Does Race Matter?

[drunkpirate66]

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.

Are you white? If so, and the last time I bring this up, would you walk down a street in the African American neighborhoods or Boston (or any city) such as Dorchester or Mattapan at night? No you wouldn't. Boomers or not, regarding crime in the newspapers, race does matter. There is talking loudly (almost all the people - white people - here saying it doesn't matter; and then there is actually doing what you preach. If race doesn't matter then you would have no issue completing this task. But, alas, race does matter, you and everyone here knows it matters; this type of thought process will carry over into the election: and there will always be a gap between white people and black people. No I am not racist but I am not foolish enough to think race doesn't matter).

[sonofabeach]

Honestly, regardless of race I most likely would have voted for the democrat, mainly because of my upbringing, including racial issues.
My son is bi-racial and about a year ago or so ago he had some issues with it. He's my bud and wants to look like me. He has had a problem with his curly hair and wanted a flat top like mine. One day though the chicks are gonna love his hair. Plus he aint ever got to worry about getting a nice tan. I remember a few years back when I was going to a tanning bed, he asked me if there was a bed he could go to to make him lighter. We've had some talks and it seems better now.
I do realize that even though he's bi-racial that "Joe Redneck" sees him as black or (insert racial slur here). A couple of years back some guys yelled "white power" out their car window at us when we were out bike riding. He did not know what it meant but I would have hurt those dudes if they would have had the guts to stop. Same thing happened with me and my wife years back but instead it was "N lover". A lot of this probably has to do with where we live, smack dab in republican territory. I don't neccesarily mean "Polo shirt" republicans but more like what you might call "trailer park trash rebel flag waving for the wrong reasons republicans".
It may sound crazy but that is one of the reasons that I would like to see Barrack win...for my family and everyone like us or everyone who feels like us. To show the whole world, "Hey look what we did".
I think that with today's music, culture and younger people not seeming to be as hung up on race as older generations that America as a whole is definitely getting better as far as race relations go.

Plus, I'm a democrat. what can I say

[SMLCHNG]

It may sound crazy but that is one of the reasons that I would like to see Barrack win...for my family and everyone like us or everyone who feels like us. To show the whole world, "Hey look what we did".

Michael, my son's father, my first husband, is black.
I adore his family, and they have always made me feel welcome, and the same goes for my family to theirs.

My son and I do not have any prejudices regarding anyone's color. Period. I have a prejudice against stupidity and ignorance.

I feel one should vote with logic and some with their heart.

[buffettbride]

Plus, I'm a democrat. what can I say

I think you rock, Michael.

[Wino you know]

Plus, I'm a democrat. what can I say

I think you rock, Michael.

I think you ARE a rock, Michael.

[ph4ever]

make that $ 400.00 on the over

[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 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.).

Jon, I don't know about going into a neighborhood in Boston, because that isn't where we live.

But I can tell you this, Judy and I live in an urban neighborhood in Cleveland , that is racially unbalanced! On our street there are about 8 white families and the rest are African-American! So WE are in a predominately "Black neighborhood every night". Would I walk down the street at night, maybe not too far, but we are not afraid to be out in OUR neighborhood. WE know our neighbors and they are great people! We all watch out for each other!

This is what you deal with in an Urban setting. We live here by choice!

We will move at some time, but it will be further into the city, into a more upscale home. Hopefully, in a racially diverse neighborhood, just like we are living in now!

[parrothead216]

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.

wJs!!!!!

I am not voting for Obama and I can't vote for John McCain, even though I respect him and honor what he has given to our country!

I have my absentee ballot here, waiting for ME to make a decision as to what I do.

I am leaning towards writing in Hillary's name in!

If people want real CHANGE in this country, A woman President, would have been real CHANGE! Men have screwed things up enough! Now we should let the women try!!

