In a world full of smart people, it seems we all still struggle with the question of where the line between funny and offensive should be drawn. My personal take has always been that people who get easily offended shouldn’t take themselves so seriously (mostly because, in all likelihood, no one else takes THEM seriously).
In this instance, I’d like hear your thoughts on some of the very predictable jokes that have found their way into our cultural as part of the “first black president inauguration package.” Let me preface these with my own reaction – LMFAO. I imagine some of these are gonna be touchy so if you feel a little uncomfortable, breathe . . . wooo-saaa . . . or picture Dave Chapelle doing it on his show and maybe you can find some humor in them.
And maybe not. Maybe none of them are funny; perhaps they’re all in bad taste.
Countdown:
5. Basketball Obama
Of course all black people play basketball! Even the Ivy League lawyer types who make it to the White House. The only thing more stereotypical to highlight from his personal hobbies would be if he were caught playing spades with some friends on election night.
4. Obama’s Stimulus
Bill
. . . maybe not the bill you expected, but with the rising cost of food, jobs being lost and a president who never misses a chance to brand himself we all should have seen this one coming. I wonder if this gives you an extra discount on “black” foods like watermelon and chicken. (O.K., forget I said that.)
3. Obama Fried Chicken
Speaking of chicken (lol), well what do you know – seems like the president in cashing in on the community. Obama Fried Chicken, right in my neighborhood here in New York City. (Really. I couldn’t make this up even if I tried.) True to Obama’s diplomacy, it seems like the store offers Gyros for Greeks, Bagels for Jews, Pizza for Italians, and Halal meats for Middle Easterners.
2. The Gift of Music
I put this one high on my list of favorites because Obama actually brought this on himself. Since it seems to be well established that black people love music, Obama decided to share the love by giving the Queen of England an iPod as a gift. WHAT! LOL! It’s hard to imagine how folks get along in life without some back-in-tha-day tunes but Obama won’t have it. The jury is still out as to whether it was pre-loaded with some old school love jams and Motown favorites. But it did seem to include a few of his best talks. Now that’s one confident man who could do that! And speaking of confidence…
1. Swagger Like Barack
John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and
Barack Obama all die and go to heaven. God looks down from his throne and asks McCain, “Do you think you deserve to be in heaven?”McCain takes a breath and then replies, “Well, I think so because I was a great leader and tried to follow the words in your great book.” God looks down and then says, “You can sit to my left side.”
So, McCain takes his seat and then God asks the same question to Hillary, “Do you think you deserve to be in heaven?” Hillary thinks for a second and then replies, “I think so because I have been fighting for the rights of so many people for so long.” God again looks down and this time says, “You can sit to my right side.”
Finally God turns to
Barack Obama and asks, “Do you think you deserve to be in heaven?”
Obama smiled and replied, “I think you’re in my seat.”
Alot of people (mostly white) think Obama has a “God complex”. But it’s not a complex at all – it’s swagger! Swagger is a subtle thing that many people who are not black don’t seem to get. (Sorry.) Swagger is about one thing: respect. Rest assured, if President Obama feels disrespected, he will find himself dodging the “angry black man” bullet.
Check out this interesting article: “Cartoonists Tread Lightly When Drawing Obama”
I do not see how anyone could look at these cartoons and jokes and not find at least one of them funny. Some of them may have been a little touchier than others, but there was humor in each joke. People should not be so uptight about political humor because they are only jokes. Yeah, race is the main point behind these jokes but there is no point in getting irate. I am a black male and I find these jokes to be moderately funny, only because I am hard to please. For those that are black and take offense to some of these jokes, that is fine. It’s perfectly natural to have reactions of skepticism or slight irritation. But there is no point in get enraged at the jokes because there is nothing you can do about it. Of course you can complain and bicker with the artists, but who is to say that the artists are intentionally being offensive? There is no sense in getting angry at something that should be taken lightly. I personally found the one about Obama and basketball to be the funniest. Besides the fact that there is a stereotype about blacks and basketball, we have all held witness to Obama playing basketball on the news. It’s even funnier that the men that played with Obama said he was actually good. For those that have played pick-up games, we know the tradition of calling in for the next game. The picture says “Obama got next”. This was, overall, a hilarious piece.
For those that thought the joke with Obama’s picture on a food stamp would be slightly offensive, you were right. It pinched a nerve, but my reaction was not one of anger or bitterness. I’m at a loss for words for this one, because it was a little unnecessary. The cartoon in the posted link with the cops shooting the chimpanzee was even worse. No, I was not offended per se, but that cartoon was totally uncalled for. Equating our president to a chimp is sending the message that he is an animal that cannot do his job properly. Yeah we have chimps flying space ships, but being chief of state is not the same. And frankly, the idea of equating blacks to chimps and gorillas is hackneyed. The cartoonist even denies its reference to Obama. Now I don’t mind caricatures and neither should anyone else regardless of their race or ethnic origin. The whole point of caricatures is to exaggerate the features of the subject. And for those that think Obama is more white than black, where is the justification? People that grow up in more affluent environments should not be classified as having “white” behavior just because the majority of people that live in those neighborhoods are white.
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Here are my thoughts on the jokes: I think that some of them are hilarious and some I don’t think they are that funny, and some that I don’t really understand but I definitely do not find any of them offending whatsoever. The joke that said that all black people play basketball is funny because there are a lot of tall black guys, and most of the black guys that I know do play basketball. So it may be a stereotype but it is one that has a lot of truth to it. The one thing that I do not get is playing spades, because I do not know a lot of black people or any other people that play spades, unless it is at a casino or it’s a drinking game. As for the joke about Obama’s stimulus bill, I don’t think that this joke is all that funny. It might make sense to have food coupons since the cost of food is increasing, but I don’t think that would be the best option or idea to help stimulate the economy. I don’t necessarily think that watermelon and chicken are black foods, because I know a lot of people of other races that love watermelon and chicken. I know that black people love chicken, like really love chicken but that doesn’t mean that its black food. As for watermelon, I’m not so sure, but me personally I’m not really a fan of watermelon…but that’s just me. The joke about Obama’s fried chicken is funny because the restaurant wants to serve all different foods for all of the different races, so as to try to please everyone, which is want Obama is trying to do. It is true that black people do love music, although I think everyone loves music to some extent. I don’t necessarily think that it was such a good idea to give the Queen an iPod, but it is always good to be exposed to different music and learn the music of all the different cultures. The last joke about the swagger of Barack, I think is the most hilarious. I think that it’s funny Obama thinks he is equal to God, which he is most definitely not. You say that white people don’t understand what swagger is, and that may be true…well I am half black and I don’t totally understand it either. Maybe it’s the white in me that doesn’t understand it. As for the cartoon drawing of Obama, I think it’s ridiculous. I mean when you become President, you have to know that you will be criticized and also that people will make fun of you. I definitely feel that it is not a race issue, I know that past presidents have been criticized majorly, especially our last president. You just have to be able to take criticism and learn not to take everything seriously. People still don’t know what is offensive and what’s not, but if you don’t ask questions, then you will never know. The one thing that I don’t get is why are white people afraid of offending black people or other people of color, but people of color are not afraid of offending white people?
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If we can’t laugh at stereotypes and cartoons and jokes, what stick has been shoved up the ass of America? I think the fact that stereotypes are exactly that makes them funny. They generalize a group into characteristics which have become well know or popular for one reason or another. Some of these stereotypes come from the media, some come from prominent figures who display certain characteristics and some come from our countries segregated past. Sometimes jokes can cross a line and go from funny to offensive, but to the general population I think we can decide for ourselves when this line is crossed.
For example, on the blog earlier this semester there was a picture of the White House with a watermelon patch Photoshopped onto the front lawn; I think this picture may have crossed a line. While many black people may enjoy watermelon, I think the joke was harkening back to the Jim Crow past and minstrel black face shows of the late 19th and early 20th century where blacks were depicted as wide grinned and indulging themselves in watermelon. Obama basketball; this was funny because both the NBA and college basketball are dominated by black players, obviously they have a natural gift for this sport, and the fact that a dorky lawyer Ivy League type black man also likes basketball is just funny. Obama is no Lebron James or Michael Jordan, but he enjoys shooting hoops-funny.
Food stamps with Obama’s face on them doesn’t make me laugh because I feel that many poor black people see Obama as their savior and he is going to bring them out of poverty and make their world great-not going to happen. No matter what color the president is he can’t save people from themselves. You are in poverty for a reason, most likely because you got yourself there and no president is going to get you out of that situation, only you can do that to yourself. I remember when Obama was elected there was a clip on the news of a black woman saying “Obama is going to buy my gas and pay my mortgage for me”. Riiight lady, because George W. Bush bought me a pickup truck and a gun because he is a country boy. Obama may try to help the lower classes with tax cuts and health care but he can’t get people out of poverty with a magic wand as many of these people think he can.
And swagger like Barack? Yeah its funny becase black men are stereotyped to have an air about themselves and a swagger representing their cool. This “cool” combines all the style, rhythm and suave black musicians, actors and entertainers have portrayed for generations. However, I don’t see Obama haing a swagger like 50 Cent or T.I. I think his swagger is more comparable to Steve Urkel. Sorry Obama, but just because you are black doesn’t automatically make you cool. You are still as white as ever other Ivy League grad lawyer type who probably drives a BMW and enjoys wine and cheese parties with their friends. And the iPod for the queen of England, come on! The woman is like 85 years old! I bet she still can’t program her VCR, good luck ever getting her to use the iPod. But it was funny watching you try to be cool. I guess she didn’t want a signed picture of Barack and Michelle Obama like she gave them of herself and her husband.
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When the campaign process was in full swing in the fall, there were many posters hanging everywhere. There were pictures of McCain, pictures of Obama, and pictures of some other random candidate who no one has ever heard of. I, personally, did not hang up any posters, but many of my friends did, as well as many people in the building that I live in. So one day, I check my email and there is a mandatory floor meeting issued by our Resident Assistant (RA). Okay, so I go as well as my roommates. We get there and the entire meeting is about racism and the unfair treatment of people of color and people with disabilities here at Penn State. The RA proceeded to tell us that this school is racist and extremely unfair to individuals. After sitting through about two hours of why I am racist and need to change, I began to wonder what caused this meeting. It turns out someone drew on one of the Obama posters on the boy’s floor. Now, I am not quite sure to how extreme the “vandalism” took place (the RA would not go into much detail as to what was drawn on his face so it could have been extremely offensive to a fake mustache), but in any case, our RA took offense and held this meeting. One thing I have not mentioned was the fact that my RA is African American, so she may have taken personal offense to the fact that someone took a pen to Obama’s face. I believe that if the pen were taken to any other candidate’s face, an email would have been sent out saying that it is not nice to vandalize other people’s property.
The cartoonists should be allowed to distort the physical properties of celebrities. Why should Obama be an exception? All of the other candidates were made fun of. The cartoonist would be poking fun at the individual person and those particular set of traits, or the policies that person just passed. Okay, so the chimp cartoon was mean, and I can understand why people are upset over this particular cartoon. What I do not understand is why this anger is spread over the majority of political cartoons about Obama. I understand that some of these cartoons are truly offense, but honestly, people do need to lighten up a bit. In class lately, Sam has been showing a lot of comedians poking fun at different races. Chris Rock does an excellent job at poking fun at his own race and others. Whenever the camera pans towards the audience, everyone is laughing. Every race, ever color, and every gender is laughing. Is it funnier when the joke is told in person rather than in print? Is it more offensive in the news paper than when a comedian says it? I don’t get it.
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When I think about Barack Obama being the first black president of the United States, many jokes that I have heard come to mind. I was online a couple months ago, and I happened to look in my inbox and found that some one sent me the famous e-mail with the picture of the white house with watermelons lining the front yard. This joke is obviously making a racist joke about blacks liking to eat watermelons. Recently in my recitation, we talked about whether or not we thought jokes that poke fun at blacks are as offensive as the black community says they are. In my mind, I don’t think these jokes are extremely offensive, I just think they are immature jokes that should never be taken seriously. I have heard the typical “white men can’t jump” or “white men can’t dance” and I laugh at the joke. I laugh because I have realized that I am a white male and I can’t jump or dance very well. I am not saying that ALL white people can’t dance or jump and ALL blacks can, I just think it is funny because I fit the stereotype, and so do a lot of my friends. I’m sure there are black people who have heard these jokes like the watermelon joke and have laughed because they fit the stereotype. In my opinion, these jokes about stereotyping races are harmless, but some of them can offend anyone no matter their racial background. The picture of Barack Obama on the basketball court is harmless in my opinion because the stereotype is that black people play basketball. The same with the Obama fried chicken restaurant. All this is saying is that black people like to eat fried chicken. This is the same as someone saying Chinese people like to eat rice. I don’t see anything for anyone to get mad about in these harmless stereotypes. On the other hand, the food stamp picture is definitely offensive, because to me it is saying that all blacks are poor and need food stamps to survive. This stereotype is condescending towards a race, saying they are collectively poor, even the President of our country. As for the joke about Barack Obama, I don’t think that should be looked at as condescending either. I know this comparison is used a lot, but if this joke were told about a white president, I don’t think it would raise nearly as much trouble. This joke is not about blacks as a whole, but a personal joke about Barack Obama having a swagger. When it comes to stereotypical jokes, most shouldn’t be taken as offensive, but there are certain some that can definitely offend certain races for different reasons.
