Comments on: Life Imitates Art – Did Movies Pave the way for a Black President?

By: Marco

Marco — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:04:23 +0000

Regardless of whether or not it had any bearing on Obama’s election, Barack Obama is really similar to David Palmer from 24.

Oh and by the way, I’m from the Philippines and our current president is a woman. She’s our 2nd female president. But I can’t ever remember their gender being a topic of discussion.

By: Kenotic

Kenotic — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:28:30 +0000

Caveat – I didn’t vote for him and disagree with him on a ton of issues, but have a lot of respect for the man and only wish him well. I also wish his grandmother could have been alive to see her grandson take the oath of office.

Having said that – I hope Idiocracy didn’t help anyone soften their views on black presidents. As someone who used to have a professional wrestler as their governor, I’d hope it would teach us to worry more about having media celebrities as our leaders.

Besides, it appears that Air Force One didn’t get us prepared to have a female VP. I guess we’ll need more movies to coach us ;)

By: Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:03:44 +0000

Black Power is what our country needs folks. I’m happy we’ve a black president.

The crowd: “A black sheriff?”
Acho: “And why not? It worked in Blazing Saddles.”

-Robin Hood: Men in Tights

By: The Chriton Leperchaun

The Chriton Leperchaun — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:03:02 +0000

I have no issue with a black president. It is a monumentous step for our culture and society. This truely is the death of racism and I am thrilled with that. My problem with Obama lies not with the color of his skin but with his policies which i fear most people who voted for him, knew little to nothing about. As a clean face to the Bush administration he certainly looks apealing to many. McCain from an apearence stance was nothing but more of the same. Catchy slogans and great campaigning made it easy for Obama to pick up uninformed voters. The clear cut help from every major media source other than Fox and Talk Radio also brought out the apealing side of Obama. The problem is I dont think he was vetted by the mainstream media enough. I feel that once he enacts his policies there will be a great sense of buyers remorse throughout the nation. I pray that I am wrong. But i fear that I am right. cutting and running in Iraq creates open oportunity for terrorists and extremeists to take over once more. while starting the war may be debatable leaving it desabilized shouldnt be. We leave Iraq, our country will be attacked again. say what you will of the Bush admin but after 9/11, once we brought the fight to the terrorists, our nation hasnt been attacked again, If you dont wanna thank Bush thank the brave men and women who have fought and died to keep us safe. I could go on about this stuff all day but I have to go do stuff so in conclusion I congradulate Mr. Obama on his historic victory but I just hope he can handle the job. and when he screws up big time I hope he gets railed like Bush did. Its only fair. Have a lovely evening.

By: IRIS

IRIS — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:00:13 +0000

i think in an outside way. they say (socialigists?) that younger people don’t have a many racial issues because of television and how many different races and religions, they see on a weekly basis. so it becomes normal, even in an homogeneous city or neighborhood.

By: Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:38:51 +0000

Remember November The Fifth, kiddies

By: MY THOUGHTS

MY THOUGHTS — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:17:38 +0000

I have to say that 24 sold me on believing a black man could be president one day. I’ve watched other movies and something clicked with “David Palmer.” Dennis Haysbert played the role he was given all so well.

The first season of 24 was the best. It reached a large part of the American population to say the least – hence the numerous Emmy Awards. Given 24′s realistic approach, I’d say 24 opened my eyes. I’d watch TV and movies before and the thought “yeah right” lingered in the back of my mind when seeing a black man as president. Despite enjoying what I watch on TV… fiction is fiction right? Well as a black man myself, Hollywood has played a significant role in breaking ground to see President-elect Barrack Obama get elected.

I’m happy that I could witness the acceptance speech last night and hopefully the world is not coming to an end like in Deep Impact. Certainly I wasn’t thinking “yeah right” last night for once but… yes we can.

By: Kristina

Kristina — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:55:39 +0000

Racism is alive and well, make no mistake about it. We might not have segregated bathrooms and water hoses blasting people anymore, but prejudice is everywhere. It’s just less overt than it used to be, which is why Will Smith is the biggest star in Holywood right now. Race is still an issue. That being said, I think that people are just so sick of anything related to Bush, and were so inspired by Obama that they turne dout in droves to vote for him and flush this Bush turd down the toilet once and for all.

Like I said, movies had nothing to do with it. A movie with a Black president wouldn’t make it easier for Barack to be elected, or make it easier for people to vote for him. People voted because they like him, his policies, and his message, not because they saw Deep Impact and thought, “Let’s try that!”

By: Rodney

Rodney — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:49:15 +0000

I dont think it was WHY he was elected, but do you think that portraying a black president on screen made it easier for those who thought it unlikely to see it as a possibility?

Or do you think that there is less racism, and they felt comfortable using a black actor for a president?

By: The Dude

The Dude — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:38:08 +0000

Kristina, neither do I really. But maybe the general public’s acceptance of a black president onscreen reflects what is really going on in America right now.