Old article: Obama’s scolding tone with black audiences is getting old...and a few comments

[5th Letter]

My only issue with Obama was him not doing anything about these race soldiers unjustly killing black people. Imagine if we had an Asian, Jewish, or gay president and we see race soldiers murdering any of those groups at the rate black people were getting murdered, and them not doing anything to help their own. They would've done something about that shit. And if Obama can give criticism of the black community then I can give criticism about his presidency.

I'm not trying to make excuses for Obama. Dude was nowhere near perfect, but did the best job anyone in his position could've done. One could make the argument that the people that voted Obama in didn't do their job in voting in reps and Senate members to make sure things that affect African Americans could get passed.

It's a large portion of gay republicans and republicans with gay relatives. It's a gang of Jewish republicans, it's a gang of Asian republicans. It's a tiny percentage of African Americans that are republicans. Do the numbers. Our issues aren't even on their radar to address.

Just to put it in context, Obama had a special task force to investigate every police shooting after Ferguson. Our current attorney General just disbanded that task force.

You say you're not making excuses for Obama, then go on to make excuses for Obama. I understand that since we as black people have little power or unity so I didn't expect him to do anything for black people. But considering that the people of his race are getting slaughtered how could he sit back and do nothing? He was the got damn president.

 

[TheNightKing]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

 

[7figz]

I understand the backlash in the slew of comments, even if the speech was supposedly well-intentioned.

It does get repetitive and perhaps unnecessary / counterproductive talking at Black people all the time in some accusatory / derogatory tone, especially when not having assessed that it's the appropriate audience being addressed, or even that your statements are correct / generalizing / stereotypes.

For instance, one person says to a Black man: "Black men need to stop having multiple baby mamas on welfare, living in their mama's basement, with they pants sagging, on listening to Lil' Wayne"... not even considering that the Black man they're talking to might be taking care of his one kid (or doesn't have any kids), never received public assistance, doesn't listen to Lil' Wayne, has a college degree, has his own place, etc.... etc... and even knows several other responsible Black men.

So then it becomes, "Look, who the fuck are you talking to ? Why I gotta listen to this shit everyday ? Talk to those Black men you're referring to and stop talking shit as if all Black men are like this - that shit is played. Do people address all white men by saying, Y'all need to stop shooting up schools god dammit."

 

[manofmorehouse]

My only issue with Obama was him not doing anything about these race soldiers unjustly killing black people. Imagine if we had an Asian, Jewish, or gay president and we see race soldiers murdering any of those groups at the rate black people were getting murdered, and them not doing anything to help their own. They would've done something about that shit. And if Obama can give criticism of the black community then I can give criticism about his presidency.

I'm not trying to make excuses for Obama. Dude was nowhere near perfect, but did the best job anyone in his position could've done. One could make the argument that the people that voted Obama in didn't do their job in voting in reps and Senate members to make sure things that affect African Americans could get passed.

It's a large portion of gay republicans and republicans with gay relatives. It's a gang of Jewish republicans, it's a gang of Asian republicans. It's a tiny percentage of African Americans that are republicans. Do the numbers. Our issues aren't even on their radar to address.

Just to put it in context, Obama had a special task force to investigate every police shooting after Ferguson. Our current attorney General just disbanded that task force.

You say you're not making excuses for Obama, then go on to make excuses for Obama. I understand that since we as black people have little power or unity so I didn't expect him to do anything for black people. But considering that the people of his race are getting slaughtered how could he sit back and do nothing? He was the got damn president.

This seems to be the primary issue people have when talking about things Obama didn't do for black people. That's the killing of unarmed blacks by STATE police officers. The issue is on a state level. So while the president can speak on it, give recommendations, send the justice department in AFTER the killings, police departments are city and state level issues. Are your issues with Obama the same that u have for your police chief, mayor, state legislators, and senator??

 

[5th Letter]

My only issue with Obama was him not doing anything about these race soldiers unjustly killing black people. Imagine if we had an Asian, Jewish, or gay president and we see race soldiers murdering any of those groups at the rate black people were getting murdered, and them not doing anything to help their own. They would've done something about that shit. And if Obama can give criticism of the black community then I can give criticism about his presidency.