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I would like to start off by saying that I did not find any of the jokes in the article “What’s Funny About Obama…And What’s Not” the slightest bit offensive. After reading the introduction of the blog, I had prepared myself for the worst, expecting to cringe when I read the jokes; instead, I actually found myself laughing at all of them. Although each one of them was “stereotypical of the black race,” I don’t believe they were intended to offend or in any way be racist. In my opinion, the jokes were completely harmless and were intended to make everyone laugh, including the president. Barack Obama, just like every other previous president of the United States, is going to be a target for jokes the entire time he is in office. Political figures and people in power, especially the president, have always been and always will be targets for political cartoons. In the past, President Bush was ridiculed for his Texan accent and his decisions regarding the war in Iraq. In my opinion, those political cartoons seem to be far more offensive than any of the cartoons displayed in the blog. I believe that poking fun at President Obama, perhaps a man farthest away from a “black stereotype,” for his race is far less offensive then insulting him for his decisions that he has made in office.
For each joke in the blog, I read into them each a different way and found not one of them offensive. The first joke about Obama and basketball, although very stereotypical, is in no way racist. It is true; there are many black individuals that play basketball and because our president is black, the joke pokes at this notion. However, this joke should be taken as more of a compliment rather than a put down, for it makes reference to the vast amount of blacks who dominate the sport of basketball.
The second joke in the blog might come off to be racist when you first glance at it, but I in fact believe that with the rise of food costs and our poor economy that no matter what the race of our president, his face would have been on that picture. Food stamps are not just for blacks, again and that is where I feel like the stereotype comes in to play in this joke.
The third joke also touches on stereotypes, but actually pokes fun of multiple races instead. In this case, I feel as if no one should take offense to this joke, for it doesn’t favor or put down any race more than another.
The last joke about the IPOD actually seems to compliment Obama’s trendy and up-beat style. Everyone enjoys listening to music, not just the black race.
In my opinion, when reading over each joke, the only one that I concluded to be in any way racist was the one in the “Cartoonists tread lightly when drawing Obama” article about the stimulus bill. When I first looked at the cartoon, I saw the image of the chimpanzee, and knowing that monkeys used to represent the black race in the past in political cartoons, I immediately thought that the cartoon was racist. However, after reading over the explanation that the cartoonist later gave, I realized that it was not in any way intended to offend anyone from the black race. Although I do believe that people need to be more informed about what these political jokes mean before they jump to any conclusions, I also believe that cartoonists do need to be more careful with what they put in their cartoons.
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I think the reason many black people are so offended by political cartoons is because they have never been made fun of about race by white people before. Like the article said, many of the cartoonists working for these newspapers are white middle-aged men who probably don’t know what is offensive and what isn’t. It’s perfectly acceptable for Dave Chapelle to make fun of white people, but it’s not ok for these cartoonists to draw Obama’s big lips. Does this mean white people are just better at laughing at themselves? Are white people just not as sensitive? I don’t think so. In my opinion it goes back to the white guilt still felt by most of white America. If a black person makes a joke about “crackers” in a stand up routine, no white person will ever admit to being offended by it, because white people will either realize it’s a joke and let it go, or they’re just scared of black people thinking they’re just a “racist white guy”. Completely opposite to the reaction of white people, if a black person hears a joke made about race from a white person, many won’t hesitate to let that person know they’re out of line. Which reaction is better? Who’s right, the white person for letting the joke roll of their shoulder, or the black person for expressing how they feel? I’m not the one to decide how people are supposed to act, but in my opinion, there are way too many people worried about being politically correct in our society. Why should I walk on eggshells every time I talk about race? I’m a white person who thinks Dave Chapelle’s “cracker” jokes are just as funny as the jokes he makes about black people, but if I’m in a room of black people watching his stand-up routine, I would be scared to laugh at the black jokes he makes. I’m a racist if I laugh at welfare and fried chicken jokes, but when black people laugh at me for talking how I do (or doing whatever it is that us white people do that’s so funny) it’s fine. I just want people to stop being so concerned with defending themselves. Maybe black people are insecure with their lifestyle or some of the typically black things they do. That’s the only reason I can conceptualize for why someone would be so offended when someone else points out they eat a lot of fried chicken and watermelon. Back to the original point now…black America needs to realize that Obama is going to be drawn with big stereotypical black lips, and people are going to draw political cartoons of a watermelon patch on the lawn of the Whitehouse. It’s pretty similar to when people made fun of McCain for being very religious. Some people could take the stereotypical portrayals of Christians in McCain’s political cartoons just as seriously as Obama’s. Basically what I’m saying is that everyone needs to take a deep breath and realize a joke is joke. Ever heard of the saying that starts with “sticks and stones”? Some people seriously need to take that one to heart a little more.
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Offensive or funny? Is that a joke in itself? The only person I could see being offended by any of these jokes is Obama himself, and that is only if he thinks any of them are incredibly false or incredibly true. Why is it a problem that blacks are associated with fried chicken? Many blacks do eat fried chicken, and I appreciate how Sam said under the ‘Obama’s fried chicken stand’ that they offered stereotypical foods for other races as well. What I think is that the stereotypes came about for a reason, most likely because they are true to a great number of the race but if there was no negative connotation attached to the stereotype there wouldn’t be a problem. The other jokes that are in the blog are funny too. The basketball one… many black people do like to play basketball most likely including the President of the United States. The Ipod one is funny for the reason that Obama actually gave one to the Queen of England. Haha! That’s pretty funny if you ask me, but who could that possibly offend other than Obama thinking that maybe that was a dumb idea after the fact. I also liked what Sam said in the blog about people who get offended by these jokes just take themselves too seriously. I want to add to that and say that they probably take everything too seriously. I understand that some things should be taken seriously but why should jokes be taken anything but as a joke? This blog and the article just have me keep asking why because although I understand that sometimes even I get offended if you just step back and try and see if that person is trying to offend you or is just joking you may find that there was nothing wrong with what they said. If they were attempting to offend you and they succeeded then basically you just lost. Be strong, even if that means strong enough to take a joke. The article with the cartoonists showed that many of the cartoonists need to have a good sense of humor. And I could certainly see that they are making fun of people when they actually like them, and if they would just leave them be if they didn’t care about them. Overall I just think that a sense of humor is completely necessary in order for us to have a race talk or any other talk in order to not get offended so easily.
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I think it is expected that people will make fun off of Barack Obama, he is the president and every recent president has had jokes thrown at their. Usually is in cartoon, their most prominent features are exaggerated, as Bush looking like a monkey and so forth. It is obvious that Barack Obama’s most prominent feature, compared to every other president, is the color of his skin, thus it is expected that it will the butt of most jokes. He went into office knowing that and so did the people of this nation. I think that jokes can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways. Thus it is very difficult to determine if a joke or funny comment about a race is socially progressive or just plain racist. I definitely think that a lot of it has to do who presents the joke and what their view is. Obviously if a comedian who is clearly not racist is making fun of typical stereotypes, then it is funny. If however during a family dinner your conservative grandfather makes a joke about black people, it is clearly racist. I think that with every joke, the situation and conditions surrounding needs to be considered. Obviously this is a lot to think about, so most people including me do not really think about it and just laugh at the joke or comment or take offense to it.
This also brings about another big topic among race relations; the use of racial slurs. Why is it ok to say the n word among African Americans and not among other races? Or why do other races find such offense to the word while others use it so loosely? It is intriguing how people react to words with such negative connotation. I understand why a word may be ok to share among the race it makes fun of, but what type of people from other races decide when it is ok to use it. I think that people give words too much meaning. I understand when a person may find a derogative racial comment offensive, such a person who may say it rudely, but if someone just says it as a joke, a person should realize not to take it so offensively. Again, it is like racial jokes, it depends on the situation and conditions that surrounding the racial comment. I grew up with white people who used to throw the n word around in daily conversation. At first I used to find it very offensive, but I just became desensitized to it. I do think that racial derogative terms are offensive, but only when it is meant to me. Jokes and racial slurs can be used as either a friendly conversation or offensive racist comment depending on the situation.
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It’s sometimes difficult to establish an appropriate line over which not to cross when satirizing people. It seems to have a lot to do with whom you are talking, or to whom you are talking in the case of public satire. When making fun of someone who belongs to a majority group (like Bush – he is White and Protestant), it seems much more difficult to cross any lines. Richard Nixon often was drawn with an enormous nose, which is another physical feature shared by a large enough portion of people that it fails to inflict any real emotional damage. With a black man in the Presidency, a new wave of concern has erupted in terms of satirical matters. Because black people have experienced so much racism and unequal treatment in this country overtime, we feel obliged to give special attention and unequivocal concern to their feelings. Poking fun at the physical features associated with Obama’s race would wreak havoc in the black community. It’s impossible to separate the concept of simple fun from larger matters of racism and of Obama being the first black man in the White House. It’s a shame that in trying to give equal treatment to people of all races, we end up flipping the race card so far that blacks receive special treatment, or at least more care and concern with joking matters. How do we find a delicate balance between fun and serious, play talk and implications in historical racism?
I’m not sure if Obama giving the Queen of England the gift of an ipod has anything at all to do with race. People of all races enjoy music (although black people do outwardly celebrate it a bit more – I actually envy this!).
I love that Obama was elected to the Presidency for many reasons. But at the top of the list are not reasons related to campaign promises, the economy, or any other political concern for that matter. I like him because he emits a confidence that really can only be described with one word: swagger! I didn’t even know this word existed until about a year ago, which is really funny because I now realize that black artists have used it in their lyrics for many years. I wonder how I ever survived without it! It is now one of the number one qualities I desire in a man! Obama doesn’t seem as distant as past Presidents; even though I have next to nothing in common with him, I still feel like I connect with him. I have had no desire to meet any previous President because I would not have known what to say. Meeting Obama, on the other hand, would be amazing because he possesses qualities of average people. This is why I think that his “special Olympics” comment slip on Jay Leno is funny and no big deal. He is an average guy with an amazing education and talent. Why do we find a need to make our Presidents into some kind of Super-being? I LIKE that is down to earth and that he has swag! How attractive.
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The fact that President Barack Obama is black does make it difficult to make fun of him in political cartoons while not crossing the line. Our society would be quick to deem a cartoon racist if it contained any racial stereotypes of any sort. Stereotypes are usually funnier than a typical joke but this is only because the joke is at the expense of someone else. While some jokes are flat out racist like the monkey cartoon in the article it is unfortunate that all jokes about someone of a race need to be lumped into the racist category. I can understand the frustration of cartoonist not knowing what will be considered racist or not racist. It makes it particularly hard for them to keep their jobs if none of their jokes are funny simply because they are “obeying the rules.” While I agree it would be better for race relations for jokes about people of color to be accepted I do not think this will happen any time soon. It is a bit much to ask of a certain ethnicity to “take a joke.” When someone is offended it is difficult to explain to them what you actually meant because at that point they are more unwilling to see your opinion. George Bush was often depicted as a monkey but if Barack Obama were ever depicted as a monkey there would be an outrage. I am not saying this is wrong however society is not laid back enough as a whole to take a joke for what it is.
The jokes that Dr. Richards posted on the blog are quite hilarious to me. I could see how someone may interpret them as racist since they are all primarily based on black stereotypes. The problem I have with stereotypes is that aren’t they stereotype because there is some truth in them? Why would so many people agree that something is funny otherwise? Even so, it is easy to become offended when you are on the receiving end of a stereotype. I know the stereotypes for white people and I guess I fit a few of them but I never really take much offense to them because I can appreciate the humor. I think the line is drawn when someone mistakes a generalized joke for a personal shot directed at them. For instance the basketball Obama cartoon might offend black people who don’t play basketball and don’t want to see their race depicted as people who can only play basketball. If there was a cartoon of a white public figure playing golf (something I assume to be a white stereotype) I would not be offended simply because I understand that it is popular for white people to play golf. In my opinion the way someone takes a joke depends on their level of maturity and experience with other races. If someone is extremely close minded they are far more likely to be offended when a joke is directed at them as opposed to someone who is open minded and willing to hear others opinions.
