Jack and Jill Politics - Latest Comments in Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

Interesting article; better than what the NY Times usually does on the topic of race (usually very badly IMO). But the ENDof black politics? I don't think so. That's like saying the founding of the NAACP marked the end of black politics a la Frederick Douglass; or the black power movement was the end of the politics of Bethune, Houston, Terrell. I think the 'perceived power struggle has more to do with personalities like the black political power brokers sited in the articles than generation politics.

Among grassroots organizers and cultural professionals I know, I see a lot of back and forth respect between the generations and for those who've come before any of us. But everyone likes to have something they can call "their stuff." However, the environment, jobs, energy, Iraq, and globalization are and have been black issues. They will be regardless of the outcome in November.

Jill Tubman suggested I share my take on "generation Obama." It's like a border group between Gen X and the Baby Boomers. [As of this election year we were kicked out of the Boomer group]. Our influences were the WW II generation (pragamatism) - grandparents, uncles, aunts, and perhaps parents. They were our rocks. They only had one TV and stereo (yep, that's what we called it) in the house. We watched what they watched. We listened to Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Sarah, maybe a little Johnny Cash. They were unselfishly sentimental. Second influence was the civil rights and black power generation (justice issues, multiculturalism, African diaspora). They may have been our older siblings or parents. If they were into the diaspora, they gave us the multi-cultural perspective. We were encouraged to demand, not ask; fight not flight and call it when we saw it. We were proud of who were were as we were - "Say It Loud..." Finally there's the coming of age years (Reagan). We were the test market for MTV and video games. Hip Hop was Rap and some of it stuck with us or we slipped our parents'/siblings'Nina Simone, Coltrane, Aretha and Sarah stash into the trunk of the car and headed back to campus where we fused with Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz. Participated in panels hosted by the Asian Student Association, and pushed the board to divest from South Africa. AIDS came on the scene. Crack on the city streets. The divestment movement taught us something about investments, globalization, and commerce. It may have been the first serious encounter with the Wall Street Journal. We were intrigued.

All that said (and it's just a sprinkling), this group that includes Obama can't be neatly put into a box. "Border crossers" may be the closest label. The generations opened the doors. So many influences; and we probably have been receptive in some form or fashion to all of them.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:25:33 -0000

You are not alone, sister! I think the brothers who were interviewed should have insisted that some black women be interviewed, too. How could Donna Edwards, for example, have been overlooked?

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:10:28 -0000

When I was in college, which was some time ago, we used to say that the letters NAACP stood for the National Association for the Advancement of Certain People. Not much has changed in all these years.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:56:07 -0000

My family and I live in West Chester (East Bradford Township). I can't disagree at all with your assessment of Philadelphia politics, although I was mistaken about the current demographics. Nutter is a vast improvement over Street and would be better than Fattah but I still would not describe the city's politics as being ghettoized.

Black folks inherited and adopted a political system and a political regime that had long been in place before they became its leaders. Nutter was a garden variety product of this system until he saw an opportunity to distinguish himself. No fault finding here.

All politicians are opportunists. The real issue is whether they have talent or not. Nutter has talent but he will never be elected governor of Pennsylvania. We lived eight years in Hershey and folks in central and western PA are not going to elect a black person to occupy the mansion on Front Street in Harrisburg.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

monica — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:31:46 -0000

I live in Philly so I have to point out a couple of things. Although the neighborhoods are segregated, the make-up of the city is 45% white and 43% black with Latinos and Asians making up the difference. That's why his election was such a watershed moment. He was the best candidate for the city black or white. The residents of the city voted on his record and his integrity. John Street was an incompetent a-hole. Anyone (of any color) would have been an improvement but we were blessed with two candidates who were capable (D Evans was the other).

The Philadelphia political situation is indeed unique and ghettonized was the best way to describe it prior to the election of Nutter. We had black elected officials and political power, but the economy was in shambles and violent crime was rampant. All Street did was throw his hands up and lined his pockets and those of his family and friends.

Maybe Nutter is bitter. I am too.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

GreenLadyHere13 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:54:08 -0000

Sepia: Co-sign. Is that like "thinking out side of the proverbial box?" I'm for that!!! New tools for old problems - YES!!! :>) :>)

This technology "tool" helped in the win against billary!! She wasn't ready for Mr. O's type of political strategy! :>) Evidence - her tired A88 web site! :>) :>)

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

GreenLadyHere13 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:48:36 -0000

RonnieB: :>) :>) :>) LOL :>) :>:) :>)

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:43:36 -0000

I wasn't offended at all. No need to apologize. I just don't grant that sort of space to politicians.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:42:03 -0000

My opinion is that Nutter is still angry and is somewhat embittered, although he denies it, toward the city's old line black leadership. Nutter's lingering sense of resentment toward these folks maybe understandable but, in truth, there was no compelling reason for the black electorate in Philly to embrace him. Prior to his decision to run for mayor, Nutter did very little to distinguish himself as a member of the city council or as a politician. He and his supporters may deny it but he was basically a go-along to get-along pol.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

Anderkoo — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:52:09 -0000

Sure they would, and obviously I wrote my thesis on the topic, and maybe it's different out in CA, but there just aren't enough Asian Americans in most communities to add up to a machine. Flushing, NY is one exception here on the east coast. (I should add "East Asian" as opposed to Indian or other parts of Asia).

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

Anderkoo — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:50:22 -0000

I don't know Philly politics so I can't say! But I suppose it's possible for a majority to be ghettoized, or a majority of the majority (= minority) to be captured is another way to look at it. Like evangelicals in the Republican party, or blacks in the Democratic. But I really don't know in Nutter's specific case, really. What's your opinion on this?

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

Plantsmantx — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:46:52 -0000

Pushing for class-based programs rather than race-based ones- ok, that's one, I guess. What are some of the other new tactics?

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

rmalveaux — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:26:54 -0000

Yeah, you're ol' skool alright. I didn't mean to offend you or the Godfather, but you get what I'm sayin'?

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:20:24 -0000

We are the Soul of America and right now Obama is Soul Brotha #1.

I'm old school. James Brown is still Soul Brotha #1. Senator Obama is a brother who we would like to see elected as president.

Re: Is Obama the End of Black Politics? – Asks NY Times

PTCruiser — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:17:08 -0000

The question I asked pertained to Nutter's claim that the black electorate in Philadelphia was ghettoized when blacks represent a majority of the city's residents. I wasn't opposed to Nutter's election and overall it has been a positive development for that city but my question had nothing to do with who Nutter sought support from during his race.