertaining to Barack? I think not.
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 2:21AM
Anthony Bridgeforth

Hello, Kenneth X:

Both Jaime Foxx and Whoopi Goldberg are "Oscar" winners along with the other actors that I mentioned except Oprah Winfrey who was an "Oscar" nominee for her performance in "The Color Purple" along with Whoopi Goldberg. Of course, not winning an "Oscar" has not stopped Ms. Winfrey from becoming the wealthiest woman in television.
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 2:46AM
GAIL COOPER

It shows that more African Americans have become interested in this campaign, particularly. Where the media tried to manage down the black community they reported from, they caught black people who communicated to one another, displayed a people who could articulately expressed their knowledge and ability to think for themselves. This was definitely something they were not expecting. However to imply black folks not being smart, no matter where they live, deserves an apology.
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 3:08PM
Cheryl Hendrix

It is amazing how people can read something into a statement and demand an apology for what they think.... they thought... someone else said. I wrote:

"It’s like brothers and sisters have been waiting for the moment when we could show that we know how to think deeply too. It is as if Black folks have been saving up knowledge and insight waiting for the moment when our voices would be valued and heard."

How did that turn into Black folks aren't smart?

My question is...is this as a result of Barack or have we as a people been waiting for the right momment to show that we too have value-added positions on key topics?

Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 3:20PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

Dr. Glover, I think that becasue of Barack mainstream media is paying more attention to the fact that Black folks have a value added position on key topics. This types of conversation amongst people of color from all walks of life have been going on for years. Main stream media just never cared enough to ask before nor did they care to show it for the millions of viewers to see.
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 3:33PM
Marquerite Burgess

Here is an observation that puts this question into proper perspective. Barack Obama's emergence doesn't make us smarter as Black people. His leadership challenges all of us to get involved. This results in everyone having to think about wat he is asking us to do. thinking doesn't make us smarter, it challenges us to action.

Here is a wonderful summary of the approach Barack Obama has taken to leadership. This observation was provided by Lani Guinier, writing for TheRoot.com. Click here to read the full article -- http://www.theroot.com/id/47777:

"In 1995, as he launched his first campaign for public office in Chicago, Barack Obama wondered aloud, "What if a politician were to see his (or her) job as that of an organizer: as part teacher and part advocate, one who does not sell voters short but who educates them about the real choices before them?" Then, answering his own question, Obama concluded, "We must form grass-root structures that would hold me and other elected officials more accountable for their actions."

"One of the biggest accomplishments of the Obama campaign has been to build a new generation of leaders. It has spent its time not merely wooing young enthusiastic supporters; it has been grooming them to assume the mantle of leadership within their local communities. Obama's model of organizing goes beyond raising money or turning in great debate performances. It involves building a new capacity for Democratic governance, not just acting as litmus paper for a set of progressive proposals. Progressive reform without the people, after all, is not progressive at all."

This approach challenges all of us to get involved -- some as supporters, some as followers, some as challengers. This is how change is brought about from the grass roots -- Obama style.

Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 7:36PM
Roger E Madison Jr

Your original observation is correct. Let me suggest that the people that filter the news are responsible for the images that you see. The change has been in the attitudes of the people deciding who gets on camera. Just like the old newspaper line, if it bleeds it leads. Television news became a place for the most 'colorful' individuals available. For the moment, thoughtfulness and intelligence are the watch words of the day.
Sunday, August 31st 2008 at 7:45PM
Mack W Jackson

...Barack H. Obama is not an appointed/annotated, Black leader. Obama is only doing what everyone of us in the Black race should be doing each and every day of our lives-proving how proud we are to be a member of this unique Black race/family.

So, please let us stop allowing the mainstream media to put: a value-job, duty on Obama, his skin color, his unlimited potentionals as a member of the human race in his efforts to leave this planet a better place than he/we found it.WAKE UP my poeple as this is yet another new beginning in our fight for equality and equal justice....We have been at it since the first African feet hit the American shores!!!!

Now I will really shut up and get off the Black and proud bandwagon for good on this blog(smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA

May be I should let it go, but Dr. Glover..not only can I say that I have spent the past five years protesting to every media calbe network, owners, the FCC about the false information given out by the mainstream mediabout our race-culture; I have all of the long distance phone calls, times and dates and which reporter/program that was doing this.

The HOOH is made up of INDIVIDUALS...can you prove that you have made an offical complaint against the FCC every month for the past five years and then prove it????

Sorry I just had to vent about how stupid and unproductive our BLACK IN AMERICA IS!!!!!!! i WILL MAKE NO MORE COMMENTS ON THE BLOG AS i HAVE BECOME TO PERSONALLY JUST NOW...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA

Dr. Glover, are you begining to type cast the 'HOOD"????All of those in the hood are not selling drugs on the streets or shooting each other or on the way to prison/hospital/grave!!!!!!!!!!!!.........

The 'hood' have schools, churches, jobs and productive and responsible people like any place else. So let us rework that question about Obama making us smarter...to Obama is helping give the "hood" a voice that is not the talking heads of the NORM over our PUBLIC air waves at long last!!!!!
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA

We as Black people should stand together: to this I ask, are the Black Christians church members ready to stand with the Christian Black Liberatiion church members/ ministers, the Black Muslims,etc. The Black rich with the poor, educated with the uneducated or just to even go regrister someone to vote...attend a community public meeting in your neighborhood. Are you even ready to start with your own self?

Me, I think not...the is is Obama's job not ours as he says that he needs all of us to stand up, to help him take our government back!!!WAKE UP
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA

Any one who has said that now that Obama has proven 1. he is not a Muslim 2. that he used wrong judgment for attendint the church of "his choice" for 20 years and believes that Obama has turned against Rev. J. Wright should feel ashamed that they will now even vote for this man!At least people are honest to will not vote for Obama at all because of skin color- religion but not you...at least be honest with your own selves!!!!

This I can understand from the White media, but from us in full agreement with them is unforgivable....end of story....
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA