Day 3: The Fear of the Unknown

I intern at a GLBT health center three days per week in Manhattan. On my lunch break, I usually grab a slice of pizza and sit on my favorite bench in a park on 9th Avenue. For some reason, today I couldn't sit still. I wandered around, running a few errands and window shopping at Brooklyn Industries (my new weakness). I walked past a bar on 9th & 19th that was showing Obama's first press conference. Naturally, I went inside and sat down. I watched proudly as he gave a speech and answered questions with poise.

There were only a few other people in the bar, and they were also watching intently. A man walked in, looked at the TV and said, "What's happening? Did he get shot already?" and laughed. While his (ill-humored) comment was meant to be a joke, it struck a nerve inside of me.

Our country is full of such an incredible amound of imbedded racism, as evident by the pre-election foiled assassination plan by two skin-heads. According to an international media report, "Obama assassination" is the most searched phrase on Google.com. In addition, the KKK has declared a race war, although they do not necessarily want Obama dead because they claim that would make him a martyr.

Honestly, this all gives me chills. I don't even want to think about it or I might cry.

Racism on the Campaign Trail

"Off with his head."

"Kill him."

"He's a terrorist."

I think anyone could have predicted this time would come. A time when McCain falls so far down in the polls that his supporters start to, well, freak out. Now we're starting to see the true colors of Republicans around the country as they shout terribly racist things and make posters about asphyxiating Obama with a noose.

Wow.

It's hard to believe people like that actually exist in this world. ::sigh::

Obama Waffles: Are You Serious?

I like breakfast. Not my favorite meal of the day, but it's grown on me in the past few years. I like omlets, scrambled eggs, pancakes and even waffles.

But I don't like racist caricatures that create and perpetuate stereotypes that are harmful and hurtful. And I don't like them on a box of waffles.

Admittingly inspired by other food products featuring racist depictions of African Americans, the creators see no problem with their attempt at political satire.

It's not surprising that their bright idea sparked so much controversy that they were banned from selling Obama Waffles at the Values Voter Summit by organizers (after the product had been on sale for three days). Even the girls over at The View all agreed that this time, the joke went too far.

There is just nothing funny about

depicting Obama, a Catholic, in traditional Muslim headdress. There is also nothing funny about the recipe for "Open Border Fiesta Waffles" on the back, which can feed "up to 4 illegal aliens."

In fact, the whole thing is disgusting and I am, for once, speechless.