The View July 14th Recap: Gary Oldman and Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo
The first topic on the View today was that Angelina Jolie had her twins and the photos are reportedly to go for $25 million. Joy said it is sick that the adopted children don’t get that kind of money for their pictures, only the ones that she gives birth too. Elisabeth wondered if in the future the kids will tease each other about who got more money.
Tony Snow and Bobby Mercer both died this weekend.
Whoopi participated in the celebrity softball game. Photos of Whoopi at Yankee Stadium here. They showed some clips of the game, which airs tonight on ESPN, and Elisabeth went over and gave her a chest bump as a fellow softball player. Whoopi said that it was a big deal to play at Yankee Stadium as a woman because growing up it was not possible.
A costumed woman in the audience then started talking. They all acted surprised and then the camera was put on her and she said that Whoopi will be performing on Broadway in Xanadu for the month of August. I guess that is the big announcement that was coming today.
Whoopi recommended people see the movie Hellboy 2.
Joy was in the Hamptons over the weekends and has welts on her body from being bitten by bugs. Whoopi said that she should use Grandmother methods to stop the itching, like mud.
Miss Venezuela won Miss Universe last night. Miss USA, however, fell, just like last year’s Miss USA did. Joy thought she did it on purpose. Whoopi laughed when she saw it beacuse it was terrible, but there was a “cartoon second” when she knew she was falling but couldn’t stop herself. Elisabeth said it was funny because the setting is all about perfection. Sherri once fell at a comedy club and people laughed when she fell.
Bernie Mac was heckled at a Barack Obama fund raiser for telling a joke that people didn’t think was funny. People complained because they were offended by some of jokes. Elisabeth said that they paid a lot of money for the event. She said that Barack apologized, but then told Mac he was just kidding. Joy said the candidates should ask what the jokes will be ahead of time. Joy said she wouldn’t give her jokes ahead of time, though.
They also talked about the cartoon of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama on the cover of The New Yorker (see below).
Whoopi said it is supposed to be a satirical cover because it reflects all the rumors about him. Elisabeth said that the cover is drawing attentition to the extreme conversation that people are thinking these things about him. She said that we need to be talking about the issues and that Obama is having issues with trust because people are not trusting him. Joy asked if the National Review had a picture of an old man in a wheelchair trying to get into a bathroom to take a leak that would be offensive.
Whoopi said that people who don’t know better might continue to believe the things that the picture highlights. Joy said that people should know that he is a Christian and he loves his country. Elisabeth said that everyone knows that he has gone back on all his positions that got him to where he is now and he will continue to pander until the election. Sherri said, “McCain doesn’t even believe we are in a recession.” Whoopi said if the cover was of McCain in bed with Vietnamese captors, that would be offensive. Whoopi said that everyone has flip-flopped just like she said they would. Joy said that when the facts changed, Obama changed his opinion on issues.
Joy talked about how McCain was confronted with the issue of whether he voted for health insurance to cover Viagra, but not birth control. He stammered and could not answer the question. Whoopi said that every few years they have to renew the voting rights act for black people and someone should fix that so she doesn’t have to worry about it.
They talked about the uses of “black” as negative things, like “black hole” or “black sleep.” Joy said that if a company is “in the black” that is a good thing. Sherri said that is the only time black is used positively. Elisabeth said even cartoons have the bad guys as dark figure. Sherri said that black dogs have trouble getting adopted because people think they are threatening. Joy said that her dog who was a “major humper” was black.
Gary Oldman appeared on the show to promote his role in The Dark Knight. He plays Commissioner Gordon who has great instincts and relies on Batman to help him fix the city rather than arrest him. He watched the Batman television show as a kid, but never read comic books. He made a Batman utility belt as a child.
He disagrees with rumors that Heath Ledger’s role in the film somehow led him to a dark place which led to his overdose. Heath was phenomenal in the role, but in between takes he laughed and joked and talked about his daughter. He was not some dark energy off in the corner. He said that Heath was totally committed to the part and was a pleasure to be around. Oldman said he would not want to be the actor who would have to follow Ledger in the role of the Joker.
