Happy? Proud? Hopeful? Or the opposite? Last night I felt immeasurable pride and warmth at the news, and I thought his speech was electrifying.
But still, I realize there are those who would disagree in the harshest terms. Take for example, the woman I saw on CNN’s Headline News this morning, a self-described Democrat who proudly said she’d rather vote for McCain than see Obama in the White House. A little smirk played around her lips as she said, “I just don’t think America is ready for a black president.”
Where I saw love and support between a fine, upstanding couple, there are those who read between lines and find racist undertones — peep these Newsweek comments, where a reader says “Did you see the little fist bump between them (on national TV mind you) right before his speech last night? NO BHO on my ticket, I’ll vote for the rat that admits he’s a rat.”
FYI, it’s called a dap. Or a pound. It’s even got its own Wikipedia definition. It isn’t a subversive gesture, or a “‘Hezbollah’ style fist-jabbing”, as Human Events described the greeting (hat tip to Slate by way of PostBourgie for that tidbit of knowledge). For additional analysis on Barack and Michelle’s “fist bump,” read this interesting article on Know The Ledge.
In case you missed the moment last night, here’s a video. LOVING that color on Michelle, BTW. Gracias to Stereohyped for the photo.
How did you feel about last night? How do you feel about the journey to November? Happy? Proud? Hopeful? Or the opposite?
That is awesome! I mean, two grown people should probably never be doing that, especially two married people, but it feels like they’re buddies, BFFs! It kinda feels like an action movie and two marines are about to go off and take on the bad guys.
It’s just a good moment.
oh my goodness! it was so beautiful! i was actually at the rally. i have been supporting OBAMA since day 1 and i am so glad that i have stuck with him for this long and never DOUBTED that people would vote for him. he is amazing and i feel extremely happy that i am part of this history. i will tell my future children and grandchildren about this wonderful experience. YES WE CAN AND WE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE OBAMA NOVEMBER 4TH, 2008!
I didn’t see the beginning of the speech. CNN graciously edited that part out on their video feed. But I am extremely happy and proud of what has happened in history. They said it couldn’t be done. Well June 3 2008 proved different. He is the democratic nominee and there is nothing the naysayers can say that can change that. YES WE CAN!!!!! Vote Obama 11/4/08
Bella,
First off, I SO ecstatic, so so happy. And hopeful. Although, that broad marred it with her refusal to concede. I coulda jumped thru that TV on her, I swear…
But I digress,
Personally, I loved seeing that “pound”, because, I get it. I knew what it meant & could relate. But, before I even saw the speech (viewed it online later, didn’t get to see the live broadcast), I was on the phone w/ my landlord who lives next door to me. She is a 48 year old White Southerner, who is traditionally a Republican. But, she has been an Obama supporter from the beginning, already having hated HRC anyways. And also, just being disgusted by Bush & now, by McCain. But the FIRST thing she said to me after seeing Obama’s speech, was “They need to tone it down w/ the fist thing.” That is exactly what she said to me. And she went on to explain, that even though she understood & wasn’t personally offended, she knew that a LOT of other folks, who are already uncertain & uncomfortable about his candidacy, would see that & latch on to it. Maybe writing him off as “ghetto” or whatever else. While I didn’t agree, I do understand what she meant. And it seems that she was right on point. She knows how her people can be…
So, while I love seeing it, I do hope that they don’t make that a regular thing, because at this point, you know folks are just looking for a reason…you know? Oh God, I sound too okey-doke, I’m usually the field negro, but that is how I feel about it, I just don’t want to mess this up…
Amarica should be very proud of Obama. The world certainly is. He is intelligent, articulate and fresh. He will be a good leader of the free world.
