June 20, 2008
Michelle Obama, Anti-American?
(Opinion, cross-posted from Brainstorm)
I don’t know what to say about all the rumors of “whitey” talk vis-à-vis Michelle Obama this week. And I hear that McCain’s wife, who has so far been able to deftly avoid the white-hot media spotlight, has begun calling Michelle Obama on the carpet these last few days for her now-infamous recent comments about being proud of America for the first time. By the way, does such a statement necessarily mean that she is anti-American?
Journalist and cultural critic Juan Williams spent Wednesday evening generously speaking to a few Penn undergraduates about the extent to which Michelle Obama has turned herself into a politically liability. He’s probably right, but I also think that we all might need to have a more serious conversation about what “patriotism” really means.
In many ways, this current controversy reminds me of the brouhaha that erupted in 2002 when the Ice Cube film Barbershop caused such a stir by scripting the kinds of irreverent conversations that often define informal public discussions in the black community, conversations that are sometimes hypercritical of black and white Americans alike. The film demonstrated that nothing is sacrosanct and beyond criticism in such contexts — not Martin Luther King, Jr., not Jesse Jackson, not Rosa Parks — no matter how much they might otherwise be cherished.
Real versions of such self-critical Barbershop comments aren’t self-evident examples of racial self-hatred any more than Michelle Obama’s statements (even before she cleaned them up) are an open-and-shut case of anti-patriotism. Instead, both instances provide examples of the complicated and refreshingly self-critical impulse of vernacular African-American cultural criticism. Of course, this might not play as well “politically” as Mitt Romney’s head-scratching inability to come up with a single thing wrong about contemporary America (remember that), but it seems a lot more honest.
Of course, African Americans don’t corner the market on such tough-love self-criticism, or on the desire for honest public conversations about national and international issues. And, as I argue in my new book, they don’t want to be.
(An aside: To hear me talk a little more about that book, Racial Paranoia: The Unintended Consequences of Political Correctness, watch C-Span 2’s BookTV this weekend — Saturday at 9 p.m. or Sunday at 3:30 p.m.)
John L. Jackson Jr. | Posted on Friday June 20, 2008 | PermalinkComments
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Much, much worse than anti-American, and, frankly, this is no surprise. I’ve already seen and heard more than enough about the Obamas to conclude they are bigoted, militant, angry, and race-obsessed.
— TRB Jun 20, 12:48 PM #
Nice, TRB. You’re exactly the type who provides the elevated discussion this topic deserves. Find another message board.
— Astro Jun 20, 01:20 PM #
As the saying goes, one can hate one’s government but love one’s country. In fact, isn’t that self-critical perspective the heart of our democracy? Isn’t that why Locke said rebellion was a duty of those oppressed by their government? I do think M. Obama was glibe in her comments; and as she’s been pressed, she now confesses to have meant something more narrow that her original remarks. Still, the principle of her comments — especially coming from an African American — I embrace.
— Chris K Jun 20, 01:24 PM #
Drug-addicted Cindy MCain is the last person in the world who should be out there criticizing another political spouse.
At leats Michelle Obama is not a druggie.
— Marsha Klein Jun 20, 01:44 PM #
John McCain said on FOX News he did not love America until!
Actual video MSNBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XQhu1inI-w
John McCain saying that he did not love America until he was held captive.
Michelle Obama never said she didn’t love America.
John McCain “Double Talk Express” video in his own words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBn73KAlsM
— CTodd Jun 20, 02:27 PM #
Dr. Johnson defined “patriotism” as “the last refuge of a scoundrel.” In The Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce elaborated, “With all due deference to that learned . . . lexicographer, I venture to suggest that it is the first.”
I’d vote for the first person to tell anyone criticizing their patriotism or their religion to “fold it four ways and stick it where the moon don’t shine.”
— dan Jun 20, 02:33 PM #
A politicians words are extremely important, especially the Presidents spouse. The first family will be having formal and informal conversations with numerous dignitaries across the world. They need to ALWAYS watch what they say, because American lives are at risk.
