In a country where racism is entrenched and often violent, Sagbo’s election as one of Novozavidovo’s 10 municipal councilors is a milestone. (7/25/10 Associated Press, Kristina Narizhnaya) … Read Article
1. The media in Russia has dubbed Sagbo “Russia’s Obama.” Discuss the implication of this title for racial politics in both the US and Russia.
2. Discuss the reasons many blacks are attracted to go to Russia in spite of the entrenched racism and violence, according to the article.
It comes to show if you black white brown green purple or pink it really does not matter anymore when it comes to getting elected to a high office.
I agree with nick it does not matter what race you are, Obama showd us that. If you qualify and you have the money to run go for it.
The man seems loyal and fair. I dont think that the color of his skin should interfere with his success not his own but the success of bringing up a city/state. More power to him for believing in himself. He should be respected for all his work that he has done. In his heart he is a true russian helping his russian people.
Just because he is of African American decent, it dosen’t mean his different than other humans and i dont know why people were looking at him weird. Im pretty sure he is an honest man and is bringing a lot of good to Russia.With his hard work he’s getting the respect he deserves and he is know considered one of them…
History is being made. Some people accept it, some dont. Regardless who it is, if their doing good for their country, let it be. Race and color doesnt matter.Russians and other people around the world need to stop being racist. Inspite of the racism and violence many are attracted by universities that are less costly than in the West, according to the article.
In both the U.S. and Russia, there has been racial descrimination towards blacks when it comes to running for political office, especially when it comes to president as is the case in the U.S. So for a black person in either of these countries to win the positions that they did in political office, it’s a big step towards an equality that is not based on something as irrelevant as skin color, but rather character. However, the fact that Sagbo was called Russia’s Obama is simply refering to a black man being elected into office as a big deal, and simply that it was a big deal in the U.S. first.
The affordable education that Russia has to offer gives a reason for blacks to go there, despite the descrimination. So for blacks that do go to school there, an education outweighs the burdens of racism.
It doesnt really matter what skin color you are, all that matters is the type of mentality you have and what you have to offer. We are different but equal. We should respect others.
I think race and color doesn’t matter. People should stop being racist from all around the world. People should be respected for all their work that they have done. No matter Russia or other countries, people should be equally respected. And people should respect others no matter where they are from.
History is being made. As we can all see we now have a black president. Today it doesnt what color you are or what your ethnic race is all that matters is that you promise to change the world into a better place. Racism has been around for many years and its time for people to accept the fact that where you come from or what your skin color is doesnt matter anymore when it comes to running for office or being the first black president.
It had been racial discrimination towards African American. But everything start to change. As long as people do their work well, people will respect you no matter where you from and what color you are. People should not judge other people by their skin color.
Sagbo and Obama show us that skin color does not matter and it is how they act and what they do that really counts. We are all equal. One should not be judged solely on skin color.
Many Afro-Russians go to Russia in order to take advantage of the lower cost of universities. Even though they face racism, they will tolerate it for education.
Many blacks will still go to Russia despite the racism because of how much more inexpensive tuition is there than the west. Sago was nick named the Russian Obama because of how he was a black man om Russia and was able to win politically, be honest and make an honest effort to make his region clean.
I think that this is an important event in Russia just like the one here in the United States. Discrimination has been one of the oldest problems around the world and it seems like if it is decreasing, we must consider that these two major achievements are making history because minorities are making bigg impacts in today’s society. In this article, we are presented the idea of Africans moving to Russia because there are better opportunities to succeed, same case here at the U.S., minorities are taking advantages of these opportunities.
obama showed the people that anything can happen,but i also looked at the government and how he got into the U.S despite of racism.I think alot of change happend. respect matter and beening equal.
Race and skin color should not matter, what’s really important is the persons mentality and what that person has to offer to others. What the person wants to do to make the world a better place. People should stop being racist and respect one another.
I agree with everyone when it comes to race. It doen’t matter what color you are or your background, all that matters it that you want to make an affort and change the way the nation is running and change it for the better. I actually found it histerical that the Russian’s were calling Sagbo “Russian’s Obama” because in a way he is like Obama in wanting change but in another way they do function and think differently when it comes to politics.
