Comments on: Obama, at Fundraiser, Pronounces Himself an ‘Honorary AAPI’. Could Obama be the first Asian American president?

By: RayU

RayU — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:51:53 +0000

I thought “honorary” titles were bestowed by (well respected) other entities onto a person, not pronouncing it upon oneself. It smacks of ego and claiming credit by association rather than the quality of the personal experience.

Reminds me of a few (white) adoptive parents who, after adopting a Chinese kid, declare themselves to BE CHINESE. *ugh*

By: stko

stko — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:35:23 +0000

To be sure, Obama has had more exposure to Indonesian and Hawaiian culture than most Americans, but to call him the first Asian-American president is pretty far-fetched. I've read his memoir (Dreams from My Father), and his life does not have much in common with the shared experiences of most Asian-Americans I know. Also, I sort of resent him continuing to push his Asian relatives as some sort of evidence that he shares the Asian-American experience. It rings of “But my best friend is Asian!” Obama should stop trying to convince us that he's Asian-American and just speak to what his credentials and policies are.

By: keepingitreal

keepingitreal — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:17:58 +0000

A smart politician would be an honorary X at whatever X function he/she attends, if he/she can get away with it. Especially if it is a fundraiser!

Honorary Asian-American? First Asian-American president? Hell no! He attends a black church, he was raised by a single mom, he has no Asian blood, was he forced to learn an instrument? (piano, violin)

He's a lawyer and politician! How many Asian-American parents want their kids to grow up to be lawyers? not so many. More now...
How many Asian-Ams have experimented with Cocaine? (Marijuana, yes, cocaine less so)

Does he understand the different Asian-Am groups?
The head of his asian-am outreach is Filipina. Which Asian-Am group is the largest? and which are the largest in the states where it might have an effect? I think a better choice would be someone from one of those groups.

The reality - some of the older Asian-Ams are racist and will see Obama as black.

By: John

John — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:07:07 +0000

Well, there are a few swing states that Asian Americans can make a real difference – like Nevada and Virginia. I am not sure if Asian Americans lean more for Mccain or for Obama in these states.

By: Asianmommy

Asianmommy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:36:59 +0000

It's nice to hear of a presidential candidate claiming to be an honorary AAPI and addressing a large group of Asian American supporters. I wonder how much Asian American support he'll get when it comes time to vote, and if it'll make a significant difference to his campaign.