who knows what secrets lurk in the hearts of white people? only the white shadow knows....

Friday, June 13, 2008

Speeches

Senator Obama's speech on race in February was heartfelt, intelligent, and necessary (for both his campaign and the country). He knew he had to make that speech, and he rose to the occasion.

Hillary Clinton did not make a speech regarding her historical campaign or the sexism frenzy that occurred due to her campaign. I don't know if a speech was necessary, as there were (and are) many supporters willing to raise the issue of sexism and of her being the first serious female Presidential contender. (Side note: Obama had to make his speech, because it is a trickier when airing the racism of the country and media - he couldn't really rely on supporters, both prominent and on the ground, to make the racism case for him. It would have hurt his campaign.)

Some now want a speech on women/sexism/misogyny and politics and the shaping of the nation. And they want Senator Obama to make it. As reported in today's NY Times,
"Some are calling for boycotts against MSNBC and CNN, and many are urging Mr. Obama, who addressed racism in a major speech, to address sexism, too."
First off, does anyone not see the irony in asking a man to do this?

Second, why is it that one always expects non-white men to speak for other non-white men? Because Senator Obama spoke on racism, he then can speak on sexism? It reminds me of all those times when "well-meaning" white people ask me, what do Black people think? Or when some "well-meaning" black friends ask me, what are white people thinking? It is also akin to when people ask me, what do women think? Or asking Roc, what do Black people think?

How about we ask Clinton to do this speech? Or another prominent woman - like Speaker Pelosi? Or former Secretary of State Albright? (you know we can't ask Secretary Rice)

Or, how about MICHELLE OBAMA?!?!?!? Okay, we can't ask her because many white women would feel uncomfortable having a black women speak the truth - and it would make many HRC supporters recognize the confluence of race and gender, and we can't be having that, now can we?

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