Barack Obama Explains Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and The Media | Pod Save America

Obama on African Americans - Keeping it Real - Won't See this on Mainstream Media

One of those rare videos that will give you a glimpse as to how Obama feels about African Americans, community and education and how the First Lady can be if you cross her!  Love the truth in this video, enjoy! 

Professor Griff Exposes Michelle and Barack Obama and The Secret Societies

Factchecking the first presidential debate - The Washington Post

Do your own research, people lie, misconstrue truth, leave out details, etc. even our own people. 

Factchecking the first presidential debate - The Washington Post

Barack_Obama - Barack Obama - BlackPlanet.com

I have visited BlackPlanet.com many times in the past and never noticed that the President even has a page there too!  His people get around on this Internet.  Looks like someone wants to be re-elected.  Will you vote for him?

Barack_Obama - Barack Obama - BlackPlanet.com

5 Things Other Races Must Know About African Americans

Have you ever wondered some things about a certain African American that you worked with or one that was a friend of a friend and just didn't know how to go about asking them a question or making a comment without being accused of being a racist, ignorant, or something else, well if so, feel free to read the following:

1. Black political leaders in the media do not speak for all African Americans. Chances are what you may have heard is not something that every black person you meet agrees with so please stop making assumptions!

2. What your great grandparents, grandparents or even your parents' opinions of black people will most likely be in conflict with how you feel. You see, many of them grew up during a time when races didn't get along with one another, so if that hasn't been your experience, then why hate?

3. Every black person doesn't like chicken, watermellon, R&B, Hip Hop and Rap music. Further, not every black person can sing, dance, or play sports well.

4. Not every black person talks "cool" and "hip."

5. Black women and men are not so sensitive that they can't handle communicating with you, so say, "Hello" some time. But the n-word is still a problem, so avoid it at all costs even if you are "down with the brown!"

Every Now & Then Someone Will Remind You of the Color of Your Skin

I experienced it, people I know have told me stories about it, and others are still angry about it. The it, being the wrong color skin in certain circles.

From being followed in a store because someone who happens to have the same color of skin as you violated the store owner's trust, so now the entire race pays for what someone else has done because you look different from the rest.

What is it about being an African American in America or any color for that matter? Why is it that some will still remind you that you are different? Just when you think that you are being respected because you are a man or woman first, along comes someone to ask you a question that involves "you people..." or makes some comment about the color of your skin.

What's worse is even some of our own people are guilty of this.

Maybe I don't want to live today being reminded about someone treating me different because of my skin; instead could it be that I just have an attitude problem or they just don't like me just because? Why must we be reminded that something didn't happen for us because we are black, that someone asked us a question just because we are black, he or she followed us around the store because we are black, we got pulled over on the side of the road because we are black, the store clerk treated us different because we are black, we didn't get a certain opportunity because we are black...and the list goes on and on...

Just once could someone embrace us or reject us not because of the color of our skin?

Is Tyler Perry the only black producer that is moving and shaking these days?

Where are all the black producers and directors? I don't see them taking the spotlight these days like Tyler Perry. I guess they all had their day. But it would be nice to see more coverage about other blacks moving and shaking the movie and television world besides him. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that he is receiving all of this publicity these days with his two new shows House of Payne and Meet the Browns, his movies such as The Family that Preys and A Diary of a Mad Black Woman (which were both very good I might add,) but other black producers need to step up to the plate.

I don't know what makes him any different than others that came before him or maybe it really isn't him doing anything groundbreaking maybe it's society being more kinder to blacks (ie. Barack Obama warm reception to the White House.) But whatever it is I hope that the red carpet will continue to embrace more and more black producers and directors!

"My 2 cents worth" written by Nicholl McGuire

Being Black Isn't Popular With Some Survey Companies

I decided to test some of these survey companies who brag about how much I could make taking their surveys. Many of which consistently emailed me with requests and many who turned me down quite often too. So I thought, "well maybe I just don't fit the demographic they are looking for..." Funny thing is over a year later, some of these companies still have yet to "accept me" so I decided I was going to test them out. So I started off filling out surveys as the black female, they would say that I didn't qualify, not that the quota was already met, but I didn't qualify. However, when I was Hispanic and white, I passed with flying colors. Interesting. Huh?

