Comments on: Michelle’s College Roommate Catherine Donnelly Speaks Again- Why?

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:06:21 +0000

I am from New Orleans. The Rodrigue name tells me she spews from Chalmette with the residents better know as Chalmatians to native New Orleanians- the most prejudice folk in the suburb of the city. She stated she went to Isadore Newman School and she of all people, should have known how it felt to be an outsider because she was not independently wealthy. Trust me, she was considered trailer trash to the wealthy that attended Newman.

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:16:33 +0000

Karma’s a B****

By: Coco

Coco — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:58:33 +0000

Judging from the comments of the responders – often racist – nothing much changes does it – this woman’s message was clear so is the message from Michelle and Barack – reading these comments makes me wonder if people are HEARING the message. Please do not fall into the trap of thinking only white people are racist – that only white people act on their racism – it is on BOTH sides.

So listen again to the messages from the Obamas and yes from a person who admits the racism -

By: VinceinATL

VinceinATL — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:03:15 +0000

It occurs to me that Donnell will pay a price for her inability to overcome her racism for the rest of her life, something that many racist shall never bear or understand. And, she probably today does recognize the tremendous cost of her prejudice in terms of what it means socially and politically; and now she is attempting to weave some sort of rationale to her past actions. As some others have noted, I have little doubt that the First Lady wouldn’t be gracious and accepting of her admission, but this does not however mean that she would want to entertain the notion of re-visiting Ms. Donnell back in her life.

Having experienced similar circumstances, but with different results I understand the hurt and disappointment of being rejected by white schoolmates, but such things makes one grow stronger and they prepare one to deal with other difficulties. And, when one listens to the First Lady recount her dad and the strength he demonstrated while in so much physical pain, one understands that she wasn’t even close to being broken by this experience, rather she had the reserve to move and continue her studies and her career.

Ms. Donnell is in the First Lady’s past as I see no starting point here for anything but latent growth for Ms. Donnell who was the one who didn’t grow or experience. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson for many others who treated their African Americans classmates and associates with the same disdain and makes them reach out and apologize for things they similarly did at earlier times in their lives.

Only God knows if this woman is being sincere, and perhaps this is really as it should be, since the First Lady’s vindication of the hatred she once was subjected to by Ms. Donnell will forever be etched in our history of a beautiful, dynamic, graceful and intelligent role model who can speak from experience of the evils of skin color prejudice in a dignified and authoritative manner, without malice and forethought.

Ms. Donnell’s story only magnifies the luster of the First Lady and tells us that God indeed has the final say in our lives as he truly does lay our enemies at our feet.

By: GCG

GCG — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:08:51 +0000

I agree with most of what you said Mirakles. And, please note that I did actually say “assume” when mentioning class. However, I did go to college in the 80s in the not sooo deep south in Richmond, VA — where black students reported having shotguns from racist white men pointed in their faces threatening them to leave the area. Racism in the 80s was a hell of lot different than in the 2000s in some ways (although I work with someone who actually said that’s what I like about black people they can dance). These kids today have NO idea what racism is about and actually don’t believe it exists. I tried to talk to my nephew about it who goes to college in West VA and he looked at me like I had horns growing from my head. In the 80s some whites were still getting used to the idea of seeing blacks “up close,” but now students are not so surprised or upset with the idea of dealing with blacks on a more intimate level. But some things I still experience now that I did then — I’m still the only black in my office. I was the only black in some of my classes at VCU. I still get followed around stores. Folks still grab their purses when they see me coming (even when my purse is worth more than their entire wardrobe.) So, you’re right some things still haven’t changed.

But I hope they do.

By: MIRAKALES

MIRAKALES — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:06:56 +0000

While it may be true that the Ivy Leagues are selective, the time during which Michelle Obama attended college — mid-1980s — should not be confused with the 1940s – 1950s with stay-at-home mothers that focused entirely on family. To assume that the Ivy Leagues recruit people with class would be an assumption. The Ivy Leagues presume their students are intelligent. The separation is in that they require their students to aspire to make a difference. Catherine Donelly failed (F) that class. Michelle Obama passed (A+) with flying colors.

It is safe to assume that racism in the 1980s was no different than racism in the 2000s which is mostly regional, cultural, and generational. Catherine Donelly was raised in the racist southern regions of Georgia, in a culture tolerant of racial class disparity, by a family that was probably not as financially fortunate as they pretended or aspired to be. Catherine Donelly’s era was a time when women established their careers and focused secondary on marriage/family. Education was primary to achieve career goals. Marriage was secondary to establishing a career with the anticipation of family. The career-minded woman is a product of the 1980s. Catherine Donelly is a product of her southern isolated upbringing. Michelle Obam is a product of her metropolitan exposed roots.

By: GCG

GCG — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:59:20 +0000

I’m just guessing, but Princeton doesn’t let just anyone attend it’s Ivy League school. And, back then, they probably visited the folks they admitted especially the black ones and even if they didn’t, only the best and brightest are admitted. So, you can probably assume that a black person at this University probably had some class, intelligence and as a woman esp back then, was not violent. Those were the days when mothers stayed home and raised their children. So, why not at the very least rationalize to that end.

Unfortunately, this conversation will not end for a long time. Racism exists for more groups now — the focus is just not on blacks anymore. It’s just now that the President is black that the dialogue has resurfaced.

Now is the time for Ms. Donnelly to bring this up. People need to see how in every circumstance that prejudice is pervasive how wrong it is. The more people are able to admit it to themselves and everyone else, the more others may examine their own delusional views regarding race and prejudice in this country.

And, remember blacks are still accomplishing firsts in this country — some kids going to college are still firsts, first black attorney general, and ultimately the 1st black president. And, even witht the first black President, some whites just think he’s different esp. since he was raised by a white family. And, those same whites still will look at other blacks the same, old negative way they always have. And, some whites probably call him the N—-R president.

This country was built on so many ism’s it’s ridiculous. So, the dialogue will continue.

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:49:14 +0000

Kennedy, having just read your post, I am so very sorry that you experienced what you did, and also very glad that as you say you had a lot more positive experiences, too, in high school. You come across as a fine, human being, and, it’s beautiful that what you describe didn’t scar your Spirit, altogether.

You know it got me thinking a little bit, and, I concur that people with racist attitudes can change. I think back to my own primary school days and having a classmate whose father was in the National Front (much like the BNP) whose attitudes towards Black people had clearly rubbed off on him. And yet this classmate was clearly not cast from his father’s mould; it was fascinating to watch him change over a period of time. He was, in truth, a sensitive, decent, and very gentle person.

On the other hand, like you, Ms. Donnelly also leaves me guessing, and I am simply not convinced by her, at all.

And, oh yes! I bet a look in the Donnelly family tree to see who was in the branches may well throw up some real (possibly, unwelcome, to her!) surprises.

By: Dr.Christopher Warner

Dr.Christopher Warner — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:32:30 +0000

Dear Ms. Catherine Donelly,
I must congratulate you on your forthrightness during your interview with Don Lemmon on Jan. 17th. 2009. I could well imagine that those demons from the days of Princeton University with you room mate Michelle Obama, now the First Lady must have haunted you all these years. I am proud of you and your mother who admit that the thinking back then was wrong. I could well imagine that you must have followed the presidential campaign closely. Did you help in the campaign for President Obama? As a member of a minority group, I guess you now fully understand the pressures that minority groups experience. Have you met the President and First lady as yet? I would encourage you and your mother to visit sunny Barbados one day.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:11:09 +0000

Once a racist always a racist. Catherine is seeking fame at Michelle Obama’s expense.