Obama 'uppity:' Southern congressman

I find it very hard to swallow that this Congressman never heard this word used in a racially demeaning tone. Especially since he's in the South. The racist undertones exist within that word when a white person uses it towards a person of color. Just as the word "articulate" has negative connotations when used by a non-black in reference to a person of color. This is one of the many racist remarks that will continue to surface during this presidential race, and the Congressman has once again proved that America hasn't lost its racist attitudes.

Come on, the p.c. crowd thinks every word is racist. When Biden said Obama was "clean and articulate," that was racist. But no one blinks an eye when Obama supporter Ludacris says "they'll paint the White House black." We've had enough of people having to walk on egg shells. Get with the issues give the p.c. stuff a rest.

Have to agree with Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, Obama likes to talk down to people who he considers less educated than himself. I call it arragance (sp). Whatever term you use it spells elitist!

Even tho I will vote for Obama I have not liked the way his campaign jumps on any little infraction and tries to make it racist...All of us depending on what region we come from have little cliches' that might mean something somewhere else than we mean in my area. I don't want to feel that he and Michelle will be wanting to chance the vocabulary or our slang words..Generally if a person wants to make a racist remark they spare no words and just say it like it is. Even if it is wrong. I hope families will teach equality in their homes and one day this will not be an issue....

I think Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun Times must've ghost-written this one.

She sees race in everything. EVERYTHING.

This is a clear example of why Obama should not be President. This term has always been associated with rich, snobby people. This term has never been associated with race, well, until now, and like everything anyone else will say in the future about Obama, the race card will be used. Now that he is losing, his camp is scared and will start throwing out the race card. McCain and Palin are the clear, right choice for America.

This is a clear example of why Obama should not be President. This term has always been associated with rich, snobby people. This term has never been associated with race, well, until now, and like everything anyone else will say in the future about Obama, the race card will be used. Now that he is losing, his camp is scared and will start throwing out the race card. McCain and Palin are the clear, right choice for America.

If the shoe fits ...

I guess they didn't watch "The Jeffersons" in Georegia.

yes, the famous endorser of the ten commandments, but didn’t know them when quizzed by colbert…that rep. westmoreland. also one of two reps who tried to squash historic civil rights investigations and one of 33 who tried to stop the renewal of the voting rights act. quite a guy and quite a district!

well you know, I am so sick of all you sensitive people. If you cannot handle certain words, then you need to plug your ears. If a word has a different meaning to you than to the one who speaks it then tough luck. Quit being so darn sensitive and grow up. Remember the old adage "Stick & stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me". Maybe that is why the vast majority of humans today do not have any COMMON SENSE.

Setting aside this particular slight (which I find it hard to believe was not understood by the Congressman), can someone please explain why it is a bad thing for a potential leader of the free world to be intelligent, well-educated and articulate? Since when did those terms become epithets? I know that people want to believe that their leaders understand them and their particular plight, but I for one would rather think the President of the United Stated is smarter and better educated than I am rather than dumber and less well-educated. The small-minded, xenophobic view of the world espoused by many in this country is not what we need if we want to ensure the continued primacy of our country; nor will it help keep us safe. It is through understanding other people different from ourselves (whether within our own country or outside its borders) that we break down the fear and hatred that divide us and build a more peaceful, safer world. If we let fear of others drive our thoughts and actions, we will never have a chance at moving this country towards a more perfect union or making the world a better place.

I have always understood that an 'uppity' person is one who does not know and stay in his or her place in a hierarchy. The place is always a lower one than that of the person doing the describing. Heaven knows the last thing this country needs is another social inferior rising to a place of power.

I am confused. A white boy, who grew up in the city... I have never heard the term used racially - seriously.
I have heard probably every other term, but what the $&%* is that supposed to even mean?
Is Obama arrogant? Sure. Aren't all politicians?

Whatever term you use it spells elitist!

Posted by: Darkwater | September 5, 2008 7:19 PM
_________________________
Versus the $300K spent on Cindy McCains clothing for a convention?

PS - Good to see the Swamp comments back. Had to reboot the website, eh?

Go to www.google.com, type in "Republican Family Values", and click 'I'm Feeling Lucky'.

Oh PLEASE~ If people are associating such words as 'uppity' and 'articulate' with racial class, that's either ignorance or stupidity on their part. It's an excuse, pure and simple...remember a few years ago when some professor used the word 'niggardly', which is in the dictionary and means 'stingy or cheap'? He resigned, due to the fact that some have evidently never picked up a dictionary. A few would be better off doing so instead of assuming that everything is a derogatory and racially motivated remark.

This is why Obama is sure to win.

Republicans just can't help themselves; the closer we get to Nov, the more easily the racist cr@p they say in private will slip form their lips when they're in public, and they'll reveal themselves for what they truly are.

And the more racist their rhetoric becomes, the more good Americans will turn away from them.

He IS "uppity" and I am not being racial. He acts like he thinks his hockey don't stink! Yes, that is a southern phrase we use without any racial connatation whatsoever. If I could buy him for what he is worth and sell him for what he "thinks" he is worth I would be wealthy! No racist remarks here, I just think that BO thinks he is a tad bit better than most. He is badly mistaken!

Anyone who thinks Obama is an elitist ia an idiot. John McCain and Cindy McCain would never even talk to the average guy if they didn't want our vote this election. They are so rich it's not even funny. Cindy doesn't even talk with her half sisters and has called herself an only child. ( she was the only one who will and has inherited the big bucks)

Obama is really educated and when you're educated you have a wider vocabulary.. Deal with it.. it doesn't mean he's a snob. Stop listening to the spin.. go see him in person and it will show you he's a decent, nice, down to earth guy.. How big of a sucker are we as a nation that we call a man who just finished paying off his student loans a snob and uppity, and a man who is so rich he has more then 5 multimillion dollar houses a regular guy... George Bush said that Gore and Kerry were snobs and elitist too, and he was a regular guy.. He and his family are really rich too. He is very arrogant and look what he's done to this country. I for one am not falling for it again.

Whether or not what that congressman said was meant to be racist .. only God and that congressman really knows. But he was dead wrong about Obama's elite status!.

Rremember the word "niggardly" meaning stingy or frugal?

lol

Always anther distraction from what the issues are

Republicans showing their true colors. I'm not surprised at all.

Funny that they think an education and a vocabulary are "elitist" but wearing $300,000 worth of jewelry isn't. I didn't even pay $300,000 for my house.

Republicans showing their true colors. I'm not surprised at all.

Funny that they think an education and a vocabulary are "elitist" but wearing $300,000 worth of jewelry isn't. I didn't even pay $300,000 for my house.

