The creator of the hit cartoon series “Boondocks” made some disturbing comments about Barack Obama recently:
“The Boondocks,” comic strip and animated series creator Aaron McGruder entertained, intrigued and outraged his audience at Earlham College on Monday night.
AdvertisementMcGruder launched the comic strip, “The Boondocks,” in 1999 and it is now an animated series on the Cartoon Network.
Appearing at the college for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, McGruder answered questions posed by the audience and by associate professor James Logan.
Mixing political opinion and satire is hard to do in comics and cartoons, he said. “It’s not having a statement, it’s entertaining people so they listen.”
On the eve of President Barack Obama’s inauguration, McGruder is “cautiously pessimistic” about the presidency.
“I don’t think you’re going to see any dramatic change from Barack Obama,” said McGruder, who wore a “Boondocks” T-shirt over a black long-sleeve shirt and jeans. “I’m hoping he proves me completely wrong.”
McGruder bases his opinions of the U.S. presidency on the 2000 election and how nothing has been done since then to change the election system. “It was a sham then … It’s got to still be a sham,” McGruder said. “I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but it’s what I tend to do.”
On the topic of race and ethnicity, McGruder said that to him, Obama is not black because he is not a descendant of a slave.
“The person who is one of us in the White House is Michelle Obama and her momma,” McGruder said.
His comments outraged Dionne Robinson, 44, of Richmond.
“I want my $5 back,” she said. “It’s one thing to have an opinion, but he doesn’t have any facts. He needs to go back to college.”
Robinson said that people were enslaved in many parts of the world, not just in America.
Her son, Zane Robinson, 14, of Richmond watches “The Boondocks,” but was disappointed by the show’s creator.
“He’s nothing like his show,” Zane said. “I thought it was kind of boring. His answers were long and they didn’t make any sense.”
I don’t expect for all Blacks to stand behind Barack Obama but for a Black man as successful as McGruder to say that Barack isn’t really Black because he isn’t a descendant of American slaves is idiotic. Is his reasoning in that statement because of the torture that slaves went through ? If so, none of us should be considered Black because none of us actually went through it. I’m ashamed of McGruder and I wont be supporting that show anymore.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
b/c he’s not a nigger — means he’s not black?
just b/c you got an alright show does’nt mean shyt.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
This message is from the office of Aaron McGurder in response to the recent article about comments made during his recent visit to Earlham College in Richmond, IN.
Please see statement below from Aaron McGruder re: your article on his appearance at Earlham College:
For a long time now, I have tried to keep my opinions on the election and Barack Obama to myself. I occasionally do speaking engagements, which are not open to the press, and unfortunately some of my comments have been twisted around in a silly manner. The claim that I asserted our new President was not Black is categorically false.
I have seen an endless stream of Black pundits on TV pontificating about the significance of President Obama’s election - many of them making reference to the 3/5th’s clause in the constitution regarding slaves. The point I was making is that this is not an accurate comparison. Barack is the son of an immigrant, not the descendant of slaves. It’s like comparing a half-Japanese man to the oppressed Chinese who built the American railroads. Yes, they are both Asian, but it is not an honest or accurate comparison. We all share the common experiences of being Black in America today - we do not all share a common history. A history that in part makes us who we are - and in some cases (as with the psychological damage that still lingers from slavery) holds us back. These are not, I believe, insignificant distinctions.
I did say I was cautiously pessimistic about Obama’s Presidency - but this is simply acknowledging the reality of an American Empire that is out of control and on the verge of collapse. Let us not forget that on the eve of the election, we witnessed a near trillion dollar robbery of the US treasury. That robbery is still taking place. I do not blame President Obama, but I do not believe the financial and corporate interests that own and control this country will fold so easily. I do not question the integrity of the man as much as the power of his office - which I believe has greatly diminished over the years. I believe the Federal Reserve Bank, the Military Industrial Complex, and the massive corporate interests that run this country have more power than our new President. I hope I am wrong.