The article discussed that black prefer Russian universities than western universities because it’s cheaper to go to Russia than to study at any other western university. In my opinion, blacks also decided to study at Russia because one its cheaper and maybe also because they believe they will get the same education.
Many blacks are attracted to Russia because of its low cost Universities. I don’t understand why they have to label him. All that matters is that he is educated for the position and is willing to make a difference in is community. Being of a different race doesn’t make you any less qualified.
They are wanting/ hopeing to cash in on the world wide craze on Obama.
Many blacks are attracted to Russia due to the lower cost of education.
I think it is a great change in people’s mind around the world. Obama’s election influenced the vision of Africans in the world, he opened the doors for the minorities.
Also, I think that most africans are moving to Russia because of the educational opportunities.
They call Sagbo the Russian Obama because he was the first African Russian to be elected as so was Obama in the U.S. I also think that they want Sagbo to make a change in their town just like Obama is doing here in the U.S. Many blacks are attracted to Russia because education is cheaper than it is in the west.
It doesn’t matter the color of the skin, what it really matters is what you do for the people who is around you. I’m very glad that Russians are helping Sagbo even though he’s not one of them.
just because he is an african american doesnt mean anything being a different race shouldnt stop anyone. what really matters is what that person can do to help others, people should stop being racist and pay more attention on reapect and making this world a better place for every color.
It is considered racial politics because of his skin color. They called him “Russian Obama” because he and Obama are of African descent. And many Africans are attracted to Russia for education because it is more cheaper there than coming west.
I agreed with Sagbo when he says that Obama and him are in totally different situation. It is good that Sagbo was elected in to office; it is a big step for Russia.
The reason why black are attracted to Russia is because education is less costly than the west.
I think the media was wrong to put that title of “Russia’s Obama” on Sagbo. He is completely right saying that himself and Obama can not be compared because they are in different situations. Him deciding to enter in politics was a brave stand and the one thing that purely pushed him was the fact that it was his home as much as it was anyone elses who lived there. According to the article many African-Americans are attrated to the universities in Russia because they are less costly than in the west despite the overly racism and violence that occur.
We all our different but equal at the same time. Many black are also attracted to russia for their affordable education. Respect one another and stop racism around the world.
I think it’s great that he was able to get involved in their politics. it seems to me that he truly cares about what is going on in the town he lives in and like they said, only a true Russian would care like that.
I strongly agree with Nick Gosano. I think people need to get over of the color and they need to worry about what that person will bring to our society. It does not matter the color only the actions someone is willing to make.
I believe that race doesn’t matter. You could be green white purple green, but all that matters is that you are doing something good for your country and respecting others is all that matters.
I believe that the media made a mistake by calling sagbo “Russia’s Obama” because they are totally different. Sagbo was right stating that Obama and him are so different because they are in different situations. he entered politics into a country where race was still an issue but that did not stop him because he wanted to make his home a better place. Afican Americans are attracted to Russia in spite of the entrenches racism because of the low costly universities.
Skin color should not matter because everyone is the same. You just have to show that ypu care about whatever you are running for and people will see that. Africans are attracted to russia because of the education opportunities and Sagbo is showing them that they can accomplish things there.
i believe that skin color should not matter because in God eyes were are all one.you just have to take pride in wat you doing.
the color of your skin is not going to dictate how good of a politician some one is going to be. i think sagbo should be proud he is going to for ever have his name in the record books of history. it is important he does a good job as all eyes are going to be looking at him.
I think that the color of a persons skin should not make a difference and should not determine how good of a person a person can be. I think that what determines a person is their potential. like president Barack Obama it can help open doors for other russian of black decent.
No matter the color of the skin everyone deserves a chance. The citizens of America are always looking for someone to blame their problems and issues on. We need to stop depending on the government to fix our lives and get up and do something for ourselves
The thing right now is all about how Obama is the first African American president for the United States. This is seen as a change and countries around the world are wanting this change. It is good that a minority was elected in Russia it is good to see change is being made. This elected politician is doing this without being paid which means everything his doing is coming out of his heart and doing it because he wants to do it !!!