D
I really could care less about what some people tried to “read” into Barack and Michelle’s dap. No matter what he does, there will ALWAYS be people who are not going to support him because he is black, and that’s ok. I’m more excited about all of the American’s who came together to support him to get this far!! I never thought I would see this in my lifetime. And although I am happy to see a black man accomplish this historic feat, I am even more excited about all of the people…. black, white, Asian, Latino and everyone else who is willing to entrust this man with the most powerful job in the world! Most black people, and a lot of white people have always made the assumption that white people wouldn’t support a black candidate, and we were wrong! It seems to me that a lot of them are ready to free themselves of our ugly past and move forward to a better future for ALL Americans. And I refuse to let the racists (who are in the minority) ruin this moment!
Let me just start by saying that last night, listening to his speech, was one of the best moments I’ve felt in a long time. I’m extremely proud of Obama for just being his true, confident, loving, peaceful, and strong self. Yesterday made history. The first African American man to be nominated for President. Wow! I’m kind of at a loss for words.:) I am just filled with hope!!!
-Don’t Obama and Michelle make the cutest couple ever?!lol And I love her purple outfit too!!!
It’s certainly a milestone for all minorities and I’m incredibly proud. However, the racist remarks are certainly not going to go away. Just like all the misogynistic mudslinging that hit Hillary in the face, the heat for Obama is certainly on and it’s gonna keep on coming. As for the “dap”, I’ve seen plenty of white folk do too, what is the big freakin’ deal? I think it’s cute; it’s certainly a buddy thing to do and they are best friends, everyone can see this. Remember when they made a big deal about Al and Tipper with their big “kiss”? The media need to stick to discussing what matters instead of reading into little gestures. It’s pathetic and I’m tired of it.
Please, white people dap too, esp younger ones.
I couldn’t see the speech from here. I have mixed feelings. I am so happy about Barack but livid at the way Hillary did not concede. There are some really deep things going on behind the scenes. I am worried.
I truly hope Barack does not put her on the ticket. She wants a “co-presidency”.
It pisses me off that she would not let him have his moment.
Barack keep on keeping on.
I agree with most of the comments here..I was so happy to be witnessing history in the making…I think that was the most exciting part of the entire speech..what it meant as far as history goes. I too do not want to see Hillary on the ticket, you could tell from her speech that she was a sore looser, and I don’t know why, but it drove me crazy that she played the song “Simply The Best”…An obvious sore looser:)
PS: I thought the hand dap was cute!
I agree. They are the cutest! I love it!! 🙂
The pound to me meant: “we did it! through thick and thin, side by side…”
people always want to read meaning into nothing. I am so proud of them despite how loudly the few select people have voiced their disapproval over them. They have the support of millions of the otherwise silent population.
Bella,I have not been this excited about anything in a while.Everytime the news talk about President Obama all I can do is say yes!,yes!,yes! with excitement.There is always going to be scrutiny with everything he say ,and do so i say dap on.If that is how they show love to one another thats there thing,and I would’nt change it.
I am very excited about the prospects of Barack becoming the First African American President. I’m also glad that I’ve witnessed history and my two young sons can witness it and see with God, perserverence and hard work-anything is possible. I’m also wondering why are so many people focused on them giving dap—for historical reasons before there was “dap” does anyone remember “Wonder Twin power–activate” how come it couldn’t be something like that—the media is always going to spin it into something negative.
I don’t even want to mention Hilliary–she’s had enough attention. Let’s focus on unity and moving forward towards November…Go Obama in 08!!!
I’m very excited as well… I stood behind Obama from day one and even when I thought things weren’t looking so great, I still believed in him and he did it!!! I’m so proud!
I love the “dap”! That is something I would have done if I was in Michelle’s shoes!
I have supported him and I’ll continue to do so but I can’t wait to hear the right wingers coming out the gate analyzing the “dap”.
It’s going to be an interesting race.
It was a wonderful moment. Proud is not a big enough word to describe how full my heart is right now.
As for the “dap,” well me and my husband (with our fabulously 40 years old selves) would have done the same thing. She very well couldn’t just grab his ears (ala Martin and Gina) and say “You Go, Boy!” in public, but I bet she wanted to! LOL!
I LOVE THE OBAMAS! Black love, black marriages and families are back en vogue!