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I feel like people making fun of the president is nothing new and therefore I don’t think that this should be such a big deal. I found pretty much all of the cartoons that were made about Obama funny. The cartoons are made as a joke and people need to just relax and not get all worked up about them. We live in a country where we have freedom of speech and press, so I don’t think that the people making fun of Obama are doing anything illegal.
We are also always talking about everyone being equal and having equal rights…. Pretty much all of the past presidents (which were all white) have been made fun of. So wouldn’t it be treating Obama as an equal if people made fun of him too? I just feel like if people really wanted to be treated as equal we cannot leave out the part where we make fun of the president. I don’t really care if the president is white or black or any other color, I highly doubt that people are ever going to stop making those cartoons.
I really don’t have much to say about the article since I don’t really feel as though those cartoonists are doing anything wrong. That is their job and if they don’t do their job then they will just become part of the growing unemployed people in America.
I also found those five jokes that were made about Obama pretty funny. For number five I think we all knew that something like that was going to be made. We all know that the NBA like other sports is dominated by black players. If I was black I would not take offense to that because I would be proud of my people being the best at basketball.
As far as the chicken one goes…. I really don’t think that anyone can say that they didn’t see that one coming for sure. Let’s face it, when people think of “black food” the first things that come to mind have to be chicken, watermelon and Kool aid. Just like I am sure that when people think of “Mexican food” they think of tacos and beans or anything that is spicy. And for white people, at least for me, the first thing that comes to my head is chicken noodle soup, pasta and bread. The fact is that these are all stereotypes that may or may not be true. (For the most part I think there is at least a little bit of truth to most stereotypes) regardless, we cannot be getting angry at people and at everything that makes fun of our color. Sometimes you just have to laugh about it and move on.
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I do not feel like any of those examples Sam provided were in any way offensive to Obama. Most of them were just representing either things he cannot help, like stereotypes associated with his race, or things that he willingly embraces. I thought Obama’s Fried Chicken was really funny; it was just someone utilizing their president’s cultural appeal. The iPod picture was good too. I think that it’s awesome that he gave the Queen of England an iPod as a gift, and even better if he preloaded Motown on it. This is one way that Obama differs from George Bush. We see him at basketball games and in Washington nightlife. He is just doing what is natural to him and that sometimes happens to coincide with racial stereotypes. The only example that actually had to do with his policy was the food coupon one. I don’t think this is in bad taste. We’re always going to hear criticisms on any president’s policies and this is probably one of the milder examples. As for the belief that he has a “God complex” I totally agree with Sam when he said that this is just swagger. That is just the kind of person Obama is. I do not think it’s overly cocky or obnoxious; it’s just kind of there. And if anyone deserves to swagger a little I think its Obama. Unlike many others with a “God complex”, he has proven himself a very intelligent man and respecting of other people. He shows confidence in his political life because that is what he is naturally good at. Personally I would rather see people poking fun of his love of music or his swagger rather than some of the things George Bush so often got made fun of for. A love of fried chicken is much better than speaking words that do not exist in the English language. Even if other people do get upset about some of these Obama jokes I think it’s good that you don’t hear Obama himself complaining about them. First of all, he definitely has more important things to worry about and second, if he did complain, he would be exactly like those people that take themselves too seriously. His confidence in himself and our country is just one of the reasons so many foreign countries find him pleasing. His recent European tour proved just that. I think that must foreign leaders see him as a well rounded man with an understanding personality. He can be loose and funny when the time calls for it, and he has also proven that not all US presidents are loud, boisterous cowboys. There may be some racial stereotypes that cross the line but I don’t think any of these ones did.
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I think that every president gets made fun of. They should expect it before they get sworn in. Maybe it should be written in the rules of presidency or something. I don’t think that cartoonists should have to tip toe around what characteristics they choose to exaggerate. Bush always had his big ears exaggerated, and then when it happens to Obama it is a racist comment. That’s why I think a lot of black people are just being way too sensitive with some of the things Obama is being made fun of about. We have to understand he is the first black president. He was going to be made fun of no matter what. Now they are just going to lean towards some of the stereotypes that we all know are just a joke.
With white people cartoonists are able to exaggerate whatever they want without being offensive to the person. It surprises me that cartoon artists are walking on eggshells while they are trying to do their work. I always thought artists liked to be edgy and cause a little controversy. I thought that meant they were doing a good job, but then all the sudden that changes when we get a black president. It doesn’t make sense to me that people are so scared to make jokes when that’s what they do for a living. When a cartoonist drew me they exaggerated my big Italian nose and my small teeth. I did not get offended at all. He also exaggerated my Chinese friend’s slanted eyes. That was not a problem for her at all. I think this is because we both have a sense of humor and that is what more people need especially nowadays when everyone is coming together. A sense of humor bonds people a lot of the time.
I think that the one cartoon artist should have admitted to his cartoon being about Obama instead of denying it. “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” With a caption like that how can he even say it is about a chimp that cops shot to death? I feel like that makes the cartoon artist look back that he is trying to get out of a funny joke. It seems like he is admitting to doing wrong when I don’t think he did anything wrong. He made a joke about the president. Claim it.
I thought the funniest part of this blog was the joke about Obama having a “god” complex. I don’t really see this in Obama at all. I think this is the only thing attacking Obama’s personality traits. He is a good man, and is well respected in our society, as he should be.
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This blog seems to center itself around one thing; stereotypes. Each joke represents a different idea that has been associated with African Americans throughout the history of our country. Although there are stereotypes made about every single type of person or group, for some reason, it seems people are most afraid to joke about the stereotypes that have formed about the African American population. We don’t hear much about white people taking great offense to a joke created about a ‘white person stereotype’. However, when making jokes about ‘black person stereotypes’, I feel there is definitely a fine line that people do not want to cross. However, what I don’t understand is why black people take so much more offense to jokes than do white people. Is it because they have become to accustomed to being defensive of their race? Is it because they have for so long been targeted with racist comments and acts? Is it just in their nature to be defensive?
Maybe so. However, seeing as our country is rapidly moving, or trying to move, towards a more equal atmosphere among the races, I feel black people should not feel as threatened or defensive of their race and jokes made about their race. If they continue to feel and act this way, they will never accept the fact that many people in our country are trying to move past the issue of racism and anything that is tied to it. If we are to ever be equal, we cannot continue to worry about offending one group more than another by merely making harmless jokes. Yes, there are many black people in the NBA. Good for them! That’s a great accomplishment. It’s a fact; many black men are better basketball players than many white men. However, there is a mixture of both of them in the league. In my opinion, black people have no reason to take offense to the joke about Obama being a basketball player. Yes, it is a stereotype; but a harmless one at that. The food stamps joke is a little more controversial, because it is not so much funny as it is offensive. No matter what race it is a stereotype for; the joke is not very funny. Many people struggle to make ends meet, of both black and white backgrounds. As for chicken joke- it’s a food. It’s a stereotype that black people like chicken. I do not see that as offensive in any way, shape, or form. As for Obama’s God complex, just because he is the first black President doesn’t mean he automatically sees himself as one of God’s equals. Does that mean every leader who has achieved a life-changing revolution sees him- or herself as equal to God? No. These jokes are mostly funny, and the ones that aren’t are not nearly offensive enough for people to get very upset over, in my opinion. There will always be stereotypes, that’s a fact. The question is whether or not we will continue to read into them and let them affect our lives in the way they have in the past.
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Reading through the black/presidential jokes posted on Sam’s blog, I can’t say that I found a single one to be remotely offensive. I am also a white male, so I guess I don’t see and interpret these jokes in the same light that African Americans do, but if I were black or African American, I am pretty confident that I would not find these offensive. Yesterday in my race relations discussion group, I was asked what is something that someone could say to you that would offend you. I sat in my desk for a good minute or two pondering this question that I had never really thought about, and couldn’t come up with a single thing that would offend me. I could think of plenty of things that would undoubtedly insult me, but not a single one that could offend me. I came to the conclusion that that is a positive thing, and I guess reflects my personality. I don’t think that it means that I am not passionate about things, just that I don’t care enough what people think about me for me to get offended. I personally think it is stupid for people to get offended or even upset over the jokes that are circulating regarding the president and his race. Every president is made fun of, its American culture to make fun of the commander and chief and has never been a problem in the past. But now that we have a black president people are getting all bent out of shape over racial jokes. No one was worried about crossing the line when bashing President Bush, and in my opinion he had it way worse than Obama does. It would be racist to hold back or screen the presidential jokes, just because we have a black president and are worried about offending. If the jokes in this blog offend you, or any jokes regarding the president and his race, either don’t read them or lighten up a bit. Almost every joke made regarding the president is made to ridicule him. With president Bush, the jokes were directed towards his intelligence, with Clinton, his sex life, and now that we have a black president, the easiest thing to go after is his race. If you analyze these three points of ridicule, you will see that both intelligence and sex life are attributed to ones personality or character, whereas race is something that one is born with and cannot alter. Unless your Michael Jackson. So basically if all critics can come up with to poke fun at is Obama’s race, than he must be at the very least pretty intelligent and lead a normal sex life. The jokes aren’t made to offend either, there fashioned in good fun and designed to give people a good laugh.
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As I read Professor Richards’ post, “What’s Funny About Obama … And What’s Not,” I thought to myself … cough cough … Excuse me … cough cough cough … I’m so sorry … cough … Phew, sorry about that … I was just choking on irony for a second there. Where was I? Oh, right. So, as I read the post, I thought to myself how some people (not Professor Richards) can be so hypocritical at times. If I remember correctly, the president before Barack Obama (yes, we had presidents before The Chosen One took office) was the subject of many, many, many jokes — in fact, Will Ferrell might owe that guy, at the very least, a thank you note for jumpstarting his career and maybe even a residual check or two whenever his Broadway special airs on HBO. Seriously, though, George W. Bush was criticized, ridiculed, slandered, libeled, and demonized – I think someone threw a shoe at him at one point too (Quick sidebar: Who throws a shoe? Honestly.) – by everyone under the sun, most especially political pundits, media critics, and comedians who made a living out of slamming our Commander-in-Chief. He was called an idiot, moron and buffoon, or even worse, a liar, terrorist and murderer. Underneath my ramblings and irrelevant asides is my point that being president does not provide the immunity to being the butt of jokes. I completely disagree with people who, this year, feel President Obama should not be made fun of simply because he is the president BUT had no problem when George W. Bush’s facial expressions were compared to the facial expressions of a monkey last year. Regardless of your political affiliation or whether you feel warranted – for whatever reason – in labeling George W. Bush as a terrorist or murderer, we all have to revert back to what we learned in kindergarten and agree that there is a line when you make someone the object of a joke. Having said that, I completely agree that any and all jokes about President Obama should be devoid of any racial elements that are inherently malicious and demeaning. Obviously, there is no color-coded guide to use when determining if a joke is racially charged in a negative way because, as Professor Richards’ mentions, something funny to one person may not be so funny to another person. In regards to the first four examples included in the post, any rational person can pick out which ones are meant to be funny and which ones are disguised as funny but meant to hurtful. As for the joke at the very end of the post, I agree that President Obama has a “God complex.” But this complex is not portrayed by him at all; it is portrayed by the media’s representation of him. In reality, I imagine the president naturally conveys a swagger and confidence. Unfortunately, through the lens of the liberal media, his swagger and confidence is overemphasized and overblown to transform an extraordinary, yet down-to-Earth, man into this caricature of a “Holier-than-Thou” egomaniac.
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When I first started reading this article, I figured that the making fun of Obama would be a page full of racist jokes. However, I did “LMFAO” because it was carefree joking. There’s a fine line between being funny and being offensive, and in no way do I think that these images were offending to Obama, or anyone else. There are definitely more sensitive people who affected more, however I don’t think our President should be part of that group. If you think about it, these images are definitely not the worst things he’s heard people say towards him. These remarks are non-threatening and just poke fun at him.