— Michael Jun 20, 02:35 PM #
Firstly, it is not Michelle Obama that is getting my vote, but rather her husband. Secondly, how dare The Chronicle present this piece. What does this have to do with the mission of this journal? This supports my near decision to not renew my subscription to this thing. And thirdly, the issues people, the issues!
Thousands of people dying needlessly in the Iraq war.
Our nation’s economy.
Starving children not just in inner cities, but throughout America.
Gas prices soaring through the roof.
The value of the dollar falling further than ever before.
An immense deficit.
And on and on…
D*mn it people, can’t you see what is happening? Do we really care about Michelle Obama’s putative views? (for right wing idiots, “putative” means supposed).
— Rich Jun 20, 02:50 PM #
to#5
Thank you so much for mentioning McCain’s video, in which he said that he did NOT love America! I just viewed the video. I had never heard of his statement until I read your #5 post!
This is only the second time, as an adult, that I’ve been really proud of my country (from a political standpoint). The first time was when I believed that most of America stood by Bill Clinton when he had his “troubles.” I’ve always loved my country, even when I lived with overt racism, growing up in the South. So, I’m a little surprised at John McCain’s statement. Hmmm, I wonder WHY John McCain didn’t always LOVE America.
— Ve Jun 20, 03:02 PM #
This is why academics were extremely foolish and naiive to financially back Obama. John and Ellizabeth Edwards would have served the Democratic Party proudly and knowledgeably. What a terrible shame.
— lauren Jun 20, 03:04 PM #
ditto #10
— Good ol' Bubba Jun 20, 03:13 PM #
P. S. S. #‘s 10 & 11,
Brava and Bravo!
— RedFlint Jun 20, 03:24 PM #
In 1775, British essayist Samuel Johnson wrote that “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” It is widely held that he meant “false patriotism” as opposed to legitimate patriotism. This begs the question when should we be patriotic and what constitutes patriotism? We should be patriotic when our government is pursuing policies that improve human life and adhere to our creed of freedom and justice for all. Patriotism is displayed when we sacrifice to achieve the goals of our creed. For example, those who fought to defend the union in the 1860’s displayed patriotism. Their counterparts in the Confederacy were traitors to the spirit of our constitution, yet some would argue that they were patriots for the cause of the Confederacy. However we cannot judge these people as morally equivalent. The union cause, despite its contradictions, led to 10 million people gaining their freedom, while the Confederates were fighting to keep that same 10 million enslaved.
Barack Obama’s political opponents have made much of Michelle Obama’s statement about being proud of her country for the first time. The critics claim that this is proof positive that Michelle (and by extension Barack) are not true patriots, or at least not patriotic enough to occupy the White House. I beg to differ; persons like Michelle Obama, have families that have suffered through Jim Crow, institutional racism, and this nation’s ongoing white supremacist ideology. Yet these people still believe in its promise. My father landed in Normandy in 1944, fought his way across France and into Germany to help defeat the Nazis. When he came home, he was denied equal opportunity because of the color of his skin. Yet, my parents never gave up on the promise of American democracy. Their hard work made it possible for me to go to college and become a scholar. As such I have always supported the promise of this nation, but I do not support it uncritically. For example, I viewed and still view the United States actions in the Vietnam War as immoral. Does this mean that I dishonor the service of the Americans who fought and died there? No. However, I clearly disagreed with the government policies that sent them there. An anti-war protester can be just as patriotic as someone who goes to war. The difference is in their view of what is the proper action for the country to take in the situation in question.
