Chinese state paper assesses Obama, awkwardly
This People’s Daily column about Barack Obama and his race is so clumsily written and translated that it makes me wonder: Is this what the American media sounds like, say, when it muses about the differences between Sunni and Shia? A sample: One of the causes for the Western media to lavish overpraises onto Obama ...
This People's Daily column about Barack Obama and his race is so clumsily written and translated that it makes me wonder: Is this what the American media sounds like, say, when it muses about the differences between Sunni and Shia?
A sample:
One of the causes for the Western media to lavish overpraises onto Obama is owed to his (skin) color, and the other cause is the change that he may bring to American society.... Indeed, Sen. Barak [sic] Obama does not at all represent the white Anglo-Saxon protestants (WASP), those who belong to the group of middle- and upper-class Americans descended from the British or Northern European settlers, generally regarded as the traditional dominant or privileged group in the U.S. His success, nevertheless, is because he does not underscore his racial features, and has even intentionally drawn a clear line with those radical blacks.... He has a different skin color (with whites) but shares the 'same American background'.
This People’s Daily column about Barack Obama and his race is so clumsily written and translated that it makes me wonder: Is this what the American media sounds like, say, when it muses about the differences between Sunni and Shia?
A sample:
One of the causes for the Western media to lavish overpraises onto Obama is owed to his (skin) color, and the other cause is the change that he may bring to American society…. Indeed, Sen. Barak [sic] Obama does not at all represent the white Anglo-Saxon protestants (WASP), those who belong to the group of middle- and upper-class Americans descended from the British or Northern European settlers, generally regarded as the traditional dominant or privileged group in the U.S. His success, nevertheless, is because he does not underscore his racial features, and has even intentionally drawn a clear line with those radical blacks…. He has a different skin color (with whites) but shares the ‘same American background’.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