After 9/11, I witnessed most of this country become obsessed with squashing dissent and silencing critics. I hope this election does not turn Black America towards this same, fascist mind state; but already I am starting to see it, and it saddens me greatly. I absolutely wish our new President and his family success and safety. But after all I have witnessed in my lifetime, and especially in the last eight years, I am not ready to lay down my skepticism or my outrage for this government. To do so would be unwise and, ironically enough, anti-American.
Aaron McGruder
January 21, 2009
–
Regards,
Richard M. Foster
fosterpcs@gmail.com
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Aaron is a HOMO…he is just as “Black” as Barack. He is letting that comic strip go to his head, sniffing too much of the ink. Where does he get off with saying us??? Next article sound be title” Boondocks Creator Aaron McGruder “Ain’t Black”.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Aaron really f my day up with this crap…
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
To Aaron,
I believe that you as an artist sir have misjudged what people wish to hear from you. As with religion, politics can make or break a career in the spotlight. I personally could care less what your personal political view is as you are not a politician or an important literary figure for that matter. You are the creator of a cartoon which seeks to poke fun in negative way at African Americans. From what I have seen of your work you only seek to capitalize on negative stereotypes. You are a modern day purveyor of ‘Black Face’. Based upon your views espoused above your analogy regarding Asians is completely absurd. While President Obama may not have a ‘genetic memory’ of slavery shared by many African Americans in the United States currently, he is the descendant of an African immigrant. And if you had paid attention in world history (instead of doodling) you would have learned that Africans in a world setting were seen globally as an inferior race. Slavery was not specifically US history. So like many African Americans in the US currently he is the descendant of a people seen at one point as inferior to the rest of the world. We DO actually share a common history. Every American has the RIGHT to express dissent with their government but my question for you is what have you done to change how our government works for the people it is intended to govern? Based upon your to fame it appears nothing! What I see is a character that is more content with complaining about how the government does not work, trashing someone that would attempt to make a difference and someone not willing to stand up to make things change.
Sincerely,
You just lost one + many more!
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
unfortunately,
everyone is entitled to their own ignorant opinion. Who cares about boondocks and the creator.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:44 am
I couldn’t agree more with the comments of brother McGruder. There is this collective or rather willful ignorance that is pervasive within the masses of this country. A headline is dispatched around the world via the internet and this brother is attacked from all areas before anyone takes the time to research what he actually said. Everyone should research how wealth or money is created in this country to understand where Aaron is coming from. If you do that you will then begin to understand how criminally corrupt the American political process has become or has always been. Once you educate yourself on these matters you will see that it is impossible for Obama to make any tangibles changes. Furthermore if you can accept that our national elections turn on big money corporations as opposed to the voting booths, then you have to ask the question yourself how can someone flourish in this system and not be corrupt? It’s akin to expecting a leading member of a criminal organization to be a solid citizen. It just can’t happen. That’s my take on Aaron’s comments.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I think everyone is being a little too hard on the man. This man makes a few comments on how he really feels and you all just start bashing him. We live in a time of free speech and if you turn away from him because you dont agree with his views, then you are not a true American. His show is deeper than “poking fun” at negative ways of african americans. His show details how ignorant we as black people can be and shows that there are some things that we as black people need to change. Each character is unique and has a major significance on the show. Each character is symbolic. I believe if you are really a fan of the show, then you will realize where he’s coming from cuz the comments he made are the type I would expect from him. You listen to all these fake ass rappers talk about a lifestyle they not living. Lets be real, we listen to these people rap about ice they dont have or a house on mtv that they rented. The only thing this man did was voice his opinion. I dont agree with him, I also dont think all his points are valid, there are a few I agree with, but thats his opinion and he is entitled to it. He also repeats thats he hopes that his comments will be proven wrong. So at least he’s being modest about it. You all are turning your backs on the man because he exercised his constitutional right. It’s one thing to voice your opinion about his comments and disagree with what he said, but its another to just say how you not going to watch his show anymore because he said a few words that hurt your feelings. People taking up for Barak Obama like they personally know the man. And it doesnt sound like he has a problem with Obama, it just sounds like he’s tired of Obama being personified as black. I’m personally on the fence, Obama is not the descendant of a slave but if he was here, he would have been cotton pickin with the rest. And I’m sure there are a lot of mad white people right now calling him a nigger. This is not the change Obama is talking about. And if you think his comments are wrong, let him know and lift him up, dont try to bring him down. You turning your back on him is not making you any better than the reason you dont agree with his comments. Im not going to say more cuz I can write a books worth and I wont be doing nothing but repeating the point Im trying to make over and over. Aaron, keep your head up and brush them off you. You took a risk saying what you feltI just wish more of the celebrity figures were as honest as you are, keep it real. Im still waiting to hear what Uncle Ruckus thinks about Obama being in office. Cant wait for the next season. Peace and love to everyone, I’m not mad, just frustrated. Lets make change happen!
