As attention to racism seems to be a predominant issue for the supporters of Barack Obama and the American people in general, little attention is given to how race issues are approached and under what context racism is addressed by the media and in the lives of American citizens . Few slideshows, if any, are produced to examine the plight of the American First Nations people, who were almost obliterated as a race in the United States and get little public attention in their impoverished state today. Similarily, the xenophobic reaction to Mexican immigrants is justified under the current American immigration policy-or lack of one. Food for rhetoric and bantor on a daily basis in the press.

Perhaps the most surprising reality, as I watch the unfolding of the democratic primaries is the hidden agenda of the media emerging on my television set. It becomes apparent to me that the "isms" we see :racism. agism and sexism are an unrecognised part of the human condition -the psychology of hatred. That in allowing ourselves to discuss our deeper concerns about the treatment of blacks in history, we have at some level, accepted that which we have hated in others and in ourselves. This new realization becomes a palatable topic to discuss.Its easy to be aware of the mistreatment of the black race and examine our own beliefs, if we are coming to terms with it or never had a hand in it from the beginning.
As a woman following the news lately, I have become aware of an irritation growing inside of me that has been hard to place. As time goes on and I hear about radio announcers posing as comdedians calling candidates and politicians "whores" with little reaction from the public, I am angry. As young pregnant woman are murdered and abused on a daily basis. ( knowing that the most common cause of death in a pregnant woman in the United States is murder). There is no thought provoking dialogue. The news lately has been filled with stories of polygamist sects and CNN covers the story in a manner befitting the latest Brittany Spears melt down. Women still make less than 75% of the income that men make. Why are there no slideshows about these issues that effect 50% of the population?
Then, American polls ask the question "Who would you rather have as the next president of the United States : A black man or a white woman?" Perhaps the issue of our own inner turmoils about the candidates may be a more primal struggle within ourselves than we realize.

While no rascist heckalers have been on UTUBE insulting Barack its easy to find video of hecklers screaming at Hilary "iron my shirt!!". And there is no discussion or self examination by the media.

Kudos to Slate for bringing attention to a subject on the minds of North Americans. When will a deeper, darker examination of who we really are as a people emerge from our collective ? And are we really ready to be responsible for what we learn? I'm not betting on it.
CKelly

'While no rascist heckalers have been on UTUBE insulting Barack its easy to find video of hecklers screaming at Hilary "iron my shirt!!". And there is no discussion or self examination by the media.'

that is becuse white women such as hillary are the most pampered, coddled, catered to, and deferred to demograhic in the history or the planet.

now go bake me a pie.

yes....very appropriate.....

what is going on with you!!

Did you miss all the racist comments about Obama and his Kenyan/Muslim background during that disgusting smear campaign? He and his extended family were were targets of racist insults in ways that Hillary never was as a woman. Early in his campaign, Obama had to request secret service protection after threats from people opposed to his color. Anyhow, the black-white issue has only come up because of Obama's color, his pastor, the fact that he is a front-runner, and the fact that Hillary and her supporters have defined him as a Black candidate. He did not raise the race issue-- from the beginning he ran only as an American with a multi-cultural, international heritage. You may recall how Shaheen, Johnson, Bill, and others' comments ignited a discussion of race for the first time.

I agree that the Native Americans have been lost in the race debates, probably because of their few numbers and small voice in politics. Obama has promised to elevate them and their concerns when he is elected. Latino, Asian, and other immigrant issues have also been sidelined in this current debate, but if a Latino or were the presidential frontrunner, immigration, xenophobia and other critical issues you raised would most certainly be debated. Within the immigration debate, we could also ask why Haitians and African immigrants are treated differently from Cuban and Eastern Europeans.

As for the women vs blacks issue-- it is unfortunate that women are now pitted against blacks and vice-versa, when both should progress simultaneously. However, I would disagree that women's problems in this society can be equated with those of blacks. People were lynched, hosed down, gunned down, denied housing and treated as less than human because of their skin color, not their gender. A black woman faces double discrimination and most will tell you that their color brings more negative consequences than their gender.

I do agree that women's issues are not given enough respect or priority in the media or in general. Job discrimination and salary inequities are problems of women as well as ethnic minorities. And as you said, crimes and violence against pregnant (and all women) isn't news. But, again, I feel it shouldn't be an either/or issue for women and blacks.

