Does Race Matter?

[Lightning Bolt]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

From my experience/perspective, this is largely a generational thing...

In my (limited) experience, those who think race does matter are usually Boomer generation or older. Please know - I am NOT saying that race matters to all, or even many, Boomers. Just that when somebody says it matters, they're usually from the older generations.

On the flip side, for Gen X and Millennials, race seems pretty much irrelevant.

(I KNOW - there are ALWAYS exceptions.)

Again, in my (limited) experience, there seems to be a line drawn at whether or not you're old enough to remember the major actions of the civil rights movements (1960s.)

Something to think about... maybe hope for the future?

Good points, K

and I would only go further on your point about civil rights to acknowledge those
who grew up in the era of "separate, but equal" that dominated the middle of the last century.

[TommyBahama]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.

Is it inflammatory and racist if you were undecided, so you think it would be cool to see the 1st black US president?

one example would be the skinhead who planned on assassinating Obama and 102 blacks last week!!!...i think we know which way he was voting and why!!

[Frank4]

I've already voted for Obama, so I guess the answer is no.

But I'm disappointed the Democrats gave me a choice between two polarizing candidates in an election that should have been a slam-dunk. Both Democratic candidates carried baggage (through no fault of their own) that alienates part of the populace. So I guess I'm saying that I would have preferred a white, male Democratic candidate. So maybe race is an issue, but for pragmatic (hopefully) reasons rather than prejudice.

But two of my neighbors openly say they won't vote for Obama because he is black (although that's not how they put it). If Hillary was running, they probably would have voted for her. I refuse to discuss politics with them because there is no way you can change someone's mind when their decision is made on such basis.

My father-in-law is the same way as your neighbors. He is a died in the wool replublican, yet he voted for Hillary in the Primary-just to vote against Obama because he was Black.

[Tiki Bar]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.

Is it inflammatory and racist if you were undecided, so you think it would be cool to see the 1st black US president?

one example would be the skinhead who planned on assassinating Obama and 102 blacks last week!!!...i think we know which way he was voting and why!!

I realize racism (and reverse racism? is that the term I want?) will play a role, but I'm just pointing out that novelty may play another.

[C-Dawg]

I saw this cartoon a couple days ago in a local paper....thought of it when i saw this thread. I was actually shocked when i read it.
Personally, race is irelevant to me. I have dated Hispanic, Black and Oriental women in the past, and have friends and co-workers who are Black and Hispanic. I prefer to read about a candidates background, integrity and experience before voting for them, rather than just checking boxes due to their party affiliation.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

For me, race and gender have no bearing whatsoever. And yet I realize that there are those in this country who will cast their vote based on those factors. I find such individuals to be utterly ignorant in allowing skin color or gender to dictate their vote.

No matter who wins, it's historic. We'll either have the first female Vice President or the first bi-racial President. (I find it interesting that Obama is consistently referred to as "black" or "African Amercian".... He's biracial, which I think says even more about the good changes in this country with regard to race than if he had two parents of color.)

All that said, I still don't like either candidate; they refuse to address the issues with any specificity.

[SharkOnLand]

Is it bad if I answer "yes" because I want to upset all the skinheads and James Dobson? (this is purely hypothetical, I honestly haven't decided yet. I may vote libertarian.)

[FunkHouse9]

He's biracial, which I think says even more about the good changes in this country with regard to race than if he had two parents of color.)

I think anyone who cares about race, and many who don't, see him as black. Even though he's half white, he looks black and, good or bad, that's what people see when they look at him. I admit that I do.

[drunkpirate66]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

From my experience/perspective, this is largely a generational thing...

In my (limited) experience, those who think race does matter are usually Boomer generation or older. Please know - I am NOT saying that race matters to all, or even many, Boomers. Just that when somebody says it matters, they're usually from the older generations.

On the flip side, for Gen X and Millennials, race seems pretty much irrelevant.

(I KNOW - there are ALWAYS exceptions.)

Again, in my (limited) experience, there seems to be a line drawn at whether or not you're old enough to remember the major actions of the civil rights movements (1960s.)

Something to think about... maybe hope for the future?

Good points, K

and I would only go further on your point about civil rights to acknowledge those
who grew up in the era of "separate, but equal" that dominated the middle of the last century.

