OPINION: Saggy Pants, Talking White & The Obama Bully Pulpit
One of the more interesting aspects of the Obama presidency thus far, has been the focus placed on some of the more mundane aspects of Black life in America. Simple gestures by the President and the First Lady, such as a fist pound and the bearing of bare arms have become obsessions for journalists and pundits. Nowhere has this been more pronounced than with the reaction to President Obama’s oft-cited complaint about young black men and their saggy pants and Michele Obama’s recent reflection about childhood friends who accused her of “talking white.” What passes as simple curiosity about a very popular elected official, I suspect has more sinister aims, when considered within the context of popular pronouncements like “no more excuses” in the aftermath of President Obama’s election. Thus casual commentary from the President and the First Lady serve as a bully pulpit for those desiring to police the lives and culture of Black Americans.
2010 Oscars
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Im sure that this may upset some people but, Obama is not black. He is a United States citizen not American, not black, not white but what this country stands for. His mom is white and his dad is Kenyan… Calling our president one color is a mistake, he is a mix like the rest of this nation and the world over at that. What he is we will come to see, he is person more than anything just like everyone else and he’s also a great hope for change. The keyword being hope. On another note, I talk white, I am white and I love black women. On occaission i dont mind letting my pants sway down a bit and you guys cant lie that it’s not more comfortable at times… But im not talking about ass hanging out sagging, I only do that in the house when im messing with my girl to be goofy…
I’m one of the folks that loudly say “no more excuses” in response to when people say “our president is Black, so white folks step back.”
However, the fist pump is a cultural thing. Does anybody remember when the high five was a sub-cultural show of affection? Now it’s so mainstream I at times refuse to give a high five to someone over 5 years old.
The sagging pants thing is a trend started in prison and I find it truly disgusting. However, it has its time and place. When going to a place you’d like to work, even if you’re just stopping by to pick up an application, please pull your pants up. Belts are relatively inexpensive, so if you’re shelling out $200 for a cell phone and $100 for shoes, get a $10 belt along with it.
I think that the issue isn’t the sagging pants, but the underlying effects of the sagging pants and other cultural trends that off put mainstream America. But if you’re trying not to join the mainstream, keep wearing your sagging pants. Just don’t get crazy when folks ridicule you for it.
As to “talking white,” be proud if someone remarks that you speak PROPER English. Well, proper American English, anyway. But if you refuse to speak proper English in the proper settings, don’t get angry when you get denied jobs or reprimanded for speaking too much street slang during the interview or at the work place.
What we need to understand as a people is that there’s a time and place for everything. Barack Obama is president, so he can basically display any sign of affection that he wants: fist pump, chest bump, two-step, or whatever. He got the leeway to do and speak what he wants by playing with the mainstream game, while keeping true to himself. Now he’s in position to make real change. If you refuse to play the mainstream game when needed, you’ll never have as much impact on the mainstream as you should or desire.
i mean your pants can sag to your waist and your shirt is covering it, but when it’s below your ass cheeks and your freakin underwear is public that is ridiculous , making black people look real bad, so please fix your pants and there’s nothing wrong talking proper english
in jail saggy pants is the sign of homesexuality..hmmmmm
Men who sag their pants are gay, period. Anyone who thinks that using proper english is “white” is an idiot, period. Cmon negro’s…get off the plantation please!
I have no problem with a guy sagging, but if his underwear is showing, that’s when I have a problem. It’s just damn nasty! I think Obama should pressure local police departments and other city officials to come up with TOUGHT laws to combat this issue.
It’s always gonna be ignorant people regardless. I tend to ignore those types. Also it’s more serious issues to be worrying about than sagging pants.