The first thing that I thought of was something my brother told me years back, “There aren’t very many funny jokes when you aren’t making fun of someone”. At first I thought that was just untrue and he was being immature. However, now I completely agree with it. That does not mean that it’s mean sayings, but it’s lighthearted fun. Also, if you truly do think about it, you’re either going to get upset, or laugh about it when you hear these jokes. Therefore, there’s even more of an incentive to take it as a joke. Also, although it may be difficult to see, there may be a positive side to some of these images. For example, the Obama basketball picture, may in fact, be something that he, and African Americans, should take as a compliment. Everyone knows that they are, in general, much, much better basketball players. It is definitely inferring that he would automatically be a good player because he is part African American, however who wouldn’t want that image? I don’t think I would be mad if I was ever put in that position. It would be completely different if Obama was being imposed as something in a negative aspect. If you think about it, the seafood restaurant and the Ipod picture are just normal, everyday things. As Sam said in the article, there are many ethnicities and religions that are known for specific food types. So, what’s the big deal?
But, would I feel different if I were in Obama’s shoes? Possibly. It’s easy to see the “fun, joking side” perspective, however if you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you may see the other perspectives. Things may not be so funny when all the attention is on you. However, in the end, I think you have control over how sensitive you are, and if you are going to let things upset you. So, the ball is in your court. I’m pretty sure Obama is laughing as we speak.
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The jokes in this article were quite stereotypical, but funny and I don’t really see how they can be taken offensively. None of them were that terrible that anyone should get caught up in them. (1) Obama plays basketball. Lots of black people play basketball. Frankly if I were black I would take this as a compliment because they typically dominate the basketball court. We should probably change the stereotype to “All black people play basketball, and kick all our asses in it too.” I don’t see what’s wrong with the joke at all. (2) What’s wrong with having to use food stamps? Yes, there are a lot of black people that use food stamps I am sure, but also, being an employee at a supermarket in a pretty diverse area, I’ve seen tons of white people use food stamps too. (3) Now, Obama Fried Chicken? This to me is hilarious. Did the restaurant have to get permission to name themselves that? If so, this joke was brought on by Obama himself. Plus, I’m sure if we did some sort of survey, just as many white people probably like fried chicken as black people do. I really never have understood the stereotype that all black people like fried chicken to be honest. It’s food. Everyone eats it. So don’t get too bent out of shape people, geez. (4) My only comment about Obama giving Queen Elizabeth an iPod is that it was pretty illogical but funny just the same. Also, is that a well established fact? That black people really like music more than white people? Or Asian people? Or Native Americans? This comes to a surprise to me since I would probably bet that most people in general, love, or at least like music. Now if Obama gave Queen Elizabeth an iPod that came with 50 Cent, John Legend, and any other black artist you can imagined, pre-synced onto it, then that may be a little stereotypical. And last but not least, (5) I don’t really understand this joke I guess. Although so far I have noticed that Obama seems to be a little more kind-hearted than some previous presidents, “God complex” may be a little excessive. He’s a nice guy. He’s a chill guy (from what I’ve seen on TV) There are plenty of nice guys in the world that want to help the less fortunate – they just don’t happen to be president, and therefore not in the spotlight. Either way, I really just don’t understand this joke.
And for the article about the cartoonist, even as a white female, I do find the one cartoon with the chimpanzee offensive. It’s widely known that a racial slur for a black person is a “monkey,” so why, no matter what party you are for, would you think it was acceptable to publish such a cartoon. A monkey with 2 bullet holes in him, clearly representing our president? This is a little ridiculous and offensive. But they apologized, so what can we really do?
Anyway, black jokes, white jokes, asian jokes – I think they’re all funny if you can keep a good mindset about them. They weren’t truly meant to offend and at sometime or another, everyone has a joke made about them. Plus, if these jokes were stated by Chris Rock or Dave Chappelle, I’d be willing to bet a lot less people would be complaining.
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Cartoonists make a living out of depicting others in a way that is funny, by exaggerating features or characteristics. Cartoonists do this in order to make them appear in a humorous way to the audience that they are trying to reach. Did the artist (Sean Delonas) that drew the cartoon depicting two cops shooting a monkey with the caption, “They’ll have to Find Someone Else to Write the Next Stimulus Bill” that appeared in the New York Post go too far? The artist indicates that the picture refers to the chimp that was shot to death by police after it mauled a friend of its owners, but it leads the audience to believe that it is comparing President Obama to a chimpanzee. Cartoonists are going to poke holes and fun at Presidents or political figures, no matter their race, because it is what they do for a living. The real question is, is this a matter of the audience or the artist making this cartoon about race? With the election of the first African American President, an issue is created for the cartoonist, which is how do I create a funny picture without having the subject matter be called out as being racist? This is clearly indicated by Alcaraz’s comment, “I try to bend over backwards not to make him (Obama) look like a cartoon stereotype, and certainly not a racial stereotype.” Regardless of what the cartoonists are trying to depict in one way or another to the audience it becomes a stereotype.
When the subject matter becomes a stereotype it needlessly offends someone,, which results in reactions similar to the outcry that erupted after the New York Post released the cartoon depicting the officers killing the chimpanzee. Clearly this isn’t the first time that a president’s features have been embellished to make the subject appear funny an example of this is the use of a large cartoon nose on Nixon, and portraying George W. Bush as a simpleton.
However, because of the color of President Obama’s skin, cartoonists are required to tread gently, in the way they create cartoons. For if they don’t it could cause them trouble for the line between funny and racism is very unclear. In reaction to the 200 protestors not in agreement with this cartoon, the New York Post published an apology to all those were offended.
Although we as individuals have the right to be offended doesn’t the artist have the right to free speech through their work even if it was offensive? I am not saying that depicting President Obama in ways that seem to be offending individuals is correct, but where does one define the line of what is funny and what is just clearly offensive? Does it depend on the person’s individual exposure of race within their life?
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I thought the jokes were funny if I was into politics but I’m not; I think these jokes were bound to happen sooner than later. The stereotypes of Black people are there and Barack skin color is Black, so that is why the jokes will be funny to others. But I don’t understand why everyone keeps “poking” at his African American/Black side or skin color, he is also White and no one is “poking” at that side of him. Even though I don’t find the jokes as “offensive” others might, these jokes show that some people have no respect for the half Black president. I think they went over the line when they said the “stimulus bill” was food stamps, saying all Blacks use food stamps, when in all reality they don’t. A lot of White people use food stamps but the people only targeted this joke at Black people. This I think was too much and a little offensive. The other jokes like “all Black people play basketball” and “all Black people listen to music” really don’t matter or offend anyone. Not every Black person love watermelon and fried chicken but that joke really didn’t offend me because I could see a store like that on the corner in NYC. Just because a lot of Black people were happy that it was a Black president finally, so they wanted to show their respect. I don’t think it’s nothing wrong with a little joke here and there because everyone needs a little laughter, but it’s the fact when some jokes go overboard. I don’t take things seriously because if we do it will only end up in violence. I laugh off everything so that I will not have build up stress. In the other article about the comics, I didn’t feel any offense to that comic because that is what comics are supposed to do to make a living. Sam’s countdown is the thing that I think people will have a problem with. I feel as though Sam is only making it seem like Black people are the only ones who like these tings he listed, he is trying to make the White people feel as though they have something on Black people. Everyone who posted their responses to this blog I would bet that all of the White people found the jokes to be funny and majority of the Black students found it not funny but not offensive either. These stereotypes are ones that we are already used to. I feel like people need to get something else to target Barack with because these racial jokes are getting a little old and tiring. It makes no sense that people have nothing else to target at Barack but his African American side, get at his White side now! So we Black people can have something to laugh at.
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I find these jokes about Obama and all other presidents humorous and entertaining—but I am also a white female. I do not understand why people get so offended by jokes that are only supposed to be in good humor. Everyone who takes these jokes seriously and finds them offensive, in my eyes, needs to lighten up a little bit. People today need to understand that jokes are meant to make people laugh, and everyone gets made fun of too…especially presidents and other powerful or famous people. I understand that I am not the minority and do not understand exactly what they’re going through when they’re made fun of, but my race gets made fun of as well and I find it all in good fun. People’s careers are filled with politically related circumstances, some being to taunt and ridicule others—but that’s life, their life. I think that this article was another example of people playing the race card. Immediately after individuals saw the chimpanzee being shot by police in the cartoon, they assumed it was symbolizing black people…they immediately jump to conclusions. When the cartoonist was drawing Obama, the student said “he has big lips,” and immediately he refrained from drawing them because he was scared he was going to get badgered with racial slurs. I think it is ridiculous that cartoonists are refraining from drawing exaggerated features on Barack Obama. The whole point of the illustrations is to exaggerate features, and everyone who gets a caricature drawn of them knows this. Too much thought is put into racial issues these days, such as racial profiling, racial advertising, etc. I don’t think the correct thing to do is just to forget about race—in fact I think that is impossible. What I do wish is that people would stop putting such a big weight on race, and stop revolving everything around it. I don’t think that the solution to racism would be for society to stop labeling people as “white” or “black” or any other color, because then the world would have no diversity and everyone would be the “same.” I see no honesty in that perspective. Instead, I think everyone needs to act on racism and inequality, and they themselves have to personally break down barriers and help to provide equal opportunities for all. Yeah, this goal is long-fetch and I do not believe that it will be accomplished in our lifetime. But if everyone works on it then I do not see what harm could be done. It is sad to see that something that is such a huge issue and has such a big impact on everyone’s lives is something that everyone is scared to talk about or confront issues about. Maybe this whole world is just one big coward.
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When I first read the predictable jokes about Obama I thought they were really funny. Of course, none of them were to be taken seriously; they are all just in good fun. Many of them are stereotypical such as the food stamp one or the basketball one. How many times have we heard that tall black guys are good at basketball? My roommate’s boyfriend is tall and black and I can not tell you how many times we will all go out together and people will ask him what sport he plays. Normally, people assume he plays basketball and during basketball season he was constantly get asked the score of previous games and etc. I always just thought it was kind of funny how most people just assume these things. That is why when I saw the picture of Obama playing basketball I just laughed. The picture of Obama’s stimulus bill could of probably been offensive to some people (along with the other pictures). But, the picture that I found the most funny and unbelievable was the one with the Obama Fried Chicken restaurant in New York City. The first thing that basically came to mind was, “seriously.” I could not believe that someone would actually think to name their restaurant that and think that people would take them seriously. Most interesting was how they made sure to supply food for all ethnic preference, such as pizza for Italians, and gyros for Greeks etc. Finally, the picture of Obama and the iPod promotes the stereotype that black people love to listen to music. Apparently Obama decided to give the Queen of England an iPod as a gift (which I was unaware of). But honestly, by giving the Queen of England an iPod he was definitely asking for it.
I do not find any of these jokes offensive because they are the stereotypical jokes that always surround black people (it’s not like anything they have not heard before). Besides, they are not being discriminated against since every race and ethnic background has typical jokes and stigmas that are always said. Plus, all presidents are always made fun of in some sort of way especially when they are in the oval office or during the elections. John McCacin, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, George Bush and etc. have all had jokes that made fun of them in some sort of way. Therefore, I think that if Obama saw any of them he would laugh and shrug it off and realize that they are not meant to be serious. So basically, I thought that all of these jokes were funny about Obama and were just trying to provoke laughter and not discrimination or racial slurs.
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This article was very intriguing to me because it raises the question of whether or not something is funny or offensive. Especially when it comes to black people things like this can get touchy and uncomfortable. But is it like that for everyone? Most people that I know are able to look at themselves or realize the hilarity of life and move on. I mean if you can’t laugh at yourself then what can you laugh at? I think it is all about setting your ego aside and not being so serious all the time. I feel that black people in particular are more sensitive in this area then other people. Because when I talk to my Jewish friends they crack jokes at themselves all the time and I would chip in or we would laugh about something else. The same with all my other friends that have different backgrounds, we acknowledge our differences or quirks and move on. But I have noticed with black people it is a more us and them mentality. That if a white person, asian, or someone make a black joke, they get offended or defensive. But latter among themselves, the black people will say the same joke and it will be received with laughter and praise. I find this very hypercritical of black people, as if they are purposely trying to make a big thing out of nothing simply they know that they can. Like taking advantage of peoples good nature just to scorn people that were trying to connect with them and make light of our differences in the first place. But everyone is different and what might offend one person might not offend another, I don’t know where this line is but I guess that we as a culture are the ones with this power and determine the implications of its use. But personally I don’t see the harm with any of the examples used in the article. I mean let’s be honest, for the sake of being politically correct we say that we are all the same but deep down we know the truth. I mean isn’t it also offensive that Notre Dame call themselves the fighting Irish, as implying that all Irish are violent or barbaric. Or that every image of Italians is of them owning a restaurant or cooking? What I think is that maybe these stereotypes are just that, but these generalizations are just things that make each of our cultures different and we should acknowledge these differences, maybe not indulge in them but embrace them as something that is their own. Once we can see these differences and move on with life and not draw the battle lines we will be okay.
