Disclaimer: Content on the YP4 blog does not necessarily reflect the views of Young People For or People For the American Way Foundation. The views, ideas, statements or claims posted on this site by members of the public cannot in any way be attributed to either Young People For or People For the American Way Foundation.
Obama: the first president from an interfaith marriage
[asset|aid=729|format=image|formatter=asset|title=barack_obama_portrait_2005.jpg|width=200|height=291|align=right|resizable=true]
"Barack Hussein Obama," they say, "he's a Muslim -- don't trust him!" By "they" I mean the right-wing nutcases who view being a Muslim as a pretty serious character flaw.
Still, though, while I'm obviously put off by the "Obama is Muslim" line, I'm also put off by the media identifying it as a "smear." It is a problematic assertion either way you look at it. Obama is a Christian and he identifies himself as such, yet to openly contest an assertion that he's a Muslim might be grounds for saying, "oh, what, are you anti-Muslim now? Some progressive you are!" Furthermore, it's implicitly anti-Muslim for the media to suggest that obviously being publicly discussed a Muslim is "damaging" to one's reputation. They ought to be addressing that point too when reporting on this topic.
But, to the Obama campaign's response: I would hope that in refuting the idea that Sen. Obama is a member of a religion that he is not actually a member of, he is not trying to prevent "damage" to his reputation necessarily. I know the Obama folks are careful when responding to these claims, but they must respond to them nonetheless.
Why? Because everyone has a right to their own identity. One of the interesting side-effects of being from this wonderfully diverse and accepting country is that sometimes people from very different cultural traditions marry each other. People always talk about how if Sen. Obama is nominated, he could be the first black president and if Sen. Hillary Clinton is nominated, she could be the first woman president. But Obama would actually represent another first: the first child of a interfaith marriage to become president.
I'm Jewish. A lot of people don't immediately assume this about me (for various reasons), but I am and I take it very seriously. My father was raised Christian and my mother Jewish. Much like Obama, I grew up in a pretty secular household and discovered my religion for myself when I was coming of age. It's a complicated story which I won't relate here, but if you read about Obama's background, you can maybe get an idea of what it was like for me (albeit he found Christianity, but I think the process was the same).
Still, I've occasionally felt like other Jews (just some, not all!) judged me or questioned my credibility as a member of the community. It hurts to have to hear something like that because you grew up with exposure (very, very little exposure even) to another tradition. When people say you're not telling the truth about what you really are, it hurts. I certainly mean no disrespect to my Christian friends and peers when I say that, but it doesn't feel good to be labeled as something I'm not.
So in a way, I guess I know how Obama feels. Christianity is the majority religion in this country, but still I can imagine it doesn't feel right to hear from right-wing sycophants that you're something else than what you feel you are. The construction of identity is critical in a presidential campaign, and Obama deserves the right to construct his the way he feels is correct.
Great Post! You know, what
Great Post! You know, what with all the denial of his being a Muslim, I hadn't even realized that his father was. I guess I kind of just assumed it wasn't true along with the rest of the "slander" so to speak. I agree that Obama should be able to say--"You know what, my father was a Muslim--It was his religion. I am a Christian--That is my religion."
On a more personal note, your comment about how you've felt judged by fellow Jews struck home. Not because I've felt judged by other Jews, but because I've been the one doing the judging. A few months ago, a Jewish friend of mine was dating a guy who had converted to Judaism. I made fun of him constantly and questioned the conversion (even though he was far more observant than me). Eventually, I had to figure out why I was so threatened by him. Why wasn't I celebrating a new brother, instead of pushing him away?
I'm still working on that one.
Dan Klein
Communications Intern
Young People For
People For the American Way Foundation
149 5th Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10010
212.420.0440 x31
www.youngpeoplefor.org
blog.youngpeoplefor.org
Great point! I never
Great point! I never realized he was the first to come from an interfaith marriage. Coming from an interfaith marriage its definitely overlooked and should be viewed as a strength in emphasizing with our diverse brothers and sisters.
I too have personal experience being both scrutinized and embraced by the Jewish community because of my interfaith background but I can say from experience as well that it gets better with time as your elders become your peers and start to respect you for your own dedication and not just for your pedigree.
