October 17, 2009 - 08:57 a.m. EST
Recently, former President Jimmy Carter stated racism is definitely the cause of much of the hateful rhetoric being directed toward President Obama and all his efforts. Obviously, much of this has been incited by hate radio and Fox News. However, much originates from a conservative right-wing evangelical so-called Christian group.
The Family Research Council (FRC), the lobbying group for James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family”, has been led by Tony Perkins since 2003. A former legislator in Louisiana, Perkins found national prominence in 1996 when he formed an illegal political alliance with well-known Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. Many of his actions also while a legislator reinforce his racist beliefs. Dobson’s history of discrimination is similar.
A year ago, Sept. 2008, the FRC was having its Summit to put together their “Vote Your Values” voters guide, a movement to manipulate church attendees to vote for Republican candidates. These VYV pamphlets were placed in churches and promoted a month preceding the November election.
At the Summit it appeared that among the “Vote Your Values” they were also pushing Aunt Jemima-like caricatures. Activists at this political forum snapped up boxes of waffle mix depicting candidate Barack Obama as a racial stereotype on its front and wearing an Arab-like headdress on its top flap.
The FRC claimed they didn’t know that the packaging was offensive. It’s hard to imagine which world they lived in where such images conjured ugly racial stereotypes from the earliest part of the 20th century. The horribly racist images run rampant throughout the packaging proving this FRC-sanctioned vendor to be an equal opportunity offender.
While Obama Waffles took aim at Obama’s politics by poking fun at his public remarks and positions on issues, it also played off the old image of the pancake mix icon Aunt Jemima, which has been widely criticized as a demeaning stereotype. Obama was portrayed with popping eyes and big thick lips as he stared at a plate of waffles and smiled broadly. Placing Obama in an Arab-like headdress recalled the false rumor that he was a follower of Islam, though he is actually a Christian.
On the back of the box, Obama was depicted in stereotypical Mexican dress including a sombrero, above a recipe for “Open Border Fiesta Waffles” that said it can serve “4 or more illegal aliens.” The recipe offered this tip: “While waiting for these zesty treats to invade your home, why not learn a foreign language?”
This certainly was an appeal to the most basic instincts of hate and bigotry. Since this unimaginable display of racism, the FRC has continued to speak against our president in every way possible. They don’t support healthcare reform, they attack Christian denominations not in agreement with their dogma. The relationship of church and state seems a little too cozy by the standards of many. Frankly, I prefer to call the FRC a “Religion-ist” group rather than a Christian group, as their ways don’t seem to be God’s way.
B.J. Stark
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October 30, 2009
8:46 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm not against him personally but just because I don't agree with him doesn't make me a racist. But People make fun of all our Presidents, that don't make them racists. Look Jimmy Carter was known as the peanut man, they even had a peanut with a face of Jimmy Carter on it.And don't forget about Billy Beer either. Bill Clinton and the blue dress and the southren accent, and Roosevelt with his monacle, and so on. get over it. FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!!
October 30, 2009
10:09 a.m.Report inappropriate content
And don't forget Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Roosevelt are all members of the race forced to serve as slaves during the early years of this countries formation. Yes mlinrose the KKK has the right to FREEDOM OF SPEECH in this great country! Long live the clan????
October 31, 2009
3:03 a.m.Report inappropriate content
The Family Research Council (FRC) is a conservative, Christian right group and lobbying organization.
Just the opposite of separating church and state.
November 2, 2009
12:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You cannot legislate morality. Every person has the God given right to think any thoughts he/she wishes. When the government thinks it can tell us how me MUST think we are doomed. Judgement of ones thoughts are for God and not government.
Besides I for one am growing tired of all the fuss being made about Obama being black. If it makes you feel better I am critisizing his white half. Now, go and whine about that.
November 2, 2009
10:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Personally I couldn't care less if Bomber is white,black or green.
He has to get on the ball with the economy, what he has done is a good start but I don't see things getting much better in the near future.
Also the war(s) are still up in the air. Seems the other side(s), (whoever it might be at this particular moment) has their own God telling them that they can think any way they want also. No wonder the call it the "Jihad", which means "Holy War" to them.
Gods to your corners !