Some 20 years ago when my friends and I were raising our children, one friend told me she was asking her boys (3) what they wanted to be when they grew up. Their answers did not make her happy, so she asked don’t you want to be a lawyer or a doctor, etc., they laughed. She said it dawned on her that their dentist was white, so was their peditrician, etc. She immediately changed all of these to black professionals so they could see black men dong great things. How many young blacks will believe they can do anything now that Barrack has won the nomination of the Democratic party. How many of us are even more greatful for those who fought and died for us to even vote in this country let alone fun for political office! I am sure the ancestors are very proud, as am I!
Seeing Barack and Michelle give me as single AA woman hope that there is a strong black man out there that is willing to stand for his family and his values and not compromise or pretend to be something that he is not. I look to them as inspiration. They are the REAL Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable….I am proud but I still want to reserve my excitement. We still have 5 months of mud slinging to endure before the final votes are tallied! I say to everyone, be watchful, and keep them in your prayers. They will need it!!!!
This photo literally made me cry!! It is such a beautiful moment between two amazing people. Their love inspires and amazes me.
Only “little” people would not be able to recognize and appreciate the beauty of that moment and would try to reduce it to something ugly.
Yes We Can!!
Man I wish the rest of the world could vote in the US polls. Kenya LOVES the Obamas!!!
I loved the “dap” or “pound” or whatever you want to call it! Thesse 2 are commrades in this fight for change. I listened to the speech and thought it was awesome – I even stayed up to hear it replayed. As a 53 y.o. African American women I am sooo elated I NEVER thought that I would see this day , even after hearing Barack’s speech at the last convention I still did not thing that America was ready for serious change. But 4 short yrs laster- we have a candidate that is eloquent who is truly for change and is also a male of African decent who chose as his life partner a smart , beautiful, politically savy African American woman. Barack is able to rally people of all colors, ages , religious affiliations around him and that is what this country needs.
I totally agree w/ Nyte – this will get ugly and they will need our prayers.
I felt so proud, I was about to burst at the seams! LOL
And, the “dap” thing….is a form of “we did it” and “it’s all good”! Come on, people, stop nitpicking (not y’all….)!
However, let’s not be deluded into thinking that it’s “gravy” from here on out….there are people in this country who’ve been very vocal that they will not vote for Sen. Obama for many reasons, but mainly because they are fearful of what having a Black President could mean for them….
There is a choice laid before us and it’s as clear as can be:
Continue down the path we’re currently on, and self-destruct (economically, socially, spiritually and mentally)….
or
(To borrow from “Star Trek”) “Boldly go where no man/woman has gone before”….and blaze new trails to help begin the healing of this country….
We’ve come to a fork in the road of this country’s history….I can only hope that there are legions in this country, who will stand up and say, “Enough! Now is the time for change!”
(Hey, Sen. Obama…if you happen to be reading this….LOL…please feel free to use it!)
While I know there is still a lot of muck that we must wade through before President Obama is in the White House, I am FLOATING happily in the here and now! I cannot tell you how beautiful this family is to me and how inspired I have become watching Americans rally behind a man who truly represents the best interests of ALL in this country. I love Barack and I adore Michelle and their relationship just makes me giddy. When I saw that dap I just got so excited that there will be REAL LOVE and respect between a man and his wife represented in the White House.
Michelle looked radiant! Beyond beautiful in that purple!
If anything, the “Dap” could be interpreted as arrogant but that would be a stretch.
As much as I am still scratching my head at the whole Obama mania, I will give props where props are due. This was a history defining and beautiful moment.
‘To thine own self be true’
Would everyone have been ok with them doing the ‘High-five’ or maybe a hug/kiss? This thing is race to the top, a competition, for lack of better terms. The fist dap between the Obamas is like them saying ‘YES!!! We made it’. When sports figure do it is considered wrong/negative. Or what about if a white person does it???? Get over it…. the fist dap it not a black thing, young thing or anything but saying ‘YES’. Yes to the haters and the naysayers. Yes, I’m here and it’s time for a change.