I'm not trying to make excuses for Obama. Dude was nowhere near perfect, but did the best job anyone in his position could've done. One could make the argument that the people that voted Obama in didn't do their job in voting in reps and Senate members to make sure things that affect African Americans could get passed.

It's a large portion of gay republicans and republicans with gay relatives. It's a gang of Jewish republicans, it's a gang of Asian republicans. It's a tiny percentage of African Americans that are republicans. Do the numbers. Our issues aren't even on their radar to address.

Just to put it in context, Obama had a special task force to investigate every police shooting after Ferguson. Our current attorney General just disbanded that task force.

You say you're not making excuses for Obama, then go on to make excuses for Obama. I understand that since we as black people have little power or unity so I didn't expect him to do anything for black people. But considering that the people of his race are getting slaughtered how could he sit back and do nothing? He was the got damn president.

This seems to be the primary issue people have when talking about things Obama didn't do for black people. That's the killing of unarmed blacks by STATE police officers. The issue is on a state level. So while the president can speak on it, give recommendations, send the justice department in AFTER the killings, police departments are city and state level issues. Are your issues with Obama the same that u have for your police chief, mayor, state legislators, and senator??

Okay fine let's take another approach.

What has the justice department done since "discovering" that these police forces are corrupt?

 

[manofmorehouse]

I understand the backlash in the slew of comments, even if the speech was supposedly well-intentioned.

It does get repetitive and perhaps unnecessary / counterproductive talking at Black people all the time in some accusatory / derogatory tone, especially when not having assessed that it's the appropriate audience being addressed, or even that your statements are correct / generalizing / stereotypes.

For instance, one person says to a Black man: "Black men need to stop having multiple baby mamas on welfare, living in their mama's basement, with they pants sagging, on listening to Lil' Wayne"... not even considering that the Black man they're talking to might be taking care of his one kid (or doesn't have any kids), never received public assistance, doesn't listen to Lil' Wayne, has a college degree, has his own place, etc.... etc... and even knows several other responsible Black men.

So then it becomes, "Look, what the fuck are you talking about ? GTFO my face with that shit. Talk to those Black men you're referring to and stop talking shit as if all Black men are like this - that shit is played. Do people address all white men by saying, Y'all need to stop shooting up schools god dammit."

But if that's the case, when statements are made that address those concerns, why would a person who doesn't fit the description be offended?? I've never heard Obama, or even Cosby for that matter say ALL black men are this or that. The people usually most offended by those statements are the ones that need to hear it the most. No one is above criticism, if it's constructive in nature

 

[2stepz_ahead]

My only issue with Obama was him not doing anything about these race soldiers unjustly killing black people. Imagine if we had an Asian, Jewish, or gay president and we see race soldiers murdering any of those groups at the rate black people were getting murdered, and them not doing anything to help their own. They would've done something about that shit. And if Obama can give criticism of the black community then I can give criticism about his presidency.

two different things....

those groups are a unit....we are a unit when its convenient and even then we have assholes who want to be mavericks.

Obama had a very hard job and I understand the bigger picture.

cut him some slack

 

[2stepz_ahead]

Has America taken corrective action for an African-American (descendant of a slave) to be president?

Does it mean going to a private high school, inheriting $500k from a grandmother which means that you'd gotten financial help throughout your life, having a father as an Harvard alum so you can check that box

On the other hand, Michelle's life story is the African American story

Just questions for a debate, don't go for my head, pause

America will never get to the point where it's progressive enough to take corrective action for slavery. That's a pipe dream, bruh. Is it necessary for blacks to completely heal?? Definitely, but it ain't gone happen.

If argue that having a black man with an ivy league educatiom that played "their" game and won is just as progressive as the person that bucks the system and wins. Overcoming oppression is having the freedom to be what u want when u want, regardless of the dominant opinion. Again, Obama wasn't perfect, but going back to 2008 to what Trump inherited, the nigga walked on water

When I mentioned inheritance and private school those are the things that obama got and whats needed if you want to compete at the elite level. Most African Americans barely compete at the median

People can laugh at Mayor Berry but at least he made sure blacks got contracts from DC - I believe in patronage.