I am 31. And race issues are in every section of most every newspaper (granted I just read the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, and the Wall Street Journal so I base this on those publications) on a weekly or more basis.

1. Main Section: Always has an article about race. Remember the African American kids who beat up that white kid for hanging a black doll/ figure from a tree? Just one example.

2. Sports: How many whites to latinos to blacks to asians is always a topic of conversation in professional sports. Remember the big deal when Tony Dungy won the Super Bowl or how there "aren't enough black QB's" according to Jesse Jackson.

3. The Business Section: Can minorites compete is always in there when talking about corporate America.

4. Metro Region: Crime in Urban (African Americans area) is a weekly or more article in the Bostona area (Dorchester, Mattapan, etc.).

5. Arts Section: Art from different culture and music.

Race doesn't matter? It does. Because all that plays into this election. I assure you that atleast in Eastern MA race lines are still well defined although we claim to all get along. Me? I would vote for Obama if Republican BUT I will not walk down the streets of Mattapan at night . . . just saying.

[C-Dawg]

He's biracial, which I think says even more about the good changes in this country with regard to race than if he had two parents of color.)

I think anyone who cares about race, and many who don't, see him as black. Even though he's half white, he looks black and, good or bad, that's what people see when they look at him. I admit that I do.

I agree...it's the same as Tiger Woods, he has one Black parent, one Asian, but due to the color of his skin, he is considered Black. Either way, he's still one of the greatest athletes I've ever seen.

[parrothead216]

Interesting Question, but you are asking mostly non-African Americans.

The fact that the polls say that 99% of the African Americans are voting for Obama, indicates to me that , they are registering AND voting for Barack Obama, only because he is Black.

Now is that reverse racism?

Is voting in an American Presidental Election only important to African -Americans, if there is a Man of Color running?

Is voting against a Black Man for a White Man, if you are Caucasin, reverse racism, or only your right or perhaps, you think that the other person is the better candidate?

I am a life long Liberal, who simply can't vote for Barack Obama because of his lack of experience.

But I would welcome voting for a qualifed person of color!

It would give me Hope that we are beyond this type of thing in our country.

But I suspect that there are many people who are voting for Barack, simply because he is Black and McCain because he is white.

[krusin1]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

From my experience/perspective, this is largely a generational thing...

In my (limited) experience, those who think race does matter are usually Boomer generation or older. Please know - I am NOT saying that race matters to all, or even many, Boomers. Just that when somebody says it matters, they're usually from the older generations.

On the flip side, for Gen X and Millennials, race seems pretty much irrelevant.

(I KNOW - there are ALWAYS exceptions.)

Again, in my (limited) experience, there seems to be a line drawn at whether or not you're old enough to remember the major actions of the civil rights movements (1960s.)

Something to think about... maybe hope for the future?

Good points, K

and I would only go further on your point about civil rights to acknowledge those
who grew up in the era of "separate, but equal" that dominated the middle of the last century.

I am 31. And race issues are in every section of most every newspaper (granted I just read the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, and the Wall Street Journal so I base this on those publications) on a weekly or more basis.

1. Main Section: Always has an article about race. Remember the African American kids who beat up that white kid for hanging a black doll/ figure from a tree? Just one example.

2. Sports: How many whites to latinos to blacks to asians is always a topic of conversation in professional sports. Remember the big deal when Tony Dungy won the Super Bowl or how there "aren't enough black QB's" according to Jesse Jackson.

3. The Business Section: Can minorites compete is always in there when talking about corporate America.

4. Metro Region: Crime in Urban (African Americans area) is a weekly or more article in the Bostona area (Dorchester, Mattapan, etc.).

5. Arts Section: Art from different culture and music.

Race doesn't matter? It does. Because all that plays into this election. I assure you that atleast in Eastern MA race lines are still well defined although we claim to all get along. Me? I would vote for Obama if Republican BUT I will not walk down the streets of Mattapan at night . . . just saying.

Regarding the newspapers...

I see your point, BUT... guess what generation most of the editors (who decide what gets printed) belong to?

Right now, Boomers are at the height of their lifetime power. They hold LOTS of political offices, run a LOT of of major corporations, and yes, a lot of them are editors at major newspapers.