I love the Obamas. Lets not demoralize them to the Huxtables [though I feel what you’re saying] these are real people. They are both intelligent African-Americans. I believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be leaping for joy right now. I know I am. It’s time for a change and Sen. Obama is a man of the people, who is for ALL people.
Let’s continue to pray for the entire Obama family that God will keep a hedge of protection around them. Although America has come long way, we still have so individuals that are mentally, left behind.
The dap was awesome! In the NY papers some people called it cocky, but mostly they found it more genuine and appealing than the Al/Tipper swapping spit fest and the Bill/Hill frolick dance. That little fist bump said to the world in the midst of all this chaos, it’s still Barack and Michelle. It was their own thing that did not seem contrived.
I’m bursting with pride. For my parents, who were raised in the 40s and 50s, it means so much more. I marvel at the advances they have seen in their lifetime, but this means more to them personally. It lets them know that all the marching, all the sit-in, all the “back of the bus” moments had a point. Of course, there is still much work to be done. But Obama clinching the nomination is a milestone event like no other to the Blacks that fought through so much.
I live in LA and went to an event where I watched with about 50 folks. When the pound happend we cheered our heads off! I was awesome. Real. Just real and real love. Okay so this is my thing. The microscope of microscopes surround Obama, do we really need to do it too? Love the brotha.
Wow, we’re finally taking a huge step towards being the kind of America we pretend to be to other nations.
Please let’s not turn into the mediots and start focusing on every miniscule gesture. Let’s keep our focus on the issues.
Thank you WildMagnolia :-)!
I love it and the image of strong love and support between the two!
This is my 1st post and I just wanted to mention..
Love Afrobella and how uplifting this blog is!
WildMagnolia on June 5, 2008 1:52 pm “Wow, we’re finally taking a huge step towards being the kind of America we pretend to be to other nations.”
I had a whole spiel I was preparing in my head as I read, but the comment by WildMagnolia is a great summation. Wow…
I’m proud of him and think that he and Michelle are a beautiful, loving and respectful couple. As for the “dap”. I LOVED IT! Like someone said upthread, there will be people who criticize and hate no matter what. This was a spontaneous moment btwn the 2 of them and for all those who had “issues”, more got it, loved it and cheered.
Thank you for recommending the article from “Know the Ledge”. Excellent reading. I am overjoyed! Simply put! I have heard several instances of conversations where grandparents are explaining this great historical time for the African American race to their grandchildren. Leting them know how blessed they are to have the many priviledges that they take for granted because they are not aware what their forefathers went thru to allow them these priviledges. Its a monumental time for African Americans. I am grateful to experience this time! Smiling
I have always been proud to be African American. Today, I am bursting with pride. Whatever happens, Barack and Michelle are breaking new ground. I am for one will support them all the way!
My husband and I moved on Saturday. When the last box was in the new place, we did the exact same thing. It says, “we did this, it was tough, it was long, sometimes it sucked, but we did it together.” There’s nothing wrong with that.
i think i like michelle more than obama lol she’s so fly & she’s not afraid to speak…two great combos
i felt proud and then frightened and then proud and then frightened again. i want it soooooo badly but i’m afraid to hope. i working hard toward reveling in this momentous series events and believing it can happen. ya’ll please pray to whatever god you believe in and then go out and register some people to vote!
The fist bump just makes u see the true intimacy between Michelle and Barack. They dont try to outshine eachother, and I always said they will probably be the first couple in the White House in a LONG time that still actually sleep with eachother still.
I am all of the above; happy proud and hopeful. I watched all three speeches in a row, ignoring the fact that I am somewhat biased, the only one that gave me goosebumps was Sen.Obama’s. I think the dap was real and you can’t be mad at that. It seems at this point that they (the right) are grasping for straws and looking for anything now, even something so trivial. YES WE CAN! Obama 08′
OMG! You’re so right Nyte. They’re a real-life Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable.