One of the areas that was disappointing was the low SBA loans - shit was embarrassing

i wasnt aware he got those things....but the point we should focus on is that he didnt squander it away. and he lived up to the potential michelle and others saw in him.

 

[2stepz_ahead]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

this is simple yet the most powerful post in the history of the IC.

the perspective of the person receiving it will take it as looking down on them because their mindframe is fukked up.

if you know someone wants better for you...you will take it as encouragement

 

[7figz]

I understand the backlash in the slew of comments, even if the speech was supposedly well-intentioned.

It does get repetitive and perhaps unnecessary / counterproductive talking at Black people all the time in some accusatory / derogatory tone, especially when not having assessed that it's the appropriate audience being addressed, or even that your statements are correct / generalizing / stereotypes.

For instance, one person says to a Black man: "Black men need to stop having multiple baby mamas on welfare, living in their mama's basement, with they pants sagging, on listening to Lil' Wayne"... not even considering that the Black man they're talking to might be taking care of his one kid (or doesn't have any kids), never received public assistance, doesn't listen to Lil' Wayne, has a college degree, has his own place, etc.... etc... and even knows several other responsible Black men.

So then it becomes, "Look, what the fuck are you talking about ? GTFO my face with that shit. Talk to those Black men you're referring to and stop talking shit as if all Black men are like this - that shit is played. Do people address all white men by saying, Y'all need to stop shooting up schools god dammit."

But if that's the case, when statements are made that address those concerns, why would a person who doesn't fit the description be offended?? I've never heard Obama, or even Cosby for that matter say ALL black men are this or that. The people usually most offended by those statements are the wins that need to hear it the most. No one is above criticism, if it's constructive in nature

They'd possible be "offended" by the apparent assumption that all Black men are like this, or that since you're saying it to them - that you're assuming they are like that.

They can also not be "offended" but annoyed by constantly hearing people shitting on Black people when they, and a lot other Black folk they know, have their shit together.

And it's nonsense (no factual / logical basis) that the ones most offended are the ones who need to hear it the most.

This shit is equivocal to racial-profiling, where people say "if you're not guilty, then you have nothing to worry about". Bullshit. Are you saying that a responsible Black man who ain't doing none of that shit - should be perfectly happy listening to those type of accusations every day ?

I don't see it like that and that's why I gave the example of preaching to white people about shooting up schools.

 

[7figz]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

this is simple yet the most powerful post in the history of the IC.

the perspective of the person receiving it will take it as looking down on them because their mindframe is fukked up.

if you know someone wants better for you...you will take it as encouragement

What if they "scolding" the wrong person ?

 

[ghostdog56]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

this is simple yet the most powerful post in the history of the IC.

the perspective of the person receiving it will take it as looking down on them because their mindframe is fukked up.

if you know someone wants better for you...you will take it as encouragement

But couldn't people who are scolding Obama say they are scolding him because we love

 

[Madame_CJSkywalker]

It seems like no one wants to have a mirror put to our collective problems. Everything in the black community is great, right?? At some point, we have to start looking at ourselves and saying how can we improve ourselves from within. Why is it that the first thing we say when blacks bring up things we've done is "well, u ain't saying this to whites". The fuck?? When have whites ever did anything to help us??

It's niggas on this site with multiple baby mommas, extensive criminal records, pimps, gang members, etc but genuinely ask what can another man (the president) do for them. How about u improve your situation for you and your immediate family? It's niggas that I grew up with that's still in the same condition they were in from high school. No one can give u drive. But it's these sensitive ass Drake generation that can't take criticism.