On what basis do people claim that the McCain’s are more patriotic than the Obama’s? The fact that John McCain served in Vietnam and spent time in a prisoner of war camp is not sufficient to say that he is a true patriot. If you believed that the war was immoral, then flying fighter planes for the US government in Vietnam was not morally defensible. Again, I can honor Senator McCain’s service, but not agree with it as an act of patriotism. True patriotism would have been refusing to fight in that war, and paying the consequences for it, as Muhammad Ali did. On the other hand, a person like Cindy McCain has little ground to discuss Michelle Obama’s patriotism. Cindy McCain grew up in luxurious circumstances in Arizona. She has never known what it is like to be treated as a second class citizen in her own country. Without that background, she really cannot understand how Michelle Obama can be patriotic, while at the same time being critical of America’s past history of white supremacy and institutional racism. Indeed, this election will come down to how many European Americans will be able to put aside their white supremacist tendencies and vote for the candidate whose policies will move this nation closer to the intent of its creed. In my mind there is no doubt that the Obama’s are better suited to move us in that direction. The McCain’s will change nothing with regard to the power dynamics in American politics. Politics, which if continue unchecked, will lead to the end of American democracy.
— Dr. Joseph L Graves Jr Jun 20, 03:40 PM #
Two views of patriotism:
Stephen Decatur: Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong.
Carl Shurz: Our country, right or wrong. When right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be put right.
— Frank Williams Jun 20, 04:00 PM #
Cindy McCain was a nasty, nasty girl, and I’m told there were (are?) films to prove it.
— Diter Jun 20, 04:02 PM #
Those who criticize Michelle Obama as unpatriotic for her comment about being proud of the USA for the first time appear to subscribe to the shop-worn, cliched attitude of “my country right or wrong” that masquerades for patriotism (Decatur’s version per post #14.)
For my part, I agree with those who say that we need to focus on substantive issues (foreign policy, economic development and similar issues.)
In addition, I believe Dr. Graves’ comments illustrate clearly a historical fact: the most patriotic Americans are those who have suffered discrimination and oppression within our political system yet remain faithful to the dream our nation espouses: equal rights under the law.
Michelle Obama gives me no reason to be concerned about her patriotism. I do not understand why her comments would cause anyone to question her patriotism. Even taken at face value, her comments demonstrate that she is among those who have suffered discrimination and oppression within our political system (as an African American and as a woman) yet she did not give up on our nation and now has reason to be proud of our nation. She certainly sounds patriotic to me.
Given the nature of presidential politics, the fact that she is supporting her husband’s efforts to become president despite the challenges of being a campaign spouse and its impact on her children, I think she again demonstrates a real commitment to our nation.
So, let’s not waste time debating her patriotism. Let’s examine the policies which her husband proposes and which she supports. Then let’s determine if we believe those policies will make our nation better. That is what this campaign is supposed to be about.
— Rick Jun 20, 04:20 PM #
I wish people would stop making a mountain out of a mole hill. You just keep picking at things until it start to fester. People, get a life.
— Shelia Jun 20, 04:54 PM #
Michelle Obama’s statement was a compliment to America. In no way was her statement anti-American, particularly for a person of color born in America. More than likely, Michelle is probably 2 or 3 generations removed from slavery. In her statement she was acknowledging that the awesome changes that have occurred in her lifetime especially the fact that all people of America, regardless of ethnicity or culture are coming together to support her husband. She like many Americans, no matter what ethnicity, would not have dreamed of a person of color being able to garner the support that her husband has garnered, through his grassroot and people to people campaign. In essence she was thanking all of America, especially white America. She was in essence saying that she was encouraged by the outpouring of support that literally means that Barak may have a chance to be the leader of this country. All of those who are criticizing her are looking at the glass half-empty. Michelle and Barak are looking at the glass almost full. It is not about patriotism at all, but it is overwhelming.
— Ladell Jun 20, 05:20 PM #
Michelle Obama is in a different league now, and she needs to step up to the plate. Laura Bush should be her model: don’t say a word, go to the parlor, and let the MAN do all the talking. That is how Americans LIKE their female Presidential spouses, after all. Look at what happened to Hillary. Welcome to the club, Michelle, now please don’t talk and remember, keep your hair curled up just like Jackie Kennedy, and pretend that you don’t exist. We will now see less and less of the incredible shrinking women that are the “First Ladies” of this so-called democracy.
