What does this say about our culture?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I was at a local high school today, attending a cultural event. The organization hosting it rented out the school cafeteria and auditorium and the connecting hallways.

At one point in the hallways, about mid-way between the cafeteria and auditorium, there was a display celebrating our President, Barack Obama. This high school is in an economically depressed city of mostly African-Americans and Latinos. The display spoke highly of President Obama, with inspiring quotes from his speeches and pictures.

However, in the middle of the display, the centerpiece if you will ... was this.

Why is this inspiring? Why is this motivational?

And what does the fact that this fits in the middle of a display that is intended to be inspiring and motivational say about our culture?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

"Our" Culture? How about black urban culture?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

What do you want it to say?

[MrsCat 6]

It sez that the Prez is a pimp. But we already knew that when Clinton was in office. He had finer hoes btw.

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, you know me. Gotta go follow the links.

The website appears to be one that sells a shirt with the image on it and a hip-hop tape.

Edited September 27, 2009 by rebeccajo

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Racial stereotypes exist even among blacks....although the stereotype in the poster is not a negative one.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Well, you know me. Gotta go follow the links.

That was the image on the display. It came with the URL, which is where I snagged the image from for this post.

Racial stereotypes exist even among blacks....although the stereotype in the poster is not a negative one.

Yeah, nothing wrong with a blinged out pimp who resembled an old washed out rapper at all.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Racial stereotypes exist even among blacks....although the stereotype in the poster is not a negative one.

Yeah, nothing wrong with a blinged out pimp who resembled an old washed out rapper at all.

I would imagine the designer who made that poster was trying to give props to both Obama and DMC. I don't see anything disrespectful or negative in it at all.

[웃 910]

However, in the middle of the display, the centerpiece if you will ... was this.

Why is this inspiring? Why is this motivational?

And what does the fact that this fits in the middle of a display that is intended to be inspiring and motivational say about our their culture?

They absolutely positively LOVE rap.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

However, in the middle of the display, the centerpiece if you will ... was this.

Why is this inspiring? Why is this motivational?

And what does the fact that this fits in the middle of a display that is intended to be inspiring and motivational say about our their culture?

They absolutely positively LOVE rap.

Define who 'they' is?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Racial stereotypes exist even among blacks....although the stereotype in the poster is not a negative one.

Yeah, nothing wrong with a blinged out pimp who resembled an old washed out rapper at all.

I would imagine the designer who made that poster was trying to give props to both Obama and DMC. I don't see anything disrespectful or negative in it at all.

If you read my original post, you'd realize I don't think there is either

My question is, if this is considered worthy of inclusion in what was otherwise a very inspiring and motivational display, what does that say about our culture?

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, I had to follow the link to see what was up with it. Because (as you know with a viral world) things are not always as they first appear to be.

So........

After thinking about it, I'm thinking it's kind of weird to us white folk. Or to regular middle class folk.

But I'm also wondering if it might not be some sort of 'different' way of identifying with the President for young people who 'appreciate' the rap culture. RUN DC O8.

Interesting.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I love rap music. But that struck me as unworthy of inclusion in that display.

I'll be there tomorrow. Maybe if the security guys aren't hovering I can take a pic this time.

[웃 910]

I love rap music.

Who do you listen to?

[rebeccajo 14]

I love rap music. But that struck me as unworthy of inclusion in that display.

I'll be there tomorrow. Maybe if the security guys aren't hovering I can take a pic this time.

Unworthy?

It's unconventional for sure. A little different from "Change".

Remember being young and having really outrageous thoughts? I'm kind of thinking that's why it was included. Maybe purposefully even - for the shock value.

Just to see if anybody else could 'get it'.