his comments are not racist he is simply naive and out of tune with new leaders like sarkozy and Obama. Don't forget Silvio likes joking a lot this was light-hearted. ojong, cameroon

No, he's not a racist, he's just a total idiot. As an Italian, I apologize to Barack Obama and the people of the United States for what our prime minister said.

Of course it is not racist. I am biracial like Obama (I have a white father and a black mother)

And it is so annoying that everything has to be interpreted as racial. I am sick and tired of it! I think there are very few hard-core racists in this world. And they are probably in equal amount among blacks and whites.

Let us ignore those few and have a relaxed tone among the rest of us.

Thanks
Martin

I have been living in Italy for two years now and have learned a lot of words and humor can not be translated. This is being taking way out of context

Firstly, I wish to apologize for the words of Berlusconi.
Berlusconi is smart dangerous and sometimes idiot.
In truth he is angry that he can't keep the relation with the President of USA as he had with Bush since the backgorund of Obama is too much different.
Italians, and this is not a wish, are much more in favour of Obama than of Berluscane.

he isn't racist, he is the man of gaffe ..

Making light hearted remarks about sensible matters is not appropriate for a prime minister. The only appropriate description for Berlusconi joke is "foolish" , and it does not deserve any further comment. It is anyhow quite sad for Italy to have such matters to be discussed and displayed in front of the whole multi-ethnical world

Even IF berlusconi wouldnt be a racist, what about some members in his government, or that north italians look down at south italians as "arabs".

Silvio Berlusconi is probably the most "imbecille" prime minister Italy have ever had. Which shows that with money and power from the private sector, doesnt necessarily brings intelligence automatically. Its just so sad that Italiens choose to re-elect this person as their prime minister.

Its also funny, as a side note, how Silvio Berlusconi was so strongly upset towards the Swedish Television ad campaign for showing that the Swedish television was free television, in contrast to Italy, who´s TV channels is runned almost all by Silvio Berlusconi media companies.

Why satire just about Bush, McCain and Palin?!
Is President Obama a sacred cow?!
However Berlusconi is not racist, just amusing...

Having been very often to Italy, I understand the transalpine sense of humor. Italians tend to joke about serious matters to defuse them. In my opinion, tne great excitement about Berlusconi's joke is more of a political issue than anything else.

As a political leader Silvio Berlusconi is trying to improve the relationshp between Italy and the rest of the world, not only shking hands or showing our beaties around th world but even using jokes.
His speech on obama was as light as a joke and was full of compilments and admiration for the good shape of The president of the united States.
All the rest is the bad way and the attitude of the italian left-wing,defeated-in-the-election, parties of throwing trash on Silvio Berlusconi as they are run out of arguments in the italian politacl debate.
Good job Alessio Vinci. And good luck Obama...

This joke is a sign of racism but not racist in and of itself...somebody that repeatedly makes these kind of "cute" remarks, you can bet they harbor some bad feelings about black people. I know people like this who make jokes about black people but insist they aren't racist..."Its just a joke! Have a sense of humor!" In this case, where there's smoke, most of the time there's fire...

If it does racist, talks racist, jokes racist, then it's racist. I can see why Italians would be embarrassed about the man they have regularly elected to the highest in the past 20 years, but facts are facts. Berlu is a racist doubled of an inelegant idiot. He belongs to the Bush era. By the way, Italy has been slowly slipping into xenophobia and racism these past few years. Including self-xenophobia: in the North, they blame the South for wrecking the economy.

Berlusconi's comment shows that he is either "un imbecile" or "un ignorante". Such a remark is a disgrace for Italy

Berlusconi, just ran out of words. Probably could not find the Italian word for half cast. Racist , I do not think he is, because racism is not just colour. Even Europeans who are poor receive racist remarks.
Italy.

He is not a racist, just part of the Ignorant Leaders we have had the misfortune of having to guide us. On what was the most historical day of our time, he might have tried saying something a bit more worthy of the situation, even quoting Julius Caesar.
Luckily for America, we know longer have to make excuses for the embarrassment of our President. Hopefully, Italy will finally see the light, too.
More on heralding in The End of Ignorance at my blog
http://burntbythetuscansun.blogspot.com

infact i really dont think that berlusconi is a racist, i mean perhaps yes
he like to talk without think , but i mean be racist is being ignorant and
what i can say is that hes not an ignorant. but he have a terrible sense of humor, not racist but bad sense of humor

Berlusconi is not racist...

He is just... Italian :)

The anti-immigrant Berlusconi is more open to ethnic minority questions in Italy than his "tolerant" and "multicultural" opposition. Like many of his other blunders, this one also isn't racist, but stupid.