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Jokes are jokes, and that’s the bottom line. Sure, they can cross the line, but it’s only when things are taken so seriously that they turn into a controversies. They play off of stereotypes, they are parodies, I don’t feel they were made with racist intentions. I actually think it is ridiculous that the Ipod / Itunes parody was considered racist or crossing the line. That silhouette against the fluorescent background with the very notable white headphones is a cultural icon. I hardly doubt this was made because “ black people love music.” I find myself not even considering that a stereotype. Maybe that stems from the whole rhythm thing. But when I think of someone who loves music, I think of that kid wearing the huge headphones and horn-rimmed glasses with skinny jeans and a flannel shirt, usually a little goatee. But that’s just me, and how I grew up. That ipod commercial is something I believe the farther thing from racism. As an advertising phenomenon, I would be honored to be featured in something like that. And while that may not be a true advertisement form the Apple Company, it is still a cultural icon. Something that we all know and recognize. I highly doubt he was featured in that because he was black and all black people love music. In the actual campaign I know there is a girl with an afro featured. Now this maybe a white or Hispanic girl, but an afro is something general associated with African Americans. There was not an uproar when that campaign came out, saying, “oh they featured a black woman in these advertisements, they’re racists!” No, because that is just ridiculous. I agree that some jokes can cross the line, but I feel like people just need to relax. I would say nine times out of ten people say things and don’t mean them seriously, hence they are jokes. Sure, you will always get that one asshole who means it. But most people make jokes out of ignorance. And then people of color get mad, then the white people get scared, and the list goes on and on, and then people of color wonder why white people don’t know anything about their culture. The only one of those cartoon that I can understand why people could have taken offense, was the food stamp one. However, I still do not think that the food stamp joke was made to say that, only black people use food stamps and welfare. I think it was just a joke on what Obama is doing with the situation. If there were something about how they could only be used to buy “black food” like watermelon and chicken, like Sam joking said, I would consider it offensive.
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I want to start this response by first saying that I am a very sarcastic person who loves to joke around. Making jokes is almost a past time of mine and I make fun of many different things that may invoke some offense from some people. However, there is a massive chuck of what I say that take myself as the butt of the joke. These to me are some of my funniest material. A person might ask, “But how can you find it amusing to make fun of yourself?” The fact is that making fun of yourself is the some of the easiest material you can do. Who knows you better than yourself? Who’s not afraid to say things about themselves? And most importantly, who could possibly get offended if you crack a joke about yourself? That is where I want to draw my main point. This silly word known as: offense. Why do people get offended? If sit down and blatantly make fun of you, picking at your every flaw with no worry how you may feel, you have every right to be offended think of me however suits you best. However, if someone lightly jokes with you and makes a pun from one of your key traits, you have nothing to be upset about. Personally, I think that means something if someone either pays that much attention to you or simply knows that much about you that they can do that. The strongest a person can become is when they recognize their weaknesses. To take that further, if you openly admit to these weaknesses and otherwise poke fun at them you are virtually invincible. How could a person possibly hurt you if you openly admit each and every one of your flaws? It is impossible. My response to comics who make a living making fun of important and powerful people: keep up the good work! I think we the people need to keep our “leaders” on their toes. Honestly, if they received no criticism whatsoever from the people, they would do absolutely everything they please. Virtually nothing could stop them. Here’s where I am going to connect to those people who do indeed get offended at certain jokes. There is a type of joke that is acceptable and relevant, and then there is that joke which is created with the sole purpose to hurt and destroy. Each of these pictures/jokes in the blog I found rather funny. Even if you were slightly offended, you have to at least see why people can laugh at that. However, I am a man who has seen many things. Although I am white, I have seen racism to many extremes. Many of my friends have personally gone through such things and I can almost personally connect. With this position of mine, I can see both sides of the table. There is certainly a “line” that should not be crossed when trying to find humor in certain circumstances. Basically, it is funny to play with race and push the limits. However, there are those who indeed put material out there with the intention of provoking racial injustice rather than pertaining to humorous subjects. Overall, what I want to say is that people should lighten up. Look into yourself and find you weakest parts. Then joke about them. Only then are you truly untouchable. Also to those who are only interested in “bringing down the lesser race.” Don’t associate yourselves with the good man and those who are only trying to entertain. People must differentiate between these two sorts of things. The reality is though, becoming upset does no good. Pointless outrage helps nobody. Absorb what you can, attack what you must, and as the golden rule says: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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No one in the corner got swagger like us! Forget that last statement. Lol Okay let’s go in descending order with these pictures. Barack and Basketball: personally, I feel like that’s a given. I’ve seen that stereotype with black people so often that it really doesn’t mean much to me. On top of that, I feel like I’ve heard Obama shooting hoops with someone. Maybe that’s just my imagination but anyway. That’s a common typical stereotype: All black people play basketball. Big woopty do. Obama’s Stimulus Bill: IGNORANT! Not all black people are on welfare, for the record. Supposed it, majority of people on welfare are white. Or non-black I would think. Who knows. But honestly, this ad started to get a little offensive. Obama fried chicken? Actually, I’d put this ad as number 4 then number 3. But I must admit, ignorant things like this kind of makes me chuckle because it’s stupid. Was that a real store? Or did someone just graphically fix that? I would actually like to roll in there one day. The iPod ad, I didn’t get why it was so offensive. I just feel like that was a forced stereotype because all people like music. Maybe it would be a little different if the ad was headphones and a gold chain shimmering through, maybe even some grills who knows. But that ad was kind of… dumb. But wow, the Queen of England got an iPod… shit, can I get one? Mine’s all run down and broken. But that’s cute, I guess. I don’t see that as a typical gift to the Queen of England. I would of figured some pearl earrings to royalty.. something cute. An ipod though? Okay. Lastly, the God joke. I don’t agree with that at all. I mean, many people may refer to President Obama as God because who would have thought to see a black president. I would take offense to that being that Christianity is my religion. But in any religion actually that refers to their “higher being” as God would probably take offense to that as well, blasphemy maybe? I don’t like to call this situation swagger, because I think that joke took it a little too far. Swagger is defined as walking or strutting with a defiant or insolent air or an ostentatious display of arrogance or conceit. SWAGGA is defined as one’s own unique style or personality that sets them apart from everyone else. Honestly, President Obama is a humble man. He does have “swag” though. He’s conceited in his own way, more of a confidence I would say. But who doesn’t want a confident president? If our president isn’t confident in himself and doesn’t believe in himself, why should the rest of the country back him and believe him as well? He’s not God. Everyone knows that. He just has swag (the word of 2008-2009). Shit, I got swag.
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Realistically, it doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, Asian, the president of the U.S. or the pope, you’re going to get made fun of. (On a side not, when I typed the last sentence, it prompted me to capitalize Asian, and nothing else. Isn’t that Ironic?) Historically, the jokes you hear are mostly racist toward minorities, probably because a white person made it up, but there are just as many white jokes as there are any other. The fact is, if the joke is told in all good fun, it shouldn’t be offensive. Of course a joke that is told to deliberately hurt someone is wrong and shouldn’t have been said, but if a person is telling a joke because he’s trying to get a laugh, and truly doesn’t believe the words of the joke himself, i think it’s fine. I personally live with 4 black people and I’m a little white girl. I have grown to be great friends with them, and they are perfectly comfortable joking around with me and vise versa. If they ask me to get them something I will smirk and say “I’m not black,” and they will come back with “this is a revolution girl, Obama is president now, and starting today, you’re my slave.” And this is all in good fun. None of us take offense to it. I believe that people who aren’t comfortable with their race are ones who take offense to jokes. Since I’ve been in school, I haven’t met one black person who was offended by a racist joke I have told them. Obviously it’s because they know they are black, they know there are jokes about them, but they know that their friends are going to tell them in good fun. Obviously if you’re a white girl growing up in an all white neighborhood, you’re going to know racist jokes. That’s a given. And trust me, I have two brothers and they can pop those jokes out like it’s nobody’s business. But I’m not racist I just think they are funny. And I’ve heard jokes about white people, or blondes, or left handed people, and I still think they are funny. When you can laugh at yourself being picked on for whatever reason not just race, that’s when you have truly come to terms with who are you and you accept yourself and in turn people will accept you and feel more comfortable around you. Racist jokes are offensive only to me when they target a specific person like Helen Keller or that blind black guy whose name I can’t remember. That’s when it get offensive to me because then you’re picking fun at something deeper than race, and that’s just plain wrong. As for these jokes about Obama, he’s the president and he’s black. Enough said.
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This article is a prime example of why people need to lighten up. It’s a JOKE, people. The best part is, we all know that if the joke were aimed at some other group of people, the same people who are so outraged by this may find it humorous. It’s not that hard to step out of the box and be able to laugh at yourself once in a while. As an admittedly hyper-sensitive individual, it’s weird for me to even be saying this, but I think that the people in this country need to stop being so sensitive about everything; every joke that’s published in a paper. If every single person who was the target of some political cartoon got all up in arms about it and made the cartoonist publicly apologize, they’d be spending all their time apologizing rather than drawing. We have become a country where it’s never okay to say how you feel because GOD FORBID you should step on someone’s toes. We can’t even have a completely, totally honest race discussion because someone will always be offended by something. I realize that as a white woman, I haven’t had to experience the same hardships as people from other groups, but we’ve all had our share of issues. We’ve all been annoyed with people’s ignorance at some point in our lives; it’s the way you handle yourself in those situations that makes you the person you are. If I got angry every time a black person has made reference to me being a spoiled little rich kid (which I’m not; it’s just a baseless assumption made) or every time an old person said something about young kids today and all the problems we have, I’d be angry constantly. To get so worked up every time someone offends you in even the slightest way is ridiculous and pointless. I can empathize with people being the brunt of a lot of jokes, as a Southwestern Pennsylvanian and as a conservative. I’ve been the brunt of many, MANY jokes, and I try to take it in stride. But someone assuming that I’m a hick who lives on a farm surrounded by cows doesn’t offend me in the least. I have to continually remind myself that people are ignorant.
Also, there is a huge difference between using a stereotype to be humorous and saying it with all seriousness. That article was clearly satirical, and anyone who was offended by it clearly didn’t get that. It was a JOKE. In contrast, saying that people from a certain geographical region all share the same beliefs, and that they cling to their guns and religion, and saying it in all manners of seriousness is NOT a joke. If the author of that article was intentionally trying to attack someone, I could see why people would be upset. But that’s obviously not the case here.
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Well – I’m not black – so I guess I don’t get this “swagger” idea; but I think the joke is hilarious. I also think it would take a person who was looking for ways to be offended to actually take any of this Obama jabbing personally. Personally I feel that I would find the picture of Obama on the food coupon the most offensive and I’m not sure why.
The article relating to political cartoons brings up some very interesting points. Perhaps it is too far to draw Obama (or a black person for that matter?) as a monkey – but I think of politicians as monkeys – and I find it hilarious when they are portrayed that way. I’m curious if it would be more acceptable in a country where blacks are the majority … what I mean by that is I’m curious if it relates to either black people feeling isolated and made fun of, or black people feeling that it inappropriate and racist, or is it white people who feel the cartoon crosses the fine line that is the racial remark boundary. Is it because white people feel guilty about it? It seems as if it is appropriate to portray a white man (politician, Irish immigrant, George Bush) so that leads me to question why it differs if the subject is of a different race. Some people must think it’s acceptable as a joke – does that make it more of a personality and sense of humor issue than a racial issue?
I think the difference between a joke and an insult depends on the tone and purpose. I would be very offended (even as a white man) if such a cartoon appeared in a white supremacy paper or magazine. If there was a malicious intention I feel it is acceptable to be outraged. But these are political CARTOONS. They are JOKES. I think that taking them to heart is more inappropriate than the subject matter. That’s why I am able to see the humor in these cartoons relating to Obama. I think it’s a shame that the creativity of these people is now limited by fear of being labeled a racist. It seems acceptable to be labeled intolerant of other things (political parties, wars, dumb blondes) but as soon as the intolerance borders on racism it reaches a whole new level. I feel that keeps race relations held back to a degree. I wouldn’t hesitate to make tease a white kid with red hair (not maliciously, just teasing) – would I still feel the same if I was black. If I was a different race I feel that it would be crossing a boundary I wouldn’t want to step over – the same way I can’t call a black girl a “nappy headed hoe” … but somehow the issue isn’t calling her promiscuous (maybe because any race can be?) it’s an issue with her hair? I would feel more offended about being called a hoe – then again, I’m not a girl… I just don’t get that whole hair thing.