Oldman gave Daniel Ratcliffe, who played his godson in the Harry Potter films, some advice for his role in the play “Equis,” which he had to be naked in. Oldman had been naked in a play in the past called “Privates on Parade.” Oldman said after play a woman came up to him and told him “We won’t tell the rabbi” that he is uncircumcised. He told Daniel that after the technical rehearsal and in he is in front of the audience it’s not so bad.
Choreographers/Judges Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo from So You Think You Can Dance appeared to promote their new TLC show Rock the Reception. It teaches couples and wedding parties how to dance at their wedding reception. Then some people from the show came out and performed their wedding dance which they learned two days before their wedding. Her bridesmaid thought the bride had lost her mind to want to do the show. They rehearsed 4-5 hours a day for two days in a row.
The Dark Knight, Batman, Gary Oldman, The View, Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd, Joy Behar, New Yorker, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, John McCain, Hellboy 2, Viagra, Miss USA, Miss Universe, Tabitha Dumo, Napoleon Dumo, Rock the Reception, So You Think You Can Dance, Tabitha and Napoleon
July 14th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Whoopi said to go see Hellboy 2 with your kids. Isn’t this a horror movie?!
Todays show was another stinker. It is a pathetic show when the best segment was watching a dancing bridal party. Elisabeth thought she was so cool trying to dance with the bride at the end of the segment. I also thought her hair, skin and makeup looked really bad today. And that ugly dress didn’t help matters.
Sherri was pantomiming in full force during hot topics. Someone please tie her hands down like they used to do to people on the 25,000 dollar Pyramid in the winners circle! She talks with her hands so much I can’t stand to look at her when she is on screen.
Whoopi needs to stop laughing when reading the teleprompter, it is so unprofessional and tacky.
Oh, and I cringed when Whoopi said that is was ‘kinda sad’ that Tony Snow and that baseball player died. Yea, I’m sure it was just ‘kinda’ sad.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Not a great show, but I did enjoy they sort of followed through with the New Yorker Obama discussion. As an Obama supporter, I disagree with Joy thinking it was going to far. The New Yorker picture described every low brow tactic that has been used against Obama. I think it shows how far out the right has gone.
I have to somewhat agree with Elizabeth, that I’m a little dissapointed with Obama lately. But I guess it had to happen sometime. Hilary was bashed for a year straight, with Obama barely getting scratched. Just like a movie star, we built him up so much, there was no where to go but down.
July 14th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Obama and Hilary are both moderate Democrats. He never was a liberal. All of his positions have been consistent. People heard and saw what they wanted to hear and see. McCain has totally changed his positions on almost every issue. I have no idea what he truly believes.
I also think he’s a man of very little integrity. It’s not just the fact that he left his disabled wife for a young richer woman. Or the fact that he just lied about naming the names of the Pittsburgh Stellers during his time in captivity.
He has had more than 20 years to change things in Washington, and failed to do so. I’m not willing to give him four years to continue Bush’s failed policies.
We need high info voters in the next election. The country and the world has suffered enough due to the “low info voters.”
July 14th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
thanks Winnie,
I saw the show today, and it wasn’t too bad.
My condolences and prayers to the families of Tony Snow & Bobby Mercer.
Looked like Whoopi had fun at the softball game. Congratulations to her Xanadu performances. I’m sure she’ll do great.
The New Yorker magazine cover.. I could share sentiments with what all the host had to say. (concerning the magazine).
I believe, as the magazine says, it was meant to be satirical,.. and it sure is.
However I certainly understand why senator Obama & campaign do not like it. I have a sense that it may fortify some of this stuff for those who may believe it. (and there are those who do).
I enjoyed the segment with the wedding party doing their dance. I thought they were pretty good, especially only having 2 days to prepare.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hillary is more moderate than Obama. Re: Voting for the Bush Gang’s War and rattling sabers about it and Iran. Obama never did that. Obama speaks moderately, but his stance on issues has been more left of moderate than moderate moderate. Hillary pandered to the right much more than Obama ever did, even now, when he is seen to pander more than he has.