Three things:
1.) I respect what that action meant between a wife and her husband and know that was a true act and sign of intimacy. I wishhhh I had a man to dap for great accomplishments
2.) @ Doris, respectfully I don’t think the sister meant to “demoralize” them by calling the Obamas the “real life…Huxtables” If nothing else she was giving a comparison to a Black man and wife couple that continued to love respect and support each other that our community is familiar with. If she said they were like the Stevens or Blackwells it would leave us scratching our heads. I support her comment and I agree.
3.) @ TeMo, AMEN SISTER! For those of us who want the media and conservatives to stop over analyzing this gesture, or the Obamas period, lets stop over analyzing each other and our comments. “The microscope of microscopes surround Obama, do we really need to do it too? Love the brotha.” I totally agree with her comment. I’m only 25, but for once as a Black woman I feel like I have something to fight for and a reason for our family and community to come together. Let’s not let dap or any other thing/action/statement that we know is coming later tear us apart from the common goal. Love Support Vote and let’s make this world a lot better.
Two days later and I’m still buzzed over this. I was crying so hard I didn’t even catch the dap the first time I saw the speech. The whole thing makes my heart feel so full of emotion. It’s a beautiful thing. Please, God, let us see this sort of victory again in November.
i thought the dap was beautiful. they are so powerful, those two. before i even noticed the dap, i was struck by their eye contact. like yeah, baby we got this. we’re a team.
and that’s the america i’m interested in.
oh and michelle! she looked so great — she is such a WOMAN. that dress, baring her arms. i think it is so amazing that she has carved out her own identity by actually looking more feminine and lady-like than either hillary clinton or any of the other female spouses of candidates. she’s just hot!! dresses have power!!
It made me feel powerful! and it made me smile and relive that momnet ovwer and voer again. She was dressed fablously (Purple is So! in theses days) Power Couple for the New World!
I second Simone’s first Comment ” Yeah baby We got this” my thoughts to the “T”
It so wonderful to see Obama lead the democratic party. After seeing/hearing his speech, I believe! YES WE CAN!
I am SO INCREDIBLY proud of Sen. Obama! He did what NO ONE believed he could do. There is still A LOT of work to do, and I intend on doing everything I can to ensure VICTORY in November! He is brilliant, charming and patriotic and someone who I admire and have a GREAT deal of respect for. He will be a fabulous President! I watched his speech on Tuesday live (like millions of others) and I loved that moment between him and Michelle. The dap made them seem like not only like husband and wife, but best friends and life long teammates. I hope when I’m married my husband and I can be like the Obamas!!! 🙂
This is just the beginning of what is to come for the future of America. For so long, people have mimicked the actions and behaviors of black people but when we show it in public they expect us to mask how we truly are? Tone it down? Or act like the “norm”?
Barack and Michelle made a statement. There was no one else in that moment right then except for themselves and the rest of the supporters who have grown to love, respect and admire their courage. The “pound” was well over due. Athletes and entertainers do it all the time but no body has anything to say about it then. Because The Obama’s exemplify a distinct air of class and intelligence, this is not something that we will see all the time. But at this moment, it was dope. It shows just how real they are. No fabrications. It was like “homeboy/homegirl, you did that! And I got your back! So let’s keep it pushing!”
Yes will can, we did and we will!!!
The one word that comes to mind – “Proud.” Yes, I’m proud to be an African American and share in this incredible moment in history. Yes, “I’m proud.”
Andrea
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this is a day for celebration for every black person (especially-of course- in america)in the world. Sen. Obama did it!!!!!
Congratulations and the best wishes i have for Sen. Obama and everyone who is supporting him. The dap was beautiful, this small gesture shows so much love and respect and closeness between Michelle an Barack Obama. Love to see them on a official visit in germany after november( i will pray for this to happen!!!). they both will enrich the international political and cultural landscape.sorry my english is not so good but i hope you can understand what i want to say.
Love and greetings from the african diaspora in germany. so many people around here are supporting Sen. Obama- not with their votes, but with their love, appreciation and their spirits.
