Comments on: Does Obama shape black opinion? A survey experiment

By: FreeMan

FreeMan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:38:16 +0000

I didn't hear of this study thanks for posting it on your blog. I'm always shocked that people think young Black men will want to do better because of the Obama effect. It's interesting to find out what actually influences folks decisions!

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:25:57 +0000

The experiment depends upon plausible statements that can be attributed to elites. If I had a quote from Thomas saying that the government needs to desk with discrimination for blacks to get ahead people wouldn't believe it. There's nothing in my post about conservative opinion. Why did you put it there?

On black opinion: of course it exists. We can predict it and it's consequences as well as it's roots.

By: Michael David Cobb Bowen

Michael David Cobb Bowen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:19:00 +0000

In short I am marginalizing the import of political opinion that is not consistent with philosophical orthodoxy of any substance. I believe that informed political opinion is in short supply and that in particular the extent to which 'black' political opinion is informed is rarely objectively qualified. So I take issue with the importance of the subtleties and nuances you imply given my belief that 'black' political opinion is undisciplined and inconsistent.

It is not sufficient to talk about 'black' political opinion without further qualifications. Did your study take into consideration those who voted for or against Obama with regard to his impact on their opinion?

By: Cobb

Cobb — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:13:05 +0000

OK Here's my question. How does one define 'black' opinion as distinct from 'conservative' opinion. In your characterization of whether or not Clarence Thomas supports positions resonant with black political opinion, what is the sample size and how recent have his actual judicial opinions been reviewed.

I say it's a stereotype to suggest that Clarence Thomas' judicial record is out of step with any group as large and ill-defined as 'black opinion'. Where's the research?

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:18:06 +0000

This comment is more understandable. Black people tend to vote their group interests. In some instances they vote their individual interests. With other groups your mileage may vary.

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:16:20 +0000

You aren't reading. You are pontificating. You closed your own comments down presumably because others did the same at your spot.

Reread what I wrote. If you have questions, ask me.

By: Michael David Cobb Bowen

Michael David Cobb Bowen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:12:24 +0000

I also have some issues with the term 'people voting their interests'. The fact of the matter is that people don't vote their interests. Considering all of the number and frequency of efforts they make in their own interests, walking up to a polling place once a year is a symbolic gesture at best – and people can be persuaded to do damned near anything as a symbolic gesture. That is why so much of American politics and marketing are dedicated to disposable income. Voting and polling are those sorts of creatures. Very unlike work or education.

By: Michael David Cobb Bowen

Michael David Cobb Bowen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:08:23 +0000

You should have used Rush Limbaugh on blacks saying that water is wet, and find how many distrust that, just to be thorough. Leaving white Republicans out of the study as a reliable proves exactly how much you understand exactly biased people are when it comes to 'race, class, gender' (the existential bugbears of our era) and political philosophy.

By: Clyde Moore II

Clyde Moore II — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:04:02 +0000

I don't think it translates into policy support, because as you said when it comes down to voting on policy, no group can fight their own political instincts and self interest.

By: Sondjata Olatunji

Sondjata Olatunji — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:42:19 +0000

Interesting. Do you have the material you used available in electronic form? If so hit me on FB. I'm very interested in this as I am currently thinking on a “dear leader” phenomenon that I think is taking over certain segments of the larger African-American community.