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These 5 jokes about Obama in the “What’s Funny About Obama…And What’s Not” were in my opinion
not offensive at all. I guess I’ll adress them in order first, number 5 Obama playing
basketball. This is not offensive and isn’t even a joke, I guess it is just a man fitting a
stereotype, but even as a white male I feel most men just like basketball, whats the problem
here(and whats the joke). Number 4, Obama’s Stimulus Bill, maybe the most offensive, or let me
rephrase that, the one closest to being offensive, was a little funny. Obama is on a $1 food
stamp and the dollar might get your more “black” foods. Ok this was kind of funny, and kind of
offensive, I guess that without the joke being somewhat offensive your just not going to get
laughs. Number 3, Obama Fried Chicken, this one made me laugh the most for some reason. Many
cultures are very proud of themselves and what they like, and many have stores for those foods.
For some reason though you just don’t see black fried chicken places,(KFC is a big white dude,
Popeyes isn’t black etc) I knew the black and fried chicken stereotype, but never thought about
them not having their own place, so the Obama Fried Chicken gave me a little laugh. Number 2,
“The Gift of Music”, I think that most cultures really like music, and that the black community
isn’t like exclusively the music race, but I did think it was funny that Obama gave the Queen of
England an iPod as a gift. Also I hope to fit the stereotype that it did have lots of Motown,
and rap on it. Number 1, “Swagger like Barack” was probably the most funny and a fitting number
1. Swagger aka confidence bordering on cockiness is prodominatly a black characteristic I guess,
but I just found the joke funny. Now addressing them all together there is no way that black
people should be offended. To get a laugh out of someone you kind of need to flirt with the
offensive, or be witty, and this is generall where people get offended. Generally the closer you
get to offensive the more funny something is, that is just how it works usually, and no offense
but these jokes were not that funny(also meaning they were not that offensive) sorry Sam. Some
people just can’t handel being the basis of a joke, and cry in the limelight of being made fun
of, but this is just in good nature and good fun, no one should be offended here. and I’m sure
Obama can handel these 5.
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I strongly agree with the author’s initial comments on this blog. I find all too often that people take themselves way too seriously. I have a friend who has no problem making fun of other people, but when the tables are turned, they cannot laugh at themselves. If I do something that warrants ridicule, I expect someone to call me out on it. I will also be right there with you laughing at myself instead of getting embarrassed and snapping back at your humorous comment. People in this country need to relax and learn to take life a little less seriously.
When it comes to political cartoons, people need to realize that they are only cartoons. No one seemed to have a problem with any of the Bush cartoons, but now that President Obama is in office, all the attacks on him must be racist. People need to realize that President Obama is not perfect and almost all political satirists are just trying to point out these imperfections. Also, to the people that have a problem with the caricaturists’ depiction of President Obama, relax and think back to any caricature you have ever seen before. I have had caricatures done of me, and they are not meant to be flattering. A caricaturist will find something on you and overly accentuate it. Nixon was always portrayed with his big nose and his bushy eyebrows. Reagan and the younger Bush were portrayed with their big ears. Also, take a look at most of Carter’s caricatures and you will find that most portray him with larger lips. I feel that people are trying to make this a racial issue because President Obama is portrayed with bigger lips. However, most fail to realize that his ears and chin are even more pronounced in most of these caricatures.
The countdown that the author posted is slightly amusing to me. My favorite is number three; the Obama Fried Chicken eatery in New York City. While this feeds heavily into one of the most common stereotypes, most people with common sense will realize that it is just that; a stereotype. The owner of this establishment does not come across to me as a racist, however, I see him as a very smart businessman. Look at all the national attention he has been given for investing five thousand dollars into a new sign. I can only imagine how much his business has increased since the name change. I am sure he has already made back the cost for the sign plus enough to cover expenses for the next few months. I applaud him for using such a creative ploy to increase his sales. I think we can all learn from this. If we can create a stir from treading the line between funny and offensive, the minority of the population that take things too seriously and get upset will only further your standing and popularity in the long run.
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I find the jokes about Barack Obama hysterical, and it is not just because I am a white female. Every time we get a new president, jokes are made about them. That is part of the package that comes along with being a president. Look back to Clinton and Bush. People made fun of them all of the time, especially Bush. They are not creating these jokes in spite of black people; they are doing it because he is our new president. Over the course of his term, hundreds of new jokes will emerge regarding situations he gets himself involved in. People just need to learn to not take life too seriously because they will never get out alive. Personally, I do not get offended by any joke that involves a racial slur, even if it is about whites. I am at a point where I will sit there and laugh if it is a minority telling the joke. There are jokes about every different type of race, and every person of another race that I know does not get taken aback by these jokes. But going back to the five jokes regarding Barack Obama, these jokes have not just emerged recently. They have been around for centuries! Everyone thinks of the NBA being majority black, and contrary to people’s belief, it is not going to change anytime soon. Here at Penn State, every time my friends and I see a tall black person wearing a Nike Penn State jacket or something, we automatically think he plays basketball. I do not know if he would be offended or not if one of us randomly walked up to him and asked him, but I would take that as a compliment! Am I wrong for thinking that? Next, the joke regarding Obama’s stimulus package: Come on, lighten up! These jokes have been around forever, and someone used the idea of the stimulus package to make a joke about it. It worked quite well, if you ask me. I showed one of my good friends here at Penn State this particular blog, and she is African American, and she “laughed her ass off,” especially the one regarding the food stamps. However, I do find the joke regarding the music a little offensive. I did say earlier I am open to any joke and don’t take offense to it, but this one is different. I believe it was wrong to give the Queen of England an iPod for a gift because they gave him a very meaningful gift. They gave him a pen set made by the same guy who made the Oval Office desk, and they were extremely pissed at Obama for his “meaningless” gifts. I only take offense to that because Britain is our greatest ally, and them being mad at the US is the last thing we need! Besides that particular joke, people need to lighten up and not take life so seriously.
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First of all, as a minority and a person of color I have to say that I find most or better say all of these jokes funny. I don’t really understand why many people take offence to them and think they are made to disrespect a certain race. If everyone really thinks about it, it will become obvious to them that almost every individual from every race even white has been made fun of. It is typical for someone in power specially the president of the United States of America to be made of in different ways like eating chicken and watermelon.
I do not think people are making fun of Obama because he is black since they have made fun of the previous presidents who were clearly not black. Another way to look at this is to understand that making jokes is some people’s job and they make good money out of it. In order for these people to become successful they have to exaggerate someone’s features or habits and generalize many things about that certain race to make the jokes funny and keep people entertained. Last thing I would like to say is that people must lighten up and stop getting offend toward these meaningless jokes because they are only JOKES.
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While I find numbers 5 and 4 to be playing a bit on racial stereotypes, I think that in total, the jokes made about Obama are in jest and not to be taken seriously. For instance, I don’t even know when the “Obama Fried Chicken” store came into business, and whether their Obama refers to the president or some other person, place, or thing that just happens to share the same name. I was a bit confused by the way that headcoach approached the “Gift of Music”, where Obama gave an iPod to the Queen of England. I am guessing that the original poster meant to convey that because black people love music, Obama gave music to the “stuffy” royals of England. I found the analysis of recitation peer Jenna to be more insightful: Obama’s “meaningless” gift of an iPod is insulting to the Queen of England, who put a lot of thought into giving Obama a gift of “a pen set made by the same guy who made the Oval Office desk”. If a cartoonist or other media wanted to take a jab at the president on his Gift of Music, it should be more along these lines.
On another note however, I will say that the article at the bottom of the post does not fit the category of what I was just talking about. While the cartoonist tried to set himself right by explaining that it was referring to the face-mauling tragedy, I am having a very hard time understand that explanation while reading the caption, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill”. Seriously, how did the mauling have anything to do with the stimulus bill? The moment I read that caption, I knew immediately that the stimulus bill relates to Obama and the Obama administration. This explanation makes me even more confused, because the story where the chimpanzee mauls the women doesn’t have any reference to a stimulus bill. So This explanation instead cements the idea that the cartoonist had written something inducing a racial stereotype, and is only now trying to cover his tracks after the public outcry.
Strangely enough, one of the most interesting things I saw in the article was that, despite all the hype that was caused over the cartoon that is misconstrued to depict Obama as a chimpanzee, a slightly different situation would be considered completely acceptable. I know I’m not the only one to admit that I saw the many pictures that compared George Bush to a chimp, insinuating that he was underdeveloped mentally to humans (or who knows what, I never got the entire meaning). Anyway, they have an entire website dedicated to it now:
http://www.bushorchimp.com/
Feel free to go to the website and check out tons and tons of pictures comparing Georgh Bush to monkeys. When these came out, I know that I never heard a single person saying they were offended by the content. In this context, we were just joking about how stupid we thought President Bush was. Now, comparing (just once!) a chimpanzee to President Obama has erupted into a total fiasco. It’s an interesting comparison, to say the least.
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Some of the stereotypes in the blog are pretty funny, maybe accurate maybe offensive. The basketball stereotype, I think is accurate, look honestly the NBA is made up of most right black players, even though that’s not technically right to say that someone is athletic because or is good at basketball just because he or she is black, but is that not a compliment, you’re a well rounded human being that is athletic. I can see that some people might say that you cannot just assume someone is good at sports just because they are black, but can you blame someone for making that assumption when most NBA players are black? I’m not saying that it is a good stereotype, but it is not negative what so ever, it kind of confuses me why some people might get offended by this stereotype. Okay, the first one isn’t that bad, but the food stamps and the cartoon are a more racially controversial, food stamps are a negative thing and to put Obamas face on the coupon and “giving black food discounts” seems a little racist too me, seems to say that only the blacks are having trouble during this recession and like they are the one that are doing bad. As for the cartoon, I would expect a lot of people to get upset over this. I personally don’t agree with the stimulus bill because it doesn’t really make sense, were going to get out of a recession by spend a tone more money, close to thirteen trillion dollars more, doesn’t seem very economic for a president who hired a specific economic team. But to make it seem like Obama is a monkey is uncalled for really, anyone would be upset if someone called them a monkey. It can taken also that blacks in general are primitive like apes, because in history they have been compared to apes in the past, so I could see someone getting upset about that, but that is justified if that’s how they take the cartoon. The music one seems stupid too me, I know a lot of people that like music, why does this have a negative racial undertone to it? Why does he have to be listening to Motown? Why can’t he be listening to country or rock or something else? His “God Complex”, yea, I can see how many whites can see how they can say that he has a complex of such. I personally don’t think that the president who said that he “visited 52 states, and still had 4 more to go” has a God complex. I’m saying that he’s stupid, but why do people think he has a God complex? Because he is the first black president, I mean that itself would create more publicity to make it seem like that or anything.
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Personally I found those four pictures and that joke were pretty hilarious. My favorite was the Obama Store. I found it pretty funny that it sold a variety of things. As a black student I believe that these are all in good taste. Sometimes people just need something to “bitch” about. Like the blog points out, if Dave Chappelle had done a skit that incorporated all of these things people reactions would have been different, then again I believe that anyone that does not find Dave Chappelle funny must have NO sense of humor. He seems to be able to take any subject from Michael Jackson’s “Love” of children to the Life and Times of Rick James and Prince funnier than it already was. When it comes to becoming President, a famous actor or actress, sports athlete, news castor, or even American Idol reject you should understand that people will criticize anything and everything you do or say. It is one of the most unavoidable parts of being in the limelight. I do not think that Obama himself would find these offenses. Crossing the line sometimes takes a bit more than stereotyping in my opinion. Now the picture with the dead chimpanzee is somewhat tasteless. The reason I say that is because it involves a dead chimp. With the death threats made to Obama I feel that point could have been made in a different way. It was not as bad as some other pictures I have seen but is a little on the fence for me. The picture with Ipod Obama was pretty funny. I have heard this story and the Ipod was loaded with many Broadway tunes and movie themes from Cats, to The Phantom of the Opera, Oklahoma, Rent, Evita, Dreamgirls, and even Annie. Also, let’s talk about Michelle Obama while we are at it. She gave the Queen a hug and everyone knows that a big No-No! Oh, and the Obama limo was double parked in the entrance to Buckingham Palace which cause an issue when people were trying to enter. Every moment of that trip to England was recorded or captured in film to criticize later. Now to the term swagger. As Sam stated in this blog swagger is something that white people do not know much about. Now this does not mean they do not have. Swagger is something that must to acknowledge in order to proclaim that you have it. It can easily be defined as “how one presents himself or herself to the world. Swagger is shown from how the person handles a situation. It can also be shown in the person’s walk, talk, and dress.” says urban dictionary. Obama has swagger because he shows confidence in almost every speech, event he is at, and he knows he has it without having to state it all the time.
