What effect, if any, might Barack Obama's presidency have on Black culture?

[Bicoastal]

Let me just say that I'm about as white as they come, so this is totally not my area...

...but I'm very curious to see if Obama and Michelle's presence in the White House changes the face of African American music, fashion, or even film and television. Obama's connection to hip-hop is by far the most interesting: he's been openly supportive of mainstream artists like Ludacris and Jay-Z, but critical of other hip-hop trends, such as misogynistic lyrics or wearing underwear-exposing trousers. For the last 50 years, Black music has changed dramatically to suit the times, and as a musician, it'll be interesting to see what the new incarnation looks like, if and when there is one.

I'm less knowledgeable about fashion, but it's possible that however Michelle dresses or wears her hair will be imitated by thousands, like Jackie O was in the 60's. Even Barack may be emulated-- my friend Jeremiah, who I watched Election Night with, speculated that a lot more guys would be wearing a suit-and-tie to clubs and parties. Or maybe the change will be mainly in White culture and their awareness. Remember when Obama and Michelle bumped fists, and Fox News reported on it as if it were a secret code language that only black people knew?

Now everyone's doing it! :fistbump:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. A beautiful one. What black culture lacked because they'd not been permitted, was role models

Now here are two wonderful role models, and they just happen to be our (soon to be) president and his wife!

And they're SO classy. But you know, since they're ordinary people they're not just role models for African-American people. They're role models for anyone who is middle class or working class, be they African-American, white, Hispanic, or anything!

LOVE THEM!

[murielm99]

2. Pride.

Just think of all the little African-American children who will want to grow up to be just like the Obamas. They will want to go into government. They will see a different future for themselves.

I don't care what they wear or listen to. I'll be as interested as you, but I think it is wonderful that many African-American children will have such shining role models for the first time.

[woolldog]

3. A good role model,

that isn't famous for sports or music. Hopefully him and Michelle and their two daughters will give black children an image of blacks who have succeeded using their intellect and education. And maybe that will increase the numbers of black children who see that and feel like they can do it too.

btw, everyone was doing fist bumping before the Obamas did it. It's everywhere in sports. And has been that way for a while.

[Two Americas]

4. Americans

People of color are Americans and we all share one "culture." Nor are all people of color the same or uniformly sharing the same "culture" - presumed to be distinct from "white culture."

[Donald Ian Rankin]

6. I disagree.

Saying that all Americans share one culture is an even bigger overgeneralisation than saying that all black Americans share one culture.

There exist various disparate subcultures in America; some of them predominated by one or another race or ethnic group. Some of them are tight enough that you can make statements about them - "goths mostly dress in these ways"; "white rural Deep South cuisine includes these dishes" and so on - but the wider you cast the net the more general and meaningless the statements you can make become.

And one person can be a member of more than one subculture.

[Two Americas]

7. didn't say that

Of course there is a mix of cultural influences. I objected to attaching that to color.

[DBoon]

5. they will learn that a Black man can lead white people

nt

[happychatter]

12. good point... I think most soldiers already knew this... now America gets to catch up

I've seen young white men from the deep south and other areas, fully indoctrinated with racist beliefs... change before my eyes, with a little education and exposure....

Competent Black leadership... smart, savvy, compassionate....

man, that goes a long way

This is a good time for us all

[old mark]

18. There were a lot of extremely competent black people in the Army

in the 1960's and 1970's, and it was very instructional to a lot of other people of all colors.

mark

[Raineyb]

8. When we tell out children that they can be anything we won't be lying to them n/t

Regards

[fortyfeetunder]

9. Now have a 21st Century version of "The Huxtables"...

almost like a reality series...

[crispini]

10. Hell, I'm not black and I'd dress like Michelle. If I could.

Not being tall and willowy, I can't. Ha!

[kwenu]

11. Frankly, this thread tells me that the view of Blacks is still very much a media stereotype.

Maybe that will change.

[firedupdem]

13. As a black married mother of two it amazes me sometimes when

I hear that the perception is that there are limited role models for our children. There are a great many successful black people out here that we know about and maybe others don't because they only see ignorant ass rappers (yes, some of them are) or crooks being arrested on the news.

Only speaking for myself here...I was raised by two working parents who always told me and my siblings we could be whatever we wanted to. My husband and I have always told our boys they can be whatever they want to be too. Everybody I know does. It's great that we have our first African American president but I don't' know how many changes you'll see. Most of us with any education and sense are trying to raise our children the right way anyhow.

[MrSlayer]

14. The fist bump has been around for years.

The Obamas did not invent it.

[angee_is_mad]

15. One person can't change culture, but there will be a big impact

I'm already hearing slang terms, in reference to the Obamas. For instance, young men will say I'm gonna get me a Michelle. That means a strong, smart, beautiful , black woman who will hold it down and got your back no matter what. Sounds a helluva lot better than, "Ride or Die Chick."

Black women are looking at her style and how she dresses the girls. We are tickled to death that two little black girls will be running around the Whitehouse with cornrolls, afropuffs, and twists!

The biggest impact the Obamas will have is to be unapologetic about who you are and where you come from, but don't let that be an excuse for not succeeding.

You can give your spouse a dap and still be president!

[CreekDog]

16. being stupid is about to go out of style

in every culture.

thank God and yikes. :dilemma:

[DrPresident]

17. There was an article in the Wash Post about this exact thing

about Michelle Obama's influence on Black Women, unfortunately I cannot find it.

[Cha]

19. It won't be relegated

to only February? I predict an influx of African Art and History which can only help our Planet.