zlacker

The previous president used “thug” to describe Baltimore rioters. Would you consider that racially charged?

https://historymusings.wordpress.com/2015/04/28/full-text-ob...

I didn’t vote for Trump, but it’s clear he’s referring to individuals and groups that are destroying areas of Minneapolis.

>>jonhoh+(OP)
Yes. Yes I would. I wouldn't be surprised if that speech was written by a white person who doesn't understand the meaning behind it. I guarantee Obama fully understands how that term is an epithet.

https://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+thug+as+a+race+wh...

>>Ashley+Y3
So then he would have recanted when called out and the Whitehouse wouldn't have stood by the language - https://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2015/04/29/obama-whit.... Either he thought the word was appropriate or wasn't able to control his staff writers and spokespeople.

>>jonhoh+SG1
I'd say he likely used it as an appeal to people who view things like this through a racial lens. He was trying to draw a line between most black people and those who would physically attack police officers.

You bring up an interesting point with Obama's usage of the word, and I would agree that he knew what he was doing when he used it. As does Trump.