Its great to see a politician that isn’t corrupt. Who cares about his race as long as he is actually doing something not just sitting around taking peoples money it is a great accomplishment for Russia.
I sthongly believe that the character and ability of a person must never be judged or measured on the basis of race, religion, nationality, and much less by skin color. We are all capable to achive our goals, if we really want. What matters is people’s actions, and the way these actions can help others and make changes in our society.
Both Obama and Sagbo took a big step in the history of their respective countries, a huge step I would say, in terms of equality by winning the positions they did in political office.
The low University costs that Russia offers is the reason why most Affrican American are attracted to this country despite the racism.
Back when I was a child, my russian nana would tell me her stories of travling to America. She told me when she first saw a black man. she always said that he was the nicest man she ever met. This is yet another story I wish she could see.
Race shouldn’t matter. If things need to be fix, it shouldn’t matter who gets it done. Good for Jean Gregoire Sagbo for starting off small and working out the problems in his community.
It’s refreshing to read news wherein somebody is not “…judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” And rightly so in this case, as it seems he’s delivering to his fellow Russians what they should reasonably expect from somebody in his position: results. Hopefully this headline is the first and last of it’s kind we see for Russia, with all subsequent articles omitting the race designation and simply stating something akin to, “Jean Gregoire Sagbo elected Municipal Councilor”.
Sagbo can be seen as one of the few positive role model in the African American community. He overcame racial discrimination through hard work and integrity. I think this is a big improvement for Russia to help end racial discrimination and an even bigger step for the black community.
skin is not the issue for this man. the issue is to know that the heart of his home is dying and that getting it to turn around is more important than caring of what people say that he is “Russia Obama” or anything like that.
He is compared to Obama because he is taking the role of a leader in a place where he is a minority.
Many blacks are attracted to Russia because of the cheap cost of education.
I GUESS EVERYONE ELSE IS LOOKING FOR CHANGE. ITS GOOD TO SEE THINGS CHANGING IN OUR WORLD. IT DOESNT MATTER THE COLOR OF THE SKIN. IT’S ABOUT WHERE THE HEART IS, AND ARE THEY LOOKING OUT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY.
Sagbo might be “Russias Obama”, though he is his own person who is making strives enriching and making his town a better home for all.Many Africans are attracted to Russia due to the less costly universitys.
I think that the afro-russian has gain the respect of all the russians despite the racism there is. What the russians should see is what are his goals to help them no matter if his black,yellow or pink.
Sagbo is called “Russian Obama” because he is the minority to become leader. As long as Sagbo is doing fair on everything, who cares about what race he is. He is the honest one who really cares about the country. i agree with the article that”His skin is black but he is Russian inside,”. According to the article, many blacks are attacted because of less costly universities.
Russia’s media using “Russia’s Obama,” toward Sagbo is a compliment to show how far Russia’s politics has come a long way, yet that is also offensive. Sagbo is now being compared to Obama, when Obama has nothing to do with Sagbo’s success. Sagbo’s success is because of integrety, wanting a better life for his community, so his skin color doesn’t matter. The only thing that matter are his reasons for his actions.
Many blacks are attacted to Russia for an education. The cost of education in the west is expensive therefore, many blacks decide to attend school in Russia dispite of racism.
I like this mans persistence in fighting for others to be better off. Regardless of his nationality he feels at home in Russia. Its great that this man has overcome barriers of racism because it not only benefits him but he is taking a great part in society, he a responsible citizen of Russia regardless of his origin.
The world is changing, therefore new accomplishments and new problems. Russia shouldn’t look at Sagbo for his color but what he is trying to do for his hometown. While the economy isnt at its best, we still have countries looking and judging others from where they come from or how they look instead of there knowledge and skill
I think it’s great that society’s around the world are electing minorities. It’s great to see that people are being elected for what they believe in and what they have to offer instead of what they look like.
It is awesome that in a country where racism is a staple a man with character, integrity and a passion for his country has been given an opportunity that previously would not have been possible. The town appreciate him and have given him the chance.
I believe that title they gave him does not describe him becaue by the looks of it, racism is much more cruel in Russia than in the US. Sagbo seems to have done more for his country without being in office than previous politicians in the past decades so he shouldnt be judged the the color of his skin but by his actions.