Bush’s voters in 2000 had ample opportunity to know what a empty suit this dude is. Notice how damn quiet they are about him now, even about the war? They are dangerously ignorant.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:15 am
I wonder if Whoopi ever gets embarassed around her celeb friends for being on the View. She acts strong and “cool cat” to the camera, but at night it seems it must eat at her some. Because in the celeb world, to be a movie star and then end up as a co-host on a show like the View is kind of a big announcement that your career wasn’t doing that good. I think that fact influences how she acts on the show. To me, it seems like she’s always trying to play a role.
A hot topic or segment I would really like them to do is take to the streets and find out who is voting for McCain. I’ve said this before, but I really want to see faces of people on the streets to just get an idea of who would vote for him. I imagine some pot bellied guy in a beat up truck with a rifle rack. Or some old white country club guy. Or the wives of those types of men. I really don’t get how an informed person can even think about voting McCain. It would be a character study to just get a visual on who is.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I think the low point for me was when Sherri said, “Thats mighty white of you Joy!”
Yes, my mouth dropped!
July 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
June, haven’t you received the pc memo? It’s okay for black people to say that, not okay for white people.
(I’m being sarcastic in case you couldn’t tell)
I remember when I still had AOL (before I wised up) it used to really tick me off that they had an area called “Black Voices” If Black people scream for equality, why have a place called “black voices” why have their own television network, their own awards shows. All those things fly, but if you took out black and inserted white “white voices” “white entertainment tv” “white awards show” etc, there would be an uproar.
I think instead of helping the cause, it hinders it, it continues to keep us all seperated by color. We can’t get to a time when people are just people when those things are still going on. You can’t want equality but insist on seperation at the same time. Just my thoughts on it though, I’d be really interested in hearing others on it.
They should do a whole show on that topic instead of the usual crap about what the latest Cosmo poll is or new way to please your man.
Some things don’t bother me like when black comedians make jokes about white people because there is a lot of truth in how some white people continue to treat black people. But what happens when a white comedian makes a joke about black people? They end up on CNN probably and lose their career.
I get the argument that it’s because black people have been held back for so long. But I also think that at this point, they are part of the problem holding them back.
July 15th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I’ve seen a lot of comedians make jokes about black people. Carlos Mencino (sp?) is a latino that always pokes un at different etnicities, includie Afr. American. I think it’s the way you joke about it that makes a difference.
There are different networks that cater to different sectors of society. We have Lifetime, which lauds itself as a women’s channel. Spike TV caters more to men’s tastes. Lots of channels only play spanish only speaking shows. LOGO caters to people in the gay/lesbian/transgendered community. BET is such a channel, and they show entertainment that appeals to a black demographic. Personally, I have no problem with it. To each their own.
The White population accounts for 74% of the population in the US. If the numbers were switched, with black people being the 74%, I would bet that you would see channels and meeting places that is described above.
I did not hear the comment Sherri made so am unsure of context. I do think she says things that I feel are in poor taste. JMO
July 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Why can’t Elisabeth tell the truth for once! It’s really irritating to hear her lie about McCain, Bush, Cheney - come on. Our country is falling apart and the media is half to blame. When is somebody going to stop these lies? The Republicans had 7 long years totally in charge and look at where we are- you have got to be kidding me! I would vote for a bird before I ever vote Republican. McCain wants to be the President, and he doesn’t even know how to use email, or turn on a computer. WHAT!! And the recent polls show a neck and neck race…??? Can you say CANADA. I can’t believe how ignorant my fellow Americans are. I’m sorry to be harsh, but there’s no time for subtlety - we will be doomed even more if McCain gets in office.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
“BET is such a channel, and they show entertainment that appeals to a black demographic.”
So, what kind of shows appeal to a black audience, but not a white one? Those Tyler Perry (I can’t remember if that is the right name right now) movies? To me it just seems weird to hear a black person say we are all the same, we should all be treated equally, the ONLY difference is our skin color…but then at the same time think that it’s not a big deal to have a network just for black people. Or that is entertaining to just black people. If we are all the same, except the color of our skin, why is it a TV show would be more entertaining to a black person than a white person?
