You know they couldn’t contain themselves for very long. This whole attack on Obama from the GOP is that a black guy just doesn’t know his place. I mean, what does he think he’s doing, running for President?
Georgia Republican Rep. Lynn Westmoreland used the racially-tinged term ‘uppity’ to describe Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Thursday.Westmoreland was discussing vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s speech with reporters outside the House chamber and was asked to compare her with Michelle Obama.
‘Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity,’ Westmoreland said.
Asked to clarify that he used the word ‘uppity,’ Westmoreland said, ‘Uppity, yeah.’”
UPDATE: Westmoreland is the infamous ten commandments guy from The Colbert Report.
Related
Racist Rep. Lynn Westmoreland Backpedals, Gets Dumber
Republican Bigot Eruption: Rep. Bill Sali of Idaho
GOP Bigot Eruption: Arkansas State Senator Kim Hendren
Maybe Obama will drop Biden and put this guy on the ticket.
I’ve been saying since day one that sooner or later some Republican (or Fox “News” host – but I repeat myself) is going to slip and use a certain other word.
.
Way to make absolutely no point at all despite looking for all the world like you did.
See what I mean about “race-obsessed???”
You’ve got to be kidding. LMAO!
Uppity = racist
What *can* people call Obama without you accusing them of being racist?
Wow.
This is a new low.
Uppity is almost always exclusively used as a racial epithet versus blacks. J McCann you might know that if you’ve ever spoken to one.
mccann… the faux shock at people being appalled at a politician’s use of the Jim Crow era word “Uppity” just shows the serious lack intelligence on the right.
“Uppity” is always followed by the word “nigger” and to call a presidential candidate who happens to be mixed race “uppity” is admitting racism.
Hopefully Georgia will vote that dork out of office.
Today the DOW was downditty. The economy has been downditty. Afghanistan is going downditty. The climate is going downditty. Everything about this administration and the Republican party has been downditty. Come November, I am voting for the party I think will make America’s trendlines uppity once more.
(I hope this comes across okay.)
uppity….
out of touch, arrogant, elitist…..
(maybe saying things like “clinging to their guns and bibles” would qualify, ya think?)
That isn’t race specific. Never has been.
I guess to you maybe it is, but not to people that aren’t as obsessed with race as you are. Seriously, calling someone a bigot because they call someone “uppity” cheapens the allegation of racism so much that it doesn’t have any sting. It means no more than calling someone a “dum-dum-poopy-head” if that is your criteria now.
Obama is running for president, and if he or you can’t take an “uppity” reference now and then, you’re going to be miserable and angry for the next four years if he gets elected, because that’s extremely mild.
I was thinking more along the lines of unqualified, arrogant, socialist, weak on defense, out of touch, and a bit shady when you consider the people he’s chosen to associate with.
Uppity is almost exclusively used as a racial epithet. I’m sorry you’re too dumb to understand that.
Even outside of the well-established racial overtones, “uppity” quite literally means that someone is “reaching above his station.”
It seems like Rep. Westmoreland is the elitist, angry that some people like Sen. Obama are getting a bit too “high.” I guess he thinks that America should leave governance to its “betters” of the right class, like Bush and McCain.
Westmoreland is a disgusting human being.
I’ve heard it used to reference people of all races. That’s all I’m saying. It means the same thing as snob, or back in my high school days, “preppy asshole.”
It means the same thing as snob
Not quite. To call someone a snob, you call them a snob. Calling someone “uppity” means they’re reacing above their station. In fact, calling someone uppity is a form of snobbery. It’s no different than ghetto kids criticizing academically inclined blacks for “acting white.” Southerners, who demand strict adherence to hierarchy and class station, understand this.
That isn’t race specific. Never has been.
Bull.Shit. Gore and Kerry were both pegged with the “elitist, arrogant” labels, and yet neither was ever called uppity. Uppity has been used for decades to denote both blacks and women who dare to act above their station. Show me one example of that label being used to describe a modern politician – other than Obama. Are you seriously trying to convince us that he is the only “out of touch” politician out there?
Puhlease.
Having lived in the south for a considerable part of my youth, I can safely say that “uppity” has a fairly exclusive meaning and it isn’t the one J McCann describes. Anyone who has a southern background can tell you that uppity is used to describe black people who don’t know there place. On a side note, my wife, whom I met in TN, once told me that when she was working for a prominent music company in Nashville, a very well-known country music singer explained to her the difference between a black person and a n*****. That’s right about the time we split for Minneapolis. Of course, this week it seems like we’re right back where we were.