Superb article! It makes a great clarification of the situation at hand. Berlusconi's humour may be not everyone's "cup of tea", as I can clearly remember the comment made in 2003 and the reaction on Austrian & German Television. Looking back at that time, I did feel quite irritated that a leader would say such a thing, but in the end – it is who Berlusconi is and sometimes individuals may just have to accept that despite someone's inability to express oneself correctly, that someone has his strengths and capabilities. Some may argue that this may be a tough characteristic for a politician or diplomat, however, isnt it true to say that given today's free and instant flow of information people should be less sensitive? History is history, unless of course it is Israel that one talks about who's government bases anything and everything on its burdens of the past – which are no longer valid today.

Berlusconi is simply a dictator in a country with no hope left, where the shame he put on it is the citizens' least problem.

Berlusconi has no presidential posture whatsoever, that's a known fact in his own country, where some go even further: he's an embarassing clown. His rethoric and personal appearance are the evidence. He's someone who usually speaks out, not showing the will or the capacity to reflect even AFTER the consequences, in order to appologyse or to re-phrase his comments, by himself, let go of thinking BEFORE he speaks! A spokesperson will have to come out and do the job for him.

Why on earth do you not think that his comments were not racist?? As someone of colour, if someone was making JOKES about the colour of my skin I would find it impossible to conclude that such remarks were racially motivated...what else can they be? Would he have chosen to make a joke about McCain in the same way? Probably not. I think one can conclude that he is not only a vain imbecile who is not fit to govern but also a racist.

I'm sorry, but you're flat-out wrong. Joking about someone's skin colour does make you racist.

Is there any one who can advice him to check his tongue?

Racist , and father of racists , and the head of a government of half mafia half fascists .

I hope that Americans don't think that all Italians are like Berlusconi and I wont make any further remarks on this . Unfortunately many people voted him and we have to bear the consequences. I can assure you that many Italians stayed up all night and cheered when Mr. Obama won the elections. Good work Mr. President and good luck. God save the United States of America

As a young Italian leaving abroad and being among a group of people coming from around the world Berlusconi comments make me always feel ashamed of being Italian. Our country is overwhelmed by so many problems and is probably going through the worst moment in many years from so many points of view, that he should rather talk less and get to work.

A leader of a country has to be serious and responsible in every occasion, expecially international ones. Another time Berlusconi showed how low is his concept of state and respect toward others. Recent episodes and those one listed in the article may show a princple of mental disease cause I can't believe a mentally healthy Prime Minister can say such things. Italy does not deserve such a leader even if it has voted him, but the explanation is that he is the owner of the three major private television and he has political control over the three public channels. In this way he will always have supporters.

I don't understand why there is a new global culture rising, which calls for us to *pretend* that we are totally blind to skin color, sexual preferences, etc. ? This is very different from not being a racist.
I have a lot of friends who have different skin color from me, and have different sexual orientation, and with all of them it is not a taboo to talk about this, and it shouldn't be. As it shouldn't be a taboo to satirically speak that e.g. caucasians are inferior to african americans in terms of sports and music.
We all should open our minds to all those who are different from us in any way but share the same interests and values, but at the same time I think that it's a top of hypocrisy to pretend – by all means and no matter what – that our eyes do not see differences between the appearances of men.

He is an idiot!!!

1) Berlusconi is the best PM Italy has ever had. Just look at what his governement did from 2001 to 2006 and ask you why he won last elections so successfully.
2) Berlusconi was simply trying to "destress" USA-Russian relationships by trying to connect Russia's PM and Obama to the fact that both are the new and young generation of politicians; moreover, he did not insult Obama by describing him as "young, handsome and tanned". Where is the insult? Berlusconi and many many people try to look tanned all time!
3) That was not the first time he spoke about Obama after November 4th. It was the second time. he spoke on November 5th. Just look at local tv-news.
I find people really ipocrit. Or is CNN servicing italian left communist party which is desperately suffering from last April huge electoral defeat? and BTW, it's a shame that CNN reporters are judging a PM for what he says and NOT for what he does. Maybe is the fashion in USA today: I wonder if Obama has been elected for what he is or says and not for what he has done or achieved.

Who in the world can take it as an insult when called "young, handsome and suntanned"? Is the color of the skin an issue? Well, ALL media in the world have underlined the fact that Obama is the first black US President. Are they all racists?
How can anybody consider what Berlusconi said as offensive, racist or even a blunder?

I am italian, and once more I find myself deeply embarassed by the stupidity and arrogance of Berlusconi.
While I agree that he was not trying to make a racist comment, and thought he was being "funny", what outrages me is that we have a PM who is unable to understand the weight and consequences of his stupid comments on the International scene.
He is simply not qualified to represent a nation.
He is stupid, and for a head of state, that is at least as bad as being racist.