Open your eyes, folks; it was the Atlanta Constitution and Mark Silva who wrote this, not Obama or Mary Mitchell. And any redneck knows what uppity is.

"Have to agree with Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, Obama likes to talk down to people who he considers less educated than himself. I call it arragance"

LMAO.

Yeah, I'm sure you do.

The simple truth is that the less educated cannot hear someone who is more educated than they are without perceiving that they are being "talked down to".

Most people with little education don't also have the self-confidence necessary to hear someone speak using words and concepts of which they are unfamiliar, without blaming the speaker.

Of course, the fault lies not with the speaker.

The only time I can recall "uppity" being used, was in conjunction with the "n" word. On the other hand, my wife had not heard it in this context. I'm a little younger than the Rep and raised in rural northern IL, but I cannot believe he had not heard the word used in a racial context. Cite all the dictionary entries you want.

I wonder how many of those defending Westmoreland would be so anxious to do so if he called them a "cracker"? Just a biscuit, right?

For any African American who is familiar with the term "uppity" it has obvious undertones. I can understand how others who have never heard it be used in that manner may not understand but whenever I have heard it used in reference to a black person it has meant that person is of inferior class and is trying to reach higher than their social standing or worthiness. Also, as a black woman in corporate america, I am very familiar with the articulate term. I have heard it used many times for well spoken African Americans where it was said by a white peer as a compliment but I usually hear that word when it relates to a black person...as in they are pleasantly surprised by how well you speak.

I understand that in some cases race has become so sensitive that simpole misunderstandings have been blown out of proportion but unless you are familiar with the term and its history, it is unfair to assume that the people upset by its use are severly racially sensitive.

If you cannot handle certain words, then you need to plug your ears. If a word has a different meaning to you than to the one who speaks it then tough luck.
Posted by: Common Sense | September 5, 2008 8:15 PM

You are absolutely right there stiffy.

can someone please explain why it is a bad thing for a potential leader of the free world to be intelligent, well-educated and articulate?
Posted by: Mark | September 5, 2008 8:22 PM

There is only one answer for that....The GOP doesn't have anybody like that. The dumbing down of America party.

the puppet's nose grew longer when he lied. did the congress man's grow or his brain shrink?

playing dumb?

Online Dictionary -

1880, from up; originally used by blacks of other blacks felt to be too self-assertive (first recorded use is in "Uncle Remus"). The parallel British variant uppish (1678) originally meant "lavish;" the sense of "conceited, arrogant" being first recorded 1734.

Sounds like a few people have their heads in the proverbial sand. Westmoreland has a record of racist sentiment. Isn't about time we got past this racial hangup. Come on, people, grow up!

OK, Republics.
I know you, red necked, ignorant, trailer trash, inbred, mayo eating, white bread, Jerry Springer watching, jerky eating, banjo playing, devolved, retrograde NASCAR, pro wrestling honkeys don't mean anything racist when using the term 'uppity'.
You guys really strain credulity.

It's kinda funny how the right considers anybody who is at all remotely left leaning to be "elitist" without any actual reasoning behind it. I guess it is "elitist" to want universal health care for all Americans, to want to bring the troops home from a misguided war, and to want to close tax loopholes for giant corporations. And I guess Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani are just hallmarks of middle Americana. Either way, sometimes I wonder what is more elitist - Obama actually trying to push policies that help the lower and middle class like universal health care, mortgage relief and the like or the Right's cynical campaign strategy that assumes you can pull wool over the eyes of all those middle Americans and cast the debate as a simple choice between those who are "just like us" and those who aren't (the Obamas). That strategy worked in 2000, and 2004, and look where it's gotten us.

Well, you know what they say - fool me once...

Obama uppity? Didn't McCain's wife wear a $300k outfit to the convention, and doesn't McCain have 7 houses? Sorry, I forgot, he is a working class guy. At least we can all agree that Palin is straight from the trailer park.

Tired of the black race censoring everyone.

Too bad. Everybody should say what they mean and mean what they say.

Who cares what others think?

Blacks should censor themselves. They are racists.

Oh, but forgot, blacks can't be racist. According to Black Liberation Theology.

Right, Reverend Wright and James Cone?!

The conservatives, the same people that have been slamming free speech for years, the people that wanted anyone opposing George Bush labelled as traitors are now upset because Democrats objected to something said? Can anyone spell "hypocrisy"?

Because Obama refuses to get into silly discussions which are not relevant to the issues in this election, he's called uppity. While McBush panders to women and makes
empty speeches, Obama is staying focused on the real issues, such as our crashing economy and unemployment.
Anyone who votes for McBush should have their heads examined.

I don't think this was Obama's campaign jumping all over the congressman for using a racially-biased epithet. I think it was just normal folks offended by it, who spread it around the internet. No word about the Obama campaign having anything to do with it. So keep your pants on, and don't be so quick to jump to conclusions about Obama's racial sensitivity. And it's spelt arrogant. And if you've never heard uppity in a racial context, well, perhaps you should move out of the suburbs.

Because Obama refuses to get into silly discussions which are not relevant to the issues in this election, he's called uppity. While McBush panders to women and makes
empty speeches, Obama is staying focused on the real issues, such as our crashing economy and unemployment.
Anyone who votes for McBush should have their heads examined.

"I've never heard that term used in a racially derogatory sense." - Westmoreland

Yeah, right. Seriously, the GOP really needs to work on this. They used to have politicians who were much more convincing liars. Telling such obvious and pointless lies is self-defeating if you want people to believe you on more important lies like "trickle down" economics or WMDs in Iraq or John Bush's "maverickness".

I'm a white woman that grew up in Kansas and I know what the word "uppity" means when used against an African American. They don't know their place. That's what it's always meant and I'm sure the jerk who said it meant it that way. He wants the Obamas to know their place. I guess the south hasn't changed after all. Is he related to the General Westmoreland from the Vietnam war?

Hey..........don't all people running for the presidency since the 1960's have a solid college education? So, why is Obama considered elitist because he has a quality education? Maybe some white people feel that he talks down to people because he doesn't humble himself like they think he should. No one thinks McCain is an elitist and expects him to humble himself, yet his crowd is made of a whole bunch of millionaires. Stop with the double standard!

Lynn Boy, y'all are a credit to your race.

Y'all remind me of George Wallace railing against "block voting".

I live in Chicago and I have only heard the word uppity used simultaneously with the word black. So, if "uppity blacks" is common up here in the north, I can't imagine that it isn't also used in the south. You lost the war. Get over it.

