I'm not seeing exitement in the Black community

[Courtesy Flush]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I just don't see any enthusiasm about Obama in my local Black community. I work in an office that is staffed by about 50% Black workers, and I never even hear Obama's name mentioned. The only time it was mentioned, an African American co-worker said that if Obama wins somebody will surely kill him.

In my workplace, we're not allowed to have political bumper stickers or anything like that, so you don't know anyone's politics unless they tell you. Still, I always expected the first African American presidential candidate to be met with wild enthusiasm. While I see the excitement on a national scale, I don't see it locally. And even on the national scale it seems Obama ignites White support about as much as African American.

I don't mean to imply that Blacks are mandated to support Black politicians, but Obama has widespread appeal, and a serious chance of winning the White House. Hell, that's pretty exciting.

[DarthDem]

1. I'm Sold

Excellent, bulletproof logic. We're doomed!

[blondeatlast]

11. Yup, not talking politics in a workplace that frowns upon it means we're done for.

Glad the OP cleared that one up. :eyes:

[Courtesy Flush]

45. It's not just my workplace

Maybe this is an apathetic town in general. I see few bumper stickers for either side.

But I spend a lot of time at large in the community, and a lot of time in the African American community, not just with co-workers. I'm happy to hear of all the enthusiasm everyone else is seeing, but it's almost underground here.

I asked one AA woman about it, and whether she intends to vote. She told me she probably wouldn't, because the voting machines make her nervous (my mom never voted in her life, for that very reason). The prospect of an African American president wasn't enough to motivate her to negotiate the voting machine. Or so she told me.

[silverojo]

100. She's just bullshitting you

Isn't it weird how these "technophobic" non-voters manage to work ATM's without a hitch? It's just an excuse for voter apathy.

[Fran Kubelik]

2. I have found exactly the opposite.

Perhaps your coworkers are just keeping their politics to themselves, especially if you're not allowed to have bumper stickers.

[Courtesy Flush]

10. I believe that's true

Or it could be that we're in a very red state, and we all know our votes won't matter. There's almost no hope Obama will carry this state. That's no reason not to vote, but it can dampen enthusiasm.

[uponit7771]

47. I'm black, Negative things would happen if someone openly support Obama were I work.

Thx

[Teaser]

3. I'm seeing plenty

My wife is a teacher in North Philly. Excitement is there.

[demokatgurrl]

4. As a fellow Philadelphian, SO glad to hear it! n/t

[bdamomma]

5. maybe the Black Community is being optimistically cautious.

[AspenRose]

6. Gosh, I guess you're right.

I'll tell the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho to forget my attending their voter registration drive this coming weekend, then.

:eyes:

[qwlauren35]

92. Hey Soror!!!

:hi:

[flamingdem]

7. Understand that many feel paranoid, and are afraid to get their hope up

considering history ... and / or they may not feel comfortable sharing with you or in an office environment.

But I bet in their homes it's a topic!

[monmouth]

8. In my apartment building we have maybe 6-7 AA families, mostly

widows. I asked one of them why she didn't seem as enthused as I am about Obama. She admired my pin and I gave it to her. She said that deep down they are enthused, but having endured years and years of disappointment, etc. they are afraid to show it. I told her "he is going to win you know." She smiled her sweet smile and just said "I hope you're right." The enthusiasm is there, it's just being held back from where I sit...

[demokatgurrl]

16. But the real, important question is:

is she going to VOTE?

[vaberella]

25. I would say most assuredly. Despite their cynicism they will vote Obama. n/t

[monmouth]

28. Oh absolutely, I've talked to all of my neighbors off and on for

months, especially the undecideds and they can't wait to turn Florida blue. The good thing with this is they are also talking to their families and so on. It'll happen.

[vaberella]

24. Exactly. Cynicism has won out. n/t

[demnan]

9. You aren't allowed to have political bumperstickers?

Who are they to tell you what you can put on your car? No wonder political expression at your place of work is repressed.

Most all of the blacks and whites in my office are enthusiastic about Obama.

[SE7Nth]

30. Can't at my work or my house, heh.

Being that I live and work on an Air Force Base, they don't allow us to show support for anyone. I will say though, a LOT of people in the military seem to be leaning Obama. A whole lot more than I would have expected. Not saying he'll get the most votes compared to McCain from the military, but Obama should get a nice chunk.