You mention other networks that are more geared toward just Spanish speaking or the Gay community. But they aren’t the Black Lesbian network. Black or white, a gay person is going to have a different interest than a straight person. They would put movies and shows on that network that had gay relationships included. Not just all straight people. Black people speak the same language as white people, so it’s not the same as a Spanish network. If black people spoke a different language, it would be a different story.
If I was black, I think I’d feel ticked off at those things too. I think when they have their own awards show it’s degrading to them. That’s just my own personal opinion. You should be a great actor. Not a great black actor. Or a great white actor. Just a great actor period. I think not until you treat people as equals do they become equal.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Stacee, thanks so much for explaining the other side. I understand ShannonP’s discomfort with the names of these organizations but if BET, Essence and Ebony, for example, weren’t around, a lot of our artists wouldn’t have the exposure and success they are experiencing now. These companies were created to promote black pride, encourage prosperity for black business owners, and provide a stepping stone for black artists.
When I was growing up, I often heard comments among family members, “why does the one black man in the movie have to die?” We didn’t get good roles. So these organizations were formed to provide more opportunities for blacks.
But I’ve often heard ShannonP’s argument from my co-workers and if it’s offensive to the other side, I certainly agree that the black community needs to pay attention to how we are being perceived by society. Unfortunately, the bitterness and anger still exists among many blacks. A lot of us want equality but not necessarily unity and that’s the next big hurdle we’ll have to overcome.
I think that’s one of the reasons I love Obama so much because he encourages the type of unity this country needs to heal some of our wounds.
I’m happy we’re having this conversation and I look forward to hearing more about our race relations throughout this election season. Thanks so much for providing such a forum, Winnie!
July 15th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I agree ShannonP, I see a great part of the problem between races comes from a divsion of the black race. Now before I start a storm here-what I am saying is that as a race they are divided on how to handle the race issue. A good read is Booker T. Washington’s bio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Washington
He wanted blacks and whites to be equal and intergrated. While other black authers/activist of his time wanted to remain seprate but equal especially W.E.B DuBoise.
I don’t feel much has changed within their community, unfortunatly. Now you have Bill Cosby vs. Jesse Jackson. I feel for them to feel fully equal, they would need to be of one mind.
However, the same rift exists in the white race as well. Mostly its an econmic issue more than a race issue.
I agree though that having seprate awards shows, which Latinos have also does not help. I could see community enrichment awards and those types of things, but for entertainment it should be all enclusive like the Grammys, Oscars, Emmys etc…
Stacee,
The context it was said in: Joy was saying that her black dog was a bad boy and in her book “something-or other cacka poo poo” she whitewashed his character to make him more likeable to kids. Thats when Sherri replied with a very sour look on her face, “Joy that was mighty white of you.”
July 15th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
“Unfortunately, the bitterness and anger still exists among many blacks. A lot of us want equality but not necessarily unity and that’s the next big hurdle we’ll have to overcome.”
Kado, I’m glad we are having the conversation too. All those thoughts in my head get lonely sometimes when I don’t have anyone to discuss them with. It’s nice to hear other people’s thoughts.
As for your comment that I copied, I think that some black people milk it (that they are considered unequal) and they use it as an excuse. The white man holding him down. I can’t do such and such because I’m not treated equal. So they don’t go out there and succeed, they just whine about why they can’t. And just like you said, they want equality but not unity. They want to hold on to all that resentment. (I get that resentment to an extent because as a woman I feel it towards men sometimes and the history of power they have had over women. But I also resent women now for the power they allow men to have over them. That’s another topic though.)
When they cling to it as an excuse sometimes they end up falling into the very stereotype they are fighting against. (To me, Sherri is an example of this)
It just all gets old to me. I look at a person’s character, not their color. I despise racist white people and I don’t respect black people that still use it as an excuse. The past blurs in with the present if you keep insisting on staying in it.
I think the actions of black people are almost equally responsible for racism remaining so strong.
