The failure of Reconstruction haunts us even now.

[novapsyche]

Outbursts against Obama are racism -- An opinion piece that speaks in a matter-of-fact tone.

The article in Newsweek had a horrible title and cover ("Is Your Baby Racist?"), but the content itself was rather measured and quite insightful.

More articles:

Obama, racism and Jimmy Carter: Nearly 30 years ago, Carter team kept quiet on race and Reagan campaign -- the article is at MSNBC, but it originates from Conservative Quarterly Politics

Obama Battles Great Racial Divide -- Kansas City Star

White president would never hear 'You lie!' -- "Because Obama chooses to ignore the racism shown toward him, that doesn't mean racism doesn't exist."

What! Racism Still in America? -- "I see . . . racial sub-texts in the intensity of the attacks on Obama -- not in the disagreements per se, but in the viciousness of the rhetoric."

Obama as witch doctor: Racist or satirical? -- That picture is one of the most racist depictions of an African-American I've ever seen. It is jaw-droppingly offensive. I can only imagine what Mr. Obama himself feels when he views that image.

Race Relations Look Worse to Outsiders -- This was a thought-provoking little blurb.

Comments

[techno-shaman.livejournal.com]

Alternately, you could view a depiction as a man of power possessing of unbreakable will and the ability to reconcile two worlds as a compliment.

I have an abiding suspicion that wasnt the intent of the portrayal of our President as a witch doctor was though.

Are you at all familiar with the religions of pre-european africa?

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I don't have much specific knowledge, but I have a deep respect for oracles and medicine (wo)men of non-industrialized cultures, past and present. I believe they serve a very necessary and often beneficial role in their respective tribes and villages.

At the same time, the depiction of President Obama was not with the intention of dispelling long-held xenophobic beliefs about traditional, non-Western cultures but rather to exploit and inflame such fears.

[techno-shaman.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that image is pretty disgraceful.

I didnt mind the image of him as the Joker from Batman, nor do I even mind the images likening him to Socialist or Communist leaders.
Political satire is part and parcel of being President.
Hell, I drew a number of funny and disrespectful images of Bush myself.

The difference between this image and others though is that this image doesnt actually communicate a protest against his policies or practices.
A very weak argument could be made that he trades in "hocus pocus" and is "conjuring money" where none exists, and thus the portrayal, but I dont think anybody would be fooled.

The protest there was his skin color. :(

[blackwinterbyrd.livejournal.com]

wow. I really liked the one on elementary school.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

The full, unabridged article in Newsweek is definitely worth the read.