High School Kids in the Bronx Reflect on Obama's Race Speech [VIDEO]

Posted by Pam Spaulding, Pandagon at 8:48 AM on March 29, 2008.

Listen to these young people.

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Bronx High Schoolers Reflect on Obama's Race Speech

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Students at the Bronx High School of Performance and Stagecraft watch and discuss Barack Obama’s speech on racial reconciliation and how it relates to their lives. Listen to these young people. A teacher took the time to draw these young people out and make it a safe environment to bring up hard issues and he facilitated a healthy discussion about becoming politically engaged.

Why is something so simple so difficult for adults? We should be embarrassed at so much of our population’s lack of interest in thinking through our biases and bridging these divisions. How does it get stamped out of us?

Tagged as: race, youth, teens, obama, youth vote, new york, bronx

Pam Spaulding blogs at Pam's House Blend.

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empowering [Report this comment] Posted by: kyer on Mar 29, 2008 10:09 AM Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] This video represents something that is real. Not only is Obama the racially mixed candidate that most Whites feel comfortable enough with, he truly inspires youth and a lot of people of color who historically have felt disenfranchised. This is very empowering. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] The Kids are All Right [Report this comment] Posted by: abstractmachine on Mar 29, 2008 10:30 AM Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] It is hugely gratifying to see those students and teacher in action. You guys rock! thanks. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] » RE: The Kids are All Right Posted by: bomec I applaud these intelligent and introspective young people. [Report this comment] Posted by: AMERICAN VETERAN on Mar 29, 2008 11:00 AM Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] Let thse who say, "Oh' they're just kids. What do they know?" be told the truth. Compare these young people to many of the "adults" you hear speaking and those whose actions you see. As an older American whose America has lost much of the luster, this is heartening. Perhaps there actually IS a future for America and the world. I'll do my share by passing around this video. You do yours also. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] goodness [Report this comment] Posted by: luzmejor on Mar 29, 2008 12:03 PM Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] It was heartening to see this class of children who really do understand what it means to be a good citizen. What a glaring difference their patriotism presents to us, when compared to the attitudes of our most prominent and ruling politicians! I do believe now the future of America the Beautiful will possibly be in better hands. Thanks so much to Pam for giving us this glimmer of hope. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] » RE: goodness Posted by: anninroosevelt Real, inspiring, a must-see video [Report this comment] Posted by: Kafwood on Mar 30, 2008 4:07 AM Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] These beautiful kids are so moving, so powerful, they have done what no other messenger in this race for president has done, given me hope for the America we've lost. I might not believe in the candidate, but I believe in the movement of people who believe we can make a difference for ourselves and our communities. Si se puede. Yes, we can. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] False Hope... [Report this comment] Posted by: MLMrev on Mar 30, 2008 4:09 PM Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] Well meaning teacher - but also incredibly naive... You don't 'change the world' by tapping into the real hopes and dreams of young people alone, you gotta show the reality behind what they are hopeful for. An in this case, it should be stated that when Obama talks about race, he thinks black oppression, and the resistance to it (in the form of 'rebellion' or 'hate' of a White system) are equally wrong. That is exactly the same argument all these anti-affirmative action people use... For a deeper analysis of Obama's campaign (which can give us REAL hope for REAL change...HINT: It ain't through Obama), check out: Obama: A New Day for Black People? Or A New Face on the Same Set-Up? [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] » false hope? for you, maybe Posted by: KaptainSpiffy

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» RE: The Kids are All Right Posted by: bomec

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» RE: The Kids are All Right Posted by: bomec

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