Frankly, Ive NEVER heard the word "uppity" without being followed by the word "n****r." Neither has anyone else posting here, son let's stop all the disingenuous crap about "pc" or "oversensitive" or "race card. If you think Congressman Westmoreland's remarks are appropriate, then by definition, you are what is referred to as a "CRACKER," no insult intended.

Here's another example of coded racist badinage by a southern congressman:

In April, Rep. Geoff Davis, R-Ky., told the state's annual Lincoln Day dinner that he was unimpressed with Obama's performance during a war simulation for members of Congress and referred to Obama as "boy."

"That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."

If you can read this remark and not infer racism, then, once again, you are a "CRACKER." No insult intended!

Don't you people ever read? Or learn some history? The word was coined in the south in the 1800's, and it was used to describe people who were trying to act like they were above their station. It has also historically been used to describe African-Americans who wanted decent housing, jobs & equal rights. It is most definitely a racist word.

I have always wondered how we can repeatedly elect nitwits to public office.

After reading some of the comments posted here, I no longer wonder.

Sorry but McCain and that cow Palin are NOT THE CLEAR CHOICE!
McCain has essentially sold his soul to get where he is and now acts like he's the man he "used to be". Come on people! Furthermore, Obama is a die-hard Sox fan, so how the hell could he be an elitist? When have you ever met an elitist Sox fan? Not even Da Mare is an elitist.
BTW isn't McCain and his billionaire wife a bit uppity themselves???
OBAMA 08!

There are plenty of other words to describe Obama besides uppity: arrogant, boastful, disdainful, dogmatic, domineering, haughty, hubristic, impudent, overbearing, priggish, self-righteous, self-satisfied, supercilious, vainglorious. Pick one or more, mix and match.

I am not a Obama or a McCain supporter. I despise censorship, but sometimes people need to stop short of dieting on a foot.

Obama is a fraud. McCain is Bush lite. Both have huge egos, otherwise they would not be candidates for POTUS.

I am so sick of everything being "racial." Articulate is racial when spoken by a white person about a black?? Are you crazy?! Articulate is a compliment whatever race you are for God's sake! I vow to stop walking on tiptoes so as not to offend anyone (racially)and will forthwith conduct myself according to Christian ethics and pray to God no one is offended. By the way, I'm an American, not a Norwegian American (my ancestry is Norwegian) and I believe patriotic blacks are American and not African American. Just my opinion.

I'm sorry, but I lived in the Deep South some decades ago, and understand this:

"Uppity" when applied by folk like Lynn Boy to any person of color was ALWAYS derogatory.

In fact, we could check the OED, but I don't recall any recent usage of that term in non-fiction or fiction to merely connote "snobbishness" or "wealthy people". John Boy is full of prunes on that one.

Maybe I should go re-read "The Little Foxes". Is the word used there?

I'll bet the name callers, and people who find it inconvenient to avoid insulting others were just as ornery as children, and bullied other classmates. Grow up!

The problem is that there are no consequences for being obnoxious anymore. If it was ok to punch others in the face when they offend, being p.c. might come to mind more frequently.

The real question is not 'what' Mr. Westmoreland meant . . . I think most everyone knows exactly what he meant. The real question is, 'why did he say it?' A book called, 'The Examination of Racism in America,' specifically deals with these kinds of questions and the election. One last observation: Obama may not be Westmoreland's cup of tea, but that doesn't make Westmoreland any less of a man in Georgia.

As a Chicago kid that spent every summer in the south even I knew what uppity referred to when I heard the phrase. The Congressman is a liar, he knew damn well what he was saying and just doesn't have the character to take responsibility for his own words. Every black man and woman should be deeply offended by what Rep. Westmoreland said. He knew exactly what he meant, he's from Georgia for God's sake.
To say that he didn't realize that 'uppity' had any racial overtones is like saying you didn't know the sky is blue. The man is a liar or a damn fool. Most likely he's both.

I bellieve the word "uppity" means that someone thinks that they are better than another person or group of people.

I am 67 years old and as far as I am concerned this word has never had a racial meaning. If people take offense to the word, that is something they have to deal with.

I'll bet the name callers, and people who find it inconvenient to avoid insulting others were just as ornery as children, and bullied other classmates. Grow up!

The problem is that there are no consequences for being obnoxious anymore. If it was ok to punch others in the face when they offend, being p.c. might come to mind more frequently.

I am not a Obama or a McCain supporter. I despise censorship, but sometimes people need to stop short of dieting on a foot.

Obama is a fraud. McCain is Bush lite. Both have huge egos, otherwise they would not be candidates for POTUS.

By the definitions I've seen here, I consider the uppity candidate to be the one who doesn't know how many houses he owns. Yeah, that candidate speaks for the majority of Americans and the problems we face. Educated does not equal "uppity." There used to be a time in this country when being educated was celebrated.

Never ever EVER apologize for the proper use of an English word. I'm sorry, but if the word means something else to you and your fellows, then you and your fellows need to take a course in English grammar and composition (or purchase a dictionary).

This comes up every so often with 'niggardly'. Honestly, George Orwell would be proud right about now

100% Obama supporter here, yet I too have never heard, nor thought of this term as racial.

I'll tell you what's uppity and elitist....... Rudy Giuliani, Sarah Palin, John McCain and others making fun of and belittling community organizers. That is uppity, arrogant and elitist.

Obama should not be president because a congressman insults him with a term that has long had racial overtones? GET REAL!!

This is an example of why Lynn Westmoreland should not be returned to Congress

C'mon. Get real. If Obama's not 'uppity', then 'uppity' is meaningless.

It's amazing how many people agree with Rep. Westmoreland. I'm one guy who believes that after Americans walk behind that curtain in November, Obama will go home a big loser...

repubs kill me with this elitist crap....as reports put cindy mccain's OUTFIT last night at $300K. Not $3K...$300K. Now THAT'S an elite class that few people will ever know.

First of all why do you people run back and place everything on the Obama people. This was on independent websites and on black radio. Every black person know's what a person is trying to say when they use the term uppity as it relates to a black person. He thought better of finishing the term. But we get the point!

Now that he is losing, his camp is scared... McCain and Palin are the right choice for America... John, you're saying Obama is losing? I think you're the one who's losing.. your mind that is. The Dems are still ahead, and so his Obama's numbers. Thanks for your falsification.

Well,John,most people aren't as stupid as you think.Of course this is a racist
use of a word and you know it.
Still,you hard-right types try to get away with this sort of thing
and we are supposed to relax,huh?Get a clue.We aren't
going to be insulted like that!!