I’ve heard it used to reference people of all races too, but in America it has an extra racial edge from the days of slavery. Now I’m not even American and I know that, so drop the disingenuous act.
You would never call Juliani “uppity” or heaven forbid Cindy “I make my money from alochol” McCain uppity. This is Jim Crow code language that you can smell a mile away. Someone else already mentioned that what usally follows is the word nigger. Go read some American History on it. How dare that uppity nigger run for president. Who does he think he is?
Thanks Oliver for calling it like you see it. It’s real–and real sad that so many idiots comment on things they don’t know about. Just like that speech Palin was forced fed and threw up. She looked like an idiot epecially since she doesn’t know what the VP does or didn’t follow the Iraq war it’s obvious she wouldn’t know what a community organizer did either.
Anyone desperately trying to deny the racial connotations of “uppity” is either in serious denial, or just plain stupid.
The history of the word when applied to blacks is EXCLUSIVELY racist. If he wanted to use another word, he would have.
This speaks volumes.
the average repub speech uses the same code words that American Nazi Party founder George Lincoln Rockwell used
Seriously? Get a clue before defending the indefensible! Jtown nailed it, the use of the word “uppity” in this context can only be described as racist. Someone alert the right that “race-obsessed” is a dead talking point. Stop using racist references and we’ll stop calling you on it.
J Mcann, you’re kidding, right?
Are you that dense, or are you just such a GOP soldier that you stubbornly and stupidly argue a point everyone knows to be false.
Obama is running for president, and if he or you can’t take an “uppity” reference now and then, you’re going to be miserable and angry for the next four years if he gets elected, because that’s extremely mild.
No they won’t. As demonstrated by their actions with regards to Stanley Kurtz and the American Issues Project, under an Obama administration the word “uppity” will be outlawed from the English language and there will be severe punishments for its usage. Also the word “niggardly”. And “black holes” will henceforth be referred to as “light-challenged holes”.
the use of the word “uppity” in this context can only be described as racist.
When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
If “uppity” were on family feud, what word would most go next to it?
Lynn Westmoreland is a complete idiot for using it, and then not realizing his mistake.
There are words that are erroneously castigated for having a racial edge. But not uppity. That one is obviously way over the line in this context.
But can we expect better from Westmoreland? History says, no.
Colbert Report, Lynn Westmoreland recites the 10 commandments.
If uppity is just a word, with no subtext, then I can point out the obvious that say, Joe Lieberman’s loyalties are to another country? Or, how about McCain can talk about the failure of his first marriage without using that loaded word “adultery”? Or the greed demonstrated by Cindy McCain in knocking her siblings out of her father’s will? Might upset those evangelicals that he is counting on now.
Not to defend someone stupid enough to use the word “uppity” in the same sentence as “Obama” (Seriously, “uppity” should be in the same class as the word “niggardly” to anyone who speaks in public; just don’t use the word even if you use it correctly since too many will take offense). He doesn’t call Senator or Michelle Obama “Uppity”. Read the quote.
“‘Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity,’ Westmoreland said.”
I have no idea if he was quoted accuratly, but what he said is that the Obama are a member of a elitist-class which thinks “they” (The Obamas) are uppity.
Republican party, this is why you won’t exist in 50 years.
The Republican Party is the party of racists, traitors, and terrorists.
The Republican Party is the party of racists, traitors, and terrorists.
Barack Obama’s friend Bill Ayers is a Republican? Who knew.
Why are you silly hacks even trying to defend this one? This says almost as much about how out-of-it and ignorant you are than how racist Westmoreland’s original comment was.
So I will do you a favor and let you know: seriously, uppity is racially inflammatory and if you have been sending those earnest e-mails to McCain that the perfect “frame” for describing Obama is by calling him “uppity”, OH WELL let’s just say it may backfire.
Buddy I’m trying to do you a favor here … oh whatevs
Seriously, “uppity” should be in the same class as the word “niggardly” to anyone who speaks in public; just don’t use the word even if you use it correctly since too many will take offense
I disagree with this entirely.
Niggardly has no racial overtones in its meaning or usage. Neither does “Black hole”. Both words have in recent years been claimed, in ignorance, to have derogatory and racist meanings. But they don’t and I don’t support spreading ignorance around.
Uppity has a long history of being used with racist overtones.
j mccann: “See what I mean about “race-obsessed???”
You’ve got to be kidding. LMAO!
Uppity = racist
What *can* people call Obama without you accusing them of being racist?
Wow.
This is a new low.”
Yes, this is a new low, but for Westmoreland and you.
