I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African American.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that much of the hostility toward President Obama stems from racial prejudice.
In this quote, former President Jimmy Carter points out the racial undertones in the criticism and animosity directed toward President Barack Obama. He implies that this hostility is not only political but also deeply rooted in the fact that Obama is African American, highlighting the intersection of race and politics in public perception and discourse.
In practice
In a debate about race and politics, one might reference this quote to highlight underlying racial issues.
Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world - water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution - if we tackle them with courage and foresight.
The preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel's colonization of Palestine.
I would say the biggest handicap we have right now is some nutcases in our country that don't believe in global warming. I think they are going to change their position because of pressure from individuals, because the evidence of the ravages of global warming is already there.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
My understanding of racial discrimination as a child was highly distorted because the most prominent man in Archery was an African-American bishop. When he came home from up north, where he was in charge of A.M.E. churches in five states, it was front-page news. He was the most successful man in my life.
Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.
Our 'neoconservatives' are neither new nor conservative, but old as Bablyon and evil as Hell.
Without alienation, there can be no politics.
The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world is first, to bring moral clarity back to world affairs and second, to link international policies to the advance of democracy around the globe.
I may find Saddam Hussein's regime abhorrent - any normal person would - but the survival of it is in his hands.
We, the Black masses, don't want these leaders who seek our support coming to us representing a certain political party. They must come to us today as Black Leaders representing the welfare of Black people. We won't follow any leader today who comes on the basis of political party. Both parties (Democrat and Republican) are controlled by the same people who have abused our rights, and who have deceived us with false promises every time an election rolls around.
Politics, as a practise, whatever its professions, has always been the systematic organization of hatreds.
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