[Spider Johnson]

The poll question was:

Is race a factor in who you are planning to vote for on election day? (***ANONYMOUS***)

Not how you think others would vote. Or walking in a crime infested neighorhood that may be heavily populated by people of whatever race.
(That would fall under common sense. Then again that is apparently lacking in far too many people all around the World.)

That being said it is all about voter education. Not educating oneself or not voting means you really do not have care or say about the leadership of our nation. No matter how you feel about any candidate, we need a viable and strong leader.
Too many people have sacrificed and continue to do so. Don't throw that sacrifice away. We as voters owe it and much more to them.

If people feel the leadership of our nation should be solely based on race,when they cast their vote, then they are sadly mistaken. There are far too many other important issues at stake.

I do not like either candidate. I can only hope and pray that whoever wins the election, is as good as their apparent supporters think they may be. I dread to think of the consequences if they wrong.

[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.).

Jon, I don't know about going into a neighborhood in Boston, because that isn't where we live.

But I can tell you this, Judy and I live in an urban neighborhood in Cleveland , that is racially unbalanced! On our street there are about 8 white families and the rest are African-American! So WE are in a predominately "Black neighborhood every night". Would I walk down the street at night, maybe not too far, but we are not afraid to be out in OUR neighborhood. WE know our neighbors and they are great people! We all watch out for each other!

This is what you deal with in an Urban setting. We live here by choice!

We will move at some time, but it will be further into the city, into a more upscale home. Hopefully, in a racially diverse neighborhood, just like we are living in now!

So, it matters . . . (just like how African Americans get pulled over more by police; in corporate America, in who the United States Military targets for recruiment - look it up, in professional sports, in college sports, in who colleges accept or decline because of . . . affirmative action; in who entertainers market towards (do you think the WB network targets white people), who clothing designers market towards, who authors and movie producers market towards . . .

and I checked the polls and if accurate Obama gets well over 80% of the African American vote. White people are leaning towards McCain (white men I should say).

I would never think of buying property in the African American neighborhoods of Boston BUT if I owned a cigarett company I would put up a ton of billboards in those neighborhoods because that is where they advertise - wonder why. There aren't liquor stores on the corner of the richer neighborhoods around Boston - wonder why. Maybe because race matters.

I challenge anyone (white persons) do get an apartment on Blue Hill in Dorchester, MA for 1 month (of course I being a wise as$ but still) and then tell me that race is not a factor in this election.

Ravi, back me up here.

[Skibo]

Race is a factor for some. This time around it is only the racist democrats that will be exposed for their racist tendencies. Racist conservatives - there are some - have the out that they are voting against Obama because they do not agree with his radical leftist policies. It is the racist democrats that will lose the election for Obama. I'm not voting for Obama because I don't agree with his policies. Actually I'll be voting for Alan Keyes because I agree with him more than the flip flopping republican candidate. Guess I won't be canceling out my neighbors vote this year.

I still believe that the first minority president or VP will be from the Republican party. I don't know how McCain will win this one, but I just don't see the bitter gun owners that cling to their bibles voting for Obama. BTW...they are not just in PA. They are in a lot of the states that polls currently identify as blue.

[bravedave]

Am I the only one still waiting for the next poll:
DOES SIZE MATTER?

(Of course I'm referring to Dennis "Fun Size" Kucinich)

[drunkpirate66]

Race is a factor for some. This time around it is only the racist democrats that will be exposed for their racist tendencies. Racist conservatives - there are some - have the out that they are voting against Obama because they do not agree with his radical leftist policies. It is the racist democrats that will lose the election for Obama. I'm not voting for Obama because I don't agree with his policies. Actually I'll be voting for Alan Keyes because I agree with him more than the flip flopping republican candidate. Guess I won't be canceling out my neighbors vote this year.

I still believe that the first minority president or VP will be from the Republican party. I don't know how McCain will win this one, but I just don't see the bitter gun owners that cling to their bibles voting for Obama. BTW...they are not just in PA. They are in a lot of the states that polls currently identify as blue.