He couldn’t be more clear on his racism unless called Obama a nigger.
He couldn’t be more clear on his racism unless called Obama a nigger.
CS, unless you are black yourself you are NOT allowed to use THAT word.
How about the word “boy” when used to refer to a black man…hows that one?
JIMMY CARTER: Around the world. Around the world. And I think it already has sent a wave of approbation and admiration in many countries around the world, just knowing that this black boy
so what sort of racist eruption is this?
Why don’t you provide the rest of the quote, Mr. Duh? You ended in the middle of a sentence.
“…boy who grew up with just a loving mother and grandparents — and that was about all he had to start with — does now have a chance to become the nominee of the Democratic Party for president.”
Sometimes a boy is just a boy, but ‘uppity’ is never anything but derogatory. It is only applied to people who should supposedly accept their station and not try to better it, no matter how shitty it is. When used against women, it’s sexist. When used against minorities, it’s bigoted. Lynn Westmoreland expressed a bigoted opinion regarding Barack Obama; Jimmy Carter admired a country where a child of a disadvantaged background could still grow up hoping to led that country. That anybody would compare these two statements is deeply, shamefully stupid.
Me: “He couldn’t be more clear on his racism unless called Obama a nigger.”
Dave: “CS, unless you are black yourself you are NOT allowed to use THAT word.”
Unless you run this site, you don’t have a say in what is and is not allowed here.
Using that worth in a scholarly sense is not racist and should not be offensive.
Unless you run this site, you don’t have a say in what is and is not allowed here.
Apparently you don’t understand the concept of sarcasm. I should have added the /sarcasm tag at the end so thinking-challenged people like you would understand and not be so confused.
Or was this just a juvenile “You can’t tell me what to do! Only Oliver can tell me what to do!” response?
Using that worth in a scholarly sense is not racist and should not be offensive.
So now you consider your comments “scholarly”?
Sure, Professor. Scholarly. Whatever.
The social context is undeniable. I’m fairly sure that an African-American would take offense above and beyond if you had substituted the word ‘arrogant,’ and rightly so. Perhaps an African-Brit would feel differently, not having lived in the country that spawned Jim Crow and the Klan, but that word belongs to the racists here.
when was the last time you heard the word uppity used when it wasn’t followed by the N-word? PLEEEEEEEEEASE!!!! How stoopid does he think we are. He grew up in Georgia and doesn’t know about racism? I was born and raised in Georgia and I’m calling BUll^%$%^$ on that one!!!!
I have a feeling that about six weeks from now we’ll be debating whether or not the phrase “god damned nigger” is racist. IT IS ALL ABOUT CONTEXT PEOPLE
oh get real.. and for that matter get into the right century. You can fault Congressman Westmoreland for many things, but not for being racist in his comments about the Obamas. I have used the word “uppity” plenty of times and I have never used the word in a racial reference. And for the record, I have lived in the south all of my life?
to you who said ….”when was the last time you heard the word uppity used when it wasn’t followed by the N-word?”
My answer: When my mother was talking about her new cat, and she meant nothing racial.
to you who said….”Having lived in the south for a considerable part of my youth, I can safely say that “uppity” has a fairly exclusive meaning and it isn’t the one J McCann describes. Anyone who has a southern background can tell you that uppity is used to describe black people who don’t know there place.”
My answer:… wrong! as I stated before, I have always lived in the south. I am a small town girl all the way. I actually have heard black women use the term in referring to their boss, who was also my boss at the time. and I agreed with them. The boss was “uppity” because he was arrogant. He was not “reaching above his station” as he had certainly earned his place as president of the company, however, he “talked down” to his employees as though he thought we didn’t have any sense so we thought he seemed “uppity”. (and he was white by the way)
to you who said…”calling someone uppity is a form of snobbery. It’s no different than ghetto kids criticizing academically inclined blacks for “acting white.” Southerners, who demand strict adherence to hierarchy and class station, understand this.”
My answer:… well now, are you saying that you are in fact a southerner, “who demand(s) strict adherence to hierarchy and class station” since you in fact seem to see a racial conotation in the word “uppity”. I do filter a person into a social or racial class, I seek the heart and the soul of a person and therefore I do not “understand this”.
well, i was wondering when some southern politician would voice the heart of the “people.” I am amazed that in 2008 we are still facing racism from the past. not surprised but very disappointed that an elected official would go there. If Mr. Obama would call a white politician a red-neck the media and the “people” would be up in arms…but that’s the way it is in America! The real issue at hand is this…White America isnt ready for a well-spoken, educated (mixed) Black American. we hear so much about Black men not embracing the values and opportunities afforded them, then when someone does pull themselves up and push through the social strains and roadblocks black are forced to face, then they are trying to hard or they are labeled as trying to be better then others…or as Mr. Westmoreland revealed…he’s uppitty! hmmm….how sad a man’s accomplishments can’t stand on its own well, I think Westmoreland is so wrong and offbase. he should be ashamed of himself and he needs to apologize to the Obamas
it’s the right thing to do…the American thing to do! we will see….