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Obama has been the first president to be seen off of those boring political channels and his election of course. Many of the advertised things I seen seem to be funny and I cant wait to watch a Dave Chappel show on Obama one day. The I-pod thing has to be the funniest and its true all my black friends listen to music constantly. My friend and I even named one black boy I-pod because he is everywhere with it, the HUB, walking to class and yes even parties. Now the jokes were hilarious and yes they do make fun of Black people and their stereotypes but how many other jokes do Black people laugh about other races or ethnicities. How about white boy cant jump, or dance. How about every time u see a man with the middle eastern characteristics you think he’s going to bomb the plane( Soul Plane movie with Kevin Hart). How about my personal favorite as a kid “African booty scratcher”. Maybe about Mexicans with their “job stealing” or how about Jews who will not give you housing somewhere in New York. Its all just jokes and yes some people are really racist but how about you talk to them. I am a minority and I have heard all the jokes from Blacks, Whites and everybody else, its funny for goodness sakes. Since Obama has been elected I think people have become more bold to stereotype Black people and put his face on it somewhere. I guess in the past it was held back for a while since true racism was still intact. Maybe that’s where I see the problem, but really there is no real hate here. People will always have some type of bias, racism or discrimination against one group, maybe they do not express it or maybe its not hurtful but its still there.
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I am personally a big fan of Barack Obama. He is, without argument, a very intelligent and likeable guy, and I have always thought he would make an excellent president for those reasons and many others. At the same time, I thought all five of the jokes, predictable or not, were funny. I can understand that some people might think they cross some line because they are based on his race, but I would not agree that the jokes are racist. None of the jokes listed really surprised me. They all seemed to be shots I would expect people to take at Obama. While the jokes do stem from black stereotypes, similar generalizations exist for every race, gender, age, and any other group of people you can imagine. Just because they have a basis in racial differences, does not mean they are meant to be mean and racist. Generally, I think a lot of the time black people are too easily offended by these types of jokes.
It is common knowledge that people, news writers, cartoonists, etc. will make fun of celebrities, athletes, and similarly, our presidents. It is their job to mock their traits and actions and to exaggerate their appearance, but it shouldn’t be taken so seriously. I agree with what Sam says in the blog response about if people are easily offended they should take themselves a little less seriously. When people make blonde jokes or the typical sorority girl jokes, I laugh along if I think it was funny or take them with a grain of salt if I didn’t find it humorous. Stereotypes are generally an easy target for jokes and as long as they aren’t very off color, they usually don’t offend me.
When George Bush was president, people constantly made fun of his background from Texas and portrayed him as a dumb hick. While people from the country could be very offended by the stereotypical portrayal, it was never really second guessed or questioned. No one made a big deal out of the fact they were making fun of Bush at the expense of a specific lifestyle and large group of people. But when people Obama’s skin color and the generalizations associated with it, everything becomes a much bigger deal.
I think it that the cartoonists having to tread lightly to avoid serious consequences is unfortunate, because they are only doing the same thing they have done for many white guys before Obama. America is based on free speech, but if we are always questioning what jokes are acceptable to make as to not offend anyone, that free speech is limited. Granted, there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed and that line is different for everyone. So I think the bigger point to make is that people should try to take everything a little less seriously, especially when it comes to things like the jokes provided as examples that aren’t overly racist.
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In my opinion, and I am pretty sure fact too, there are always going to political cartoons and satire directed at our Commander-in-Chief and many others in government. I think that it is natural and comes with the territory. While I believe that it is not always in good taste, most often it is extremely humorous; case in point, the jokes about President Obama in the blog entry. Even though I DO think they are all very funny, I have different opinions about each.
For the first one about basketball, I think that is a given that the President that has rolling basketball hoops to put on the tennis courts at the White House, will have jokes made about the natural African American and basketball connection in our country.
In the second, the Obama Stimulus Bill, while I think it is in poor taste, I do still find humor in it…much like when someone trips and falls, but is then OK, and it is funny.
The Obama Fried Chicken is another given, unfortunately, since our President is (appearance wise, anyways) black. Although I don’t think that ONLY African Americans like fried chicken, hell I LOVE it and I’m a white female, I do think this is another stereotype that is often played and hyped up.
I love the fact that President Obama gave the Queen of England an iPod. I think it is great that he is trying to tune her into the world, since she is an older lady. Obama has made it quite clear that not only is he into music, good music at that, but he can also bust a move; a feat that has been difficult for many of our former presidents.
President Obama DEFINITELY has swagger. He commands attention with his presence, speaking voice and leadership qualities. Whenever I am watching a news channel, or anything channel for that matter, and I hear President Obama spoken of, or when he speaks, I have to stop and listen because I always feel smarter after listening to him. He sounds so smart, but has a way of breaking it down for the little people, like me, to understand. That is a very difficult thing for many people who are more intellectually relevant, to do; so for the President of the United States to do it with such finesse, is outstanding.
Even though there are these, and countless other jokes about President Obama that circulate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he has the ability to overcome them just by continuing to be who he is. He is effortlessly classy and intelligent, and I look forward to him overcoming the many obstacles that he will face.
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My first reaction when I saw the cartoons in the “What’s Funny About Obama…And What’s Not” article, I’m not going to lie−I found them all really funny and could see the humor in which the artists were trying to depict. I really laughed at the “Swagger Like Barack” joke because I never really thought of Obama in a Godly way, but it is funny to me how others do. I mean sure, they are depicting stereotypes of Blacks, like loving watermelon and fried chicken (which, for the record, I can not stand eating watermelon) but that does not mean they are not funny. If you think about it, most jokes about others deal with stereotypes usually. We joke about Jews being cheap, Mexicans cramming 20 family members into one house, people from England having messed up teeth, and so many other stereotypes that I can not even think of right now.
There is something I agree with Sam about with all these cartoons and that is that there are probably many people out there, mainly Blacks, who will get offended by the cartoons (whose main purpose is to make people laugh) and call the artists who drew these harmless drawings racist. This is where I think Blacks get too carried away with the whole “calling someone a racist” thing and become big hypocrites when they end up doing it, as they frequently do. Like Sam said, if a comedian like Chris Rock or Katt Williams had showed these pictures in one of their skits, I can guarantee that the entire audience would be cracking. But if these comics were in newspapers, (where the assumption would be that a white man was the creator) uproar would ensue and Black leaders like Al Sharpton would be protesting a repeal. Meanwhile, it’s ok for Black comedians to make fun of white people as they always do. I’m not even white and I get annoyed with the way things are. How come whites are so comfortable with themselves that they laugh when we poke fun at them, but Blacks are not? It’s not like slavery of the US is going to come back and we are all going to have slave masters so what is the problem? I think that when that answer can finally be answered, race relations can be easier.
However, I do agree with what Scott Santis said in the “Cartoonists tread lightly when drawing Obama” article when he said (in regards to drawing Blacks) “you just don’t draw monkeys.” No matter how far we have progressed, I don’t think that you can honestly do that and not mean something offensive by it. It would be the same as drawing a German as Hitler, which we all know is wrong on many levels.
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The article written by Jesse Washington is very concerning to me. For one, it says that cartoonists make their living through satire and exaggerating the features of presidents and such public figures. It basically condoned their behaviors by saying that satire exaggerates features and people need to realize that. I completely disagree with that thought, because satire can have malicious intent. Calling something satirical does not excuse the malice behind the action. I can recognize good humor when I see it, but in the case of several images concerning President Obama, I cannot find a way to excuse it for good humor.
Deforming someone’s face for an exaggerated point is not the same as depicting them as a monkey. I can take a joke with the best of them, but when something becomes offensive then it loses its joke effect (that’s if it ever had one). In the case with the Daily Times depiction of President Obama, I completely agree with the outrage that came from those tasteless actions.
Dr. Richard’s posted some stereotypic images of black people in context of President Barack Obama. Although stereotypes can be offensive, the stereotypes posted are not demeaning of intelligence. Making a person in the likeness of a primitive animal, is demeaning and insulting to one’s intelligence. In the past African Americans and blacks alike have been compared to the primitive animals and it is a stereotype that holds no truth and is a complete insult. The reason this depiction is tasteless and insulting is for the same reason a bitch is insulting. A bitch is a female dog, and that depiction of a woman is demeaning. Drawing President Obama in the likeness of an animal holds the same effect as if someone called his mother a bitch. It is the same context and people who don’t understand the outrage, should understand what it is to belittle someone below the human species. Taking someone out of the human race is so degrading that the satirical appeal becomes a classless attempt at creating humor out of a situation.
Somethings concerning President Obama can be found funny such as his likeness depicted with the ear buds. The Obama fried chicken is not offending to me at all because someone found so much glory and appreciation in the Obama victory that they decided to change the name of their business. This action shows how much President Obama has influenced the nation. It isn’t offensive, neither is the depiction of him with a basketball. It is a known fact that he plays basketball, and quite well if I may add. This is all in good fun, not to make someone feel as if they hold no place in the human race which is offensive. And President Obama does have Swag!
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I think the obama jokes are expected. I’m sure he doesn’t get offended by them because he knew what he was getting himself into. Just because the jokes are expected doesn’t mean that they are right. People are going to make jokes no matter who you are, what your job, what position you hold, etc. I just think people should not take themselves so seriously and learn to laugh at the little things. Choose to stress out and get mad over the big things in life not the small ones. I think the swagger thing is really funny. For some people obama is God like and to others he is not. Obama has a cool swag to him. He laid back nonchalant and very intelligent. I do think that swag is mostly if not only understood by black people. I don’t really agree with swag being respect. My definition of swag is how you carry yourself, your natural persona, just being real. I think sometimes swag can get you respect but it’s not the definition of it. Some people have swag and some people don’t. Swag is not something you can just go out and buy or memic from someone. Swag is something that you just have. I think you can develop swag from within yourself but you can’t learn it because it’s your own thing. Swag is not just one way to act, look, and carry your self. There are many different types of swag and your swag makes you different from everyone else.
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The pictures on this blog were very much so stereotypical…but funny. Yesterday in class Sam Richards stated something incredibly true “ It is impossible to offend someone unless they CHOOSE to let themselves be offended”. As a Hispanic female I can choose to take a lot of things “the wrong way” but I choose not to. Yes it is true many black males play basketball but a lot of Dominicans play baseball and many white people play golf SO WHAT! Now Obama’s stimulus bill the “food coupon” is funny but I wonder if the public takes it only as a joke. I would hate for people to think that black people are the ONLY ones to collect food stamps (NOT that there is anything wrong with getting help from the government) but I worked for a supermarket in lower Manhattan for almost two years and the majority of people with food stamps were WHITE. OK OK everyone knows the majority of black people love fried chicken and when I saw the picture of Obama’s name on a fried chicken store in NYC I must admit I did laugh, again I am from NYC so this is not the first time I have seen something like this especially when passing through Harlem but so what I love how this is the first President that can take a joke, who seems like a REAL human being, who seems like he actually interacts with his family, who shows the love he has for his wife, who can deliver a kick ass speech and dance to some of his favorite Motown music. I don’t think America has ever had such a cool president, what other president can you say gave the QUEEN OF ENGLAND and IPOD I think that’s hilarious not because woo hoo black people love music (newsflash EVERY RACE loves music even if one may like rap, another rock, another salsa, another techno etc..) but because it shows he’s not afraid to step outside the lines from time to time. Do some black people need to lighten up? Yes they do. Are some of the jokes taken to far? Yes they are. The cartoonist who drew the monkey getting shot and officials stating “ They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill” was taken too far. Although I would like to think I live in a world where racism and prejudice does not exist the truth is it still does so there must be some type of boundaries. Don’t get me wrong I am all for good comedy and I don’t take myself too seriously but the time has not come where one could openly (or privately) call a black person a monkey or call a Spanish person a drug dealer or a white person a cracker. I completely agree that cartoonist must make their living and everyone knows caricatures exaggerate peoples features especially when it comes to politics so people must lighten up because again this is not the first nor will it be the last time a president has been made fun. White officials are constantly being made fun of, former president Bush couldn’t say a sentence without being the joke of the nation. Obama has not had a full year in office and already all this controversy of what’s right /wrong/racism/ and jokes taken to far are being taken to another level we all need to lighten up, after all this is America and how many other countries can you openly make jokes or state opinions about the president without getting killed.