[asdjrocky]

36. Hey, welcome to DU!

I know a lot of people in the service, and retired service and not one of them is backing McCain.

[goodgd_yall]

72. That might explain the reticence

Working on a military base, I'm sure they feel inhibited to express anything political.

[peacebaby3]

88. Hey. Welcome to DU. Hubby just retired a year ago and we and plenty of folks

we know that are still in are supporting Obama. Like you, I'd be shocked if he got most of the military support because republicanism is is almost a requirement, but the tide is changing and I think he'll get more than expected.

[FrenchieCat]

12. many don't want to hear any racism, and so they don't even want

to make mention to White folks, just in case they might have to go off on them.
And it is true that many remember MLK and JFK and RFK and are worried to the point
that they just want to hurry up and vote for him.......but many are fearful.

[cliffordu]

13. I guess you could actually go out of your way and actually TALK to one of the

"Black workers" as you called them......


You could. Really!!

After all, "Black workers" are people too, and might even WELCOME the opportunity to talk to a nice concerned person like yourself.

[Courtesy Flush]

26. Actually, I brought it up this weekend

We were together all day yesterday on a pointless assignment. We started talking about alternative energy, as one of the workers and I have had many conversations about installing solar panels to our homes. I mentioned that if Obama wins we'll see a lot more support for renewable energy. No response. At another point I said that McCain's energy plan is all about oil. Still no response. You just can't get a political conversation up in my office unless it's with our resident freeper, who'll talk your ear off.

[cliffordu]

42. And yet you didn't say anything about THIS incident in your OP....

Why do I think you're making this shit up???

[Courtesy Flush]

48. WTF?

Look. I'm just telling you what I see in my town. I'm glad you're seeing things that I'm not, but don't accuse me of making stuff up.

[cliffordu]

59. I dunno - most folks tell one story all the way through....

but, ya kow, if I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and of course you would have my sincerest apology....but if I'm onto something, prolly not.

[blondeatlast]

43. Your resident freeper is likely the reason no one brings it up. How 'bout taking a couple of 'em to

Happy Hour?

My coworkers were surprised as hell to see me shed my workplace armour, as I was with them.

[musicblind]

76. How condescending to someone who is already on your side n/t

[grace0418]

14. In Chicago I've seen TONS of excitement.

Neighborhoods that, this time four years ago, you wouldn't have know an election was about to take place are now covered with Obama signs and people walking around with Obama shirts and buttons.

[brentspeak]

41. Yes, but what about outside Chicago?

Chicago is not an accurate indicator of how Obama fares outside his hometown.

[grace0418]

81. I don't think the black community loves Obama just because he lives here. I'm sure

that's a factor, especially since he worked in the community. But I think they are mostly excited because he's a wonderful man and is poised to be the first black man to be president. I think they'd still be excited if he were from Atlanta or Seattle or Dallas or anywhere else. Edited to add that I don't claim to speak for the black community or anyone else. I could be completely wrong, this is just my observation.

[BklynChick]

15. I'm in NYC and work in a predominately black workplace and he is all the buzz, as is he in my n'hood

what state are you in?

[vaberella]

29. I live in Harlem, I don't see too much excitement, except during Election time. n/t

[Connie_Corleone]

17. You're reading the situation wrong.

Speaking from my experience, I don't talk to the majority of my co-workers about Obama because they're mostly repukes. I talk about Obama with a handful of other black co-workers and that's it.

And believe me, we are VERY excited about Obama.

[Courtesy Flush]

34. That's what I'm thinking

I'm still a registered Republican myself, and maybe that's common knowledge. But I miss no opportunity to tell people how much my views have changed in the last 7 years, and whom I intend to vote for.

[faithfulcitizen]

18. May I ask, where do you live? I've never seen so much enthusiasm in the black community...

in my lifetime. I wasn't around in the 60's. I've seen a few people with t-shirts that say "We still have a dream" with Obama and Dr. King on them in Indy at the state fair. Brought tears to my eyes. Besides, the primary turnout negates your observations. Maybe there is something unique about your community?

