Mommypalooza

This does not sit well with me.

I can't decide how I really feel about the latest charge from Obama where he says – among other things - of black fathers, "They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it".  Are these the kind of talks we have to look forward to if he wins the next election?  I am not saying that I am necessarily unhappy with him winning the democratic ticket, but I take offense to his generalization of black fathers, and think his entire speech is completely unnecessary.  I mean, c'mon, I have heard of many fathers who have abandoned their responsibilities and who were missing from the lives of their children.  Ironically, I can't recall that any of them have been black. 

I feel like his viewpoint is valid, but should be aimed at ALL fathers, rather than singling out a particular race.  Why would you call people out like that?  Just because this is an issue close to his heart and has been something that affected him personally, is not reason enough to use his public notoriety to make blatant generalizations about black fathers who ARE there for their kids.  And what about the fathers who are white, Latino, Asian, or of another ethnicity who have not lived up to the standard of a good father?  Do they just get to fly under the radar on this one?

I certainly hope these kinds of divisive speeches are not a sign of things to come.

3 responses to “This does not sit well with me.”

  1. Grammy Avatar
    Grammy

    I have not heard this comment, but I agree with you when it comes to fathers who have abandoned their responsibilities, it should be directed at all men from every walk of life. You don’t have to be poor, black (or any other ethnicity) or male to be an irresponsible parent. Many young people become parents and continue putting their own selfish interests first before that of their children who have no fault for being brought into this world nor have had a choice of parents. I better stop now. jv
    –mom

    Reply
  2. Auntie Avatar
    Auntie

    Beyond what the AP reports, Obama never directly points the finger at “black” fathers. Except for the sheer fact that he’s speaking to an entirely black congregation , he never references one skin color or another.
    I’m disappointed to see that people are still picking apart this senator’s rhetoric with a fine tooth comb and succumbing to biased media tactics to diminish his candidacy. It’s what will divide the Democratic party, and ultimately be its demise.

    Reply
  3. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    From an experience I was fortunate to have in my career, I had an African American male as a boss and a friend. African American men with strong family values and have established themselves feel they are obligated and entitled to speak to young AA men who have shirked their responsibilities as men. Many such as Bill cosby albeit some controversy have done this. I also have a sense of obligation to role model for young hispanic men.
    The AA culture is unique and different in this way. You won’t find an Anglo American (white) President speaking of white men who shirked their father/parent responsibilities.

    Reply

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