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As a white person viewing these jokes about Obama, amongst others I have previously seen, I feel that the humor is somewhat to be expected. I say this for a couple different reasons. For one, I feel as if President Obama uses his “swagger” and social acceptance by the younger masses to his advantage. He tries to relate to the youth of America much more than any President I’ve seen in my 20 years. I feel as if this can be helpful at times, but also hurtful at times. When trying to relate to the youth, it makes him somewhat more vulnerable to the exact group he tries relating to. I don’t mean that in a way that it makes him vulnerable to being disliked, more so I think of it has him being “one of the guys”. His openness to enjoying his satisfaction in a cold beer and his willingness to admit to trying marijuana in the past makes him seem much more like the common adult male. By doing this, many Americans feel as if he isn’t this Godly human being that all must bow down to. This makes him much more open to being the butt end of a funny joke. An example of this would be the “Obonga 08” picture that was displayed in class last week. These types of jokes are seen as funny humor to most and offensive and/or racial shots to others. Either way, it is certainly Obama that has made himself open to some of these jokes.
The other reason, in my opinion, is a little more obvious. Never before in our country has there been a black President. African Americans have climbed a long way up the ladder over the last 50 years, but this was a leap to the moon for African Americans. For every American that is thrilled about this accomplishment, just as many have mixed feelings about it. While most won’t come out and say there should never be a black President in America, many don’t see much harm in cracking a joke about it from time to time. There are many stereotypes that go along with being black. Whether it be the love for fried chicken, the ability to excel in sports, and the lack of intelligence, most blacks have heard it all. These jokes are normally directed at the “common black man”, but with Obama there is much more to it. The President of the United States is the most distinguished position in our country, and now that a black man holds that position a lot of these recycled black jokes are now being streamed to one person: Barack Obama. While these jokes are seen as offensive to some, they are mostly made in a humorous, non-offensive manner. These jokes are harmless and playful for the most part. I would say that jokes like these are to be expected for the first black President. The “first black” anything in our country has attracted a lot of attention, good and bad. For example, there was a lot of backlash when Jackie Robinson became the first black baseball player. The attention that Robinson got was much more harsh than what Obama has received thus far, and I think this shows that America has gotten past the hatred and cruelty toward African Americans and now playfully jokes about it. The jokes in the post about the Obama are just that: playful (and yes, somewhat racial) JOKES.
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Obama Jokes
When Obama became president, some people were not in approval state of mind. When times change in the world, people tend to criticize on the new changes. People are not used to changing times and diversity, so they “rebel” against it. So naturally when the first black man became president, everyone had a field day with Obama. They would criticize on his every move and what he did in his free time. Every time you would see Obama on the news he would be ballin’ with the brothas, and they would always do basketball things with him. You would see him playing with a bunch of college teams or picking teams to go to the final four. Then Obama took things a bit further and he decided that he should put a basketball court in the White House. Now I am not one to judge how people pimp out their homes, but a basketball court inside just makes Obama live up to the stereotypes that have been made about him. So why should everyone complain about how Obama is being poorly represented and his cultural habits are being made fun of. As mentioned in the article, all black people play basketball, so why can’t the man put a court in his home. He worked hard to get there, so he should be rewarded. It takes a lot of work to be president so he should be thrown a bone.
As for the friend chicken Obama restaurant, I think that it is a good marketing scheme. Let’s face reality here and all agree on the fact that all black people love two things: Obama and fried chicken. So if a place sells chicken, their focus group would be black people. So if they get Obama endorsed chicken, then black people would be all over it. It just makes sense to have the two attract black people. Just how Italian places will sell to mainly Italians and Middle East shops will sell to Middle Easterns. It is all just based on the fact that people eat what they are raised up on due to their own heritage. The Obama Chicken place is just another typical black thing like the basketball. I really don’t see why people make such a big deal out of it. I personally love fried chicken and I am as white as Christmas Day. It is just what black people eat and if Obama wants to get some chicken, let the man eat his chicken.
As for the iPod to the Queen, I think this is kind of funny. The Queen is really old and behind on things. I am glad that Obama is trying to break her out of her shell and get her with the times. The iPod is a cool gift because the gift of music just keeps on giving. The iPod thing worked because now she has a gold plated Nintendo DS. I think that Obama is just a people person and that he is just being nice. I really don’t see how you can make racial comments about he gave an iPod with Motown on it. Motown is good music so let the Queen jam out to some good classic music and get her groove on. The Queen needs to loosen up and this is the way to.
Obama’s actions are typical black man actions. Everyone likes chicken, Motown and basketball so let the man do what he was raised to do and love. You can’t change his past and tell him that he can’t act the way he was brought up to be. Everyone needs to quit busten’ on the guy for living up to the “stereotypes”, but this is how the man was raised. There are bigger things that people need to worry about like the economy. Let Obama have his basketball and chicken, and let the man do his job and live his life the way he wants.
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To start off I believe that no matter how much the world changes there will always be color jokes no matter what race you may come from. I believe it is your responsibility as a human to take color out of what you say and try and make people comfortable. Of course Obama being the first black/white president he is going to get called out for his race and the way he carry himself because most people see confidence as a meaning of cockiness and I don't think that is what it is at all. Obama is a strong and intelligent man. I do believe it's a line of funny and also crossing the line. Me personality would laughed because those comments are stereotypes and I believe it is up to different people to break those different stereotypes so I don't take stereotypes such as these to heart because I know who I am as a individual and I also know what I am not why take offense to someone who judges someone because of their race and judges people before getting to know them as a person. Overall we learned these things back in elementary "Treat people the way that you would want to be treated". As an African American I can truthfully say that I treat all people the same no matter where they come from or their race, I just wish that more people took this approach but like Obama said this is the year for change. I believe if more people loosen up and be all open-minded then stereotypes like this will not matter or jokes between different races will not be as offensive. It’s just what's meant behind the different words that are said that people may take offense too. Obama is not perfect and I expect people to make jokes about him and stereotypes about him because he is the first mixed president and some people don't know how to react to him, but I do expect people to have a certain level of respect for him as a person. Thinking about these clips of Obama eating fried chicken just meant to me that he likes fried chicken, all people of different race like and eat fried chicken, and people that try to offend people with this just means that they having really had good fried chicken before. Then the clip with Obama with a basketball just means that he likes basketball, people need to understand that he was a normal person before he becomes president I took it as funny because Obama can ball and his swagger and daily routine wouldn’t give me a impression that he can play. I would also laugh if I saw Bush playing basketball. Music is music if you did a survey across campus on who liked music I believe you would get a same answer by people with different races because music is universal. Then Obama on a food stamp I guess that’s another stereotype because he’s half black but if people do their research then they would know that black people are not the number 1 race on food stamps , so I took no offense because most people don’t know their facts so they assume things. This is what I think about “what's Funny About Obama…And what's not”.
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So, what’s funny about Obama..and what’s not, that’s seems a little bit strange question to me, I am not a American, but this year something changed in this country, they got a “first Black president” like the popular hip hop songs by jay-z ,says” My president is black, my Lambo’s blue and I will be goddamned if my rims ain’t too my momma ain’t home, and daddy’s still in jail.”
I am sure I don’t have this kind of power to make comment for a Country’s president. To be respect to this country, I really think this kind of so-called joke are not really a real joke, however, it’s a brand new represent to this country, Wow, a black cool American presidents, and I do wish my country also have a cool president like American.
You really should look those pictures, we all know there are lot of NBA players are black ,I think the main point in this picture is to show people that they have a president who like play sports , Ok, I do like compare American president to my country’s president, I am a Chinese , everybody want a president who do have capacity to dealing with nation issues, Our president , Mr, Hu Jintao, is been 8 years for him , take look to China, it’s been a huge change in my country, whatever the economic or the relationship between other country, there always a big progress.
You know there always the same for every people to think things, the media always make thing special in order to make a higher impact on TV.
In Class the professor talk about the race, so you really think that’s a joke about race?
I personally think it is not , This world we live in is a amazing plant, you see different people around you, different color skin around you, like today’s class there a one student trying to identify couples student which group are they, black ,Latino or white, you see it always hard to identify people to different group. Even Barack Obama, you can’t say he is 100 percent black, and that’s why American media even the world media are trying to make him special, “He is God”, like the speech he made every time everywhere in America” It’s time to change ,” I like person who always feel confidence, and I do wish America will have a big change in their country, because I live here now, and I study here everyday, I already been a part of this country, so I do like those picture, and I am sure he will be the most successful president in America, wish him enjoy his job, the job to manage this country, like the last picture showed that he really enjoy the ipod music.
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I agree with the people who think jokes like this shouldn’t be offensive, in most cases anyway. Sometimes things can be taken a little too far to the point where it’s just not funny, but rather wrong. In this instance, I think it is more likely for Obama supporters to take more offense. For example, the cartoon with the chimpanzee being shot dead and the quote “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill,” is one of those jokes that I described earlier as being taken too far (if the chimpanzee was supposed to represent Obama himself). Maybe I’m just saying this as an Obama supporter, because McCain supporters on the other hand probably got a chuckle out of it. Liberals and Republicans like to make fun of their opposing parties, and sometimes it seems like we’re pretty divided rather than united. But you can’t please everyone and it’s the cartoonist’s job to try and make people laugh. I can agree that having that job it would be very hard to determine which drawings/cartoons would be considered safe ground with such a large audience. I don’t find anything wrong with caricatures and the facial deformities, I think that’s all in good fun and I wouldn’t be offended by a cartoon drawing of myself that had some specific feature standing out. Anybody that gets a caricature drawn of themself always looks silly somewhere, that’s the whole point of them. I find it funny and interesting that when you see cartoon drawings of famous people you know immediately who it is. Same idea goes along with the side profile silhouette of Obama with earphones in. Also, cartoonists tend to make fun of anyone that is currently popular or in the news and it doesn’t matter what their race or class is. It seems a lot easier for that invisible line to be crossed when picking fun at races other than white. It’s not often you see protests or controversy over a white person being made fun of. Like someone else talked about, no one seemed to make all the jokes about George Bush’s intelligence very controversial. And I definitely agree that if the majority of jokes about President Obama have to do with strictly his race, then kudos to him because that actually reinforces that people can’t find much else to poke fun about. For instance, there haven’t been any greeting cards in the stores making fun of his intelligence, which is more personal and easier to take offense by.
And speaking of his race, Obama’s considered our first black President yet he is 50% white. I guess because he has darker skin than any other President we’ve had in the past his image is that he’s completely black. I think part of the rant and rage is also because so many were ready for a change like this. Not saying I don’t agree that this presidential election was a huge part of history, because it absolutely was. And I admit I always think of Obama as “the first black president,” too, rather than just “the president.”
Lastly, the fried chicken and watermelon black stereotype always sort of made me laugh because they happened to be two of my favorite foods and I’m a white person. And who doesn’t love music in this day and age? And the stereotype that black people are good at sports, especially basketball, should be a compliment. Obviously there’s a lot more racial acceptance in today’s world, but racial stereotypes are something that probably will never fade away because race will never be all together be ignored.
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I would like to start off by saying that I do not qualify myself to really speak about race relations because I am from a town with very little diversity. I do have to say though that I do not really find offense to any of these jokes nor do I feel like I would find offense if they were made about white people. These jokes play on a stereotype of black people, but they could have been made about any other ethnicity besides black people. They could have made a joke about white people playing polo or horseshoes like they had Obama playing basketball. They could have talked about how Latino people eat tacos or salsa or something. People who get pissed off by jokes like these should lighten up. Everyone has at one time or another played on a stereotype of another race to get a couple of laughs. I think it is pretty comical that the president of the United States gave the queen of England an iPod. The woman can barely walk up steps, there is no way she is downloading songs off of iTunes. I cannot picture her walking around Buckingham palace with her headphones in listening to music. The stereotype that black people like music is true, but it is probably true if you talk about any ethnicity. Everyone enjoys listening to music.
The food stamps joke is pretty funny, because it is basically saying that only black people use food stamps to purchase their groceries. Over the summer, I worked for Lackawanna county cleaning up the projects. The people that lived there were living below the poverty line and many of them were receiving food stamps. From what I saw there just as many white and latino people as they were black people living in these developments. I do not know any statistics, but I would have to think that there is a good amount of white people living on food stamps. The last joke is one that I believe is pretty accurate. He does carry himself with a lot of poise and confidence. The stereotype that black people have swagger is one that I agree with also in most instances, although there are definitely cases where it is not true. The way that president Obama carries himself is not a testament to his ethnicity, but the way that he was brought up and raised. The way a person acts under pressure, which the president is normally under, is a reflection of his parents and his family. No person acts the way the act solely based on what color their skin is. President Obama, if anything, breaks the mold that most people have on black people.
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