January 29th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
See this is what happens when you don’t teach your children Black history. President Obama’s daddy is from Kenya, how fucking black do you need him to be? This is insane! Black is black is black. We’re all one in the African Diaspora. Seems like everybody understands that except Blacks in America with our White supremacist-fed asses! Thanks Aaron, you just proved that White supremacy is not only alive and well but it has actually worked on our culturally dead Black asses!
January 30th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Although I disagree with Brother Aaron on Barack not being black, if in fact that’s what he stated. That being said, I fully agree with his statement about the Government and it’s corruption. As Henry Ford once stated when the United Snakes first adopted this monetary system from England. Mr. Ford stated that if the American people truly understood this monetary system, there would be a revolution by tomorrow morning.. I assure you that the Federal Reserves control this country and is in the process via the world banks to control the world. Pick up a copy of the book ; The Creatur From Jekyll’s Island, there you will see how this monetary system was created and why it can not and will not be fixed by President Obama,McCann, Hillary or anyother politician… Good Luck and do your own research and stop being Sheepoles….
February 8th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Wow, Aaron is a racist.
February 10th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
…some of you guys are funny, has any one read his comic strip or watch his cartoon, cause by some of the responses it almost seems as you guys are “SURPISED” by his stance. Wow! Who cares if obama is black, from the get go we already see he is more of the same, how do you fix the finacial crisis, well first stop having the fed create money out of thin air, hmm, get a sound money system backed by something concrete not the abstract ‘good faith of the united states’ bs. But then maybe I’m wrong, maybe we should stop buying a new phone every other year our contract runs up…Obama’s black alright, black puppet…
February 24th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
lol at the people overreacting over at this. read the second post.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Reading a lot of the responses to this article kind of proves many viewpoints of McGruder and his show correct. The “masses” are too quick to jump to arms about nothing important and sit idly by very quietly on the really important issues. If you really are able to look past the media machines sensationalism of what was said, you’d realize McGruder is correct not that there is anything wrong with being decendent of an immigrant. This country was built on that. Most people here are decendents of Germans, Scottissh, Irish, Spanish and French, and yes African immigrants. Ever here of colonialism? I am a decedent of slavery myself and IF you define being black in this country ONLY by being a decedent of slavery which McGruder points out that most Americans, particularly African-Americans here do, then Obama is not “black” in that sense alone. I, for one, do not take the viewpoint that you have to be of that decent to be “black”. Anyone practically of color to me is black and really when facing racism in this country, do you really think it makes a difference to a cop in L.A. or N.Y. or in the deep south? I think McGruder was trying to distinguish what he believes are definitions of being “black” and in the sense most people think of it, and President Obama is not that. Having said that, I still support the man, still consider him black by my OWN definitions, and see nothing wrong with what this man said. He said he hopes Obama can succeed and that it is not the man he doubts, but the power of his office vs others in this government. With all that is going on with the economy, N. Korea, soldiers dying in Iraq (and women soldiers being attacked by their own-something America has not been made aware of yet), race relations, AIG, the car industry collapsing, and unemployment, to see people being so-called “outraged” by this proves a lot of the Boondocks episodes true about the masses. This is much ado about absolutely nothing. Wake up people- you’re in the Matrix!