There are legitimate areas that racism is valid and not just an excuse and those are the ones I’d like to see focused on more. Not black entertainer vs white entertainer. I watched a Tyler Perry movie and the way he depicted black people in that movie I thought played right into stereotypes. So if a black entertainer is putting out that kind of movie, what does that say? And they do well so maybe I’m just wrong on how they come off or maybe white and black people are just different, I don’t know. It’s not talked about enough to get any true understanding.
The area I’d like to see addressed more is race when it comes to crime. I do agree that this is a serious area that racism is still the most alive in. You arrest a black guy and a white guy for the same crime, chances are that the black guy is going to have a stiffer penalty. Two guys, one black one white, are speed racing down the highway and only one cop and backup not around, I’m betting he goes after the black guy. I could be wrong, but that’s what I imagine would happen in most areas of the country.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
ShannonP, the problem is that we have a socioeconomic problem mixed with a race problem. The educated blacks do not bare the same sentiment as the ones you describe in your post. When you’ve had an education you feel empowered by your opportunities. The problem is that there’s so much poverty in the black community; poverty leads to a lack of education, which leads to crime. It’s a vicious cycle and it will be tough to break.
Anyhow, I’m just trying to explain the root of the issue so you can have a better understanding of what’s going on behind all those emotions. Regardless, I agree that as blacks, we need to change our attitude about being held down by society. Unfortunately, only those with opportunities to succeed will be able to visualize their potential and let go of the excuses. The ones who are still poor and suffering will continue to cling to the pain because in their minds that’s their reality. I know it’s cliché but it’s difficult to understand unless you’ve had the experience.
Think about all the black people we saw on our TVs during the Katrina coverage. If you are poor and hungry and you barely make enough money to put gas in your car to get to work, then it’ll be difficult to believe that the system is working for you. And only education can change this mindset. That’s why we need to pay more attention to our inner city schools. And then maybe time will heal all wounds.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
ShannonP
“I really don’t get how an informed person can even think about voting McCain. ”
Haven’t you heard? McCain and Obama are very much alike, so much so that it’s just hard for some to choose which one to vote for.
:*
July 15th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Come on, all you millions of conservatives who supposedly read this blog but are too victimized to speak up. Speak up and tell us why McCain is so fabulous. Why the Bush years were so wonderful. Come on, speak up. Because it’s a real brain teaser for some of us to wonder where your all’s heads are at.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Kado, thanks for sharing your thoughts on everything. It’s real brain food to even have these kinds of conversations. I love hearing how others think on things because it’s how I grow as a person.
That’s why it bugs me when people cling on to the whole “flip flop” thing. There definitely are politicians that do change their opinion to fit whatever is popular. But I also wouldn’t want a President that never changed his or her mind. Like I can go into a conversation on something and I’m thinking one way on it, but after hearing another’s input or facts I didn’t know, it can change my mind.
That’s why I really like discussions like we’ve been having here.
Carmen, I’ve heard that EH represents people out there, but apparently they can’t find this board.
I don’t put much faith in polls, but I keep seeing how close that McCain and Obama are in the polls and I’d really like to know who is voting for McCain and what they are thinking. Not to get into a pissy fight with them, but just to get their views on why they are voting for him because I just can’t understand why anyone would.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
i know this is kind of late but i think you guys have hit it on the head with race realtions June you are so rigth about black poeple not knowing how to deal (we go back an forth should we not do this should we do that you can ask ten black people about a race issue and get ten answers) and Shannonp your right about the overkill and excuses.
I think a lot ,espically about jokes, has to do with tone context and of course who you are talking too and about. and someones always going to be offended by something
( i do no think having a white entetainment awards or station would be rasit so much as maybe seen as unnessicary for lack of a better way to say that but that just one black persons oppion)
as a minority when i see black this or latin that,womens whatever i do think oh thats only for that group but that maybe am goign to be see a lot of blacks, latinos or women or at least hear about issue geared to them in this movie on this station . (shannonp some black poeple have the some problem with tyler perry you do)
i wonder what would have happen if joy had said the reverse to sherri. i think the problem is sometimes white american are not as good as expressing when the line has been crossed so it seem like poeple think it ok to say insensitive things about white americans when really it just got kind of ignored or forgiven between the parties involved.
like is said am late i just go to read these post but good convo i agree with you all
July 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I think I’m having more interest in this conversation than I have had in any show that has been on the View in recent times, the Michelle Obama show excluded. (And that wasn’t because of The View, that was because I really wanted to see her speak.