Written by Nicholl McGuire

Soul Food

The history of American soul food can be traced all the way back to the days of slavery. More often times than not, the slaves were given the most undesirable part of the meal, the leftovers from the house. Pairing this with their own home-grown vegetables, the first soul food dishes were invented. After the slaves were freed, most of them were so poor that they could only afford the most undesirable, inexpensive cuts of meat available to them. (The leftover, unwanted parts of a pig such as tripe, tongue, ears, and knuckles). As in the days of slavery, African-Americans used their own home-grown vegetables and things they could catch or kill to complete their meals. In the modern United States, soul food has truly evolved. It has become part of the African-American culture, bringing family members together on all occasions from birthdays to funerals, to spend time together preparing meals.

The history of soul food is mainly an oral one; recipes were never really written down so while two families may be preparing identical meals, chances are that they don't taste very much alike. Different ingredients, cooking methods, and techniques go into preparing soul food meals, causing the end results to come out differently. One of the most obvious and widely-recognized characteristics of African-American soul food is the fact that hot sauce and more intense spices are incorporated into meals as often as possible. For this reason, soul food is not for those who can't take the heat or are prone to heart burn!

Another characteristic of true African-American soul food is that nothing is ever wasted. Having originated from the leftovers of just about anything. Stale bread was quickly converted into stuffing or a bread pudding. Over ripe bananas were whipped up into banana puddings, and other ripe fruits were put into cakes and pies, and leftover fish parts were made into croquets or hush puppies. Sunday dinners are definitely the times when soul food is most commonly seen on tables. Sunday dinners are a time for African-American families to get together to prepare and partake in a large meal. Sunday dinners normally take up the entire day (normally following a church ceremony), and family members come from far and wide to partake in this meal together.

Sunday dinners took place in the form of potlucks, also, where various family members contribute a dish or two and form a big, fine meal. Collard and mustard greens, kale, ribs, corn bread, fried chicken, chitlins, okra, and yams are all excellent examples of African-American soul food that might be found at a Sunday meal. Soul food is not generally a healthy option for a person that must monitor their diet. Fried foods are generally prepared with hydrogenated oil or lard, and they usually tend to be flavored and seasoned with pork products. Since this may be what contributes to such a high percentage of African-Americans that are significantly overweight, soul food preparation methods are now slowly starting to be refined, bringing a lot more healthy options to the table. Rather than the increasingly unhealthy pork products, use of turkey-based products is becoming more and more popular as time passes. The fried foods that are so beloved of the culture can now be prepared using a lower fat canola or vegetable oil.

About the author: Troy Pentico
Visit The Tasty Chef for more great tips, techniques, and insights pertaining to cooking and recipes.

NOTE: If you have read this article, feel free to contact Nicholl McGuire for a chance to win a free DVD on Soul food!!! The contest ends February 1, 2009.

African American Skin Care Products That Really Work

If you want African American skin care products that really work, you need to choose ones that contain the right ingredients. You also need to know about some ingredients to avoid. Some compounds cause "hyper-pigmentation". Others cause "de-pigmentation". Of course, the best ones even out the skin-tone and protect the skin's overall health. Here's what to look for and what to avoid.

Compounds to Avoid

Sodium methyl paraben has been banned from skincare products in the EU, but it is still found in products manufactured in other countries. It has been shown to have a de-pigmenting effect that may be permanent. Check your products carefully for this ingredient.

Petroleum-based products, wood based alcohols and propylene glycol can cause "hyper-pigmentation" or the appearance of darker spots that do not match your overall complexion. These ingredients are commonly found in African American skin care products that claim to relieve oiliness. Excessive oiliness is often caused by the products that you are currently using. If you have some oily spots, check your personal care products for petrolatum, mineral oil and other petrochemicals. Those cause excessive greasiness, without actually moisturizing.

Don't choose products that contain chemical bleaching agents. They are quite harsh and may do more harm than good

Compounds to Seek Out

. If you want to even out your skin-tone, look for an ingredient called extra-pone nut grass. You may only need a little to see a dramatic difference.

In addition, you should look for natural vitamin E, an antioxidant that will repair any hyper-pigmented areas caused by using the personal care items containing the ingredients mentioned above. If uneven tone is a problem, African American skin care products containing nut grass and vitamin E will help.

Effective Moisturizers that Balance Sebum Production

If you are like most of us, you have areas that range from mildly to excessively oily and others that are mildly to excessively dry. Sometimes, this is caused by using the wrong lotions or creams, but it can also be a natural difference in the number of follicles present in the skin.

