2301 students might want to catch up on the current controversy involving the use of the above adjective--among many others--by Senator Joseph Biden about Barak Obama. It is the latest example of how different groups in society interpret that same thing in different ways, a subject we will discuss more when we cover public opinion formation and the role peer groups play in its formation. The key sound bite: Obama is the "first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy."
What's the fuss you might ask?
Plenty apparently. Consider how you might feel if after the first test I complimented the class by stating how impressed I was that community college students such as yourselves were able to figue out which end of the pencil to use on the scantron. The compliment betrays a suspicion that you are distinguished because others like you lack the quality in question. Biden's remark carries with it the implication that other African-Americans presumably are not clean, bright and articulate. I would not be suprised to see poll results in a few days showing a racial divide in attitudes about the comment. White folks thinking it's blown out of proportion while black folks arguing that its further evidence of the subtle racism that lurks beneath society's surface.
So tell me: Is it reasonable for some to take offense or are people being too sensitive? Before you answer, think of things that you might personally take offensive given how you identify yourself--be it religious, political, occupational or whatever.
A second aspect of this episode is what it tells us about campaigning in the new digital, 24 hews cycle environment. Anything you say (and/or do) can and will be made available to all interested parties immediately. This is already old news. Ask ex-Senator George Allen among many others about YouTube's impact on their political ambitions. Commentators are already suggesting the Biden's presidential bid is doomed--and its barely begun.
Is this good or bads news?