Niggas stay complaining about what Obama didn't do but they didn't go out and vote for democratic representatives to help put legislation through Congress. Y'all the same niggas that's gone ask why Westbrook can't win a championship this year with no real help lol. Y'all got it. I'm off my soap box. Catch feelings....

fact is at one point he had a problem with his messaging to the blk community

his tone was at times paternalistic and condescending.....different from when he spoke to other audiences

it matters and is problematic because it perpetuated the myth that blk ppl, blk culture does not value education same as non blks and is more morally bankrupt than other cultures, races

framing blks as deficient and pathological

given that he was the president of the united states and his words reach millions of ppl, it was problematic

 

[2stepz_ahead]

I understand the backlash in the slew of comments, even if the speech was supposedly well-intentioned.

It does get repetitive and perhaps unnecessary / counterproductive talking at Black people all the time in some accusatory / derogatory tone, especially when not having assessed that it's the appropriate audience being addressed, or even that your statements are correct / generalizing / stereotypes.

For instance, one person says to a Black man: "Black men need to stop having multiple baby mamas on welfare, living in their mama's basement, with they pants sagging, on listening to Lil' Wayne"... not even considering that the Black man they're talking to might be taking care of his one kid (or doesn't have any kids), never received public assistance, doesn't listen to Lil' Wayne, has a college degree, has his own place, etc.... etc... and even knows several other responsible Black men.

So then it becomes, "Look, who the fuck are you talking to ? GTFO my face with that shit. Talk to those Black men you're referring to and stop talking shit as if all Black men are like this - that shit is played. Do people address all white men by saying, Y'all need to stop shooting up schools god dammit."

this is a time when, more questions should be asked internally and to the person.

if the shoe dont fit...why you wearing it?

if that man said that and the guy hes speaking to doesnt hold himself to that manner...then why would he be offended?

maybe trying to see where the persons frustration is coming from rather than taking the defensive stance thinking it was offensive. he didnt say all black men...so right there...the other person shouldnt take that on.

when did being black turn into being sensitive?

 

[MarcusGarvey]

Has America taken corrective action for an African-American (descendant of a slave) to be president?

Does it mean going to a private high school, inheriting $500k from a grandmother which means that you'd gotten financial help throughout your life, having a father as an Harvard alum so you can check that box

On the other hand, Michelle's life story is the African American story

Just questions for a debate, don't go for my head, pause

America will never get to the point where it's progressive enough to take corrective action for slavery. That's a pipe dream, bruh. Is it necessary for blacks to completely heal?? Definitely, but it ain't gone happen.

If argue that having a black man with an ivy league educatiom that played "their" game and won is just as progressive as the person that bucks the system and wins. Overcoming oppression is having the freedom to be what u want when u want, regardless of the dominant opinion. Again, Obama wasn't perfect, but going back to 2008 to what Trump inherited, the nigga walked on water

When I mentioned inheritance and private school those are the things that obama got and whats needed if you want to compete at the elite level. Most African Americans barely compete at the median

People can laugh at Mayor Berry but at least he made sure blacks got contracts from DC - I believe in patronage.

One of the areas that was disappointing was the low SBA loans - shit was embarrassing

i wasnt aware he got those things....but the point we should focus on is that he didnt squander it away. and he lived up to the potential michelle and others saw in him.

On an individual basis yes but what about the collective? However great one shouldn't rely on outliers

Similar to what Ta Neishi wrote, maybe the first black president had to have his background?

 

[2stepz_ahead]

I understand the backlash in the slew of comments, even if the speech was supposedly well-intentioned.

It does get repetitive and perhaps unnecessary / counterproductive talking at Black people all the time in some accusatory / derogatory tone, especially when not having assessed that it's the appropriate audience being addressed, or even that your statements are correct / generalizing / stereotypes.

For instance, one person says to a Black man: "Black men need to stop having multiple baby mamas on welfare, living in their mama's basement, with they pants sagging, on listening to Lil' Wayne"... not even considering that the Black man they're talking to might be taking care of his one kid (or doesn't have any kids), never received public assistance, doesn't listen to Lil' Wayne, has a college degree, has his own place, etc.... etc... and even knows several other responsible Black men.

So then it becomes, "Look, what the fuck are you talking about ? GTFO my face with that shit. Talk to those Black men you're referring to and stop talking shit as if all Black men are like this - that shit is played. Do people address all white men by saying, Y'all need to stop shooting up schools god dammit."