— Mary Jun 20, 11:25 PM #
What’s the BFD? At least we ain’t got to listen to that shrill harpy Hillory. I’d much rather have Michelle to rag on than Hillory any day…besides, who cares if Michelle hates America…lots of people who make $250K a year in bogus lawyer jobs in the US don’t love America. Michelle is just another one of ‘em.
— Jester Jun 21, 04:50 AM #
Agree with Shelia’s (#17) —- Mountain out of a mole hill sentiment. —- I am totally confused and perplexed —- as to how such a statement even enjoys such relevance?
In my opine, these are precisely the red-herrings dragged across, —- the distractions essential to avoid a focal perspective necessary for addressing/pondering over the major issues pertinent to our well-being.
The fundamental question that keeps ringing within me is, —- should we be even be paying attention (let alone debating/discussing), the acne, or even the fracture, when the patient is suffering a massive coronary?
In my opine, a self evaluation is essential —- On many an occasion, I have said things which I didn’t mean —- I feel we all have —- personally, I have said to my kids that I hate what they are doing, that I don’t support their decision/actions, etc.
Did I really mean what I said —- Yes & No; Yes I was opposed to what they were doing, hated them for their actions, and would not support them —- This certainly does not mean that in a real crises of need, I would not come to their assistance or do whatever I could for their well-being, nor does this mean that I do not love them.
The issue of Vietnam —- for just a moment suppose that Vietnam began gaining the upper hand and the war posed a real threat to our existence and well-being, that somehow Vietnam began directly attacking/bombing the U.S. mainland (NYC, LA, etc.) —- then It is my firm belief that those very Americans who had vehemently opposed the war, would not hesitate to do whatever was necessary (inclusive of volunteering for the Armed Forces), to protect our country —- analogous to me doing whatever is necessary for the well-being of my kids, irrespective of the fact that I was opposed to and hated my kid’s action in the first place.
Simply put statements made, actions taken, etc., in one scenario/context —- do not necessarily mean the same in a different scenario/context, nor do they in any way imply similar sentiments at a different juncture/point in time.
— zahid Jun 21, 09:31 AM #
I have seen, heard, and observed Obamas. My conclusion is that they are anti-American, racist, arrogant, and elitist. They have no respect for the poor and the down trodden in our society.
— kvc Jun 21, 01:14 PM #
Thanks to the Obamas and McCains for their leadership and integrity during this time of great need.
To the posters: Look back at all your comments and feel a little bit of shame for cutting down your future leader. Most of the things written are hateful, uninformed slurs. Higher ed doesn’t deserve this and neither does your country.
— John Jun 23, 06:20 AM #
To John #23:
Whilst I agree with you in general regarding the tenor and tone of several of the comments which at best are inappropriate to say the least —- however, I simply cannot subscribe to the notion that criticizing and hence cutting down of potential future leaders (or even existing ones) is shameful act in and of itself —- in fact void criticism, one might argue that democracy and national well-being per se is at risk.
Your point regarding some comments expressing a sentiment of personal hate rather than logic/analysis, is well taken.
Personally, looking back at my earlier comment (#21) —- needless to say my perspective vis-a-vis the subject matter remains unaltered, and I would repeat the same.
— zahid Jun 23, 12:29 PM #
If anybody in AMERICA can say they are proud to be an AMERICAN by the way we treated the Katrina victims and New Orleans in General, they can not be real AMERICANS or they just do not care.
— Joseph Jun 23, 03:19 PM #
Did anyone see Barbershop, and did Ms. Obama’s performance as a potential first spouse need to be compared to this movie? Maybe tomorrow, John McCain’s time in a POW camp can be compared to an episode of Hogan’s Heros.
I would imagine that most of you who love Senator Obama or Senator McCain would feel quite differently if either were up for your department’s chair—-Most of you would pass on Sen Obama for being superficial and McCain for being over the hill. I doubt either of these would be able to pass a conflict of interest test in spite of their piety.