[my3boyz]

19. I'm AA and I think many of us are afraid to get our hopes up.

Also, I think many would not talk about Obama in the workplace. I know I go out of my way to avoid talking about the election with co-workers.

[demokatgurrl]

31. Interestingly, where I work, most people seem to be

repubs, or leaning that way. I have one of about 4 Obama stickers in the parking lot. And I only discuss politics or the election with one person- and he is African American (I am not). We huddle in my office or his, and vent and console each other as needed.

At first I was afraid to put my bumper sticker on, but now I have that and the "Bush's last day" one and don't care.

[democrattotheend]

20. I've seen the enthusiasm in black neighborhoods I've canvassed

Even in broken-down neighborhoods in Philly where the economic distress was evident, I could see how much hope and inspiration Obama's candidacy had brought to the community. My favorite was the older black woman who said "he's my baby" and put her hand over her heart. Young blacks who probably never even thought about voting before seemed engaged, and I always sensed a lot of pride in his candidacy.

Among more well-off African Americans at work, I don't see it as much, but I think part of that is them not wanting to talk about race and what his candidacy means for the black community among white coworkers...almost all of my African American coworkers supported him in the primary though, except for my one coworker, a black man who thinks race-baiting is an acceptable political tactic. Sometimes I wish I could be as machiavellian as he is...he's the kind of person who's going to run winning campaigns one day, because he has that cutthroat instinct to win.

[vaberella]

21. It's understanable cynicism.

Remember there's a level of jadedness about who winning added to the fact that many Blacks in my area see him as a "pimp". They'll vote for him but a lot of Blacks are under the impression, and I'd say the majority,..."This is the land of the white man, black people can try but they never will."

So it's not lack of excitement, more like cynicism and really not putting all their eggs in one basket. And can you blame them? We had Bush two terms in a row and Blacks can still see their place in our society. Katrina rings strong in our psyche.

So don't assume that because the group is not showing unrestrained glee they aren't excited. They're hopeful, but it's definitely a quiet hopeful. Take one of them into conversation and they'll probably whisper their excitement and not want to jinx it by saying it too loud.

Again we have the minimal few who see him as a pimp, but even then, they'll vote for him. They just don't see him as caring for the Black people because Obama doesn't talk about the Black person, he speaks about all people. I identify with him because this disunity or specificity about one race and group because you are that race shows your ineptude to watch over the nation and further more discounts ALL the people who suffer the same.

Blacks are not the only ones who have been mistreated and continually mistreated by this nation. We have Asians, Native Americans, Latinos, and let me not forget the even more distressed indigent whites (some of which have taken up racist ideals thinking white privilege keeps them up ahead and every miniority is evil). They'll vote for him but reserve their issues.

The other's are cynics and I don't begrudge them, because it's understandable.

[SuperTrouper]

22. Don't worry, the AA will vote in record numbers this year and will help elect Obama.

[ariesgem]

23. You need to take a trip to my neigborhood

It's ALL about Obama. I see Obama tees sold on street corners & store fronts, Obama murals painted on some walls, Obama buttons & stickers are EVERYWHERE. I just moved in with my boyfriend who lives in the heart of South Central L.A. Perhaps your co-workers are keeping their politics to themselves.

[nini]

27. Hell, I am and it is the greatest thing I've seen in my political lifetime

Turnout will decide this election and for once I believe it's going to be overwhelming in our favor.

[bdamomma]

39. more registered dems than repigs.

[flamingdem]

32. Canvassing Story: Rural Ghetto in Florida -- distrust of whites by blacks due to history of past

elections. A family member was canvassing this weekend and was treated with suspicion because they believed she was a stealth republican. It took a lot of time to break through and then those who ignored opened up to explain and welcomed the democrat.

[goclark]

33. I'm Black and my eyes don't see what your eyes see

I have never in my life seen my community so FIRED UP for any election!

Don't worry about us not supporting, worry about the so called "Women's" vote that is for Palin.

That word " Women" does not mean Black women and we sure know it.

We are Working harder than we have worked in every election.

Let's GOTV for ALL Americans and that will certainly include US.

[faithfulcitizen]

38. "'women' does not mean Black women and we sure know it." -so true!.

hadn't really thought about it that way until now.