April 9th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Firstly: As noted in the statement (see comment two), McGruder didn’t say Obama wasn’t black.
To explain, he used an illustrative example, comparing the descendant of an exploited Chinese railroad worker to a half-Japanese immigrant, noting that both are Asian, and both happen to have different backgrounds, and they are also sharing common cultural experiences living in America.
Obama grew up as a black person in America (as McGruder said), and, his family background isn’t the same as most African-Americans. Obama Sr. came from Africa to the United States voluntarily in the 20th century, versus being abducted and taken to the United States in shackles in the 18th century. Again, McGruder does not say that Obama isn’t black, just that Obama has a background distinct from most African Americans.
Secondly: WHERE IS SEASON THREE???? I fear the worst! Sigh. (Can we all just get a few hundred thousand people to invest $10 each into an independent production company to make sure a third season is made and displayed?)
April 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Of course, I could have just said,
“Please make sure you read the comment above above written by ‘Darrin The Vent King,’ it is a good read even if you might find it intimidatingly long-ish at first glance, and he’s absolutely freaking right.”
Can you imagine if, as a Jewish person with many on my family tree killed by Nazis, I decided that Jewish people could only be really Jewish if related to people killed by Adolf Hitler? In many ways, the Holocaust is a very definitive component of Jewish culture today, sort of how slavery is a definitive component of African-American culture. If a Jewish person’s family caught a lucky break and nobody in that family were killed by Nazis, well, that doesn’t mean they should be mocked for watching Schindler’s List and crying, right? Or something like that.
Obama is black.
AND: Chain-free immigrant or not, Barack Sr. left his family when Barack Jr. was only two, so, in that nasty way, the president shares a definitive experience with way too many African-Americans anyhow.
So there.
April 9th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
The fact that the single mother raising Barack Jr. happened to be really really white just makes things more interesting. (I’m sure it ended up underlining his cultural/”racial” identity in its own distinct way.)
I’m very proud of the US for electing a president whose ethnic identity was once a nigh-guarantee of slavery in this country less than 160 years ago.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I hear Arron Mcgruder is married to a woman who is half white!
So, what in the world gives him entitlement to comment on anyone elses’ Blackness, or lack thereof?
What an idiot!
May 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
shes filipeno, not half white. but nonetheless who is he to talk about who is what and pass judgement when mr. blackness himself didnt even marry a black woman…hes a hypocrite and i hear his wife is a gold digger and his door mat and is well aware that he openly has affairs with other women…pathetic
June 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
I actually do understand what Aaron said. He just means that the thing that makes us Black Americans and the thing that makes us so important to america is the fact that we went through so much hardships in america. Almost all of us can say that “my grandmother” or “my grandfather was a slave and he helped build america.” But since Obama’s father isnt from america, but rather from Africa, his ancestors didnt have the same impact on america that our ancestors had.
Well thats what i think that Mr. Mcgruder is trying to say here.
peace
June 15th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Yes she is filipeno. He was in love with Yamara Taylor who was a writer on the Boondocks. But, because he’s a lunatic psycho, she stopped having office sex with him and broke it off. Which says a lot because even a gold digger couldnt deal with the craziness. So poor Aaron had no choice but to settle for Michele Veluz. After given an ultimatum of either marriage or breaking up Aaron had to marry Michele Veluz because he knew no other woman in her right mind would accept his open affairs with other women. They have a marriage arrangement that she cannot ask him any questions about his whereabouts. He also said that he was too busy with work to have to break up with her and deal with the drama.
So, yes folks he ended up marrying her. Although there is a prenup. Shes not white but is sure happy the people would think she is. But if it were up to Aaron, he’d still be with Yamara…his true love…well, at least one of them..
June 21st, 2009 at 2:34 am
Aaron is one well informed guy. He made a very good example. A half jap immigrant does not share the same suffering as the Chinese that laid the railtoad tracks for the white masters. Similarly, a half Kenyan does not share the same experience as the slaves that picked the cotton for their white masters. You don’t lump them in the same group because of their skin color. The rest of the people who thoughtlessly criticize him need to do some more studying up on what he’s talking about. Aaron is a well informed.