Now if only we could convince the American voters to do the same!
Canada Goose Jackets
Canada Goose Jackets are found guilty of inciting subversion of state power, was sentenced to eleven years deprivation of political rights for two years. The Canada Goose was final in February this year, is gradually fading out of the public eye. But surprisingly, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year Liu. Then, there are foreign media said Liu Xiaobo was sentenced "because speech crimes", seems to think of Canada Goose Parka and deeds belonging to the scope of freedom of speech, the court should not his conviction and sentence. This argument makes sense? Inciting subversion of Canada Goose Chillwack Parka and the limits of Canada Goose Trillium Parka of expression where? With these Canada Goose Womens, this reporter visited the famous scientist Professor Gao Mingxuan criminal law.
Normal 0 7.8 磅 0
Fendi Bags the main building 25 meters long and 5 meters high, Gucci Bags Hermes Handbags Hermes Birkin 30cm Brand Replica Handbags Chanel Handbags Hermes Handbags Coach Leather Handbags was the heart-shaped, engraved with two gold italics characters: dedication. Fendi Zhobo Bags Black Gucci Canvas Tote Bags next to a large extend on both sides, Cheap Coach Handbags New Hermes Leather Handbags Chanel 2.55 Bag Branded Handabags Luxury Handbags on the wall engraved with the names of LV bags. Louis Vuitton Handbags for sale LV bags shop online Discount Louis Vuitton Bags Chanel Flap Bag May be too small Louis Vuitton Handbags tombstone, Louis Vuitton Luggage went to pay Louis Vuitton Wallets to the families, only a small bar could not be any small wreath, or pinch a flower taped to the top. Louis Vuitton Designer Bags Handbags Buy LV Handbags So far the top 333Designer Handbags, Gucci Handbags and not enough time to engrave theChanel Handbags of the elderly. LV handbags for Women are randomly row, the couple's name, nor Louis Vuitton Medium Bags together.Each name is a tombstone.
http://www.monclerjackershome.com
moncler jacket online
white herve leger dress
canada goose jackets
herve legere
herve leger dress sale
Nike free run nike free run
Nike free run nike free run shoes collection Nike free run 3.0 womens nike free 3.0 womens Nike free Tr nike free tr shoes Nike free run 5.0 nike free 5.0 Nike free run 3.0 nike free 3.0 shoes Nike free run 7.0 nike free 7.0 shoes Nike free run women nike free run womens shoes Nike free run 2 nike free run 2.0
Wholesale Jordan Shoes
A lot of people may hear of the theory the fact that appearance and clothing may impact someone's confidence. That does help make sense. Most people love custom made shoes, such as Wholesale Jordan Shoes and boots, Jordan shoes, Converse shoes, for example. However, no everyone can pay for them. Now, cheap Jordan shoes and boots and discount Nike shoes tend to be approachable online. They can help you to strengthen your confidence. Therefore, for those who are affected greatly by its clothing while lacking in cash, they would better choose cheap and discount Nike shoes, Adidas shoes and boots, Authentic Jordan Shoes and so about. Those cheap designer shoes can be purchased online and they can very easily buy them. and eventually, they could lead a cheerful and assured life. A pair of good shoes makes your walk laid back. Nike shoes and Jordan shoes and boots are both sports shoes. They are best designed for running, taking walks, playing basketball or football etc .. Jordan Shoes Online No matter what kind of sports you might do, they will comfort you with their comfortable design to enable you to be more confident when you do sports. Because you believe that your shoes will let you to trample steadily, you can certainly run faster and steadier. That's the strength of confidence and also a pair of trustworthy shoes. For any availability of discount Jordan shoes and boots and Nike shoes, more people can own their very own Jordan shoes and Nike shoes and boots. These cheaper designer shoes tend to be replicas. However, Air Jordan 2011 the quality and design are similar to the authentic ones. And you can enjoy the same feelings from lower cost. This should end up being win-win consumption. Purchasing these types of Discount NFL Jerseys are extremely essential for the genuine enthusiasts since it has become the most noteworthy methods by which some people give support for their preferred group. Enthusiasts think that to display commitment they need to put on the actual Authentic NFL Jerseys particularly whenever a game title is actually executed. You are able to obtain this online, so that your repayment as well as shipping shall be safe sufficient. Whenever you would like to buy NFL jerseys you will getthe actual genuine Jason Pierre-Paul Jersey be within a less expensive price also should you purchase on its behalf once the shop provides great deals. They are replications from that unique NFL Jerseys, but nonetheless created from outstanding high value supplies. You can choose those selected brands from New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers or maybe Antrel Rolle Jersey. Not all women will be able these expensive pumps, Christian Louboutin UK however it doesn't imply they don't should own manboobs or not one but two. Every woman must have a set of good shoes to reveal their beauty, especially a couple good women's high heel sandals. Someone asserted Christian Louboutin's chic Parisian style needs to be presents itself any well-dresses woman's most coveted wish list, Christian Louboutin Sale so it's going to be obvious a set of two christian louboutin is a foremost choice. Now that all women want Christian louboutin pumps, even so the prices are the problem. Where do they really obtain the cheaper ones so that they can meet their love for splendor? Almost always there is a means for virtually every problems.