[Number23]

73. I'm with you, GoClark!

I have never in my life seen my community so FIRED UP for any election!

My 70-year old grandmother has had a pacemaker put in and had knee surgery on both knees, but she told me three nights ago she was going to get to the polls this year if someone has to CARRY her.

Obama is all my family and I talk about. I've spend so much time reading political news since Feb. of this year I'm surprised my husband hasn't divorced me.

[goclark]

84. Right you are and Welcome to DU

My 90 yr. old Mom sees Barack on TV and she says, " FIRED UP, READY TO VOTE!"

[blondeatlast]

35. Maybe you should take a couple of 'em with you to Happy Hour and talk 'em up. It might surprise you

People in a workplace that obviously frowns on political discourse on the job aren't enthused about talking about something their employer seems to frown upon?

Y'know, something that could get them FIRED? Give 'em a reason to get FIRED UP.

[slampoet]

37. From Actual Canvasing i am seeing plenty of excitement.

[NOLALady]

40. Personally,

I've found friends and family cautiously optimistic.

But, I have not discussed Obama with any whites including white family members. I guess I'm just not in the mood for the possible clueless racist comments.

[qwlauren35]

93. I made that mistake.

Spoke to my white brother-in-law. He says he "hasn't made up his mind".

Some days it pains me to no end that my sister stays married to him.

If we lose and he does the I-told-you-so thing around the Xmas table, he could be the first white man lynched in years.

[redstate_democrat]

44. PUHLEEZE

Every black person I know is hyped about this election. I know guys who have never ever voted in their lives who are following this election and voting. You go to the club and see people wearing Obama GEAR and the DJ is doing Obama shoutouts in the club! PUHLEEZE. And I hear the same things from some of my girl, their men are voting for the first time ever. Get real. You think black people aren't excited about the FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT???????????????????? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND???????? They may not blab all of their business to you (black people can be cautious with some white folks--you know) but best believe, we hear it in our churches, clubs, groups, on the radio and whenever more than one of us assemble. IT IS ON.

[Courtesy Flush]

46. Thank you

That's all I needed to hear.

[oviedodem]

49. We are cynical about politics in general, in a situation like this

we wait for the other shoe to drop b/c many AA don't believe he will win but WILL NO DOUBT be turning out in droves.

[shaniqua6392]

50. They are probably afraid to get too excited about it.

They have been burned so many times before.

[BeyondGeography]

51. You, friend, are going to learn the meaning of still waters run deep

[faithfulcitizen]

54. Great pics, thank you!

[blondeatlast]

57. Wow; those pics bring that incredible night back; I'm tearing up all over again! Great reply, too. n

[Number23]

74. Dammit! I've gone a whole week without crying and you just ruined it!

I love your photos. But this one has me COMPLETELY unglued:

[qwlauren35]

94. I didn't expect...

to cry when he spoke. But I did. Tears poured out of my eyes. It was so much more real at the convention than it was in June.

My mom is simply proud that he made it this far. She *wants* him to win, but she'll be happy to cherish the fact that he won the nomination even if he doesn't win the election.

There may be a lot of us who feel this way. We have already reached such an amazing milestone - if he loses, no one can take that away from us.

Yes, he is all we discuss at home. And my Obama bumpersticker is on at work... one of two in the entire lot!

But I only discuss it with ONE co-worker here at work. And he's white. I think it's a lot easier to be an open Obama supporter if you're white!!!! No one can say it's a racial alignment thing.

Personally, I think that a ground swell of African-Americans campaigning for Obama would hurt him, much as we want to. I'm not sure that we are the majority of folks crossing into the swing states, and "reds-ville". In SOME CASES, only a white person will be able to get through to another white person who is on the fence. If there's any possibility that me campaigning would push a white person over into the McCain camp, I'll keep my mouth shut.

[DevonRex]

52. I'm not seeing the correlation between your workplace, which

frowns on political discussion, and the "local black community."

Seems to me that your coworkers are being polite in not bringing politics up. There's always one bad apple, usually a freeper, who breaks the rule and everyone else just puts up with it. At least that's what most offices are like.

