Lindsay Lohan Calls Obama "Colored" (Video)
In a move that inspired forehead smacking that could be heard across the country, Lindsay Lohan, America's favorite (little g) gossip girl, called Barack Obama "colored." In an interview with Access Hollywood's Maria Menounos, Lindsay said, "It was really exciting. It's an amazing feeling. It's our first colored president."
I have two questions: First, why is anyone asking Lindsay freaking Lohan's opinion on politics? (I'm not saying she can't have opinions, I just don't know why anyone would waste live interview time asking her about them.) And second, which is the question being asked around the blogosphere today, is "colored" an acceptable descriptor of a black person?
There are many terms that people have used to describe differences in skin tone but, rappers notwithstanding, only a few are generally used in polite society today. In the media one generally hears "black" or "African-American." Occasionally there is a reference, often in legal terms, to "a person of color" but that is often used to describe almost any skin color besides the peachy-pink we call "white." The last time I heard the phrase "colored" was by my nutty-as-the-Planter's-guy and admittedly racist grandmother. I will not repeat her statement here except to add that it resulted in no less than three family members launching across the room to put their hands over her mouth. And that's a lot for an 86-year-old woman.
But even if it were a generational issue, Lindsay is definitely not in the same demographic as my grandmother. Though they do share a strange penchant for leggings and muumuus.
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Colored?????? Wow, that is old school and not very respectful.
Racism is defined, at least in my sociology class, as the belief that one race is superior to another. I doubt if Lindsay is guilty of holding that belief. I think ignorant is a more fitting descriptor. Let's not confuse racism and ignorance.
Actually, ignorance IS a major part of racism.
Racism is the ignorance and ill will of Europeans towards non-Europeans, on account of naturally occurring differences.
Let's not insult other peoples on the planet, who played no role in bringing racism into being, and who ARE NOT responsible for perpetuating racism.
.......I had a friend back in the seventies ....he was black....a
..........
Totally inappropriate. She owes Obama an apology. Extremely offensive.
Look, I think what she meant to say was a President of color,come on she voted foe Sen. Obama.
Well, I thought the use of that word was certainly wrong, but to think she owes any black person an apology is a bit ludicrous, don't you think?
Ludicrous? Who knows, but isn't this the same girl who blamed her carjacking on "a black guy"? Let's call it what it is. The girl has some issue's with the black race. I thinks that fair to say.
Umm. Im sure Obama could care less abought Lindsey Lohans comments. I mean its Lindsey Lohan.
Words, words, words. A word starts out as inoffensive. My great-grandmother called African-Americans "darkies" with no racist intent. It was the acceptable word at the time she learned to speak English. "Colored" was considered acceptable at first. Then it became associated with the Jim Crow laws. In the sixties, the new acceptable word was "black". Then "African American"--a term I find cumbersome to say compared to the earlier "black". Is it okay to use any of these terms if the person using it is meaning no disrespect? Why keep changing the terms? It is the racism that needs changing.
nonsense - colored is not acceptable and it is insulting.
midwest~
Most "racists" would deny their racism.
"Darkie" was NEVER acceptable.
Also, "disrespect" is measured, not by the person's intent, but by how it is received. I find your whole irrational rationaliztion lacking true integrity.
And, by the way, words, words, words DO matter.
Would you be offended if someone called you ignorant about your article? Would that "word" disrespect you even if the person meant no disrespect??
Sorry, but "darkies" was never acceptable. At least, not to the person being called such. Stick with Black
Being referred to as colored is racist plain and simple and anyone of color that isn't offended definitely surprises me. Remember in the old days it wasn't no blacks allowed, it started out COLORED waiting room, COLORED restroom so that word is very very racist in it's history. Either she is racist or someone she associates with is and she picked up the term. But giving her a pass on it's use, NO I don't think so. She should say black, or African American but colored is insulting.
My larger question is doesn't she know one single black person? Not even one? She's 20 years old. Where the heck did she hear the term in the first place.
J
Same place kids learn from first, their parents. This says a lot about Dina Lohan and that dad of hers.
She was raised on that term obviously.
Refresh my memory. What does the C in NAACP stand for?
brilliant!
. . . and your point is? The NAACP is a 100 year-old civil rights organization. "Its name, retained in accord with tradition, is one of the last surviving uses of the term 'colored people.'" So, what does the name of an organization have to do with using an outdated term in reference to the future president of the United States. We don't call Asians "Orientals" anymore, do we? Four US States still call themselves "commonwealths" although it means nothing and is steeped ONLY in tradition. the point is, Black people don't WANT to be called "negroes," "colored" or any of the other designation that White people gave them. That's the point. So, your NAACP reference . . . is ignorant.
Thank you!! Most of the people on this site claiming the word "colored" is not bad is because they've never been called colored! Lindsey should know better.
Ok. Your are right but the NAACP was founded in ....1908. She is 20 years old. 20 year olds (white ore black) don't use the word COLORED.
Thank you!!
The NAACP was founded in 1909, when that term was prevalent. Perhaps when certain language changes, people should adapt? Most people do not use the term 'colored' anymore and I'm sure that you know that.
The "N" in UNCF also stands for something most people wouldn't use to describe the President-Elect. If she uttered that would you be defending her? Obviously she didn't mean it in an offensive way, since she was a "big supporter," but get a clue, Lindsay!
I don't think she was being racist, but I am wondering what color does she think he is.
She isn't even sure what her sexual orientation is yet.
i think she meant man of color..... this doesn't offend me....
In academia, it is common to refer to 'people of color' or 'women of color' for minorities. If that is what she meant, it is considered a common and non-offensive reference. (Of course, academia is world unto itself!)
It seems likely she used the term in place of minority. He isn't simply the first black president, but the first president from any racial minority group.
That's what I'm thinking too. "Person of color president" sounds a bit weird. She was grabbing for the right word to use and just sorta missed.
African-American has 7 syllables. It's an unwieldy adjective. Most people,when talking off the cuff, will use the shorter word. (Except for politicians and educators.
this slip came from somewhere. where?
I'm Black and I'm not offended. I do have to wonder where she came up with that adjective since it's so dated. The last time I heard the term was from my 88-year old aunt and the last time I saw the term was in photos of water fountains during the Jim Crow era. Maybe she's a historian.
Maybe she can be Palin's VP running mate in 2012.
You so crazy! LOL!!
She is too young to have meant it in a racist way. I think? She was supporting Barack and I think she really is too young to understand what she said and how it might affect black people. Someone does need to inform her a.s.a.p.
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