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There seems to be this weird implicit assumption (plugging in Prop 8 stats, which are in no way relevant unless you use them to make assuptions based on race) that African-American voters are hostile voters. Like other posters have suggested, there are age gaps as in any other demographic, and the real issue could be the need to get the young to vote, regardless of their race or faith. Either way, I don’t grasp the use of CA exit polls in detrmining what MD might do.

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female (I assume you are?) assertion = good thing. embrace it.

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Trololololol.

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After a while, you get used to the ‘blame black people for everything’ tactic the media (and republicans) tend to get on. However, if you usually dig deeper, youll find it really has nothing to do with us in the end.

However, youre right. There is TONS of work to be done. And its bigger than the elders. I just dont want anyone to forget that.

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Lemme start this off with a BIG eHug and apologies. I can come off craaazy angry sometimes and I am sorry if it felt like I blew up your well written article. I am happy to see it back and to have some awesome discourse with you about it. I really wasnt angry so much as I was just kinda sad and confuddled… I know that the elders (of all races) are an issue in getting some way and it hurts MY heart because I dont know how to change theirs. I just… dont want to see blame passed. What I want to see is us working together to get AROUND this issue. I just want understanding.

Ah the media. Bane of the American “minorities” experience. I hated it too, when the numbers came back saying 8 had actually passed, and everyone wondered why and how? It was even MORE embarrassing when it came back with the numbers it did from older black and latin voters. Effectively, the blame game had started, and the older folk who technically where in the middle of the civil rights era were effectively to blame for it. I know the truth is the truth and thats what it is, but it was awkward and embarrassing to see those numbers, real talk. And when you see those stats come up again… it hits a nerve. Theyve been throwing shade out way regarding it since, and some of us want NOTHING to do with that statistic.

Instead of focusing on our fail (and really, thats what it was), I wish we could have focused more on some other equally important things: like who didnt vote and why that year… and how we can keep it from happening again. Also, the issue of the rich republican douchebag thing is a MUCH bigger hurdle than old black folks. And even though 70% of black folks SEEMS like a lot, you should see how small our numbers were in the MIDST of that election, shit. Any election.

As someone below me pointed out… Rich White Republicans had a POWERFUL hand in this… a point I elaborated earlier above. You would think you WOULDNT have to explain why you should vote no on 8 since equality is common sense… but you have to explain everything, or other people will do it for you. In comes the Mormon Churches and the same Rich Republicans you see “running for president” this year. Knowing they could play on religion and fear of the unknown, they went on a huge Yes campaign on 8… something else no one seems to talk about. And its not just in California… its in EVERY state. It had a huge influence, as well as their own numbers coming out to the polls in strength. So while older black people tend to get pointed out in the media, as usual… they do that to distract you from the REAL numbers and reasons why things didn’t pass. I dont want you to get caught up in that, OR believe the hype. There are a LOT of things that go into this.

Also, there was only about a 79% turnout of voters that year. 21% of registered voters didnt show up, and that could have made all the difference. We need to focus on bringing that demographic out to vote in ALL states.

Finally, I really do want to apologize for the doucheyness of my elders. It is a fact that that percentage did play a role in getting it passed. Regardless, know that there is progress being made, and not all of us are assholes. And not ALL older black folk (like my mom and dad) voted for that bullshit. With that said, I’d like to point you in the direction of Michael Eric Dyson on the Tavis Smiley show a few days ago, and listen to him make the unshakable case for gay marriage and aim it DIRECTLY AT the african american community. Its something that is being addressed… I promise you. Dont let the media outlets fool you.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1702406

With all that ranted out that… It was still an awesome, well written article that celebrates PROGRESS being made and I came in here to par-tay. It was a great article, really well written. Its just… towards the end, it was a little uncomfortable. There are toooons of hurdles left for us to jump to get marriage equality going, and I can assure you the least of your worries will be my grandmothers generation. And I promise you, despite what the media tells you… we CAN work together to change this. Also, your opinion is valid and awesome in every way Whitney, and I am always glad to know what you think. Never censor yourself… but keep an eye out for how the media tends to manipulate things, and how that can effect you. Because it still happens. often.

*eHugs*

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