Political nicknames and el presidente

Published on July 27, 2008 By cactoblasta In Politics

Political nicknames are a popular pastime. Australians all know who Little Johnny, Mad Mark or Saint Kevin are. Americans are familiar with Clint-in and probably others I don't know straight away.

But what's behind these names?

I've recently noticed there seems to be a bit of a movement for opponents to refer to US presidential candidate Barack Obama as Hussein. In some ways it makes sense, as it is his middle name and lots of people are referred to by their middle name.

I guess what bugs me is that there seems to be the assumption this should be offensive. Little Johnny is offensive - it's blatantly referring to his physical size and generally weedy world view. Clint-in refers to his sexual exploits. Hussein is just a very common Arabic name. Is being Arab funny and offensive in modern America, or am I missing something?

Looking at Obama and his policies, there seems to be so many better options available, ranging from Obamaba (doop-doop-de-do-doop, Obamaba!) to Peacemonger Pete to the Bringer of Hope.

Why, Americanistas, do you go for the Hussein? Is there an element of humour in it I'm not picking up? Is there more to it than an attempt to attribute to Obama whatever loathsome qualities you seemingly attribute to Arabs?

Comments (Page 3)

DaffidSantosHubina

on Jul 30, 2008

"And you've become vastly more camp since your last visit, Mr St Hubbins!"

That's the second time this month I've gotten that (khakis are camp now? hrmph.). So, have you earned a fucking private sector dollar yet, boy? Managed to elucidate a coherent ideology beyond "fag"? Anything?

cactoblasta

on Jul 31, 2008

That's the second time this month I've gotten that

Well you might have noticed that the only people who elongate the vowels in the word fabulous are the effeminate - it's practically a standard of the genre!

So, have you earned a fucking private sector dollar yet, boy? Managed to elucidate a coherent ideology beyond "fag"? Anything?

Yes, is that supposed to be an insult, no idea what you're aiming at with the third question.

Also, relax - the world is really quite awesome, there's no point wasting your time here by being a dickhead.

Dr Guy

on Jul 31, 2008

I like Obamanations, that's clever. Biblical, even.

I like it too! Dont let the religious co-opt it!

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