Biracial?

November 19, 2008

Know that in reference to “parading our pride” only 2% more black folks came out to vote for the first black president and close to 8 million (1/3 of all eligible black voters) couldn't be bothered to register to vote. It was the white and Hispanic vote - Senator Clinton's demographic - that gave barry the win. And as far as the "Bradley Effect" that does not exist? More people voted for barry than polled.

From The Root staff writers:

There's been an e-mail going around advising black folks on unacceptable behavior now that Obama has won. We at The Root thought we'd add a few tips of our own.

1. No Negro spirituals or quotes from Dr. King. John Hope Franklin can get away with this. The rest of us cannot.

2. Don't go up to every "redneck-y" looking person and gloat. "It hurts don't it? It burrrrnnss!" Dave Chappelle warned us about parading our pride too much.

3. Don't corner your white coworkers to give them a tutorial on black culture just because "the president is black and it's 'bout time y'all learn!"

4. Don't go to your local DMV, post office or other government office and try to jump the line, talkin' 'bout, "Barack's got my back."

5. Do not promise to name your first child after Barack Obama. We've come far, but Barack Obama Jackson does not have as much of a ring to it as you think.

And this is the white version written by two white men CHRISTOPHER BEAM & CHRIS WILSON. Number two is interesting in its interpretation.

Black people aren't the only ones worried about embarrassing themselves now that Obama is president-elect. Here are a few pointers for white people.

1. Don't personally congratulate all your black friends.
Black people are not a sports team, and Obama did not win the Super Bowl.

2. Don't declare that you "never thought you'd see the day."
You never thought you'd see the day?

3. Don't start crossing the street in order to walk next to a black person.
President Obama is glad you support racial reconciliation, but he takes a hard line against jaywalking.

4. Don't name drop "Dr. King."
If you absolutely must make some comment about how this is a victory for civil rights, pick a marginally less obvious figurehead.

5. Don't use the phrase "white people" in any way that suggests it doesn't include you.