I could care less that he called them "uppity". What got me is that he called them "elitist". How can he fix his mouth to say this when the McCains don't know how many houses they own and Cindy is wearing outfits that total more than a quarter mil??? You people never quit!!!

It's so sad that people cling to these negative terms when discribing educated blacks. Southerners know how the term uppidy is used and continues to be used to degrade blacks. People that say I'm being oversensitive are being naive. The connotation associated with "uppity" blacks is wrong, racist, and derogatory. Westmoreland made that comment with a wink and a nod. Americans aren't stupid. The racists got a great laugh about it. Westmoreland knew what he was saying. We all know Obama won't respond to this comment. And he shouldn't. McCain should address this. He needs to get his people in line. However Americans know what the subtext means and we shouldn't let this remark go.

I think it's pretty obvious that the posters that claim to 'know' that uppity is a racist term is because they themselves used it as a racist term at one time.

The term "colored" is considered racist and demeaning these days. IF uttered by a, (ready for this?,) "person of non-color."

Westmorland is being political. McCain is the one who is highly uppity. He has no tolerance for journalists asking him fair questions about himself. McCain seems to think he should not have to answer questions about himself, that he should just be able to anoint himself Prez now--like Napolian did by impatiently grabbing the crown out the holy man's hands and crowning himself emperor.

McCain looked like a dim old man during his convention speech. He is comfortable to hide behind the skirt of a self-proclaimed pitt-bull dog of a woman. He seems to be vampire-like in needing Palin's vibrato. Only thing is--McCain is the one running for Prez. When you scratch below the surface, McCain and Palin differ on many things. And, McCain is happy to put this woman he disagrees with in a position that is-in McCain's place-half a heart beat away from the presidency. This is putting his own win above "America First".

I know a few women and men who are steam rollers. Even when they are wrong, they act like they are right. And, like George W Bush, they leap before they think, or before they can get good understanding. Then, they latch on to their wrong choice come hell or high water, no matter what the dire consequences. These people are scary. Palin is scary.

Hi "Viv". Are you new here? Welcome. I agree with your comment.

The term has *always* been acknowledged as applying especially to blacks in a derogatory way. How can it not have a race/class connotation, as it means not snobbish, but acting "above your station". No one seems to remember when Clarence Thomas called his confirmation hearings "a high-tech lynching for uppity blacks."

Anyhow, it seems rather a conflict of interest for white people to decide what is or is not offensive to black people, as many of you are doing.

Obama is running scared and plays the race card more than anyone I have ever seen. Stop crying and read a dictionary.

So what about the jewelery! Loved the outfit and the watch, I have friends with that Chanel!

Do you really think the Obama's don't have a set of matching Platinum Rolex's that they where to there millionaire friends houses in San Francisco while they are bad mouthing the middle class for "clinging to their guns and religion"?

I know he wears a Timex when he's in Ohio though.

Bottom line is Obama is a racist hypocrite who knows his campaign is in trouble so what does he do......play the race card!

I am white and support McCain, not because I am white but because I don't feel like giving up over half my check to the government.

As for you Obama supporters who are for the universal health care plan here is a nice fact for you. Every county that has tried that has failed....miserably! Example, after being diagnosed with a serious disease, say cancer the average time to see a specialist in Canada is 18.3 weeks. Time that is desperately needed to treat that horrible disease. That's what you want here?

Health care in the USA is neither overpriced or hard to acquire. Ever hear of the internet? I guess you should have since Gore claims to have invented it. I am 32 and pay 2400 a year for my BCBS health care. The tax increase Obama is proposing cost me over 10 times that for sub par care!

You think universal health care is a good idea then I have 2 words for you.....Social Security. Goverment run....BANKRUPT!

WAKE UP!!!!!

If you haven't heard this term used in a racist context, then you have either had your head in the sand or are just ignorant about history and racial politics in the U.S.

Republicans AMAZE me in their duplicity. I think the only one who is being "sensitive" her is little Sarah - WHINING about sexism because the press actually dared to look at her tainted and ridiculous record.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

I agree with some of the previous posters - it's so sad how Amer-ichans (that's the Palin crowd) are so intimidated and inclined to lash out against anyone with intelligence ... just a sad sad place the U.S. is becoming.

I'll take "uppity" over McCain and his 60 year old teenage "Ivana Trump" wife who never wears the same micro miniskirt twice. I'm a very tired Republican who is fed up with my own party always throwing it in my face. I'm tired of putting these people into office who think I'm a dog turd beneath their Gucci shoes.

I'm a "cracker" from the south, and I've got a few racists in my family. They still use words like "uppity" to describe non-whites who "don't know their place." Some even call black people "niggers" to this very day. So for the white people leaving comments here that don't think a southerner like Westmoreland doesn't know that uppity is ALWAYS used in the south as a derogatory term, you need to spend a little more time in the south. For that matter, if Westmoreland truly did not know that was a derogatory term, then I think he might be a carpetbagger and should be run out of town.

Are we really supposed to believe that someone who led opposition to last year's renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act doesn't know the usual meaning of "uppity". It originally meant a slave who acted like a free man, and now means a black person who dares act like he is just as good as a white person. Short of using a certain word that starts with "N" and rhymes with "trigger", I can't think of a more transparently racist way to speak about a black person.

Shame on Representative Westmoreland!

Ok whiners! I won't use the word uppity to describe the empty wuit bHo. Let's use 2 words, pompus a--! That better?

I'm a 40 year old white guy who grew up in the suburbs and know that anyone who is unaware that this word choice is racist is either racist themself or absolutely clueless on the topic.

I don't care what the definition in the dictionary says, the "n word" originally had a different definition as well. The usage of the word changed that definition. Using the word "uppity" towards a black person (and I've never even heard it used towards a white, hispanice or asian) has always meant that the person doesn't "know his/her place".

Versus the $300K spent on Cindy McCains clothing for a convention?

Posted by: tried and true American | September 5, 2008 8:36 PM

What has that to do with Senator McCain or Obama? We are talking about Candidates not their wives. Duh

I quote from john's post: "This term has never been associated with race, well, until now" ... This is incorrect. In the South, and probably a lot of places, it's a sign of contempt for educated African Americans. It is often accompanied with the racist notion that they have no business getting involved in the spheres of influence that whites are supposed to dominate.

The dictionary definition of "uppity" is:
"putting on or marked by airs of superiority." Maybe if the Atlanta paper and the Trib had simply printed this, it would show this to be a manufactured controversy by people who obviously seldom if ever open a dictionary. Does the definition fit Obama? You bet it does.