I am voting for McCain and I am white. I am not racist, however. I can't remember the last time I held a bible. I would hope that many people voting are doing so in a way they see fit based on the issues and the policies they agree with and not some other factor.

[krusin1]

It may sound crazy but that is one of the reasons that I would like to see Barrack win...for my family and everyone like us or everyone who feels like us. To show the whole world, "Hey look what we did".

Michael, my son's father, my first husband, is black.
I adore his family, and they have always made me feel welcome, and the same goes for my family to theirs.

My son and I do not have any prejudices regarding anyone's color. Period. I have a prejudice against stupidity and ignorance.

I feel one should vote with logic and some with their heart.

Well said, and I'm with you on that.

[ph4ever]

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.).

Yes I would. I've never been to Boston but I can tell you that I have been in the "bllack neighborhoods" of Dallas at night with no problem. Was there a risk that I would be attacked because of the color of my skin, yes however that risk was no more greater than Black Americans have faced for hundreds of years up to now by going into some "white" areas. Ever heard of Jasper Texas. My thought is that until people quit seeing the color of skin and using that as a prejudging factor there will ALWAYS be those short minded people in the world.

[green1]

So, it matters . . . (just like how African Americans get pulled over more by police; in corporate America, in who the United States Military targets for recruiment - look it up, in professional sports, in college sports, in who colleges accept or decline because of . . . affirmative action; in who entertainers market towards (do you think the WB network targets white people), who clothing designers market towards, who authors and movie producers market towards . . .

and I checked the polls and if accurate Obama gets well over 80% of the African American vote. White people are leaning towards McCain (white men I should say).

I would never think of buying property in the African American neighborhoods of Boston BUT if I owned a cigarett company I would put up a ton of billboards in those neighborhoods because that is where they advertise - wonder why. There aren't liquor stores on the corner of the richer neighborhoods around Boston - wonder why. Maybe because race matters.

I challenge anyone (white persons) do get an apartment on Blue Hill in Dorchester, MA for 1 month (of course I being a wise as$ but still) and then tell me that race is not a factor in this election.

Ravi, back me up here.

DP, I grew up south of Boston, in college I worked for the Herald driving newspapers to stores and filling boxes at 2-5 am. My routes were in and through Roxbury, Mattapan, Milton and Canton. I know that area well. And no I would not get an apartment on Blue Hill Ave in Dot for 1 month. However, I would also not get an apartment in any rundown area for 1 month. The racial makeup is irrelevant. There are areas that I would not rent in that are predominantly white, black, asian, latino . . . I believe it has more to do with wealth (of any level), or lack thereof, than race. There are liquor stores on the corners in Mattapan and Roxbury not because the neighborhood is balck, but because the neighborhood is depressed. Mattapan square used to be, 40 years ago, a prosperous area where there were no liquor stores. Now there are 5 within walking distance of each other.

[drunkpirate66]

So, it matters . . . (just like how African Americans get pulled over more by police; in corporate America, in who the United States Military targets for recruiment - look it up, in professional sports, in college sports, in who colleges accept or decline because of . . . affirmative action; in who entertainers market towards (do you think the WB network targets white people), who clothing designers market towards, who authors and movie producers market towards . . .

and I checked the polls and if accurate Obama gets well over 80% of the African American vote. White people are leaning towards McCain (white men I should say).

I would never think of buying property in the African American neighborhoods of Boston BUT if I owned a cigarett company I would put up a ton of billboards in those neighborhoods because that is where they advertise - wonder why. There aren't liquor stores on the corner of the richer neighborhoods around Boston - wonder why. Maybe because race matters.

I challenge anyone (white persons) do get an apartment on Blue Hill in Dorchester, MA for 1 month (of course I being a wise as$ but still) and then tell me that race is not a factor in this election.

Ravi, back me up here.