Not trying to slam Boomers, but that generation (again in my limited experience) notices race a lot more than the younger generations do.

[mmt721]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.

Is it inflammatory and racist if you were undecided, so you think it would be cool to see the 1st black US president?

one example would be the skinhead who planned on assassinating Obama and 102 blacks last week!!!...i think we know which way he was voting and why!!

As much as I would love to see our first black US president, those skinheads showed exactly why our country is not ready for it. There are to many people who have those views who would try to assassinate him. I don't like saying it, but I'm afraid for Obama because of that. Don't get me wrong I would love to see him in office, but there are to many idiots like the ones caught last week.

[C-Dawg]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.

Is it inflammatory and racist if you were undecided, so you think it would be cool to see the 1st black US president?

one example would be the skinhead who planned on assassinating Obama and 102 blacks last week!!!...i think we know which way he was voting and why!!

As much as I would love to see our first black US president, those skinheads showed exactly why our country is not ready for it. There are to many people who have those views who would try to assassinate him. I don't like saying it, but I'm afraid for Obama because of that. Don't get me wrong I would love to see him in office, but there are to many idiots like the ones caught last week.

Well, if Obama wins, I hope the Secret Service does their jobs...the only person that scare me more than Obama in this election is Pelosi, the next in line after Biden

[FunkHouse9]

Well, if Obama wins, I hope the Secret Service does their jobs...the only person that scare me more than Obama in this election is Pelosi, the next in line after Biden

If Obama wins, I hope the Secret Service does their job because I believe his life will be in danger. The only people that scare me more than Bush are white supremacists....


and clowns

[purpleskye]

Most Def but not in a negative way for me....I am not voting-neither candidate I feel very strongly about...

[SchoolGirlHeart]

He's biracial, which I think says even more about the good changes in this country with regard to race than if he had two parents of color.)

I think anyone who cares about race, and many who don't, see him as black. Even though he's half white, he looks black and, good or bad, that's what people see when they look at him. I admit that I do.

Scarier yet, because it means people are truly going by skin COLOR, not even by heritage. I wonder if his half white side gets militant blacks worked up as much as his half black side does militant whites. Truly terrifying.....

[bestseller92]

Neither race nor gender is any factor for me.

I'm voting McCain/Palin, not because it's a white guy and a woman, but because I agree more with their views.

If J.C. Watts, Mike Steele or Condoleeza Rice were running on the GOP ticket, I would gladly vote for them, not because of race, but because of ideas and views.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Well, if Obama wins, I hope the Secret Service does their jobs...the only person that scare me more than Obama in this election is Pelosi, the next in line after Biden

If Obama wins, I hope the Secret Service does their job because I believe his life will be in danger. The only people that scare me more than Bush are white supremacists....


and clowns

Every president's life is in danger every day. And unfortunately the bad guys only have to get lucky once. The USSS has to get it right every single day. They have my prayers.....

[drunkpirate66]

Interesting Question, but you are asking mostly non-African Americans.

The fact that the polls say that 99% of the African Americans are voting for Obama, indicates to me that , they are registering AND voting for Barack Obama, only because he is Black.

Now is that reverse racism?

Is voting in an American Presidental Election only important to African -Americans, if there is a Man of Color running?

Is voting against a Black Man for a White Man, if you are Caucasin, reverse racism, or only your right or perhaps your think that the other person is the better candidate?

I am a life long Liberal, who simply can't vote for Barack Obama because of his lack of experience.

But I would welcome voting for a qualifed person of color!

It would give me Hope that we are beyond this type of thing in our country.

But I suspect that there are many people who are voting for Barack, simply because he is Black and McCain because he is white.

If what you typed is true, and I believe it is, regarding who African American's voting for then - yeah! - duh - race matters. Why are so many pretending it doesn't. I wouldn't call it racism but there will always be a gap between the different races as a whole. Perhaps not on an individual basis; but again, I ask . . . would you go to an African American neighborhood of Boston at night if you were a white guy or gal . . . no you would NOT. It matters.

(why did all the new stations, including ESPN, choose to report that the "new" White Sox and the "new" Detroit Tiger ballparks are in "high crime neighborhoods, which are 90% African American owned and rented? Hmmm? Perhaps because IT MATTERS and it always will.).