I want her as First Lady something fierce. From everything I’ve seen so far, she is my kind of woman and precisely the type of woman I want in that position.)
Mibi, I hope to read more of your thoughts on things:-)
July 16th, 2008 at 9:13 am
“I remember when I still had AOL (before I wised up) it used to really tick me off that they had an area called “Black Voices” If Black people scream for equality, why have a place called “black voices” why have their own television network, their own awards shows”
Yes, Blacks along with other minorities want equality but before that’s achieved discrimination has to be eliminated. It ticked me off this morning when the headlines for The Today Show was how Americans were divided by race about Barack Obama. If there really was true racial equality, the headlines would be less about race and more about his qualifications, knowledge and plans for this country.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
“why have a place called “black voices” why have their own television network, their own awards shows”
I’m on my lunch break but I have so much I want to say about this because I see it from both sides. I think most of us want to eliminate racial prejudice and its effects and not wallow in the misery of the past, but there should still be awareness of different cultures. Racism still is alive, it’s hard to deny it’s existence. Most of the black organizations, magazines and dedications were created to teach and celebrate their race and their contributions to society. It wasn’t necessarily about having dark skin, it was about having an identity at that time. I think it’s great that we have Black Voices, BET, Minority Magazines, Blogs Music Awards, the list goes on. Keep in mind, MTV didn’t become really diverse until the 90’s. BET was created due to MTV’s exclusion of a lot of talented black entertainers. Before then, there were so many fantastic artist that didn’t get half the coverage they deserved. They wanted a platform and weren’t getting any recognition. It took years for blacks to receive an award, regardless of the ratings and the money made. Why not have BET, UPN or TV One? It’s nothing for me to watch the Hispanic channels to brush up on my Spanish to enjoy the diversity of our cultures. I love it! I can’t speak for all of the little social networks out there but I will say I believe most were created for their interest and lack of representation. Basically, for the same reasons, CMT, ESPN, Spanish Broadcasting, The Golf Network, Lifetime for Women and The Home Shopping Network. To me equality is about equity and differences.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:16 am
“If there really was true racial equality, the headlines would be less about race and more about his qualifications, knowledge and plans for this country.”
Very true, but then that isn’t how the media works. There is no drama in that. Just like they spent more time on how Hillary looked and what she wore than what she believed in. And they always found the most unflattering pictures to use of her. It was intentional. Mainstream media has become just one step away from being a TMZ or Perez Hilton site. There is no credibility or honor in it anymore. All it is about is who can do the most shocking thing and get more people tuned in. Who can create the most buzz.
People should be absolutely disgusted with the media. But pathetically there is a large percent of the population that is too ignorant to even see the problem, that they are the problem. They soak up the drama. They don’t think for themselves at all, don’t analyze or investigate to find the truth, nothing.
Think about our society now, what it has really become. We will pay $20 million dollars for a picture of a Jolie/Pitt baby, but soldiers coming home from war can’t get proper medical/mental health treatment. People die because they don’t have health insurance. People are losing their homes, can’t afford to eat, working harder than ever and taking less vacations because they can barely afford the fuel to get to work, let alone travel anywhere.
If enough people made a stink about it, things could change. But they don’t. Apathy has become the American way.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:30 am
The bottom line is this… Minorities have suffered in this country in fact still are suffering. Until you’ve walked in their shoes, you really have no argument.
How would you feel if you went to a store and you were followed around by security? How would you feel if your brother was harassed by the police for being in an upscale neighborhood?
How would you feel if your mother was told by the sales clerk in front of other customers as soon as she put her items on the counter…”we don’t have lay away.”
I’m native American, I know what it’s like for minorities in this country. If you aren’t a minority you already have a headstart in life.
My mother lives in a very upscale neighborhood, people have knocked on her door and thought she was the housekeeper, they ask to see the owner of the home. It’s the little things like that, that add up. Complaining about TV shows etc… Is lame and useless. Let’s address the real problems here and what are you going to do to change things. I wish all I had to complain about was TV…Get real!