June 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
You people are retarded, and mostly bigoted
he DIIIIID post a comment on here if your ignorant A$$es had bothered to read it….
June 29th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Just started watching Boondocks and thought it was funny…loved Huey; however, disappointed in Mr. McGruder’s comments about President Obama. Of course everyone is entitled to an opinion, but he cannot decide who is or is not black. Quite frankly, several blacks had different experiences and President Obama is just someone else with a different experience. For most of us, the ancestors we know or know of were not “taken” from Africa, but instead were born on plantation.
Additionally, some of our ancestors were house maids and butlers and didn’t experience the same treatment as some of our ancestors in the field. The fact of the matter, it was unfortunate what happen to us as a race, but ALL of our experiences are different and it doesn’t make any of us any “blacker” than another brother or sister. Thanks.
July 12th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
forget this looser man. got no game, married to some wite chick!
July 21st, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Arron mcgruder is married. Aaron’s wife is White and Asian. I hear they have a baby on the way, I read an interview it said she was six months pregnant.
August 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
The man is not saying Obama ‘has not’ or ‘will not’ experience racism you house negro slaves. Obama being a direct descendant of pure African lineage creates an exoticism and disconnects whites from any form of guilt and allows a comfortable space for them. That is the reality of race. Native Americans and African Americans are living examples of the most horrendous crimes committed to mankind. A President that is the descendant of a Native American or African American is problematic on more levels then you can truly understand you bunch of tap dancing jiggabos.
It is psychological like it or not. Why else would France treat African American (soldiers, artists, writers etc.) immigrants after WWII with courtesies and respect, yet treat their own black populace as their lessers? It’s because historically/culturally an African American doesn’t have any grievances against them because you cannot say the French has enslaved you. The blacks that are indigenous to France can, but we can’t. Likewise in America it’s the same plot. Systematically African Americans are targeted. Sure Obama has experienced racism but so has Mexicans, Arabs etc. He can never say to white people (not that he would if he could) “Your ancestors enslaved my ancestors” That is white people’s safety zone with Obama. That is the reality and that is what McGruder is saying. You Uncle Remus hay tote’n, pulpit dancing coons.
Also, Barack Obama’s platform is not a black platform. That’s ignorant house negroes trying to make him into something just because of his shade. Black people love symbols and indicators of power. That’s why we wear the heavy jewelery as rap artists but don’t even own the studios we record in. Jay Z doesnt need to do that because he is secure with his wealth. It is a form of insecurity to claim something you don’t really have.
Likewise, we want to believe we have a “black” president”. Not in the since of the authenticity of his bloodline but that there is some sort of political empowerment of blacks here in America. Perhaps in moral but not political. The Crack vs. Cocaine laws aren’t going to change, the prison industrial complex ain’t changing. Even Obama has been apologizing to white folks ever since he has taken office. What lesson is that for young black men.
After all Bush and Cheney did, they didn’t apologize for ysh and retired rich in your face. That’s power. When young black men go off to war in the future it’s not for Barack’s blackness you idiots, it’s for the same imperialists that ALLOWED him to be in office. Stokely Carmichael told us years ago that they give you only two choices, Republican or Democrat and you think you’re practicing democracy.
Barack is about being an American president before anything else. You all make him black while white people are trying to make him some sort of anti-Christ. Both sides are being extremists. Micheal Eric Dyson made a point that “Black people want Martin Luther King Jr. to be flawless while white people want him clawless”
People generally agreed that Presidents are puppets. As soon as Obama became president, ignorant knee bending, handkerchief head wearing, teeth grinning, pork chop eating, house negroes think those rules have changed. America had to change the face of their country because white skin is getting bad press around the world.
Before you all speak you need to investigate the history of black imagery in this country. Do not allow your love for the idea of the first black president make Obama infallible the way white America excused everything Bush has done.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Wow. People are stupid. You crucify those who try to enlighten you. And we wonder why we never breakout from the system when people don’t even know they are in said system. Muppets