So another day,?another accusation of racism toward President Barack Obama. This time it comes courtesy of a comic published in the University Of Alabama’s college paper, The Crimson White. The White decided to lampoon the dramatic victory that Auburn’s football team scored over Alabama a week ago by depicting an Auburn player easily jogging away from a buffoon-like member of the Alabama squad with the caption “This is what happens in Obama’s America” in rather dramatic font.
This comic has earned the college paper accusations of racism. Wrote Crimson White editor-in-chief Mazie Bryant:
The cartoon was meant as satire, but unfortunately it has been perceived by many readers as having racist intentions.
Allow me to speak as someone who is a fan of neither racism nor Barack Obama: the comic isn’t racist. It’s nowhere near racist. It needs a GPS to find racism. Here, judge for yourself:
Now, we’re all familiar with the “Blame Obama” jokes, right? They go a little something like this:
Order takeout and the restaurant forgot your Italian bread? Damn you, Obama!
Get a flat tire on the way the work? Gee, thanks, Obama…
“The Immaculate Deflection” happens and Auburn beats Alabama? It’s all your fault, Obama…
Furthermore, Ms. Bryant explains that the cartoon was meant:
…as a lighthearted look at some of the more absurd explanations given for Alabama’s collapse…
In other words it’s a “Blame Obama” joke. Bryant continues:
Unfortunately, many people have developed an unhealthy opinion that all of the problems the United States has faced is a direct result of the decisions President Barack Obama has made during his terms as president. To place blame for the problems of the world on one man’s shoulders is not only disrespectful to our country’s leader, but also a scapegoat, devaluing the real roots of the problems themselves.
That is probably as perfect an explanation you can attach to the irrational hatred many Tea Party “Republicans” feel toward President Obama. The cartoon was specifically meant to satirize those individuals.
Obviously there are racist attacks in the direction of our President and his family. No denying it. But is it possible that we can all stop assuming every little thing that even looks like it pokes fun at our beloved POTUS is racist? And you may be reading this and thinking, “Of course! Sometimes the far-right launches attacks that are simply irrational and ill-informed; not racist!” Fine. This isn’t meant for you. Chances are you do admit that Barack Obama is not perfect.
However, just like racism is a much bigger problem than racists are willing to acknowledge nonsensical accusations of racism are a much bigger problem than blind Obama lovers are willing to acknowledge.
The University Of Alabama’s Crimson White paper has fallen under these racism accusations for one reason: they’re in Alabama. That’s a whole different kind of prejudice. As Ms. Bryant proved in her apology letter there are people everywhere who think little of the Tea Party’s overeager declarations of Obama’s guilt for every little thing that goes wrong in the United States and even outside the nation. So grow up, people.
Edited/Published by: SB
