Thank you for reminding us that there are some words that are loaded with negative meaning despite the intention of the person who utters them. As we have seen in this election, the words we use to describe someone or someone's campaign, whether a noun or a adjective, can cast that nominee or campaign into either a positive or negative light. Your explanation of the word "boy" reminds us that some words can evoke memories of a terrible history of how African Americans were treated in this country.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

And as for the poster who suggests "just saying what you want" and dealing with the consequences later I must ask, how exactly is it that you think racism and other forms of discrimination are allowed to fester? The answer is through "slips" like this, racial jokes, generalizations, stereotypes and the willingness to hear them.

I don't know the Senator so I can't say if he meant it racially or was just trying to use boy because it plays into the way Obama is viewed as not experienced. However I think it is important to bring these stories to light to just discuss them so we all further understand each other. Just as what Obama said about people in Pennsylvania was it right no but we discuss it and can all learn from it. I follow Obama so I believe what he said was just worded incorrectly. As for this Senator I truly hope he didn't mean it racially but in both incedents we can discuss them learn and become closer to each other. Even if we disagree, because we discuss these issues in a respectful manner and hopefully can at least understand why people feel the way they do.

The congressman calling Barack a boy was unexcuseable. I cant believe some of the racist comments that was written by others. America has come a long way but America has a long way to go.
The way the media treats Barack sickens me. There is never a big deal about anything anyone else says. Barack miss-speak and its played 24 hours daily until it becomes old news.

Thank you for making a difference!

Ok, so you don't like the label. How much racism is self inflicted? My granndparents came from Poland, but I call myself an American, not a Polish American. Slavery ended 143 years ago, yet African Americans persist on dwelling on their differences. Roland, what's wrong with being just an American instead of African American? Do you think we need a reminder that you didn't come from Sweden? The Trinty UCC Church web site says they are "African people and remain true to our native land." H I've seen blogs from blacks who say that they were beaten up for going to school because it was 'too white'. WTF? Is that the path to equality? With all the inequities in the US, how many African Americans would like to 'go back' to Africa? I don't see anyone lining up for plane tickets. If blacks want to be treated the same, act the same. If you want respect, stop disrespecting yourselves. How many black comedians use the 'N' word and get big laughs? How many rap songs have lyrics that are derogatory? Wasn't Al Sharpton supposed to be working that one? I guess he was too busy with Imus. Why are there 2 sets of rules for what's acceptable? I had some admiration for Obama until the Wright affair. I thought that for once here was a black leader who didn't play the race card like Sharpton or Jackson. Well, that didn't last long. Now his grandmother is a 'typical white person' and we need to all understand the lingering anger over the injustices of slavery. So, yes. get over it already! By the way, my Polish grandparents didn't own slaves, and probably never saw a black person until they got here. So why do I need to share the collective white guilt over slavery? Life is 10% of the circumstances you are born into, and 90% what you do about it. I'm pretty sure Colin Powell didn't get to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs by whining about slavery.

If something you are about to do or say seems right; it may or may not be.

If something you are abound to do or say seems wrong; then it probably is.

Think before you do or say.

Having experienced racism and racial discrimination myself, I would say to you: "right on!"

I guess America is still not ready for a black woman as commander in chief then. But then how do you explain Condoleeza Rice?

The way Black man are socializd here in America, leads them either to death or lands them in jail. This mentality have got to change.

And why does the media care about the way Hillary dresses? She looks well groomed and taken care of despite the little 20 minutes of sleep she is getting every night. Isn't that a clue enough that she can handle leadership?

GREAT AS USUAL!!! DEF. SOMETHING TO THINK ON..

what's wrong with an african american activist site? does that mean that roland martin has no clout? does that mean that he doesn't have the knowledge and experience to speak on this issue?

this is the closemindedness that i have an issue with. again, there are so many white people who think that they have to get their knowledge a certain way. education comes in many forms. i don't care if martin has a doctorate from an ivy league institution or if he's some "uneducated" brother from around the way. it doesn't matter. understand that martin is speaking his truth, which is also the truth for so many other black people in this country.

i'm not trying to attack you but from the comments you've written, it sounds like you and people who think like you are the ones who need more education. study racism, read some books, TALK TO SOME PEOPLE. that's gotta be the best education to get. and think about your place in this society–your level of privilege–before you make any more oppressive comments.

i'm not prefect either; i'm sure i have my own prejudices. but at least i understand how important it is for me to examine that aspect of myself and share what i learn with others. i'm not going to direct any more comments to you, but i hope you will also examine yourself and teach others.

Just how long will liberals let Obama and his people pull the race card?
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When White people stop pulling the race card. You see, what you obviously don't know, is that the "race card" is pulled out and used against us EVERY SINGLE DAY of our lives. BUT WE, Obama and "his people" go on and STILL WE RISE. Why? because like you and everyone else her on earth, WE ARE HERE! and ONLY by the GRACE of God are any of us here and WE, too have job to do. SOoooo, just get over it and deal!

JPHowell, NY