As the cable news channels began filling up valuable airtime Monday with discussions of the appropriateness of a New Yorker cover depicting Barack Obama burning an American flag in the Oval Office, under a portrait of Osama bin Laden, another important story was largely ignored by the mainstream media, that of a veteran media personality injecting racially divisive stereotypes into a discussion of Sen. Obama.
This weekend on The McLaughlin Group, the program's host, John McLaughlin, asserted that Obama "fits the stereotype blacks once labeled as an Oreo -- a black on the outside, a white on the inside."
McLaughlin: "Question: Does it frost Jesse Jackson, that someone like Obama, who fits the stereotype blacks once labeled as an Oreo, a black on the outside, a white on the inside, that an Oreo should be the beneficiary of the long civil rights struggle which Jesse Jackson spent his lifetime fighting for?"
McLaughlin's statement was so obviously out of touch and inappropriate that two members of the McLaughlin panel refuted the basic premise.
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 02:16 AMWhat else can anyone expect from a former Jesuit priest and probably a pedophile, old useless fart propagandist? Why upset yourself at all and watch any so called news on cable TV?
Let's hope the bastard goes the way of Russert and Snow and soon...
Posted by Philly Buster at July 15, 2008 05:45 AMMcLaughlin's statement was so obviously out of touch and inappropriate that two members of the McLaughlin panel refuted the basic premise.
Actually, if you read the transcript, 3 of 4 panelists told John he was old fart and full of it: Eleanor Clift (the program's liberal punching bag), as well as guests Michelle Bernard (who should have decked the cracker), & "New Liberal" douchebag Peter Beinart. Pat Buchanan also downplayed it.
Posted by idiosynchronic at July 15, 2008 05:57 AMThe long and short of it is:
Oreo is a term used mainly by older AAs. That term is rooted in jealousy of others achievements and a lack understanding (ignorance) beyond the AA community. There was a feeling that any AA who progressed beyond a certain point took on "Whie ideals or persona" or OREO. I am sure that seems illogical to the casual reader, however, there were deep rooted scars left over from past atrocities. There was a feeling within the community as well as those being forced from the without that they were worthless and didn't matter in society. The 60s went along way in changing mindsets on a host of issues within the community.
Today, realizing that AAs are not monolithic, this is not a part of the younger AAs vernacular. Most realize that we are pretty much in this together (all Americans). They understand that if they work hard, they can achieve success. There are exceptions, however, but the old way of thinking is slowly being replaced as America moves forward on racial issues.
Jesse Jackson's and McLaughlin were talking to older AAs who have an outmoded view of our current society. Those conversations are increasingly inappropriate and irrelevant as AAs integrate more and more in the hierarchy of society.
To the question of jealousy - I personally don't care one way or the other. This election is about moving forward with a good understanding of the past. And an oreo is a cookie which has no place in our political discussion.
Posted by angryman at July 15, 2008 06:57 AMSo, the high cost of oil prices are the fault of Congress, according to GWB as of this minute on TV. Congress won't give him what he wants which is off shore drilling and the lifting of all bans in place since the 80's. Well, there you have it boys and girls.
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 07:29 AMSay, as the US economy implodes before our eyes, would it be too much to ask for the two major party candidates for Prez to actually start talking about what they think caused it, and the "press" to start asking questions about it, and how we got to this point?
Yes, rhetorical question. But you can see how such a reality causes one to conclude that doom is the most likely outcome.
Posted by euzoius at July 15, 2008 07:38 AM"The economy is growing." GWB, July 15th, at 9:35.
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 07:43 AMDid the Onion predict that tomatoes would try to kill us?
Posted by TIKI AL at July 15, 2008 07:49 AMBush's nose is growing.
Posted by TIKI AL at July 15, 2008 07:52 AM..."realizing that AAs are not monolithic, this is not a part of the younger AAs vernacular."
Angryman, people know what the term "oreo" means, and so does John McLaughlin. Being of the old school or not, McLaughlin should have known it is a term that you do not use today. It's like saying "nigger" is an old term we once used. It should not be part of the vernacular of anyone today, young or old.
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 07:56 AMIn response to a question about the economy: "I'm not an economist, I am a optimist." "The economy is growing." "Any day I can serve (screw) the Country is a good day." Will someone please get the fucking hook and drag his sorry ass off the world stage?
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 08:14 AMJudith,
Not exactly the same but I get the point, neither are appropriate today.
MSM never does the pathology on any situation. That explain why the incompetent party in charge when we were attacked on 9/11 are considered the heros of 9/11. MSN have allowed the incompetence to be shifted to the previous administration. Bush managed to make it seem that the DEMS cause our current situation by not allowing off shore drilling. Never mind that Chaney and the oil companies developed the Energy policy. Can you say putting the "fox in charge of the hen house?"
Posted by angryman at July 15, 2008 09:49 AM"Never mind that Chaney and the oil companies developed the Energy policy."
A fact forgotten by the MSM and Democrats. I don't know why it is so difficult for the Democrats to hang these failures around the necks of the GOP. It always has been and will continue to be.
Your right, not the best example.
Posted by Judith at July 15, 2008 10:07 AMI wonder if the Onion's predictions about Obama's running mate will hold...
Posted by Tex at July 15, 2008 08:22 PM