As a white man raised in the South, and who has lived in Chicago for 32 years, I can assure you that in both contexts the word "uppity" has been used FOREVER to describe blacks who are "acting above their station," in the eyes of racists. Rep. Westmoreland is being disingenuous when he says he never knew this. There is no possible way he could NOT know it, and he owes Sen. Obama an apology. The Repubs will be doing a lot of this over the next eight weeks..."oh, does it mean THAT??? I never KNEW that...." It sickens me.

Uppity ? Well maybe arrogant, self centered, racist, liar, backstabber, radical, ultra liberal describes him better than "uppity."' Barack and Michelle want to spend the next 4 years lecturing us - we are mean, we cling to guns and religion and we just havent done enough for our country !!! so what have the Obamas done for our country ?/ What have the Obamas done for Chicago ???? ANSWER - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING !!!

It is incomprehensible that a Congressman born in 1950 in Georgia did not understand the association of his use of the word "uppity" to describe Barack and Michelle Obama. It would appear that obtaining a legal education is no longer a value, but to look upon as being "uppity" at least for some in our society.

This is a clear example of why Obama should not be President. This term has always been associated with rich, snobby people. This term has never been associated with race, well, until now, and like everything anyone else will say in the future about Obama, the race card will be used. Now that he is losing, his camp is scared and will start throwing out the race card. McCain and Palin are the clear, right choice for America.

Posted by: John | September 5, 2008 8:01 PM

That comment has never been associated with race? What rock have you been hiding under? It is not used so much today, but has historically been a call to arms in the South to characterize blacks who don't stay in their "place". People want to scream "PC" whenever someone calls another person for using a dispariging term, but sometimes it is what it is and it was meant to be what it was meant to be. Swinging to the far right in opposition to the far left is just as extreme.

What is this? I'm White and I'm Right? I was born and reared in the north in an overwhelmingly white community where there were so few blacks it could never be anything but a non-issue - and I knew as a child that calling a black person "uppity" was an insult.

This connotation is different from calling a white person uppity. It tells the black person you are "way over your station in life and nowhere close to me".

A Georgian KNOWS this.

Even if the word 'uppity' had no previous racial connotation, the blacks and liberals would STILL jump on it because it's a comment against Obama and therefore must be racial. Too bad the blacks and liberals constantly hide behind this pc smokescreen

I grew up in the South of the 50's. The "uppity" word was usually followed by the "N" word to describe a person of color who didn't "know his place", "his place" being subservient and inferior to any "white" person. For anybody raised in the South at that time to say they weren't familiar with this phrase is ludicrous.

Although the word "uppity" can be use non-racially, in the South it was mainly used by whites to label blacks who dared claim their rights under the Constutution. So-called uppity African Americans, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis, led a civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s to make everyone equal before the law.

I quote: > Funny how some people seem to always know what black people will do in theoretical situations.

What's the big deal? None of his Klan brothers have a problem with the use of the word?

Any of you trying to brush of the dog-whistle effect of "uppity" is either ignorant or intending harm to the Obama campaign or a racist, or possibly a combination.

Specifically, there is no comparison whatsoever between using "uppity" in this context and using "niggardly", the controversy over which was a sad testament to the state of our educational system and our culture. The latter means "stingy" in any context of course; the former has been used for generations by segregationist and conservative Southern politicians in the context of trying to keep black aspirations down.

A good thing Colbert took the mask off Westmoreland last night. Talk about subnormal. But judging by some of the other people I saw interviewed at the RNC, I think that level of stupidity has become widespread in the Republican Party.

Just so you all know, the campaign has been ignoring this whole thing. It was just a blogger thing. So stop blaming the campaign.

I grew up in Southern Illinois in the 50's, when my black classmates couldn't sit at the soda fountain at the drug store or in the lower seats at the movie theater (they had to sit in the balcony). I know that "uppity", in relation to the black population, meant that someone was not staying in "his place". There's no doubt that this southern congressman knew exactly what he was saying! I had hoped that this country was getting away from racism, but I'm getting more and more saddened that it's not. I know people who will not vote for Senator Obama because his is black and only for that reason. SHAME ON THEM.

Is it Rascist that Obama dose not have one single white family member of his involved in this election ? Read his book you will see his real feelings toward white people, I.am not asking anyone to believe me, just read his book an read his own words.
They should have it FREE to read at your local Library.

First of all I'm white and beyond middle age and grew up in the mid-south (WV). The term "uppity" was no considered racist because it eas never used to indicate a caucasian. Whenever you heard it you knew the speaker was referring to a person of color who had overreached his station in some manner (mostly minor offenses, in fact). Anyone who grew up in the south knew this. It has not changed since reconstruction and never will. Regardless of what Westmoreland might say.

The word uppity has it's earliest recorded use for the story Uncle Remus. Uncle Remus was written by Joel Chandler Harris a journalist in post reconstruction Georgia. (Georgia where'd that state come up in this article again?) The Uncle Remus stories not only give us the term "uppity" but also "tar baby". In the br'er rabbit story the tar baby gets punched for not speaking when spoken to. The Uncle Remus stories were written with many points but one point was a defense of slavery.

Online etymology.com says that uppity was a term used in the late 1880's "by blacks to define other blacks that were too self-assertive" but the first recorded use of the word was in Uncle Remus. Even the name "Uncle" Remus is a perjorative term. Uncle was a term whites had for old black men of the time. I found most of my information in a 5 minute wikipedia search. I find it unbelieveable that a staffer for this congressman couldn't have looked thius up and brought it to the congressman's attention.

Now whatever you think of the Uncle Remis stories there is no doubt the term uppity has a singular use when applied to a black person. It strains belief that a Georgian wouln't be familar with the term uppity. And this is not an instance of you can say it why can't I; while certain words have been embraced by parts of black culture (even though I find that embrace strange, at best) the term uppity has never been used as "term of endearment". The word uppity has always, ALWAYS been a shorthand for "You should get back in your place." The only reason a black in the late 1800s would've used the word uppity was because someone they knew was going to attract undue trouble for not knowing their place.

Westmoreland is so stupid and ignorant, I'm surprised he can quote from a dictionary. When it comes to being an "elitist" or "regular guy," here's what I want from a president: A person who is elite in terms of intellect and leadership qualities, but not in terms of socioeconomic standing to the point that he lives in a bubble. In other words, I want someone who is smarter than most people, but can also relate to most people. Obama passes this test. Bush fails it miserably. McCain and Palin, in my view, also fail--they're not too bright and they're out of touch.

Uh, huh. And George Allen came up with Macacca out of thin air.

There aren't any black Republican members of Congress or candidates for office. Black Republican delegates to the toe tapping good time recently held in St. Paul were token in number.

