In case anyone is interested, here's a link to the Time magazine article that seems to suggest that Obama's presidency was partially premediated by James Earl Jones doing the voice of God: Obama
I think that is a very interesting article and it probabaly has validity on a subconscious level. There was a Bishop (Henry McNeal Turner) who, in the late 1890s, spoke out about the identification of people with their deity--specifically, that blacks had the right to identify with God being black. It is evident that the rise of 'acceptable' black/African-American leaders and role models has expanded the world's role perceptions.
I determined during my studies last semester that President Obama may fall into the category Spike Lee spoke about (which is discussed in the article in the Black Commentator http://www.blackcommentator.com/49/49_magic.html) "the super duper magical negro"
The unfortunate nature of this beast, however, is that trends soon change. I fear all it will take is one mistake by our new President for blacks to be returned to a place of scorn. For years, we have generalized people by their ethnic, racial and gender affiliations and I think any failure on his part will substantiate those who hold fast to stereotypes.
I agree, Sibyl. Imagine if Obama were daft and lazy like W, or a philanderer like Clinton--many would certainly seize the opportunity and view such shortcomings through the prism of retrograde racial stereotypes.
I think that is a very interesting article and it probabaly has validity on a subconscious level. There was a Bishop (Henry McNeal Turner) who, in the late 1890s, spoke out about the identification of people with their deity--specifically, that blacks had the right to identify with God being black. It is evident that the rise of 'acceptable' black/African-American leaders and role models has expanded the world's role perceptions.
ReplyDeleteI determined during my studies last semester that President Obama may fall into the category Spike Lee spoke about (which is discussed in the article in the Black Commentator http://www.blackcommentator.com/49/49_magic.html) "the super duper magical negro"
The unfortunate nature of this beast, however, is that trends soon change. I fear all it will take is one mistake by our new President for blacks to be returned to a place of scorn. For years, we have generalized people by their ethnic, racial and gender affiliations and I think any failure on his part will substantiate those who hold fast to stereotypes.
I agree, Sibyl. Imagine if Obama were daft and lazy like W, or a philanderer like Clinton--many would certainly seize the opportunity and view such shortcomings through the prism of retrograde racial stereotypes.
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