So in Karen's blog (point #7), she mentions how it irritates her that people vote along racial or gender lines... i.e. African Americans voting for Obama because he's African American. I used to think that way too, but with experiences over the last couple years, I've completely changed my tune.
At work, they wanted to improve the numbers of Asian Americans to reflect the population of the P&G consumer. So they created "affinity groups" where people of similar backgrounds got together and tried to help each other and the company. Like most people, at first I was very skeptical. I was born and raised in the US, I fit in with Americans, but now you're taking me out and now pointing out how I'm different. Now, I realize just how great it is to be a part of an affinity group... some of us may have been born here, some of us may have been born in Asia and only lived in the US for a few years, but one thing I learned that we had in common: We all had Asian parents, and we learned that they did all the same quirky things as my parents did. I started to understand why I was who I was.
Now I realized I wasn't the only kid who felt guilty about watching Saturday morning cartoons because I should've been studying math. And why I play the violin. And why until recently why my dad was so stressed out about my sister not being a science major. And why at the age of 6 I wanted to be an engineer. And why I feel so conflicted when my parents want to buy me a car after I got my MBA. And why my mom was really surprised to find out that Xavier University was a real college after I toured them. I'm sure any of my Asian friends out there can add more.
So the answer to why voting for an African American president when you're African American is right? It's not that a black person is voting for Obama because he's black... it's because he's grown up with similar experiences as they have. There's no one better to understand race relations than someone who's gone through it. If an African American person votes for an African American president because he's African American, I would venture to guess that they agree on maybe 60-70% of their values. Now if you vote for a Republican because he's Republican, I would venture to guess that percentage is much lower. And for some reason it's OK to vote Republican if you're Republican.
I just read an article that immediately illustrates why having Obama as president changes things... suddenly racial diversity is no longer a taboo subject; instead it should be embraced. Although I wouldn't have been so quick in dropping the "a mutt like me" remark, I actually would call someone like him a "mix." I think of it as best of all worlds... Tiger Woods is a mix. My sister's kids will be a mix. When hitting on non-Asian women I try to use that as a pick up line. Hasn't quite worked yet, maybe a mixed-race person as president will help my cause?
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Yeah, not too many non-Chinese kids went to Chinese school and Chinese summer camp or volunteered for Folk Fair.
How about keeping disposable plastic covers for LCD screens? Maybe that's just me.
"Our kids will be really cute" doesn't seem like a great pickup line.
Sort of against both your and Karen's points, but the vast majority of African Americans are Democrats, anyway. So I'd think it was a little more complex then voting soley on race/color.
On the really cute kid lines: When many people found out I was dating a Chinese guy, the comment that came out every time: "ooooh, you'll have the most beautiful children". It was weird b/c it was primarily from people I work with - not exactly people I'm close with to be discussing my children any time, let alone when I'm still dating the guy (plus they'd never met the guy, nor did they know how long we've been dating). Oddly enough it became who I am in the company. I was once introduced to a new employee, no shit, as: "This is Martha, she's in R&D. Her boyfriend is Chinese."
WTF?
um, i think that is an excellent pickup line. have you ever seen john and kate plus 8? THE cutest kids ever. i've considered getting pregnant by an asian guy just so i can have one of those little cuties. i think they are korean and hawaiian, though... where can i find me one of those?
i mean, i'm sure dave will be totally okay with this...
Martha, two words: Instant credibility
Rachel: I won't even charge for you. :) But Dave would hafta be OK with it, because it would be pretty obvious he wasn't the father.
I think this is a very good point Dale. Thank you for bringing it up. I never thought of it that way--probably because I am white and have been "represented" by my race my entire life.
I think Jen is right, your statements do make a very good point, are pretty accurate, and I'd never thought of it that way; however, I would never vote for Hilary.
Madphoenix50: Keeping disposable plastic covers for LCD screens? I do that, too. So does my Pakistani chic friend. And my sister in law. I think that's just being anal about things. So I don't know you, but I just implied you're obsessive about some things. Sorry.
Dale: did you say I'm more credible b/c I'm dating Alvin? How does that affect my work? Don't get me wrong, though. Being with Alvin probably does make me a better person. :D
dave won't notice if rachel has one of dale's kids.... jim didn't... i mean.... ha!
hahaha...this is among the most amusing series of comments, and all stayed at least loosely on topic.
i keep the disposable plastic covers on LCD screens.
i think it's a good pickup line...but only for the right sense of humor...i doubt many want to be thinking about getting knocked up before the first date.. (but then, maybe if they don't appreciate it, they're not the right person anyways)
Marti, since you're dating a first generation Chinese American, do you find the tales Dale writes about similar to your boyfriend's experiences? I do see some similarities with my friend and his parents. (specificially with the parents' outlook on things)
Well, in 2004, 88% of blacks voted for Kerry/democrat candidate compared to 95% for Obama in 2008. The real test would be if there was a black republican candidate and see how many blacks vote for him.
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/US/P/00/epolls.0.html
dave will be completely fine with it. just let me do all the talking...
to anonymous: that could be accurate (I didn't check actual statistics) however, keep in mind that democrats were far more active in registering voters and registered more democrat voters in the process. Could easily skew % numbers from one to the other, plus most stats have a confidence range, which could easily make up part of that 7% difference in addition to more democrats registering to vote anyway.
I'm not saying it wasn't a factor. Obviously it was A factor. I'm just saying that it's a lot more complex than just color.
Or maybe I'm thinking things are more complex than they really are. Maybe decisions really are that basic for many people.
madphoenix50 and anonymous are two of my bestest Asian friends. Maybe that gives some of these comments some context.
And Karen, despite Nicole being very cute and adorable, I doubt she has any Asian genes.
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