Yeah, that's diversity for you.

The double standard of any criticism of the Barak is ALWAYS RACIST.

Not like his statement about his grandmother who raised. She was a racist according to Obama.

Any time any statement can be made to be a pajoritive the implication is clea. Only the liberals are the blessed and true carring leaders. Yes the liberal Carpetbaggers who for years if not centuries, yes it has been a century since the Civil War, have been living off the the blacks by PRETENDING to care.

A few dollars thrown into "Social Programs" some free lunch??? and this is the liberals answer to EVERYTHING, something for nothing.

The liberal "News-speak" is so ingrained and pervasive.

George Orwell in his critique of the socialist lertists said it all. "All pigs are equal, but some pigs are more equal than others.

In other words the liberal MANTRA do as I say not as I do.

I'm not sure what words or phrases black people are currently offended by. Can I be put on a mailing list with the offensive word de jur. This would help me in being a better person.
Oops, can I say "Black" people?

"Uppity" IS racially charged and you'd have to be a moron not to know that. Oh, wait a minute, Westmoreland IS a moron. It's okay then.

I'm not sure what words or phrases black people are currently offended by. Can I be put on a mailing list with the offensive word de jur. This would help me in being a better person.
Oops, can I say "Black" people?

Obama is arrogant....same meaning as uppity...am I a racist??? Biden is a racist...Hilary is a racist...Bill is a racist..anyone who opposes Obama is a racist. You people (Hey, what do you mean by "you people"!!!) are idiots

"Setting aside this particular slight (which I find it hard to believe was not understood by the Congressman), can someone please explain why it is a bad thing for a potential leader of the free world to be intelligent, well-educated and articulate? Since when did those terms become epithets? I know that people want to believe that their leaders understand them and their particular plight, but I for one would rather think the President of the United Stated is smarter and better educated than I am rather than dumber and less well-educated. The small-minded, xenophobic view of the world espoused by many in this country is not what we need if we want to ensure the continued primacy of our country; nor will it help keep us safe. It is through understanding other people different from ourselves (whether within our own country or outside its borders) that we break down the fear and hatred that divide us and build a more peaceful, safer world. If we let fear of others drive our thoughts and actions, we will never have a chance at moving this country towards a more perfect union or making the world a better place.

Posted by: Mark | September 5, 2008 8:22 PM
"

Here,here!! Nicely stated.

The world is upside down here in America. We have twice elected a mental midget from the elite upper class (GWB) and considered him a regular guy. Now a bright, articulate and compassionate regular guy raised by a single mother from a lower middle class background rises to challenge for the highest office in the land and HE is designated as the arrogant elitist! What a cynical spin by the haves!! They have a way of attaining and keeping power by distorting the truth and convincing the gullible to vote against their own best interests. I guess that explains why they are "the haves".

The good will have to fight harder and be ready to respond in kind.

Check out the Colbert Nation rerun from last night, airing for sure on Monday at 9am, 1 and 7pm, and possibly this weekend. He helpfully included a previous interview with this lamebrain, who had not sponsored ANY legislation in his career except a co-sponsorship to get the 10 commandments in government buildings. Colbert asked him to name the 10; he could barely come up with 3. This guy should step down in shame.

Uh, huh. And George Allen came up with Macacca out of thin air.

There aren't any black Republican members of Congress or candidates for office. Black Republican delegates to the toe tapping good time recently held in St. Paul were token in number.

Yeah, that's diversity for you.

Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air she is bright, articulate and capable. She is direct and understandable while Obama is an elitist who feels that bitter people cling to their God and their guns. You talk about uppity this is uppity!
Obama censors or trys to censor every person who doesn't agree with him or his Marxist politics by calling us rascist. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If we discuss Obamas role with indicted Syrian national Tony Rezko,Jeremiah Wright,Father Pfleger, William Ayers, Nadmi Auchi, Louis Farakhan or any number of Chicago machine crooks we are not discussing the issues.
Pardon me this Obama guy started a website fightthesmears to be Victim One he will say or do anything to be elected and to divert attention from his bad judgement.
After months of listening to Obama degrade everyone but himself the nation is ready for McCain/Palin 08. Jerry White, Springfield, IL Welcome back Swamp.

Funny! I am 70 years old and have never heard that term re racism!!! Must be a liberal north and east term!!!

Here is the thing I've never understood about the "elitist" claim:

America is often touted as a country where you can start with nothing, grow up in a blue collar, low income family and grow up to be extremely successful.

But, the same people that talk about how America is great for that very reason, go on to bash those who have achieved much for themselves and brand them as "elitists."

I don't see anything elitist about Obama. He grew up in a low income, single parent home, worked hard to achieve academic and economic success, and now he's being accused of being "elitist" and "uppity" (and let's ignore whatever underlying connotations that word may hold for a moment). Why the accusations of elitism? Because he is smart, hard-working and successful? But isn't that what the American dream is all about?

Please clarify that for me.

The word uppity has it's earliest recorded use for the story Uncle Remus. Uncle Remus was written by Joel Chandler Harris a journalist in post reconstruction Georgia. (Georgia where'd that state come up in this article again?) The Uncle Remus stories not only give us the term "uppity" but also "tar baby". In the br'er rabbit story the tar baby gets punched for not speaking when spoken to. The Uncle Remus stories were written with many points but one point was a defense of slavery.

Online etymology.com says that uppity was a term used in the late 1880's "by blacks to define other blacks that were too self-assertive" but the first recorded use of the word was in Uncle Remus. Even the name "Uncle" Remus is a perjorative term. Uncle was a term whites had for old black men of the time. I found most of my information in a 5 minute wikipedia search. I find it unbelieveable that a staffer for this congressman couldn't have looked thius up and brought it to the congressman's attention.

Now whatever you think of the Uncle Remis stories there is no doubt the term uppity has a singular use when applied to a black person. It strains belief that a Georgian wouln't be familar with the term uppity. And this is not an instance of you can say it why can't I; while certain words have been embraced by parts of black culture (even though I find that embrace strange, at best) the term uppity has never been used as "term of endearment". The word uppity has always, ALWAYS been a shorthand for "You should get back in your place." The only reason a black in the late 1800s would've used the word uppity was because someone they knew was going to attract undue trouble for not knowing their place.

Uppity: Taking liberties or assuming airs beyond one's station; presumptuous.

It is clearly used by individuals who feel threatened when someone who they feel is inferior in some way to them achieves something that threatens the advantage that the user has enjoyed.