DP, I grew up south of Boston, in college I worked for the Herald driving newspapers to stores and filling boxes at 2-5 am. My routes were in and through Roxbury, Mattapan, Milton and Canton. I know that area well. And no I would not get an apartment on Blue Hill Ave in Dot for 1 month. However, I would also not get an apartment in any rundown area for 1 month. The racial makeup is irrelevant. There are areas that I would not rent in that are predominantly white, black, asian, latino . . . I believe it has more to do with wealth (of any level), or lack thereof, than race. There are liquor stores on the corners in Mattapan and Roxbury not because the neighborhood is balck, but because the neighborhood is depressed. Mattapan square used to be, 40 years ago, a prosperous area where there were no liquor stores. Now there are 5 within walking distance of each other.

But they are black - 90% or more. So race does matter. I agree with everything you said. And, on a sidenote, I totally respect the Herald job - balls out! But they are black. I am not talking about "why they are black neighborhoods" (of course money is part of it) but the fact is they are in the year 2008- - - race matters. Sad but true. If race didn't matter in the real world or in this election the neighborhoods such as the aforementioned wouldn't exist. Would you like me to switch gears and talk about the Cambodian population in Lowell, MA (number 1 on the East Coast, I believe) . . . wonder why they all live in the same 2 mile radius. How bout the Irish in South Boston who all take care of each other in carpentry and plumbing work . . . . do Italian families flock together - um, yeah - what about the Jewish in Sharon, MA or Brookline . . . race matters. It still defines us. People choose to live amongst their "own" proven, atleast, in Boston by the demogragh of 2008. It does matter in this election. It matters.

[green1]

But they are black - 90% or more. So race does matter. I agree with everything you said. And, on a sidenote, I totally respect the Herald job - balls out! But they are black. I am not talking about "why they are black neighborhoods" (of course money is part of it) but the fact is they are in the year 2008- - - race matters. Sad but true. If race didn't matter in the real world or in this election the neighborhoods such as the aforementioned wouldn't exist. Would you like me to switch gears and talk about the Cambodian population in Lowell, MA (number 1 on the East Coast, I believe) . . . wonder why they all live in the same 2 mile radius. How bout the Irish in South Boston who all take care of each other in carpentry and plumbing work . . . . do Italian families flock together - um, yeah - what about the Jewish in Sharon, MA or Brookline . . . race matters. It still defines us. People choose to live amongst their "own" proven, atleast, in Boston by the demogragh of 2008. It does matter in this election. It matters.

When I read this thread, I read "Does race matter (to me)?". And I voted accordingly. No it doesn't. But that is not what the thread said.

You are right, race does matter in this election. Maybe not to people here, to you or I or others on this board, but it does matter. I posted a link in another thread to a Howard Stern clip. His show interviewed people in Harlem and asked for whom were they voting. The people interviewd stated Obama. Then the interviewer asked about his policies, except he took all of McCain's policies and said they were Obama's. For example, do you agree that fetal stem cell research is bad? Do you think we should keep troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for a long time? Will Sarah Palin be a good VP or even President if the worst happened. And each time they agreed wth what was supposedly Obama's position. Clearly they are voting for him not on his positions.

[Tiki Bar]

...i just don't trust the guy!!!

Me neither. That, and loyalty.

First of all, the harder someone tries to 'sell' me, the harder I resist. And to me, Obama is just a salesman with a lot of hot air seeping through a flashy smile. There isn't anything believable about him. All of the money spent trying to buy votes, especially the network infomercial, just makes him that much more empty to me.

But bottom line... having any past association with Anti-Americans makes it 'game over' in my mind. No 2nd chances, no 'that was then this is now.' Not when we're talking about the highest office in America.

[blackjack]

"Are we destined to be ruled, by a bunch of old white men..."

I would've voted for Alan Keyes had he secured the Republican nomination. So the answer for me is no.

Yes, I realize I can write him in, but I just feel that is a wasted vote. (Just my opinion.)

Then again, any republican vote here is New Jersey is a wasted vote. Ugh.