Sorry folks. I grew up in the south in the 1950’s and I have never heard this as a racial slur. I don’t consider myself prejudice either. We lived on the South side of Atlanta and we called the folks on the North side uppity. Never crossed my mind that it was a slur. I’m sure the Congressman meant no harm. Guess he will need to hire him a black interrupter or walk on egg shells. Give me a crying break and get the chip off of your shoulder.
Considering how badly Sen. B. Hussein Obama wants to spend other people’s money, one thing he will never be called is “niggardly”…
Hehe…
I love it when white guys argue over who’s a racist…
What’s next?
Yo’ Mama’s so racist, she …
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
I really hate disingenuousness.
Although isn’t it funny that the only people who “don’t think it was a racial comment” come from the south?
The “arguments” are just getting ridiculous now. Far be it from me to accuse an innocent internet poster of lying, but anyone who claims to be from south of the Mason Dixon line, more than, oh, 20 years old, and never have heard of “uppity” in a racial context is a liar.
I suppose it’s technically possible for it to be used in a non-bigoted setting, but that doesn’t usually happen. And considering that the reporters even offered Rep. Westmoreland an out, asked for clarification, and he stuck with it, shows that he knew exactly what he was saying. It was just a slip of the tongue ’cause he was looking for a synonym for “elitist.”
I grew up in the Carolinas and can testify that ‘uppity’ when used to refer to a person of color, would absolutely connote a racial insult.
But I have admittedly used the term to refer to other white folk who were acting as if their money, or their credit-line facade of money, somehow made them better than me.
No matter what Westmoreland did or didn’t mean to imply by using the term ‘uppity,’ he used it nevertheless.
I think the real issue is that Westmoreland and other people like him, are uncomfortable with (educated and successful) ‘black folk’ sitting across the table from them in the “Big House.”
I wonder if they’ll ask the Obamas to use the back door to enter and exit the White House?
—
Biographical note:
I grew up poor, southern, and white … and every time that my father blamed, “those n_____s” for his problems, it made my blood boil. So I got educated, and moved to Boston.
“they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity.”
We know from that Colbert interview that Rep. Westmoreland is no polished rhetor but even for a dim bulb that’s a pretty rockin’ string-o’-words. I mean just in terms of structure, content aside.
“they’re a member” – either “they’re members” or “she’s a member”. “They” is plural, “a member” is singular.
“a member of an elitist-class individual” – can’t make sense, either “an elitist-class individual” (or “individuals”) or “a member of an elitist-class” (or “members”)
Well there’s this: “The innocent young girl, during her first day as house-servant in Farnsworth Manor, was dusting the knick-knack shelf when Lord Farnsworth himself walked up behind her with his pants off and said, ‘Heh heh, my little working-class cupcake, here’s something I don’t suppose you’ve ever seen before, a member of an elitist-class individual.‘ Startled, she turned to see his ancient claw-like hands reaching out to grab her. His eyes were glassy, his mouth agape. She shrieked, threw the feather-duster at him, and fled.”
Surely some young house-maid in one of Senator McCain’s seven or eight or nine houses knows exactly what I’m talkin’ about.
“that thinks” – “who thinks” or “who think”
“that thinks they’re” – this ain’t rocket-science, Rep. W., get it straight: “that” = just one, “they” = two or more.
“that thinks they’re uppity” – “who are uppity” That’s got to be what Rep. W. meant. Fact: no one, not even the uppitiest of the uppity, thinks inwardly that they themselves are “uppity.” No one anywhere has ever sung:
Hey look over here, I’m uppity
As uppity as can a man be
Ain’t another soul in all Saint Louie
Half as uppity as me
or
I feel uppity
Oh so uppity
I feel uppity and witty and gay
And I pity
Any candidate
Who isn’t me today
“Uppity” is a word one applies to others, never to oneself.
After you boil out surplus words (”members of an elitist-class individual” => “elitist”) and repair the grammar and logic errors, you end up with three words instead of twelve: “They’re uppity elitists.”