Great moment. A beautiful sight to see a black couple in all their glory, one step away from the highest office in the land.
Words can not express how proud I am of Barack Obama and his family. I saw them do the little “pound it” gesture and I nearly died laughing I thought it was SO cute. Of course there are ignorant people out there who are going to criticize, as if it was some kind of “secret handshake of the hood” that only black people do, but I saw it as a strong black couple showing not only that they love each other but that they are in complete support of one another and are totally in sync. They are the cutest couple. <3 OBAMA ’08!!
p.s. I was disturbed that Hillary Clinton barely acknowledged the historic state of Obama’s nomination.
I love the Obamas!
I especially love the way Michelle has modeled for black women that you CAN BE an ambitious, strong, independent black woman and STILL choose to leave your stellar career in order to support your man and it doesn’t mean you have lost your feminist card!
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
I was very happy when I saw it. The way she looked at him and that little pat on the back her gave her were adorable gestures of a loving connection and genuine happiness. To me it symbolized a great couple who are strong together and still in love.
I think it’s funny that he’s not “black” enough and yet he still managed to throw “mainstream” media for a loop with a simple “black” hand gesture.
Very endearing…
The dap was fun! It showed them as a team, and it was perfect for a public event where other gestures would have been inappropriate.
I’m excited that a black man has made it further than any before him, but I’m not all too thrilled with this particular black man. The more I watch his speeches and interviews, the more I begin to realize that he’s just good at playing the politics game. He’s not even extremely good at it (he says “uh” pretty much every other word), but he gives a few good soundbytes every time, and everyone remembers the moments when he comes across as most intelligent, rather than the ones where he appears to be floundering helplessly.
I also wish he hadn’t been a member of that church for 22 years. Now, every time a black politician enters the national scene, people will scrutinize his church (if he belongs to one) looking for racist remarks along the lines of those made at Obama’s church.
Oh well, eventually a qualified black man will be where Obama is today, and in the meantime we can be glad that Obama has made the journey easier for him!
Sorry guys, but I was disturbed by the fist bump. This is the future President of the US. He’s not at home hanging out with the guys. He’s about to become the most powerful man in the WORLD and it was inappropriate, unprofessional and a little too ghetto for my ‘preppy’ taste. Not all African Americans find fist bumping cute or endearing. I felt myself CRINGE when it happened. Come on! Can you imagine Obama bumping fists with the President of France or with the Queen of England? He shouldn’t bump fists with his wife, our future First Lady, either. Keep it professional Obama! Don’t give those nasty Republicans any ammo against you!!
WOW to Corrinne above me. Really, you thought the dap was a little too ghetto? Would a high 5 or a simple hug have been better? Does it not mean the same thing? No I cannot imagine Obama dapping with the President of France or with the Queen of England but neither of those people his wife and life partner. Nor are they his close personal friends. Obama has kept it more than professional the entire time he has been running for president and will do nothing but keep it professional after he wins the race for presidency. Regardless of what he does or does not do someone will have a problem with him for whatever reason they find fit, but you cannot change others opinion of you.
I thought the dap was great. It showed that they stuck together and did the best that they could and achieved their goal. And I think that they are a great example of Black love!!
LOL Cheetara! Yes, my example of the Queen of England went a little too far, but I just wanted to show the appropriateness of the gesture.
The dap is NOT symbolic of “Black Love”, spousal closeness or sticking together. In any case, it’s more of a casual gesture. A simple hug between them would have been fine and would have been more symbolic of their love. It also would have kept the ‘ghetto’ comments from coming up in the first place.
I’ve bumped fists in the past (rarely) but NEVER in a formal setting. I wouldn’t be caught dead doing it during a presidential campaign and least of all, with my husband. 😉
When I saw the video, I just had to smile. It was so funny that all these relationship experts were trying to analyse this so-called ‘Display of African-American Appreciation’ like this was the first time it had been done, lol. I need to make a t-shirt with that image on it. It was like even though he’s a political nominee the Obama’s can get down.
Corrine, Corrine. *sigh*