Obama: Grandmother Was A "Typical White Person"

Sen. Barack Obama appeared on local sports radio in Philadelphia this morning to discuss the race. A blog for the Philadelphia Inquirer noticed this part of the interview:

610 WIP host Angelo Cataldi asked Obama about his Tuesday morning speech on race at the National Constitution Center in which he referenced his own white grandmother and her prejudice. Obama told Cataldi that "The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity, but that she is a typical white person. If she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know (pause) there's a reaction in her that doesn't go away and it comes out in the wrong way."

Listen to the interview:

Obama typical white person
by dollarsandsense123

Read HuffPost's Pennsylvania primary coverage.

Comments

[BluMoonRising]

09:24 PM on 03/22/2008

Our country is in a big fat mess. We have just spent the last 8 years with a president that you can't disagree with because he is Bully. This next presidency is so important. If this is what is going to look like for the next 4 years NO THANK YOU OBAMA. If you can't disagree with a man without riots in the streets and being called a racist we don't need him. It's sad too because he is a good man. We have a lot of damage control to do from The Bully leaving and no time to waste with the sideshow. I am not saying race relations is in any way not important, but I think our kids that are in Iraq deserve first attention, our infrastructure, etc...This other stuff....since it has bubbled up, has exhausted everyone...distracted everyone, angered everyone, divided everyone, and has proven exactly what the next 4 years will look like.

[GeorgeKaplan]

04:32 PM on 03/22/2008

What is the "typical white person." It there a "typical black person."

[jeffepops]

04:25 PM on 03/22/2008

Huffingtonpost bears as much guilt as the MSM by using a three word snippet "typical white person" in order to whip up emotional reaction to an truthful and precisely worded statement by Obama.

The above supposed Obama quote from the Philadelphia Inquirer is inaccurate, as well. Obama's actual words? (if you listen to the sound bite you can hear for yourself) -- ""The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity, she doesn't. But, that she is a typical white person, who, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know,there's a reaction that's been bred into our experiences that do[es]n't go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way; and that's just the nature of race in our society, and we have to break through it. And what makes me optimistic is you see each [new ]generation feeling a little bit less like that..

Anyone who reads the accurate quote, or listens to Obama speak for himself, knows that he is not stereotyping racial characteristics. He observes and notes a particular negative -- culturally created -- phenomenon that is beginning to disappear through successive generation.

Obama is to be commended for speaking out honestly, and at the same time actually avoiding the creation of hard and fast stereotypes and cliches.

HuffPu needs to step back and consider how it adds to the current political hysteria, and take steps to put the truth first.

[Pecola]

01:32 PM on 03/22/2008

People speak of the "typical black person" all the time, they just phrase it as "the black community," a homogenous entity which speaks, according to the MSM, with one voice. The typical black person's viewpoint is, it is assumed, espoused by the "black leaders" who represent them. While I, as a black person, am not to fond of being thought of as being part of a monolitihic group, I've never assumed that those who think in these terms are racist. But I do find it funny that the same media pundits which parse the (singular) mindset behind "the black vote" now report on the "typical white person" remark as if it's a radical thought, and that some of the people incensed over Obama's faux pas are the very same people fond of lecturing "the black community" (i.e. the typical black person) on what it needs to do.

Put simply, if you've ever used the phrases "black people need to...," "the black community should...," or "why do black people....," then, trust me, you've no room to criticize Obama.

[Penetang]

02:56 AM on 03/22/2008

While saying someone is a typical white person is admittedly poor phrasing, whether it is a bad or good thing to say really depends on what you are ascribing to the "typical". If a black person was to say that a typical white person is honest and hard working, there would be no issue. If instead the generalization was negative, that is a different story.

So it comes down to this: was what he said negative? If you read the entire thing, and are honest in interpreting what you think he was trying to say, then there is no reason to be upset.

Of course if you instead want to pounce on the awkward phrasing in a knee-jerk manner, then nevermind. Nothing could convince you otherwise.

[sockman]

08:20 AM on 03/22/2008

You are quite arrogant to conclude that it is somehow dishonest if my reading and interpretation of what Obama said is different from your interpretation and conclusion. There is nothing that Obama or anyone else can tell me about any particular race of p[eople that is entirely true. Obama knows this better than you and I and yet he did what most racist do. He spoke in broad sweeping racist generalizations.

