That pesky "moving bar" is at it again

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Wednesday September 10, 2008 · 9:06 AM PDT

2008/09/10 · 09:06

One of my favorite themes from Michelle Obama's stump speeches during the primaries was the notion of the "moving bar". The phrase referred to the standards that are set for "regular folks" as Chris Matthews was fond of saying (and which never failed to have me screaming at the TV), and how when those goals are achieved, or the standard is met, the bar shifts once again.

Michelle also used that metaphor to refer to Barack, of course, and all the challenges he's had throughout his life--and how he met each challenge head on and then often exceeded expectations.

We remember that as he waged his primary campaign, keeping his eye on the prize of winning the most delegates--the standard set by the Democratic Party to select the Presidential nominee--there were some who attempted to move the bar.

It sounded a little something like this:

proudmomoftwo

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Sunday March 23, 2008 · 7:13 PM PDT

2008/03/23 · 19:13

So reads a comment I saw in another diary today. I've heard this sentiment expressed time and again, and it always gives me pause. What does it really mean? Is it an accurate statement? I'd like to gently suggest that it isn't.

When we whip out words like "racist" or "racism"--very hefty words and themes---so casually, I believe it only serves to water down their true import and meaning. Do some blacks have less than positive feelings about their white brethren? Of course. Do blacks sometimes make conscious decisions to separate themselves from their white counterparts. All the time. Do some blacks on occasion refer to whites in disparaging terms? Absolutely. But, are these behaviors reflective of "black racism"? This is where I say, "slow your roll" for a minute.

[Note: I’m using the term "black" throughout this piece, since that was the word the original commenter used.]

More thoughts below.

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That pesky "moving bar" is at it again

"(blacks can be racist too btw)". . .