The reason the media in Russia is calling Sagbo “Russia’s Obama” is because Sagbo is bringing “change” to the politics in Russia. The only thing the both have in common is that they both bring an image of hope to the people they promised to help when the ran for office.
Russia attracts many “Afro-russias” because they come to the universities because they are less expencive than the west. Sadly they suffer racism and sometimes violent attacks.
“Discrimination,” is the problem still rising around the world. People still see colors and distinguish different people for their origin or background. Since Obama became president, people all over the world see the change, no one ever thought an African American would one day become president. This brought more respect for the “Russian Obama” making him get respect because people see the effect on the world. Color is not an issue, we are all smart individuals capable of change.
Respect. Something that most do not know how to interpret. Race should not be an issue, in fact what really matters is change. He is just being tormented because he is actually doing something right. He is making an effort to change.
I think this is great! They elected him because they are sure he is honest. As we see that the black people can run a office, a big model is Obama. This title can influence in a good way because we can see that Barack Obama become the first president in the united state. There are more opportunities in Russia that’s why blacks people travel to the country even though Russia has problems with violence and racism.
Theoretically speaking, if we as humans were all turned into grey blobs, with the same personality characteristics, i don’t think there would be much of a wide-spanned issue with color in presidency. one man can perform the same tasks as another if he is given the tools to earn knowledge and how to live charismatically.
my whole point being, a person is a person. they’ll either do us justice, or ruin our country. Judge people, by people. not by race.
Human is human, there is no color when it comes to our physiological make up. A person should not be judged by the color of their skin and this article is great evidence of that. As long as a person has true intent on making a genuine change then they will be effective. And these actions are apperent in the actions of this politcians regardless of his pysical apperance. It is great to see people around the world making a change and how accepting others are being.
It should not matter what race you are all that matters is that you are human
Despite of his color and race, he was recognized for the achievements and contributions to his town. Its great to know that African Americans can hold important roles in a country after being considered a minority group. He is African American on the outside and Russian on the inside. He cared tremendously about his home!
I think that politics see Sagbo as a threat and lash out in racial comments.Universities are much less costly in the west so many take the oppotunity.
After seeing obama become president in 08 it totally changed my perspective on racisim in this country. it made me believe that literally anyone can become president of the United States no matter what your ethnic background may be.
Sagbo and Obama are both black politician and president, respectively, of a country that has strong racism. Sagbo was recognized as one of town members and had much respect from them for his good doing. No one cared about his skin color but only saw Sagbo’s care for the town, which broke the racial wall between them. Many black people are attracted to Russia because of Universities that are cheaper than in the West, America.
It does not matters the color of your skin and they must learned to respect the other races! and stopbeeing racist,by calling “Russia’s Obama” on Sagbo. they are totally different him and obama can be compared they have different situations and Obama must feel proud of him,African American people are making the difference in changin the way raacism is and by opening doors for the rest of them.
Racial politics around the world have changed drastically since Obama came into political spotlight. Black politicians can now be taken more seriously since these politicians are taken big steps towards the future. This only goes to prove that no matter the color of the skin, the only thing that matters is getting the job done to the best of their abilities.
Russia is still considered a racial country as our country has abolished it to the point where it’s not as big as it was in our earlier years. Calling him the Russian Obama is accurate as they have their first african american elected to office.
The reason black people go to Russia is for the education which will negate future racism
people should not discriminize other individuals by their color. people from color also have the intelligence to better our community, just like Sagbo.
The time is over. people should not be judged by skin color or race, but judged by what they have done and what things they accomplished. In this case, Sagbo should not be an issue because of his skin color ,but should be issued bu what he has done.
Obama made history; therefore, the world will always look back and will be reminded of the change in America. There will be people who will see the positive side of this new change, and there will be others who will only see the negative side.
Many black people are attracted to Russia because education is affordable,in spite of the entrenched racism.
The implication of this title is a great one, simply because when people think of Obama they think of change. What is this change? The change is the increasing number of Africans in office. The reason black are attracted to go to Russia is because many are attracted by universities that are less costly than in the West.