[krkaufman]

55. Yep, that's my experience, too. Due to the prevalence and arrogance of RW talk radio....

... the Freeps think they're ideas are actually mainstream and have no problem spewing their BS, while others keep their positions more closely held, in the workplace. (And I expect that African Americans are especially careful not to potentially breach office etiquette, given the historical treatment.)

[DevonRex]

58. Me too. And you know that the same idiot freeper that is in every

office across the US would then start saying he's being ganged up on by the "libruls" or, even worse (in his/her estimation) his black coworkers, if politics were discussed.

[krkaufman]

64. Yep, and quickly filing a formal complaint. n/t

[EC]

53. Many of my black friends are voting for him but they are holding

they're excitement until he wins, because they all have a wait and see attitude brought on from constant disappointment...doesn't mean they aren't inwardly excited...

[HughMoran]

62. I honestly didn't see the last two posts before I posted

lol - we seem to be coming to a concensus - don't get excited until is actually happens.

[Phoonzang]

56. Because almost none of us expect him to win.

Don't want to get our hopes up only to have them crushed. Again.

[HughMoran]

61. I posted almost the exact same sentiment as you just below

I think excitement will rise considerably if Obama is actually elected. Until then, we work hard and hold our breath.

[elkston]

63. I'm black. I expect him to win in a close race. But he will win. (eom)

[HughMoran]

60. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me 1000 times, shame on ME

I think enthusiasm will rise considerably if Obama is ACTUALLY ELECTED IN OUR BIGOTED COUNTRY.

Blacks have had their share of dissapointments, I'm not surprised that they don't want to be set up for another.

[sniffa]

65. Here in Boston, excitement is off the charts

Of course, I only speak for here.

[McCamy Taylor]

66. Every liberal/Dem demographic---Gay/Lesbian, minority,young--in FW seems enthusiastic.

Haven't seen any McSame stuff in this part of Fort Worth ( I live in the "cultural district"). Only Ron Paul stuff.

[ContinentalOp]

67. I'm not black but most of the time I'm cautiously optimistic...

and some of the time I get very depressed and pessimistic. I can totally understand how a lot of African Americans might be feeling a little fatalistic about the whole thing. I can also understand not wanting to be attacked by crazies or accused of supporting him just because he's black or having to listen to people talk about how "articulate" he is.

[Cha]

68. Well, the Blacks I know in

NYC are very excited about Obama as am I.. about someone who had the good judgment and foresight to be against the War On IRaq from the beginning and has come this far with the intelligence to choose Joe Biden to work along with him for the next 8 years to lead us in the change we need.

[JVS]

69. I think a lot of black people might be playing it cool.

They saw what happened in the primaries when it became clear which candidate they were supporting, and probably don't appreciate their support being used as a weapon against their candidate.

I don't see a lot of loud support for Obama, but I don't see any support for Mcshit among black people.

[cmf]

70. If they showed it, people would accuse them of only supporting him because he's Black

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. :shrug:

[Number23]

71. Are you for real?

I don't understand the purpose of your OP at all. Not one bit.

Did it occur to you that perhaps the black people in your office don't feel comfortable talking to you? Or expressing their excitement about Obama around non-black people? If anything, I think it may say more about your work environment than it does about the black community.

I'm black and I currently live in a FOREIGN COUNTRY and if I had a dollar for every pro-Obama e-mail/phone call I got from my black friends and family back in the States, I would never need to work again. The excitement has spread from the 50 states, crossed over the Pacific and is back again. Why you haven't been able to see that I can only guess.

And even on the national scale it seems Obama ignites White support about as much as African American.

And your point is... WHAT exactly??

[EffieBlack]

75. Maybe they think their political views are none of your business . . .

[Fire1]

77. I'm AA living in a Michigan Suburb

and I rarely see signs in Detroit or it's suburbs for McCain or Obama. There is only one lawn sign on my block and it's for Obama. She is a white lady who proudly displays her bumper stickers, as well. I initially wanted a lawn sign, then decided against it for fear of retribution. We've lived here for the last five years, without incident and Michigan already has a problem with city against suburbia and vise versa, so I decided to let sleeping dogs lie. Michigan is a swing state this year and it will be very close, here. We've been fighting disenfranchisement efforts in one county already and the problems with Detroit's democratic mayor doesn't help, either. So, this is what we're up against, but I still believe the AA citizens will vote in record numbers.

