Nobody is debating that. What I'm informing you is that while it is more overt in the south, there is a lot more subtle racism where you are than you realize, because it is so subtle. You're not going to convince me otherwise because I know better.

For example, the phrase, "he's so articulate". What comes to mind? and Why?

Is the situation better than it was 40 - 50 years ago? Absolutely, and no question about it. But that doesn't mean the journey is over.

And as far as Bill Maher goes, you have to look real close to discern the difference between his sarcasm and what's true. I saw the same thing, and it definitely leaned towards sarcasm. But I could be mistaken.

And yes, the race card is played way too quickly and way too often by the self proclaimed black leaders, which further diminishes the impact when there is real racism afoot. Like chicks who get drunk and sleep with half the frat house one night, and then wake up the next morning all regretfull and then yell rape, Sharpton and JJ are distracting from the real issues by jumping on every issue with a race angle. Which does nothing but further seperate everyone. Homer Simpson once said (oh yeah, I'm quoting Homer!), "Oh Marge, you've said that so many times now it's lost all meaning." When JJ and Sharpton jump on something, the reflex is, "Oh brother, here we go again."

 

"he's so articulate" is a racial phrase to you? me personally would rarely use that phrase but if I did it'd be used towards any and or all peoples. hmm

 

When was the last time this phrase was used about someone other than a black person that didn't have a hip-hop/ebonics/urban/however you want to call it dialect?

It is never used as a complement for white people, and is reserved only for the Obama and Condy Rice's of the world, and it usually comes from the mouth of a rather ignorant white person. Case in point, when Bush was asked what he thought of Obama, the first thing he responded with was, "well, he's very articulate." Comming from one of the most bumbling conversationalists on the planet, it's even more of an insult. Keep in mind, this is the guy that can't even read his own speeches that are prepared for him, and I quote, "we have a saying in Texas, 'fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, uh uh' well it means you can't fool me twice!"


Gee bush, ya think it's news that an Ivy League grad is articulate? Other than Bush, who else graduates from the some of the top higher learning centers in the world that isn't articulate?

And if you still doubt me, the next time you see a black person not talking like they grew up at the corner of 5th and Crenshaw, just tell them that you think they're articulate and see what kind of reaction you get.

Like I said, subtle hints that we still aren't viewed as equals, very subtle. Which is of course a major improvement over the random lynchings and psychological terror campaigns of the 50's, but it still shows our work isn't done.

 

I'm born and raised in cali so i've never heard it used in any way. let alone in a derogatory sense.

 

That's just it, nobody tries to be derogatory with it. When people use the phrase, they genuinely think they are giving a real compliment.


And if you want, real exacting proof that racism isn't gone in this country, including in the enlightened no-cali area, go house shopping.

 

How come when someone gives a compliment it has to be subtle racism? It really could and probably is a genuine compliment.

As soon as the "hes so articulate" comment was made, someone out there thought "why wouldnt he be articulate? Oh, hes black, lets use that as a racist comment".

People look into these topics waaaaay to deeply, so much so that they make something out of nothing.

There are seriously people out there just watching TV all day looking for any opportunity to twist things against someone else. Itts sad and pathetic, but it at least keeps people like Al Sharpton employed.

 

When you give someone a compliment like that, it means that you assumed they would speak differently based off the way they look. Where do assumptions come from? Stereotypes. It also says you more than likely have other assumptions borne of sterotypes that haven't yet been aired.

 

I probably would have said he spoke very articulate as well. Its not making any assumptions, its finding out someones abilities for the first time.

When i first saw Obama, i knew nothing about him, nor did most people. But i would say now that he is very articulate...because he is.

Your implying too much here. Obama also dresses very nicely. Im not implying because hes black that I expect some 'ghetto attire', im just stating what i see. He dresses nicely, I didnt think anything before differently compared to now.

Your honeslty looking for a racist comment in all of this. Its kinda like talking to my girlfriend.
ME: "Wow, you look really pretty tonight."
SHE: "What, i dont look pretty all the other nights?"
ME: "Thats not what im saying at all. Your looking too deep into this all."

 

scionofPCFL is very right about this part.

the only time american's say "he's very articulate" is when describing a black, a child or a mentally handicapped person.

"He's very articulate" is used when referencing who they are and their accomplishment. Jesse Jackson has been called very articulate(i guess rhyming is?) and so has colin powell. Who else has been called "very articulate" that wasn't black?

If we were talking about writing or speaking specifically, then it's fine to say someone is articulate.

But if asked "what do you like about a politician" the answer should be something that is more than out of the ordinary for politicians. politicians are public speakers, speaking articulatly is generally qualification #1.

Personally I like Joseph Biden, why?
He doesn't b.s. with the hard questions and answers, and is more straight-froward in his speaking than near any other politician i know.

If I said he was "very articulate", people would ask, "Why do you say that, does he have a speech impediment?

 

That's exactly what it it's like. You can't help how other's react to your comments, but that's what happens.

You're right, he is, but so is everyone else running for President of the United States of America with any chance of all at winning.

 

Well, you would have thought that anyone who would have a chance at winning a presidential election would also have to be very articulate, but we really got shafted on that one.

 

All bets are off when the Fundies get involved, they skew all the stats :D

 

we can all thank christians for Bush.

 

yeah but fundies get their noses in everyone elses business, so i would think that all of the stats are skewed. But if they are all skewed, then maybe its the normal