Okay, in case you haven't heard the news, we have a black president. The media notice this and apparently that's the main thing they see. I recently came across yet another article referencing President Obama's color. "Black Leaders Push Obama for Jobs Bill" , it reads. The article states that Obama held a meeting with three other black men high up in the Civil Rights movement; however, they did not talk about the affairs of black people. They instead met to discuss the affairs of poor people in general under this economic crisis. One man present, president of the NAACP Benjamin Jealous is quoted as saying "In these times, it didn’t make sense to talk about race-based initiatives".

The article goes on to state some specific plans and actions of the President regarding the bill, but it leaves me wondering, why does this article, and others like it, feel the need to point out that Obama, our black president, met with other black men to discuss things not pertaining specifically to people of their same skin color? Throughought history the media has played a large role in feeding racist feelings and thoughts to everyone. it is my opinion that the title and first paragraphs of this article are unnecessary. Because of racism, there were never articles about former president Bush meeting with other white men to discuss things not pertaining to only white people.

Yes, I definately understand that racism is in fact an issue that should be adressed, not ignored. There are differences between some people of other skin colors because of different cultural norms. However, I believe that how this article mentioned that these men were meeting and NOT talking about black issues was not needed. The way I see things, it is another medium that is only adding unneeded fuel to the undying fire of racism.

So, thoughts? Do you agree with me or are you at a completely different conclusion? Please comment and let me know!

-Sheila

1 Comment

1. Kevin M on March 7, 2010 at 6:46 PM

   I think you have a point: the paper's decision to report that these men met and didn't talk about issues related to the black community implies that when four black leaders get together, they pretty much always talk about black communities. Entman calls this "modern racism."
   
   But it doesn't seem to me that the media are over-emphasizing Obama's race. Even in this article doesn't really make a point of the president's race (although it's admittedly the subtext of the article).
   
   What's the alternative? Should the Times *not* report when the president meets with three of the most powerful black leaders in the country?