I disagree with you...yes there were questions and biggoted, ignorant responses to the consideration of barack's religious background and heritage...But no where on Utube has he been call such a hateful thing as "a nigger" or "boy" or anyother hatful, racist name or insult like "fetch me this..."

this is good...great!!!! People have come a long way where racism is concerned perhaps?? Yet its OK to call Hilary a whore (radio personality-New york) or the hatful taunt that was on utube. Don't get me wrong racism against blacks and other visible minority's exist...but its not the issue the media still thinks it is....and its disturbing to think that women were still considered "chattel" of their husbands and fathers without the right to vote ...less than 100 years ago....

When polls say that the majority of Americans are more ready for a black man for president than a white woman...race the lesser factor for discrimination...it should be equal but its not...being a man (sex) is a more imporant factor than race in deciding who they want....clearly woman are seen as less capable...PREJUDICE!!!!

Yes there is racism...but the civil rights movement has done alot to change it especially for black men....I think the focus on black persecution is a little bit indulgent when clearly you have less chance for equity by virtue of being born female.

I think the focus on black persecution is a little bit indulgent when clearly you have less chance for equity by virtue of being born female.

I didn't quite get this last point.

There is SO MUCH in the media about civil rights as it pertains to race (especially black people) ...women's rights and the blatant lack of equality is often ignored...we don't wish to look at this in depth as a population of North Americans. The feminist movement did alot for women up to the 80's. Since then it has been marginalized and often is seen as a part of a history, even a footnote to some- that now speaks to a subculture within the population of women in general. I feel less free, respected, and more afraid and angry than I did 20 years ago. Women are still seen as less trustworthy and capable than men and that is independent of race (see title of the thread)

I am Canadian-born and raised without prejudice to race, religion and political affiliation. I live in Vancouver BC..touted as being the most diverse city in the world. More than 50% of the population speaks another language (not english) in the home. I have no problem and never have with regards to visible minority, neither has my family (older and not well educated parents). Although there has been persecution of visible minorities at the beginning of our history- it has not been a primary cornerstone of our general population's belief system-We have reacted and worked to correct our intolerence a long time ago and work hard at making amends today. It is the essence of being Candian to be tolerant...even our mistreatment of first nations people and the japanese kept confined in WW2 and the Chinese are being settled in court. Billions of dollars are being paid for land claims deals and to amend the damages done to first nations people in residential schools.(The US had these schools too..)

"The Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms" is our constitution...yet the plight of women (and I think Canadian women are some of the strongest and outspoken in the world) goes under the carpet every day....I see it even more blatently in the United States...I have a family history connection to NY, Michigan and Oklahoma. I don't believe everyone is this way in either country but misogny exists and isn't discussed.

I don't know if I have been clearer.

I really admire Canada and Canadians, and wish the US could borrow some good advice and practices from their northern neighbours. I agree that women's issues are not priorities. I think it's because men still dominate leadership and decision-making in the mass media and political institutions. It is an uphill battle getting women up there. Perhaps the abortion-rights movement (which I support) here in the US has also dominated the women's agenda, too, at the expense of other critical issues.

A woman for President, regardless of color or ethnicity, may help bring women's issues to more prominence. I would like to vote for a woman, but I prefer Obama for a variety of reasons. Some of it has to do with my own international background and world view, and the state of international relations today. There are some things I increasingly dislike about Hillary (though there are things I also admire), but I will support her if she is the eventual Democratic nominee. And I think she will do a lot to push women's issues to the forefront, moreso than either of the male candidates.

Thanks.

By the way-- some politician did call Obama that "boy" the other day, but I believe it was in reference to his relative youth, not his color. Anyhow, that's a very minor issue, not intended to belittle the more important issues we've discussed.

Yes Barack Obama should make a better president given his history, education and life experience. He is a different candidate-he almost seems to good to be true lolololol..

My only observation is that media moguls and other "big business" interests (backed by men both democratic and rebulican) seem to be too eager to get this young promising man into their fold...Am I paranoid? maybe...but Why are THEY so eager to make him president? Yes hilary is a bit of a warhorse but I think the fear the mogul types have is that she can't be molded to their private interests...she as her own. Barack is Tabula Rasa but if elected-I predict he will look more rebulican that democrat after 4 years and the rich will get richer and the state of the poor and middle class will not be addressed. His own special interests within these populations will-but white women will not likely be on his mind.

Thats my 2 cents laugh.

'My only observation is that media moguls and other "big business" interests (backed by men both democratic and rebulican) seem to be too eager to get this young promising man into their fold...Am I paranoid?'

have you ever heard of affirmative action? maybe they'll find 300 grand of bribe money in his freezer. they will vote for him anyway because whitey made him do it.