But since some of you decided to call Ms. McCain a “druggie” and were quick to jump take shots. Interesting how Ms. Obama’s salary shot up when the Senator went to Washington (was it Student Affairs to Legislative Affairs?—good, timely, and appropriate transition), and she received a paid board position at another company. I don’t think the boys from the barbershop hang out in her neighborhood.
Before you compare Senator McCain’s comments with Ms. Obama’s remember Senator McCain did reconcile those feelings of patriotism while receiving room service at the Hanoi Hiltion. But I guess two Ivy League degrees would certainly leave me much a better reason to be bitter than a POW camp.
— seth Jun 23, 04:07 PM #
Joseph #25, of course I am proud to be an American, especially because I have seen a lot of the alternatives. Sure, we are flawed, and sometimes we elect the wrong person, but our country and our constitution are strong enough to survive even a really bad presidency (I trust nobody needs additional proof of that).
I remember when it was unthinkable that a Catholic would live in the White House. Someday my daughter will be able to tell her kids and grandkids that she can remember when the only people that had ever been President were straight white men, and they’ll say thank goodness we got over that. We are moving steadily (though not unerringly) in the right direction.
When we elect those who will do the best job, rather than who ran the best campaign, I’ll be even prouder.
— mlp Jun 23, 04:25 PM #
to#26, What happened to McCain in America as to why he didn’t love it until he was beaten into loving it? Michelle Obama is not running for President. If you’re going to criticize her for her statement and she isn’t running for President, why does McCain get a pass? He lived a relatively privileged life DURING the time that he DID NOT LOVE America. You focus on Michelle because you don’t want to focus on the issues.
Cindy McCain is not in a position to talk about anyone. I don’t like the fact that she stole drugs from her charity for herself. I would be more empathetic if she had handled her problem the way Rush Limbaugh did. To my knowledge, he didn’t steal drugs that were meant for children.Although I admit that everyone should just focus on the issues, I have no intention of remaining quiet while others sling mud and I just sit back and pretend that Cindy McCain is perfect. If she weren’t rich, she would probably have a criminal record. (Well, now that I think about it, President Bush was arrested for DUI, and so I guess the FACT that Cindy was a THIEF is no big deal.)
— Ve Jun 23, 07:33 PM #
I agree with those who say that the Chronicle should never have included this topic for discussion. It demeans the election and undermines the credibility of the Chronicle. Please offer only issues-oriented discussion items focused on the candidates. Let Entertainment Tonight and Fox News cover the candidates’ wives.
— David Jun 24, 08:19 AM #
It is a topic worthy of discussion. Michelle Obama will be in a very powerful position should her husband become elected. She will represent the United States to many nations. President’s spouses are scrutinized not only by their own people but also by others. What a candidate’s spouse says or does, or how she or he feels about their country, are topics worthy of discussion. Michelle Obama clearly has mixed feelings about the racism she has encountered and still encounters in this country. She will need to couch her rhetoric about those feelings in a much more discriminating way if she wishes to help her spouse get elected. Many Americans care about how the spouse of the President feels about the country, since he/she possesses influence, whether recognized or not by those who discount the role of the First Lady. Granted, historically Americans are very uncomfortable with the notion of a woman having power or even exercising a voice. The times they are a changing, just more slowly than some of us would like. I still would vote for HILLARY if she were running!
— Mary Jun 24, 10:41 AM #
A patriot is a person who values the well being of his country. After eight years of an administration that has used “patriotism” as armor from criticisms, and has clearly not acted in the best interest of this country, I am happy to have a candidate who will speak openly of the mistakes that his country’s government has made and admit that they are not at all proud of such behavior. I consider myself a patriotic person, but after the defiling of the red, white, and blue by a fascist Republican administration and supporters who have perverted the meaning of patriotism as synonymous with supporting war and Jesus, it is hard for me to consider myself patriotic when in the company of such an uninformed group of gun-toting, hypocritical, sheep.
— ak Jun 25, 04:31 PM #