How To Say What You Really Mean (Without Saying What You Really Mean)
Everyone knew this political race was going to get slimy and gross and increasingly disgusting as it progressed. So many of you, and of my real life friends and peers said — watch — they’ll go after Michelle Obama next. And I believed that. Michelle Obama is an opinionated and outspoken woman, her senior college thesis caused controversy, and she’s made some statements that have called her (and consequently. her husband’s) patriotism into question. Twisted or not, statements like that are fair game when you’re speaking out on the campaign trail. What I have a real, serious problem with, is the tone that is emerging here.
First, Fox News ACTUALLY RAN WITH the “terrorist fist jab” “terrorist fist jab” non-story that I was giggling about about here just recently.
Then this morning I got an e mail from an astute reader, pointing me to this article on Salon, about a recent interview segment on Fox News. Yes, y’all, Fox News is referring to Michelle Obama as “Obama’s Baby Mama.”
Hold UP. Wait a minute.
I find it impossible to believe that nobody at Fox News knows what a baby mama is. They know exactly the message they’re trying to not-so-subtly send, by using urban slang that their viewers are most likely unfamiliar with. By definition, a baby mama is an unwed mother, often used as a dismissive reference. For example, “Oh, she’s just his baby mama.” It’s inaccurate, completely inappropriate, and sadly unsurprising from the channel that describes itself as “fair and balanced.” In fact, if Fox wanted to accurately describe Michelle Obama while using the Urban Dictionary, they could have called her his “wifey.” But why would they do that — “wifey” doesn’t rhyme like Obama and mama does, and more importantly, it doesn’t have that insinuation of illegitimacy.
You all know that I’m not a Fox News viewer, so please correct me if I’m wrong, or ignorant, or reacting out of turn. Let me know if they’ve gone after Cindy McCain with the same kind of venom, if they’ve reported anything about that recent, heartbreaking interview with John McCain’s first wife Carol featured in Britain’s Daily Mail, or slapped any kind of dismissive label on her, or disparaged her character. Just guessing — I don’t think they have. The whole thing makes me wonder, isn’t this campaign supposed to be about the candidates? And y’know, the issues that are affecting America? Are wives and families fair play on the campaign trail? I don’t think it’s right, and I’d love to hear your opinion on that.
Sometimes I really question why I wade into these treacherous political waters. The more I write about the Obamas, the more nasty comments I start getting… just today, someone posted a negative comment on my Michelle Obama Afrobella of the Week post (written in August of last year, mind you). I don’t believe in censuring dissenting opinions, so feel free to tell me why my blog is “inane,” or to criticize my views because they don’t jibe with yours in whatever way you see fit. But when I see something that pisses me off, I’m gonna shout about it. And if Fox News referring to Michelle Obama as a “baby mama” bothers you and you want to shout about it, shout over here — yourcomments@foxnews.com. Or you can call and leave a comment: 1-888-369-4762. Or you can click here for Fox News questions or comments.
In the meantime, I’m going back to what this blog’s s’posed to be about — beauty and music and positive vibrations. My blog heroine Gina of What About Our Daughters just started the Michelle Obama Watch, so give her a visit and send her your tips. AND Gina’s covering the Democratic National Convention! Big things a gwan for WAOD, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
If you have honest questions about anything regarding Barack or Michelle Obama, click here to visit their new Fight the Smears website.
What are your views on this baby mama drama, bellas and fellas? Does it make you angry, or are you numb to this kind of thing by now?
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Well…Fox has ALWAYS been a right wing station, no matter how fair and balanced they claim to be. Fox has always been a station that thrived on exploiting minority culture and talent..their hypocracy and prejudices are simply in their track record. Of course nowadays it will all come out ‘subtely’ and you have to know when their being bigots and racist/prejudice…you know read through the lines. So, although I am angry, I am sadly not surprised. Oh, and please don’t think that any of these stations are purely objective..they all (CBS,NBC,etc.) have a history of leaning towards one political view versus another. So, it’s all just tainted….smoke and mirrors.
Wait wait wait…i just read that Mrs. Obama herself said this!!! What was she thinking? I still agree that Fox as a broadcasting company is what I said above. However, Michelle shouldn’t have said that and as the possible future first lady should represent herself and blackwomen better. She opened the door for them to disrespect her…and apparently Fox can’t tell when they are taking it too far or they were probably highlighting that she actually said that with a taste of satire…she let her guard down. She is still okay with me though
I’ve been reading both of Baracks books…he is such an excellent author and I’ve listened to or have read the complete speeches he’s made and I’m white and after seeing how he has handled the backlash, of what I’d consider, racial hatred in this country, with a dignified character…all of my senses believe that he is the most qualified to lead this country but…having said that…what I see in my co-workers, friends, ex-boyfriends, and family is a underlying prejudice … and they politely dismiss him as inexperienced but I strongly believe that behind my back they’re talking about me… that I’m naive, that I’m too liberal, that I’m misguided…and I will have to tell you that my strong devotion to get this man elected has put a wedge between me and the people I’ve mentioned.. I’ve questioned my family, my friends…all of the people I thought were open minded, intelligent folks..could I have been so wrong for the past 25 years? Have I been living in the emeral forest? It’s not a good place to be..but it is great to read that others, strangers in my midst, who are like-minded. This presidential election and the past 8 years of tyranny has changed my mind about this country…and this countries value system…not to mention the people I use to feel closest to…I can see how Obama must have felt when the people he felt were like-minded flip-flopped on him. He handled it and so will I. Great site…thanks
edie