[goclark]

85. I lived in Michigan

and with all the auto industry in deep trouble, Michigan should vote for Ob ama in record numbers,

I admit, Mayor issue was a mess.

Upper Michigan is real Mc Cain and I don't think that will change.

[TheDonkey]

78. In Los Angeles I've seen a lot. Obama stickers on cubicles, Obama t-shirts on grandmothers

young people do not seem too phased but older African Americans seem very excited in my experience.

[BlackmanX]

79. It's about the money

make no mistake about it Black people do love Obama. The ones mentioned at this person's job probably just don't want to get out on a limb and offend anyone at the office and lose their jobs. Where I live black people already turn out in high numbers and the fact that Obama is running is actually making more black people run for office. Turn out is definately up. YES WE CAN WIN THIS THING

[angee_is_mad]

80. The only true guarantee for Obama is a historic Black turnout for HIM!

My job is 50% Black and the rest are ringnuts and let me tell you we are excited. Go in the beauty parlors and barber shops and you will hear the excitement.

Blacks may not praise Obama every second until they go to sleep, but we realize that history is being made. Barack is the the first Black man who is QUALIFIED for the job who has a real shot at the presidency. That fact alone brings tears to a lot of people's eyes. Hell, even the kids are excited.

It is unfortunate that you have not felt this excitement from people in your circle.

One thing that Barack Obama doesn't have to worry about is the Black vote.We got the brotha's back.

[NYYFan]

82. I am Black, and there is plenty here in Winston-Salem, NC

However, there are areas in town that are having to overcome old stereotypes and lies about voting and registering to vote.

However, with that said- I'm plenty excited !

[Fire_brand]

83. *updates database of concerns*

[undeterred]

86. The Obama campaign doesn't have signs yet

so I don't see anything. But the day of the primary back in February, it looked like every black person in my precinct came out to vote, including some who had trouble walking and needed assistance. I'm gonna take a wild guess that they were voting for Obama and not Hillary. And I'm gonna take a wild guess that they will be voting on Nov.4.

[tekisui]

87. 97-98% support, record voter registration and T-shirts galore.

you crazy.

[jeffrey_X]

89. Bullshit

I've spent a number of days in Brooklyn the past few weeks. I've seen some amazing stuff on street corners there. There are t-shirts and buttons everywhere. I even heard them re-playing Obama's speeches on boom boxes.

I've seen it at least in New York/Brooklyn.

[woolldog]

90. The AAs in your office are likely excited by Obama, but

don't trust you enough to share that excitement with you.

[qwlauren35]

91. Here in my neck of the woods...

I'm in the Baltimore area. Lots of us are fired up... and others are just going on with their lives. I don't think it's "Obama", because most of the black people I know will vote for him... if they vote. But I think a lot of folks just can't be bothered with the voting process. OR, they just aren't on the Internet!!!!

I've been pretty disappointed in how the Internet dominates this campaign, when so many African-Americans do not access it regularly. No, "pretty disappointed" doesn't begin to scratch the surface on this issue.

There are hundreds of thousands of African-Americans who are being left out of the campaign because they aren't on the Internet... and there's no "Hotline" for people to call that's being advertised by radio or TV - which is the most common way to reach our community.

So, if anyone wonders why they are lukewarm, it's probably because they aren't hooked in. Otherwise, it's because the polls DO depress us, and lots of us are worried about assassination.

I have felt all along that I would never be able to swing white voters - I think it takes white people to swing white voters. So, I'm sorta out of that "race".

But, a lot of those nickel and dime contributions are coming from US.


FYI: folks = black people. Not in general, but in this post.

[Chovexani]

95. *sigh*

http://www.blackpeopleloveus.com

Thanks for today's Black People Update, Johnny.

[faithfulcitizen]

99. LOL!

[MISSDem]

96. I think there is a tremendous amount of excitement but, think about it,

it seems like it would be too good to be true. My manager, who is black, told me that after you have gotten your hopes up time and time again, you start being afraid to get your hopes up again only to be dissappointed.

[Doityourself]

97. Plenty of excitement among my family and friends..volunteering and all!!!

[samuraiguppy]

98. trust me, we are excited. nt