July 16th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I had a conversation with a friend about what is more prevalent in our society racism or sexism. I said ask yourself this. It’s 3 am in New York, is the cabbie going to stop for Hilary or Obama?
July 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am
“There are different networks that cater to different sectors of society. We have Lifetime, which lauds itself as a women’s channel. Spike TV caters more to men’s tastes. Lots of channels only play spanish only speaking shows. LOGO caters to people in the gay/lesbian/transgendered community. BET is such a channel, and they show entertainment that appeals to a black demographic. Personally, I have no problem with it. To each their own.”
Excellent point, Stacee.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Rainlillie, my friend, reading your comment gave me chills and I even teared up a little because you’re so right.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I’ve read through the comments and found them all interesting, and enlightening. I felt it was a good and informative conversation.
You can’t learn how minorities feel, and why, about different things, until and unless you ask and discuss. To me, that’s part of learning how and in what ways we can address the issues of racism, and understnading different races. It’s hard to really address something that you don’t understand aspects of.
# 16 Carmen,
I enjoyed your comment too. It made me smile.
The more I smile, the better I feel.
However it also shows me that I really need to work on the way I express some things. I’ve always had a problem with that. (at least to me).
July 16th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
#28 Sandy, why don’t you start with expressing why you are considering voting McCain? I could be wrong, but I thought I had read on here before that you can’t decide between the two of them?
July 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
PRIOR POST: The bottom line is this… Minorities have suffered in this country in fact still are suffering. Until you’ve walked in their shoes, you really have no argument.
I’m very white bread. I’m not proud of it, although not particularly embarassed. It wasn’t my choice. I grew up in a very white, reasonably affluent suburb.
My daughter went to a very urban school. She was the only white girl in her classes. When I went to PTA meetings, I was one of very few white people, and one of very few women.
I got myself a position of leadership. I had to push a noodle to get it because someone was putting up roadblocks, even though no one else was coming forward to take the position. Frankly, I said from the beginning that there were others who understood the community better than I, but no one else wanted the position. THat worked for about a year and then the opposition worked behind the scenes and got me fired (from my volunteer position that no one else wanted!) in a public way.
I never knew why. Their reasons didn’t make sense, and there were things about it that were an obvious set-up. Several of the teachers who watched it happened apologized to me. A few told me that thought it was racially based.
Now, this was not a horrible incident in my life. Frankly, I kept going to meetings as an observer, spoke up about hte same as if I was a voting member, and nothing much really changed. It was a bunch of politics over nothing.
But I do remember thinking how insidious this racial stuff was. I didn’t KNOW if it was racially based. I certainly couldn’t prove it. I was fortunate that it was circumstances that didn’t affect my childrens’ education, my mortgage, or lots of other things. Very little of importance was affected - except my understanding of how insidious racism could be. If I KNEW it was because of prejudice I might have been able to do something, if I wanted. But I didn’t KNOW. And what if I KNEW and couldn’t prove it. And what if I didn’t know about various incidents that happened on a monthly, weekly, daily basis? (frankly, I think some things attributed to racism are not because of racism - but I can understand how it would feel like racism anyway, given how many things are.) How many girls have felt they couldn’t do something because they were given a daily, subtle message that they couldn’t do whatever (same applies to boys too, just different things.) And how angry would it have made me if it was something of consequence.
I still don’t think I understand what it’s like to be a minority to those in power (truth is, I was a minority among the parents, but I was still a member of the majority of group that had the power.) But I did have a glimpse of how insidious it was.
July 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Tina,
I’m honored to be called your friend, thank you.
Lajet,
you make me hopeful. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
July 19th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Sandy, I take the election very seriously. So when someone says Obama and McCain are too similar to choose between, I get worried. And I speak up. I’m sorry this made you smile. It doesn’t make me smile at all. We’ve been through 8 years of George Bush hell. McCain endorses the same hellish Bush foreign policy. Obama does not. Has not. So there you have it. No, I am not smiling.
July 19th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Rain– You are always on point– ALWAYS