Barack Obama's Comment Offended His Children and Mine by Referring to Himself as a "Mutt"
An Apology is in Order from the President Elect for His Offensive Remarks
Would his grandmother be proud of those remarks? Referring to the mixture of races in himself as to being like a mutt in the pound? That is wrong and fodder for the racists in the world. My daughter has enough to worry about with people who will dislike her because of the color of her skin already, the last thing she needs is the president elect talking about her on the same level of a "mutt" and calling her a "mutt". Yes Barack Obama called MY child and his own "mutts". Seriously did he not think for one second that his comment would be offensive to other multiracial people?
Multiracial and biracial folks already have issues such as filling out those boxes on government forms. Do I check African American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, or Other? Maybe Barack Obama will stop these government officials from making us choose only ONE box. My child is not ONE race so which do I choose? I always mark all three races as that is what race she is. I do not for one minute feel she is a "mutt" nor do I appreciate Barack Obama calling her that.
So Mr. President Elect Barack Obama when shall you be apologizing for your offensive remarks? I hope that you will remember in the future that calling multiracial and biracial folks names will lose you more support than those eloquent speeches that are written for you. I am sorely disappointed in your level of class at this point. Many hopes and dreams were realized when you were elected, please do not let us all down. Our children will be watching you. Many parents will turn off the television and not let their children watch your speeches if we can not trust you to not say offensive things. Right now my daughter enjoys seeing two little girls who look similar to her by your side at the podium. Don't make her and me be ashamed of our new president.
Our children will be watching you. Don't forget.
Published by Carolyn Foster
Stay at home mother and home school teacher of an adored, lovely, high needs child with high functioning autism. Finally caught up with the technology of Twitter. Follow me at carolnfoster on Twitter to s... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentI see nothing wrong with calling oneself a mutt in humor. Some people are too politically correct.
An endearing comment? Affectionate? To me that is terms like lovable, sweetheart, etc.
Endear: to cause to become beloved or admired . http://mw1.meriam-webster.com/dictionary/endearing
It is a derogatory term. Why not use more positive terms like unique? One of a kind? Or my favorite: exotic? I don't think Barack Obama could have picked a more horrid sounding term if he had tried. I have never in my life heard anyone of any race refer to himself or to anyone else as a "mutt". To me that sounds like "not as good as" people of one race. I never want my child to feel less than as she isn't.
This is rediculous. You are being totally paranoid. As anyone with any sense knows the term mutt is most definitely used in an endearing manner. He was trying to clear the racial contreversy over what race he is considered in a way that would get the point across without igniting any further problems. If you are offended you need to explore why this is happening inside yourself. Like Eleanor Roosevelt once conveyed, you can only be offended IF you allow yourself to be. It is the definition you are attaching to the word "Mutt", not what it means in reality. I am German, English, & Native American, and I am a mutt. So what! Everyone I have ever heard using that term in the 55 years I have been on this earth, said it with pride, and humor, because they know they have a little bit of a lot of good things, from several racrs, cultures, or religions. So, lighten up, 99% of Americans are Mutts!
http://mw1.meriam-webster.com/dictionary/derogatory Main Entry: de·rog·a·to·ry
Pronunciation: di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ç
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1503
1 : detracting from the character or standing of something -often used with to, towards, or of
2 : expressive of a low opinion : disparaging
- de·rog·a·to·ri·ly -ˌrä-gə-ˈtȯr-ə-lç adverb
Main Entry: mutt
Pronunciation: ˈmət
Function: noun
Etymology: short for muttonhead dull-witted person
Date: 1899
1 : a stupid or insignificant person : fool
2 : a mongrel dog : cur
http://mw1.meriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutt
Well, I've always referred to myself as a mutt due to mixed ethnicities. My children weren't offended by the 'mutt' remark either as they feel they too are a mix of many things. But, I do see how some might take offense. Mutt is an affectionate term, an endearment, and frankly in this day and age who has pure bloodlines? I feel for President Elect Obama though - he can't identify solely with being a Black American or he gets criticized, and when he embraces of all who he is and sums that up as being a 'mutt' he is viewed as somehow deriding all of us families that are both black and white.
I usually refer to myself as a mutt when people ask me about my racial background, and Im too tired to list off the 8 or 9 different races I am. I only do it as a joke though; and rarely, and never would expect the president to use such a word... so I can definelty see how it would be offensive to many many people.
I loved the comment, really. Fresh air, but it's not for everyone. As the (white) dad of two black-white mutts -- as with the president-elect -- the comment acknowledged the difficulty with the dog choice and identified a president who will be unusually comfortable discussing race. So many, especially whites, have such trouble talking about race and identifying their own feelings -- understandably, anyone who says race is an easy topic is not thinking hard. I think the president can do much to get it out in the open. Most American blacks have a mixed heritage and like Barack are often simply lumped together as black. Besides, I've always thought mutts tend to have more personality and smarts. :) I also discussed the comment with my kids, pointing out they have something in common with Barack.
Amen Brother.....absolutely furious here as well.
I sent my angry letter to the Office of President Elect this morning...
I voted for the man, and if any blow-hard liberals try to defend him on this they better be prepared to the wrath that is coming...
His speech in Phily never sat right with me, and now I fear that my worst suspicions about Barack Obama might be right.
Let us not forget that the dream still lies in front of us.