Sebum, the skin's natural moisturizer, comes from the sebaceous glands, which are located at the root of the hair follicles. So, in areas that are basically "hair-less", the skin is drier. The best African American skin care products contain jojoba and/or passion fruit extract. These have been shown to moisturize dry areas, without causing greasiness or leading to break-outs.

Anti-Aging Ingredients

It seems that everyone these days is looking for anti-aging creams and lotions. And, it looks like every cosmetic company in the world has something to offer.

According to clinical trials, the most effective anti-aging ingredients include Functional Keratin and wakame kelp extract, as well as the antioxidants coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E. Functional Keratin increases the production of new cells and fibers. Wakame kelp protects levels of hyaluronic acid, preventing sagging and increasing firmness.

Antioxidants counter free radical damage, which dermatologists believe is responsible for all of the signs of aging. So, when you find African American skin care products that contain all of these, you will know that they "really work".

I recommend checking out this website http://www.AHealthyRadiantSkin.com or for complete details that apply to all skin types.

Margaret Bell is a dedicated advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and diligent researcher of skin care systems. Visit her site aHealthyRadiantSkin to discover which is the Best African American Skin Care Products Margaret recommends for all skin types.

Be sure to sign up for her free Health newsletter for new updated skin care information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Bell

I Am Not An African - American

I am not an African-American. Don’t call me an African –American. I’m an American plain and simple. I was born here as were my parents and grandparents and you would have to search many a generation back before you found anyone in my family who originated from the continent of Africa. It’s time black people in this country stop trying to identify with a land whose culture is not their own. It’s time we stand up and say “This land is our land” and let everyone know we have a right to this country as much as anyone.

I understand the need for black people in America to find an identity all their own. We are as displaced as a people can be. Brought here in the early seventeenth century, first as indentured servants then as slaves the richness of culture these individuals brought from their various tribes was systematically ripped away from them.

Maybe in calling ourselves African-American we feel we can retrieve some of that richness that is lost to us and was stolen from our people so long ago. However the atrocities of the past are just that, the past and trying to identify with lost cultures isn’t going to help us achieve the respect and prosperity that has alluded us for so long in a country that is still hostile to those of African descent.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way suggesting we forget about the past. It’s important to study and learn from your forefathers’ triumphs, mistakes and pain. Continuously changing our identification however, is not the best way to use that knowledge. We’ve had several “identities:” from Colored to Negro, Black and now African-American.

How can we expect anyone else to know who we are if we’re not sure of our own identity? How can we expect to come together as a people if we can’t agree on something as simple as to what to call ourselves? Hell the government is not even sure who we are if the 2000 census form was any indication with their Black, Negro, African-American non-hispanic category.

I say dispense with all of the confusion. We’re American. The sweat of our brow helped build this country. Benjamin Banneker a black man, helped design the white house. Something as simple as the traffic light and as life saving as the blood transfusion were created by black people. Americans. From music, to dance, to literature we have given much more to this country then it has have ever given to us. We can be proud in simply calling ourselves Americans because we have more then earned that right. It’s time we make use of it.

I was once asked if I viewed myself as an American first and black second. The answer is as long as America views me as black first then I’ll always be American second. But I’ll never be anything other then American, plain and simple.

About the Author
Tamika Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of PrologueReviews.com. To read more reviews by Tamika or to have your book, music or film reviewed visit http://www.prologuereviews.com

Where Were You When Obama Was Elected?

Just as our mothers, fathers and grandparents can recall where they were and what they were doing when great leaders such as Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy were slained, in our generation we will be able to remember when America gave life to one, President-elect Barack Obama.

A myriad of emotions ran through me like so many other African Americans. I thought of my grandmother who was alive to see a moment she thought she would never see. She told me, "We are blessed." She reflected on a time when blacks were disrespected by whites, "We weren't good enough to eat their tuna fish." She recalled those sad times when she couldn't enter through the front entryways of white-owned establishments. "We cleaned their floors on our hands and knees, but we couldn't walk through their front doors." Other family members told of stories where they couldn't look white people in their faces and had to address them as Mr. and Ms. (which some still do today.) They talked of water fountains that were for the coloreds, bathrooms for the coloreds, and other similar things that illustrated that black or any other color, for that matter, were not allowed to be in certain places, riding in certain cars, or walking in certain areas. "If you were white you were alright, but if you were black step back."