It has been used when referring to the poor who dared to utter an intelligent word, who learned to read and write, or who strived to better their lot. Some "uppity" black men were lynched in this countryt, if you recall. Women who fought for the right to vote were considered uppity.

Do not be fooled. Uppity is a term used BY the elite when describing someone who they resent rising above their lower status.

I guess some folks don't know that uppity was associated with another word. The word that Rev. Jesse Jackson used when he said that Obama talks down to the n-----s and should have his nuss cut off.

So, it is a racial epithet used by people of both races to describe people perceived as the Obamas are.

It's 2008 and it may as well be 1958. The defense of Rep. Lynn Westmoreland is just what America needs; the defense of intellectual laziness is the only way we can once again get a truly great president for America’s upper class like Bush. I’m sure McCain and Palin who will so greatly represent my interest as we take your homes and teach the middle calls what hard work is truly about, like in India. Good work people.

I have never known the word "uppety" to be used racially.

And, for the record, Obama IS better than you. If you had half a brain then you would understand his positions.

hahahahahaha

I grew up in the south, and the ONLY way I have ever heard the word "uppity" used is in the phrase "uppity ni**er". So yes, it is an extremely loaded word in the south and yes, the congressman had to know what he was saying.

Actually, this is pretty funny. Because of the civil rights movement, this word was pretty much banished from the English language the past 30-40 years. There is an entire generation or more that may not have heard this term used in connection with Blacks. If they had just let it go, it might not have caused such a stir. The left just keeps that race card in play every chance they get.

Lies, lies, lies. What we're not being told is why the gentleman really used that word. I have talked to him today and he told me. He and I and Barry go back to our days in Hawaii when we used to surf and chase chicks. What the gentleman meant by "uppity" is that Barry Obama is MOVING UP. That's all. I confirmed this myself this morning. Good day.

Yeah, Westmoreland "doesn't understand" what 'uppity' means. Just like the Corporate Media doesn't "-understand" what they're doing to this country with their dishonesty.

Go Bubba and Mark! We need responses like that. Hooray for The Swamp.

The only time that I have heard the word "uppity" it was used in conjunction with the "N" word. The phrase is especially common in the south so for this idiot to say he wasn't aware is a lie. Unles, of course, he really is UNAWARE!

how about the homeless cats geez where are your priorities

WHEN OBAMA "LOSES" HIS FIGHT FOR THE WHITE HOUSE: HIS LOSS WILL PALE IN COMPARISON TO THE LOSS THE COUNTRY WILL SUFFER. THINK: HOW MANY MILLIONS OF KIDS WILL HAVE THEIR DREAMS DASHED AGAIN DUE TO RACISM. AND BY THE WAY--
IF WHITES STOP PRACTICING RACISM BLACKS WILL CEASE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. BLACKS,AS A MATTER OF FACT, DO NOT POINT OUT BUT A MINUSCULE AMOUNT OF THE SCOURGE THEY ENCOUNTER DAILY. AND WHITES KNOW IT. THAT'S WHY IT PERSISTS. SO PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR MORE COMPLAINTS.

Gee, he qualified his use of the word uppity with the phrase "member of an elite class." That should immediately rule out race.

It's not enough that people should merely state that they disagree with his opinion. No, they have to call the man "racist."

Just because a white person holds an opinion that is different from some member of another race doesn't make that white person a racist.

And those of us who are voting for McCain-Palin are doing so for a number of reasons--none of which has anything to do with the race of the candidates.

Keith,

I admit that I haven't read Obama's comments on his view of white people. However I'm sure I can hazard a guess that Obama's view similar to my grandfather's. Like Obama, my grandfather was mixed and I remember the stories of him growning up in Birmingham, AL. My grandfather would tell me how the white people would treat as something else than a person. He told of a trip to meet his white relatives in Georgia and how his mom had to shave his head so that people couldn't tell he was mixed. After that trip he disowned that part of his family after he saw how his mom was treated. If Obama has resentment of whites its because of the way he was treated by whites that he encountered. That doesn't mean he dislikes whites as a group, just the individuals that mistreated him. Which is the same view my grandfather had.

WHEN OBAMA "LOSES" HIS FIGHT FOR THE WHITE HOUSE: HIS LOSS WILL PALE IN COMPARISON TO THE LOSS THE COUNTRY WILL SUFFER. THINK: HOW MANY MILLIONS OF KIDS WILL HAVE THEIR DREAMS DASHED AGAIN DUE TO RACISM. AND BY THE WAY--
IF WHITES STOP PRACTICING RACISM BLACKS WILL CEASE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. BLACKS,AS A MATTER OF FACT, DO NOT POINT OUT BUT A MINUSCULE AMOUNT OF THE SCOURGE THEY ENCOUNTER DAILY. AND WHITES KNOW IT. THAT'S WHY IT PERSISTS. SO PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR MORE COMPLAINTS.

what planet did this guy come from?

the word may be in the dictionary but that does not mean that it has no reference to hate or prejudice.

the guy is an idiot, stupid or a liar.

take your pick, none is very good

A few points Keith.

First, it's spelled r-a-c-i-s-t.

Second, did you not see his uncle at the Dem Convention, the distinguished gentlman wearing what I believe was his VFW hat. He happened to be white and a WWII vet.

Third, which book are you referring to?

Now, I have questions for you. John McCain is a vet and a P.O.W. Have you seen his votes on veterans issues. He has opposed many bills to expand benefits for veterans INCLUDING the new GI Bill. (He was against it until it passed.)

Don't believe me, check the senate records for yourself.

This election IS about issue, not about personality.

We all know what uppity means when it comes from the mouth and thoughts of some who think that there is a right hierarchy that exist between the races and the sexes.

Uppity is always uttered when a sick racist is about to try and put one who dares rise up back into an artificial caste placement.

"You can't hold a man/woman down without staying down with him/her."
Booker T. Washington

To you, Keith:

I've read his book. I have no idea what you're referring to. He's got one uncle, who is old and who was at the convention. He's got one sister, who spoke at the convention. What else do you expect of them? He's got a small family. Most are dead and he doesn't even know most of his African relatives.

Uppity with good reason: Barack Obama is smarter than about 98% of the attendees at the Republican National Convention. Creationism in schools, bizarre interpretations of the 2nd amendment, a Bleed-America-First energy policy. He's handled their inanity with poise and grace... but it must be difficult at times.

His definition: 'affecting an air of inflated self-esteem -- snobbish. Inflated self-esteem? From day one Barack has said more about this race NOT being about him than any candidate. If Westmoreland means Barack assumes to be presidential material with only 12 years of experience in official government service, what does that make Sarah Palin? Uppity x 4 in my book.