Coach Outlet Online
Coach Outlet Online
you are looking for a coach handbag and do not want to spend an arm and a leg then you may want to
Coach Factory Outlet
purchasing from a coach factory outlet store because they have a great
Coach Factory Outlet
of high quality coach handbags at a low cost. If
Coach Outlet Online
are looking for the new style that just came out it can be found at your local coach store or department store. But if you are looking to save money and find a great deal then shopping at a coach outlet
Coach Factory Online
will be your best bet so you can find the great handbag you want at a great price.
Coach Purse Outlet
handbags have been around since the 40's and they have a great reputation of a great high end leather
Coach Factory Outlet
. Originally they only had basic styles and they were known for making great leather products. Now they also are known for fashion and designs because they always have new items that are coming out for the
Coach Outlet
. It makes it great if you do not want to pay top dollar for some of the other overpriced handbags that are on the
Coach Outlet Online
today. You can feel great that you can get a great high end fashion bag at a discount price.
Coach Factory
that when you are shopping for a high end fashion handbag you can be assured that a Coach Handbags will be a great selection. Also shop the factory outlet store so that you can save
Louis Vuitton Handbags
and not pay full retail for your new handbag.
Coach Outlet Online
Coach Outlet Online
, lets take a look at the material of these bags. Coach only uses the best
Coach Factory Outlet
on the market. Coach knows that when you use a cheap material you get a cheap bag that will not last. Take a look and fill the
Coach Factory Outlet
of these bags and feel a cheaper bag. You will feel a difference. A Coach bag has softer leather. While fake leather product is hard and
Coach Outlet Online
. Also, take a look at the latches. Some are real gold. Do you see a difference from a cheaper bag?
Coach Factory Online
about the manufacturing process? Coach designers take their time to manufacture every single handbag. If a
Coach Purse Outlet
has a flaw it does not make it to the show room floor. It is mostly destroyed on sold at the Coach Outlet Stores around the
Coach Factory Outlet
.
Coach Outlet
about how long people actually keep these
Coach Outlet Online
? You know Coach Handbags actually get better the more wear you put into
Coach Factory
. This is true because the leather has time to mature and become softer. Just like a
Louis Vuitton Handbags
glove. The more time curing the glove the better it gets.
nike running shoes
With solid financial strength ,nike running shoes wholesale nike shoes advanced technology ,nike running shoes quality products, efficient logistics and world-class talent ,nike free shoes cheap nike air max support, Clark global expansion strategy ,nike free shoes to ensure that the new design and opportunities will continue to increase in the the sales.The about CLARKS shoes of a common feature of the original comfort. Shoes CLARKS incredible comfort for hundreds of years to enjoy by the public . The CLARKS the boots fans,cheap nike air max nike free shoes including the famous Beatles and the Rolling Stones . Up to now,nike running shoes the shoes CLARKS has been synonymous with comfortable shoes . Clarks shoes are worth your money and trust . CLARKS Shoes CLARKS shoes export discount .nike free shoes Come on! wholesale nike shoes Buy Now !