[fedupamerica]

08:29 AM on 03/22/2008

The Clinton's are typical white people! Hillary got caught posting the Wright Videos. http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll163/mcouncil_2008/32_hillary_lgcopy.jpg

[paciere]

01:02 AM on 03/22/2008

Barack Hussein Obama says his grandmother is "typical white person". In conclusion, Barack Obama "typical half black person" or "typical black person."?


If his own grandmother was still alive and heard it, she'll be disgrace of Barack Obama. I guess the kind of influence of his own grandmother wasn't enough. She'll be terrified of Jeremiah Wright's influence.

[jeffepops]

01:22 PM on 03/23/2008

You obviously did not either read the entire transcript of what Obama said or listen to his complete response to the question he was asked. One of the hallmarks of racial/ethnic tension is the conditioned fear or distrust of strangers who appear to be different. Obama was speaking strictly to this phenomenon wherein he defined his grandmother's reaction as "typical".

I'm not Obama's grandmother, but I'm proud of him for speaking the truth, without rancor or blame, regarding the dynamic and, yes, painful history of race relations in our country.

If you do not believe that distrust of black strangers has been "typical" among whites -- particularly two generations ago, you are in deep denial.

[TruthCricket]

12:22 AM on 03/22/2008

Here is what Senator Obama said on LARRY KING LIVE to help clarify his thoughts.

OBAMA: "What I meant really was some of the fears of street crime and some of the stereotypes that go along with that, you know, were responses that, you know, I think many people feel. She's not extraordinary in that regard. You know, the point I made is, is that good people, people who are not in any way racist, are still subject to some of these images and stereotypes."

[Ramirez]

09:58 PM on 03/21/2008

You can now order your "Typical White Person" T-shirt here:

http://www.customink.com/designs/twp/7756150-1584070/share?cm_ven=share&cm_cat=email&cm_pla=Body_img&cm_ite=design

[sureflow]

02:37 PM on 03/22/2008

I am a Black person from Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I hold the same view as expressed by Obama about a White person when I encounter him or her in a predominantly white neighborhood. Am I wrong? Or is it that those who are criticizing the statement are not telling us the truth. Now is time for us to be truthful about race relations.

[Jerry1979]

09:11 PM on 03/21/2008

If you think this is bad, just wait until people start talking about the interview where he said the name of the White House should be changed to the "presidents house," in respect to the diversity of the country. Sure he gave all kinds of rational about it being called the presidents house originally and it was called that untill teddy oosavelt changed it. He also said that ts everybody's house, the people house not just the white peoples house. I think this "typical," comment is just the tip of the iceberg on Obama's antagonism against a country he want to lead.

[NeverRepublican]

08:14 PM on 03/21/2008

Next time I see a guy arrested on Cops of color...should I just think of it as typical?

[reflective]

05:38 PM on 03/21/2008

DGregory, I agree with you that people need to be more honest with themselves. There have been a number of situations in which I have experienced fear based on the race of others around me. Does this make me a racist? No. Are the feelings I experienced a form of racism? Yes. Do I like admitting this? No. And neither do most other people. But one needs only to take an honest look within himself or herself to see that they have probably experienced feelings like this at times. As Obama said, this doesn't make me a racist, but rather a typical, non-racist white person who has been conditioned to experience certain fears based on race. I can accept that. Unfortunately those who can't accept it will never have the opportunity to grow beyond it. Thank you Barack for your courage and your honesty.

[Aengil]

05:37 PM on 03/21/2008

Firstly, the quote in the article is inaccurate. Here's the full quote:

"The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity - she doesn't - but that she is a typical white person who, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know, you know there's a reaction that's been bred into our experiences that don't go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way, and that's just the nature of race in our society. We have to break through it, and what makes me optimistic, you see each generation feeling a little less like that."

Personally, I have no problem with this statement, it's accurate, particularly since the last part of the quote puts his earlier statement in a generational context.

If the objection is to the use of the phrase 'typical white person', think about it: isn't it true to say his grandmother is a typical example of a white person of her generation in this regard? How else could you phrase it? The qualifier 'white' in this context is clearly necessary. His grandmother is hardly a typical black person of her generation!

I have to say, I think the general reaction here is a kneejerk one.