There was a deep heartfelt resentment, anger, and rage that permeated with many who lived in a time of segregation, for some they couldn't hold back their own racist remarks, "It's about time...the white house is now black!" I couldn't help but feel happy that Barack Obama is going to the White House, because I knew what this meant for many, another door would now be opened for anyone who wasn't traditionally white and male. But as my grandmother warned, "Don't get too happy, we must pray. There are still many who don't want him in there. Let's hope he doesn't get killed."

As I type this blog, I think of the joy I experienced on November 4th, 2008 when I read on the screen that "Obama is elected President." I thought of the black men who I had spoken to in the past who cried about their plights and how the white man had his foot on their necks, "No more excuses," I thought. "No more blaming the white man my bruthas. Obama just set a high learning curve and now it is up to you to follow suit or step aside!" I was excited to the point of tears, thinking about my four sons! They could see that a black man could do much more than make media headlines for acting, running, jumping, driving, singing, dancing, fighting, and playing. Those things were nothing new under the sun even back during times of segregation. Rather, he could make headlines for what was between his ears!

Education--that's what really matters. When you become too old to play ball, what does a black athlete have to do? Put what he has learned in college, business and trade schools, or independent study to good use in order to keep those dollars flowing. If Barack hadn't demonstrated "consistent" intelligence in his mannerisms and speech, he would have never won. If he hadn't been careful in what he said and did more listening than talking, he wouldn't have won. If he hadn't taken the time to look outside of his bubble and not only befriend those different from him, but study people of other races and creeds around him, he wouldn't have won. (Oprah is the master at that!) If he hadn't put God and his family first, rather than being a selfish, inconsiderate, Negro from around the way while profiling with women and bling, he wouldn't have won. He wasn't running for president to make people laugh, to entertain with catch phrases, to befriend the bruthas and muthas from the hood, or to glorify himself, it was all about selling people on change --a platform that McCain stole when he saw that it was working, and in the end it still didn't help him win.

Michelle Obama said it right, "For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback." Irregardless of what she really meant by this statement which she clarified by being proud of the states her husband won, those who participated in the political process, etc. Depending on your experience in this country, her statement is left up to open interpretation. As a voter in the political process, I was glad to see people went out and voted in record numbers. After the Hanging chad incidents back in 2000, it left a bad taste in many people's mouths. But as an African American born and raised in this country, what made me proud was that people of all races was giving a black man a chance. Minorities get tired of being micro-managed, second-guessed, told that what they are saying isn't making any sense, followed around in stores, stared at because their skin is a different shade, overlooked because their skin isn't the right shade --are any of these things one should be proud of in a country that boasts opportunity, justice, freedom for all?! For once, just once, we all want not just "a someone" to respect us and hear what we are saying, but a group of people, a powerful entity, to look at you for who you are and what you stand for, Barack Obama did just that! People not only said they would support him, but they put their money where their mouth was! On November 4th, thousands upon thousands of those who grew up in the segregated south and later moved North, silenced their own ignorant voices and those around them and did what was right, not what was white! We saw evidence of this with the voter turn out in Ohio and Pennsylvania which have historically been won by Republicans.

And when my tears were about dried up, I thought of the old saying that, "Behind every black man there is an even stronger black woman!" I had hoped that African American women everywhere would take notice that Michelle Obama loved her man. She knew how to carry herself with class not crass. If it wasn't for her being the "rock" in Barack, he wouldn't have made it this far! I had also hoped that black men everywhere would recognize that with a wise woman alongside of them "they could do all things through Christ who strengthens them." Maybe just maybe if enough images of the new first family are seen everywhere by black men that they will do the right thing by the mothers of their children.

I am not niave to think that racism is behind us, far from it, but just like President-elect Obama, I am hopeful. Change has to start somewhere and it is up to us to make things happen just as he has done. Had he not took the first step, we would have never heard of Barack Obama.

So when my four sons ask me when they become older, "Mommy where were you and what were you doing when the first black man of the United States became President?" I will tell them "sitting in front of the television shouting, crying, and hoping that one of you would make a significant impact on our society like Barack Obama has done."

Nicholl McGuire

Obama: A Different Kind of Black Man

Is White American Racism Driving Some Republicans to Vote for McCain?

The newspaper headlines read, "McCain Wins!" Television news announcers report, "It was a close race, McCain is elected!" Radio broadcasters exclaim, "McCain is the next President of the United States!" Is this what you want? Is this what you really want? Have you bought into the hype that Senator Barack Obama is too inexperienced to be president? There were other Presidents before him that were inexperienced as well, can we say former President Bill Clinton for starters. What is the real truth behind the truth, I'll tell you, "He's black."

