Speaking of images, over the past 6 months I've heard Barack Obama respond to questions regarding
white men being "considered black". In one he responded "I don't know...I'd have to check to see if he
eats grits...[etc]." In the other recent instance which I recall more clearly, he was asked how he felt about
Bill Clinton being called the "First Black President". Again, he assumed the same demeanor, responding
"I'd have to check his dancing ability...".

I mentioned this to my wife and relatives at a family dinner one evening, fuming a little at another
luminary stereotyping his own. But my wife, whose perception I've always admired, countered "You should
give him the benefit of the doubt. He's probably just sayin' that because the question is so ridiculous!"

It immediately reversed my interpretation and I was indeed willing to give him that benefit.

But I'll be listenin'. [Comparatively,  his was mild.]