(no subject)

[lollardfish]

Obama's speech on racism. It's worth watching in its entirety. Whatever happens, I'm glad he's given this speech. I do think it will help take away the issue from those who would invoke racism for political advantage in races against him.

Mostly, though, it's just a thoughtful good speech.

Edit: I am teaching a seminar on community and diversity. I think I'll show them this speech on Monday.

Comments

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

I've read it, though I haven't listened to it (mostly I find listening to politicians, and especially black politicians, makes me like them *less*, whereas reading their speeches I often learn something about what they think or at least what they want me to think they think).

This seems like the best overall statement of the state of race relations in the US that I've heard in some time. No doubt he'll be criticized for saying it's a hard problem and needs hard, creative work so let's start, rather than offering a facile quick-fix.

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

If you did listen to it, I think you would find it a calm and thoughtful speech, not really the kind of thing that, if I understand correctly, turns you off of politics.

[zinzinzinnia.livejournal.com]

I was very impressed by the quiet, reasoned tone. It was what made it possible for me to sit and listen to it coming from a computer speaker for 40 minutes. The cynical side of me says it was a deliberate effort to distance himself from the image of the pulpit-pounder.

Of course, the less-cynical side of me also welcomed the respite from the image of the pulpit-pounder and the possibility that those who might have been alienated by such an image may see him in a new light, and not as "that black guy who gives speeches like a black guy."