You know what your parents said about black people. You heard the big black man stories. You laughed at the black jokes. You watched the black lady in the store, you know the one "with the attitude." Black people what do you really think about them? There are black people who don't like black people. There are white people who don't like black people. There are Asians, Hispanics, and Europeans who just don't like Blacks. It doesn't matter what contributions they made to American history. There were ignorant White Americans seated at the Republican National Convention who still believe that blacks need to stay in their place and the White House is the last place they want to see any color, but white.

Fear

People fear what they don't understand. There are white people who can still walk this earth and not interact with a single black person that's a fact. I attended a college in rural Illinois and many of my classmates had never talked to a black person let alone touched them. They simply never felt the need to learn about black Americans, let alone bi-racial ones. Why? It's not like there were history books filled with examples of Blacks who ran corporations, owned oil companies or invested in the stock market.

Obama is technically not all black, he is bi-racial. He is mixed with Nigerian and Caucasian blood, interesting? A black and white man who hopefully will be black and white in his decision making as well, we need no gray areas, thank you very much! Anyway, I digress, the point is Obama knows white. What do I mean? He knows white culture, the white mindset, white mannerisms, and most of all the White House. Don't underestimate this man. He didn't grow up in a society that he could afford to move away from white people even if he wanted to, but white people could move away from him. Which brings me to this point, there are ignorant white people who don't know black. What do I mean? They may know about a black list, black market, or maybe had experience being black-balled, but they really aren't familiar with a highly-educated black man. Quite honestly, there are far more uneducated, jailed black men, then there are educated ones. So if an ignorant person isn't use to seeing a man like Obama behaving in a non-stereotypical way, he or she will find his or her self grasping for faults.

Ignorance

Many parents are still living who grew up during the time when there were whites and blacks separated by signs, seats, doors and the like. Therefore, these people who have unresolved issues about integrating with "you people" are still angry. However, some aren't going to come out and say what they really feel for fear of backlash. So they will hide behind stereotypical caricatures, catch phrases like "hockey moms", sit in places where the majority are white (ie. Republican National Convention) etc. These are simply smoke signals letting everyone who knows what they mean "to come join our side if you are tired of these minorities not staying in their places." The younger generation or those who haven't been exposed to ignorant parents, don't understand what is going on and they ask, "What's all the fuss about race?" Just sit back, be quiet and observe, and don't allow their behavior to rub off on you. Know why you do the things you do, say the things you do, and feel the way you do about any race and if it is negative, do something positive to change it.

Cultural Diversity Training

During his campaign, Obama has been hosting cultural diversity training workshops in a matter of speaking. I say that, because he is trying to educate America on who he is, where he came from and what he can bring to the table. The problem is there is a vast amount of people who aren't black or white that need to be reached. Who is this man they ask, really, honestly? They have to be sold on the issues bottom line. However, there are still those ignorant older white Americans who simply need to be re-educated on what really matters to them, "Are blacks really like this...What kind of black are you..." Let's be real, don't you want to know too? In the world of the ignorant, there are categories for certain blacks. There are hardworking blacks, lazy ones, thieves, rapists, etc. Is Obama tainted? They don't even consider that their are similar categories in their own race. Ignorant white Americans want to know what kind of black is going to the white house?

Racial Stereotypes

Obama seems to be a straight shooter, but then again maybe not. What would have happened had he shouted out a long list of stereotypes associated with being black and explained why he wasn't any of them? I'm sure he would have at least gained the respect of the head leaders of the Ku Klux Klan or Arian Nation. Don't tell me you think they don't exist, they are alive and well just put the names in your search engine window and be prepared to be offended! Obama needs to do a better job and kill the fear. That is why some accuse him in the black community of "acting white" these ignorant blacks want to know what kind of black he is too. They may support him, but they are worried. Is he really an Uncle Tom and his wife, Michelle Obama, an Aunt Tammy? Will they let blacks down on the issues to appease whites and other races?

Like new relationships that begin with unresolved issues, to have a relationship with Obama you will have to let go of the past in order to see the future! We all want to see change, even McCain, that's why he is copying Obama's platform. There are white Americans who really want to give Obama a chance and they are sincerely looking pass the fact he is black. However, there are still others who can't look pass his light skin, articulate speaking voice, and nice physique, he's a different kind of black man.

Nicholl McGuire