I spent a lot of my youth in Delaware and Maryland (border South), and never heard the word "uppity" except when it immediately preceded the N-word. African-Americans marching and protesting for equality were ALWAYS called "uppity N-s" by racist whites, and people like MLK were the epitome of "uppityness" to such people. The whole Republican campaign seems to be based on using such code-words, and then denying that they had anything but their minimal dictionary meaning.

Use of word "uppity" when applied to African Americans has had a less than admirable connotation throughout our history, especially as it relates to the South and slavery. Black slaves who were thought to disrespect their white masters were often described as "uppity", especially if they exhibited any behavior resembling free will. After the abolition of slavery, the term continued to be widely used by whites throughout the deep South to express resentment toward the new found freedoms of African Americans. I'm not sure why the popular "elitist" handle so freely attached to Democratic politicians by Republicans is not sufficient when describing Mr. and Mrs. Obama. I honestly don't ever recall hearing any white politician, Democrat or Republican referred to as being "uppity", only "elitist" and "out-of-touch". This appears to be a "gotcha" moment for Rep. Westmoreland. We know a cracker when we see one and this one isn't topped off with brie cheese.

Well, Jeff, that's true.

But Lynn Boy was put up to it by the McCain campaign.

"Pimping" is one word for it.

Seeing if he can get a "rise" out of anyone.

Just another way to distract from the issues.

By the way, when is Sarah's "Go Go Boot" portfolio going to surface?

Having a congressman that claims supposed or actual ignorance to the common and perjorative use of the term uppity speaks volumes about the congressman. Unbelievable. Perhaps typical of the education level of many of our elected officials.

If you buy that lie, have I got a winning ticket for you: Bush-Cheney or McCain-Palin. It makes no difference, they are both go-fors for the Corporations and will sell America down the river !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

He never heard the word "uppity" used that way. No - and Senator Allen of VA
never heard the word "malaka". The Obama campaign never mentioned this - very admirable.

Uppity is right, upptity goes your taxes and uppity goes the unemployment rate.

Another ignorant Cracker, what do you expect !!!

Agree that referring to a black person as upity is racist and don't understand how anyone could seriously debate the question.

Have to disagree on "articulate" though. That's a widely used word to describe fluency and the ability to express one's thoughts with precision. I've used it many times to describe both blacks and whites, and only as a compliment. To ban the use of the word with respect to african americans really would be absurd.

I'm not sure who initiated the outrage over Westmoreland's remarks but it is not Senator Obama or anyone in his campaign. This seems to be one of those controversies the bloggers love to throw gasoline on. That being said, is anyone really surprised that a member of the Country Club First party is using racially charged language. In scouring the crowd at the RNC, I was hoping to see at least someone other than fat white folks but it looked if someone had thrown a white sheet over the entire convention audience. Not even an eskimo in sight, c'mon! I suppose he would also claim usage of "boy" in describing a black man as proper and respectful, too.

Please leave Sarah alone!!! Even the sharpest beauty queens need time to rehearse their lines and performance skills for the Q & A and talent show portions of our upcoming competition. Will Ms. Palin wow them with her baton twirling skills while simultaneously quoting from the Book of Revelations or will she do that side splitting imitation again of Frances McDermott's police chief character in the movie, Fargo. I'm confident she'll triumph with whatever she chooses. I'm more anxious wondering whether Senator McCain will clinch the Mr. Congeniality Title.

i have lived in GA for 34 years and have never heard anyone use uppity as a racial slur. I have in many instances heard african americans & caucasians use this word to describe someone who is thought to be "above them" or thinks they are superior. This is a poor & futile attempt by the democratic party to undermine the republicans. I consider myself independent and have voted for both sides. When you hear someone say Cracker do you automatically sat Racist ? NO. Those who consider uppity as racial usually have some racial tendencies their self.

uppity
Main Entry: up·pi·ty
Pronunciation: \ˈə-pə-tē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: probably from up + -ity (as in persnickity, variant of persnickety)
Date: 1880
: putting on or marked by airs of superiority : arrogant, presumptuous
— up·pi·ti·ness also up·pi·ty·ness noun

Main Entry: up·pi·ty
Pronunciation: \ˈə-pə-tē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: probably from up + -ity (as in persnickity, variant of persnickety)
Date: 1880
: putting on or marked by airs of superiority : arrogant, presumptuous
— up·pi·ti·ness also up·pi·ty·ness noun

Nothing racial. get over it.

The United States is supposed to be a free country with free speech. However, it seems that we must be extremely careful to the way that we say and interpret words. This is a multi-culture country and it seems that people from other ethnicity and racial background don't have such a racial issue as African-Americans. I am from the North and the word "Uppity" has always been used to describe someone who is somewhat arrogant. Why is it that everything has some derogatory meaning to African-Americans. They are not the only people who reside in the United States and the word "Uppity" has been used frequently to describe people from all cultures who thing that they are better than others. When Obama brags about working for "his people" and "his community" referring to African-Americans, I don't find it offensive and believe that it is a good thing. Now, if the shoe was on the other side, I bet that someone, somewhere would find it offensive and discriminatory to care for "his people," referring to the African-American and not the "Americans." That is the beauty of this Country. The freedom of speech and the ability to help people of our own ethnicity without discriminating others that struggle for the freedom to live in this Country. Until we get over the hyphenated words in this Country like (African-American, Polish-American, Italian-American, Irish-American, Cuban-American, etc.) and simplify it to what we stand for "AS AMERICANS," our differences will never be resolved. We need to stop living in the past by holding on to the negative experiences of our ancestors. Break the barriers that continue to separate us. Start working in the present so we can all have a better future with "equality" for all. You will only achieve "equality" when you start seeing yourself as an equal part of this Country.

I am really amazed at how naive and uninformed many of these respondants are claiming to be. To refer to a black person as "uppity" was often used by racist white people as a warning to black people they felt didn't know or had forgotten their "place". It had a threatening connotation, was an assertion of white superiority and oppression, was applied to infractions like getting an education, registering to vote, challenging entrenched racial oppression, trying to get a better job or, horror of horrors, having the nerve to actually speak proper English.

Obama is a brilliant speaker, as is his wife, Michelle. Westmoreland is lying when he says there was no racial/racist connotation in his remark. Unless, of course, he is also claiming to be born yesterday.

As for the rest of you uninformed folks, let me just remind you that a catalyst for the civil rights movement was the murder of Emmett Till. He was a black teenager from the north visiting the south in the mid-50s, brutally slain for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Such "uppity" behaviour was taken as an indication he didn't know his place. It cost him his life.