[truesoccermom]

03:59 PM on 03/21/2008

I think what Obama was trying to say with this is that we shouldn't consider a white woman to be a racist if she confesses that her guard goes up when she passes a group of young black men on the street at night. I don't consider myself a racist but I confess to having these feelings -- especially if I am walking alone -- and, yes, I consider this to be a "typical" response.

I, for one, think the fear stems more from the "cultural" stereotypes we have about the black urban gangster rap culture that glorifies violence and degrades women. This is why I don't have the same feeling when I pass older black men who are not wearing baggy pants and lots of jewelry.

The bottom line is that Obama is telling me that it is O.K. for me to talk about this without feeling guilty and without fear of being labeled just another white racist. I thank him for that.

[kcflood]

03:30 PM on 03/21/2008

Take this down. This is what FOX NEWS is reporting about - trying to get him in trouble over a mis statement.

[ginnypoo]

04:30 PM on 03/21/2008

Typical. Obama can't even face his own words now....you have to protect him. Pathetic. I'm disgusted by Obama. It has been insulting enough to have Bush as president, now you think I should support a person that takes time out to personally insult me.....grow up and get over it......stick a fork in Obama, he's done. And he did it to himself.

[babar77]

05:07 PM on 03/21/2008

If you listened to his speech, you would realize that this is completely a mis-statement. You're just fishing for excuses. He's half-white and he's not going to throw his grandmother under the bus so to speak. If you are accusing Obama of doing just that - you should be prepared to defend it. I have hours upon hours of speeches and bill writing to defend my side of the story, what do you have?

[reflective]

06:05 PM on 03/21/2008

Ginnypoo, perhaps you need to be a little more honest with yourself. There have been a number of situations in which I have experienced fear based on the race of others around me. Does this make me a racist? No. Are the feelings I experienced a form of racism? Yes. Do I like admitting this? No. And neither do most other people. But one needs only to take an honest look within himself or herself to see that they have most likely experienced feelings like this at times. As Obama said, this doesn't make me a racist, but rather a typical, non-racist white person who has been conditioned to experience certain fears based on race. I can accept that.

Perhaps you're one of the small percentage of white people who can honestly say that you have never had feelings of fear based on race. If you're not, however, then denying it only serves to deny you the opportunity to grow beyond it. Thank you Barack for your courage and your honesty.

[Pray4usnow]

05:39 PM on 03/21/2008

OMG! When will he stop?

[linquistic]

03:04 PM on 03/21/2008

OBAMA: "I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas.

He is a biracial candidate. He is also WHITE.

I realize why they say Obama appeals to the starbucks democrats and has a hard time communicating with the blue collared workers. It's amazing to me how individuals could read the SAME speech but have totally DIFFERENT interpretations. You would think this was a poem or some kind of abstract painting. Is english really the universal language of America? Same may see "a typical white person" as his response in comparison to his grandmother and the people of her generation. While others may view it as him referring to ALL white Americans, which i think is ridiculous especially due to the fact he is running for president of a country with a majority white population. The Rev's controversy now has cynics examining Obama's every word with a microscope.

Some say he threw his grandma under the bus and others say he was simply trying to compare how he has people from both races in his life that has shown prejudice. The fact is she made the statements so what's the big deal? he didn't make it up.

There were 1000's of people in this church of all colors, look at the tape. So you telling me we have both races in the same church while a pastor is being racist?? This church is a branch of a predominantly white denomination i would think someone would have stepped in if they felt sooo offended. These sermons are attacking the Gov. not the people. I'm pretty sure someone will say" He said GD America, which includes the people".... he said GD American for enslaving her own people and minorities, for taking over the land of the native americans and confining them to reservations, for imprisoning the japanese in concentration camps, GD american is she tries to act like GOD. You know what, GD ANY country who does that to it's own people!. Because the same ones who claim this country is perfect with no flaws are the same ones who pretend that race is no longer an issue, that AA's should just "get over slavery" because it was so long ago. Minorities have been enslaved in this country LONGER than they have been free.

It's clear Obama supporters will give him the benefit of the doubt and those who would prefer Clinton as the nominee will not. If you HONESTLY BELIEVE that Obama thinks the way this pastor does then you shouldn't vote for him because i wouldn't, but i honestly don't think Obama is an anti american bigot.