(From http://zaiusnation.blogspot.com)
President Obama often visits schools and speaks to them in similar tones as presented in today's speech, which was delivered to Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA. The speech was televised and aired over the radio for other schools across the United States.
President Obama challenged and encouraged the students of America to take pride in their education.
"Every single one of you has something that you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer," Obama said. "And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is."
As most of us know by now this speech was received with much controversy. Obama originally planned on speaking about ways in which students could "help the president." There was such an outcry over this which prompted the White House to revise the wording and purpose behind the speech.
Many parents and teachers alike have protested against the message of Obama's speech and have considered it to be an act of brainwashing and manipulation. Some parents pulled their children out of school so they would not be exposed to the speech and some schools refused to air the speech altogether.
So, here's my question? How much racism do you think is involved here? Certainly those who disagree with Obama's policies may take issue with him, however, I do not believe there was any forced agenda here. Certainly other Presidents have made speeches to children. What is different this time around?
Watch the speech for yourself...
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I wonder if the parents who had originally opposed this speech had decided to watch Obama... would they have really been so offended? Yes, he tweaked the speech so that he didn't make mention of how kids can "help the president." However, what kind of evil bidding would Obama propose to our youth in terms of helping him? My guess is that he wants our kids to be influenced positively in area of education. GASP! How terrible would that be? I have a feeling that the kids who watched the speech were left unscathed.
I guess this is what so many are afraid of...
(From Appetite For Equal Rights )
Or perhaps some of our white parents and teachers do not want to hear a peep from our new black President? Is this theory way off base? I really don't think so. But if someone has a different theory feel free (and this is not sarcasm or defensiveness) to share your thoughts.
I thank President Obama for speaking to the children of our nation. I thank him for encouraging students of privilege and students without many privileges.
My mother is a teacher and I have several friends who are teachers. I hear the stories of difficulty that so many students face. I remember my own struggles and those of my fellow students.
Education is a blessing and not everyone has the good fortune to proceed with one. I hope that this will not be the only speech made by our President. I think kids of America need all the encouragement they can get. I hope that this speech will encourage and rejuvenate parents and teachers to carry on and assist.
Thank you Mr. President..
When Bush said, "You're with us or against us," few people batted an eyelash... Obama attempts to motivate American youth to take part in bettering their society, much like Kennedy saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you..." and it is brainwashing? No, it is politicized hype covering veiled racism, disguising addiction to apathy and convenience.
ReplyDelete-Isaac
I completely agree with you. Well said Isaac.
ReplyDeleteI think as far as Bush's statement...
Since he was the president that was "dealing" with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks..so many Americans were blinded by their rage against the terrorists that they became hyper-patriotic. Not only was the sentiment about how great our country is but how awful they felt others were. They were gung ho about blowing things up and killing anything in sight.
Now we have a president who is not only against the war but black. So, now those groups of people that were behind Bush hate anything this president does or says. That's my theory anyway.