But if that's the case, when statements are made that address those concerns, why would a person who doesn't fit the description be offended?? I've never heard Obama, or even Cosby for that matter say ALL black men are this or that. The people usually most offended by those statements are the wins that need to hear it the most. No one is above criticism, if it's constructive in nature

They'd possible be "offended" by the apparent assumption that all Black men are like this, or that since you're saying it to them - that you're assuming they are like that.

They can also not be "offended" but annoyed by constantly hearing people shitting on Black people when they, and a lot other Black folk they know, have their shit together.

And it's nonsense (no factual / logical basis) that the ones most offended are the ones who need to hear it the most.

This shit is equivocal to racial-profiling, where people say "if you're not guilty, then you have nothing to worry about". Bullshit. Are you saying that a responsible Black man who ain't doing none of that shit - should be perfectly happy listening to those type of accusations every day ?

I don't see it like that and that's why I gave the example of preaching to white people about shooting up schools.

could it be that people that made it out of the poorer crime ridden areas or hoods...went on to see the world and see that we actually have a chance if we get out our own way....but want to come back and say..cmon you can do this...you can be better.

why is that such a bad thing?

it kills me that the frustrated people who want more for our people are the one who got to fight the fukkery the most...yet, those that get money and never seen again....no one speaks on them.

again ....perspective.

i see it as a problem with some blacks taking criticism from other blacks...

if any of yall every played sports....you know how a coach will get on your ass if he sees you have the potential to be great but not living up to it.

but when a black man says it to another black man...that he can be great with a few tweaks....its a problem..

think about that

 

[2stepz_ahead]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

this is simple yet the most powerful post in the history of the IC.

the perspective of the person receiving it will take it as looking down on them because their mindframe is fukked up.

if you know someone wants better for you...you will take it as encouragement

What if they "scolding" the wrong person ?

scolding or venting.

why feel the need to take the former if you dont fit the narrative?

 

[2stepz_ahead]

We scold because we love. If you don't give a shit you don't waste your breath.

this is simple yet the most powerful post in the history of the IC.

the perspective of the person receiving it will take it as looking down on them because their mindframe is fukked up.

if you know someone wants better for you...you will take it as encouragement

But couldn't people who are scolding Obama say they are scolding him because we love

Obama has been where they are...they have not been where he is.

he can say what it takes to get out

those people cant tell him how to do better.

 

[manofmorehouse]

It seems like no one wants to have a mirror put to our collective problems. Everything in the black community is great, right?? At some point, we have to start looking at ourselves and saying how can we improve ourselves from within. Why is it that the first thing we say when blacks bring up things we've done is "well, u ain't saying this to whites". The fuck?? When have whites ever did anything to help us??

It's niggas on this site with multiple baby mommas, extensive criminal records, pimps, gang members, etc but genuinely ask what can another man (the president) do for them. How about u improve your situation for you and your immediate family? It's niggas that I grew up with that's still in the same condition they were in from high school. No one can give u drive. But it's these sensitive ass Drake generation that can't take criticism.

Niggas stay complaining about what Obama didn't do but they didn't go out and vote for democratic representatives to help put legislation through Congress. Y'all the same niggas that's gone ask why Westbrook can't win a championship this year with no real help lol. Y'all got it. I'm off my soap box. Catch feelings....

fact is at one point he had a problem with his messaging to the blk community

his tone was at times paternalistic and condescending.....different from when he spoke to other audiences

it matters and is problematic because it perpetuated the myth that blk ppl, blk culture does not value education same as non blks and is more morally bankrupt than other cultures, races

framing blks as deficient and pathological

given that he was the president of the united states and his words reach millions of ppl, it was problematic

So then we as a community need to be pacified?? He's a black man that, contrary to some peoples opinion, understands black plight in America. Being a successful black man in america and leader of the free world at the time, I think his opinion on things would matter. But I'll take the bait: how should a black man address black people about black problems? Given your profile name, I assume you're a black woman. Speak on it....

 

[MarcusGarvey]

As a representative of the US government he also had a responsibility to fix what was contributing to these pathologies. But then he'd say "change is slow"