Reply #235: I find the discussion on this thread really disturbing. [View All]

But I've seen it before. There is a LOT of discomfort about Obama's race.

In my view, if people vote for Obama because of his race, or for Clinton because of her gender, they shouldn't be criticized. I've said that for a long time. These aren't insignificant factors (contrary to the view that if we just pretend everything is equal and treat everybody equally, the significance of race/racism and gender/sexism will disappear). But people aren't ready to talk about it. To talk about it is to recognize it, and for whatever reasons, people are very uncomfortable with that.

Are people who weigh Clinton's gender or Obama's race heavily in making the decision to vote for them automatically sexist/racist? I don't think so. I think they're often recognizing the sexism/racism we've grown so accustomed to, including in our constant acceptance of white male presidents.

In other words, it is OKAY for people to vote for Obama because of his race, or to weigh it in his favor to whatever degree they choose, as far as I'm concerned. Freaking out at the suggestion it's even happening, as though his strong support among black voters is coincidental, is oddly defensive, seems to me. And it makes me think we've still got a long way to go.