Silvio has made childish comments about Finnish president and Finnish food. Having lived in Italy I know Italians are tired of his "humor" but don´t really understand how stupid his comments time after time sound to the others. -Finnish lady-

Whether racist or not, Berlusconi is a deeply primitive person, as his countless offensive statements illustrate.
What is worse, though, is his understanding of democracy and his contempt of any domestic opposition to his government.

Yes, Obama looks suntanned, so what?, just cut the crap.

That is funny. The American political correctness has gotten out of control. 30 years ago the US had a sense of humor, everyone teased everyone else, it made for a sense of lightheartedness. Now we overanalyze everything. Everything that does not make us feel superior is considered "hate speech" and I find that silly.
Be funny tease others and keep things light and fun. We have forgotten that. Seems like the only sane Americans (those with enough self-confidence to take a joke) is white southern males...they love the sterotypes and find them funny.

Berlusconi might not be a racist but certainly his tasteless comments are not only jocks. He usually tests the audience with his over the line remarks. And usually, if the reactions are negative he will retracts saying he never pronounced those words.
But this time Berlusconi forgot that the audience were international corrispondents who are not his employees. Mr Berlusconi forgets that in the rest of the western world the press is still free.
That's the real big shame about all this story

He is mini G. Bush, a rich brat, who didnt learn any ethics.

For all of Berlusconi's wealth and political and professional success, he comes across time and time again as being remarkably crude and ignorant. As Prime Minister of a great nation, what an embarrassment!

Am African..these comments are no more rascist than me calling Mccain White ..Berlusconi ..just plain dumb .. an old man losing his marbles and cant hold his tongue.

Gee, I didn't know Joe Biden had an Italian cousin?!

As he mentioned it himself, Berlusconi is not a racist, he's just an imbecile.

He is just plain simple-minded and consideres himself as a "funny guy".

The only country in the Planet where you cannot call a black man, Black is in the United States of America, and the Imbecile reporter who wrote the Article about Mr. Berlusconi's comments is because has not experience other culture but the American.

In my country if you are black, asian or anything you are called by the way you look, and is not offensive at all.

Get over it !!! It was a nice friendly and enthusiastic comment

Anyone out there aware of how far to the right this man stands? How he wishes to separate the "clean" north of Italy from the "dirty" south?
Anyone not thinking this man is a racist is naive and out of tune.

Berlusconi's closing of italian Borders hardly echoes anti immigration sentiment ive always felt. Im african american, no offense taken. Let's remember this was the same guy that ok'd italian parliament to legalize marijuana for Black rastafarians in the region.

just the comment of an old man, 72ys. old, used to tell jokes while entertaining people on cruise ships in his youth... no racism, but a very big ego. he has done and said better things.

I think Berlusconi is the black sheep of the Europian Leaders and he would say worse than that and he must opologize profoundly.

Simply ignore this clownesk caricature of a "president"

Berlusconi not racist? Ask the African immigrants, Albanians and Gypsies in Rome today what they think. There have been a profusion of articles the past few months on his policies of intolerance against these people. And if he had made this comment in 1967, then one could possible say it was a gaffe, but in 2008? He has imbibed too much of the EU anti-immigrant kool-aid. I have noticed that he is the one European leader thus far that Obama has not contacted. I hope Berlusconi likes being at the end of the line.

from France: Mr Berlusconi is always thinking he is a greahtfull man, nothing on this man is greahtfull. Non respect about colleur people is allways part off his jokes, the man is smpel not funny al hole. Barack Obama what me concerns is the best what the world ever could gett. God bless Barack Obama the new elect president off the USA. We the people from Europe, are waiting for you to welcomes you with miljons off us.

Being a "Caucasian South African" who has had the incredible experience of witnessing the empowerment of scores of previously disadvantaged compatriots, I am overjoyed at the election of Barack Obama. There will be an international balancing as the focus moves away from race, to where it should be: leadership according to ability, and true success, as a function of merit, not of inheritance.

The media and certain leaders in South Africa suffer from playing the race card too quickly and too easily. The prospect of Obama taking this card and ripping it to shreds as he applies his skill and rebuilds American governance with a strong and carefully selected administration: this is hope for our future. Away with the jokers as well. True leaders don't need crutches or shortcuts. True leaders realise desperate times call for resolve and sobriety that will inspire hope in the hopeless.

Bring on real affirmative action – action driven by ability, affirmation according to merit!

Barack Obama deserves to be the president of the United States of America. Nkosi sikelel' iAmerika!

...makes me dearly whish we had somone like President-elect Barack Obama here in Italy. There is no other so-called 'elder' country I could think off, that would need it more.

I for myself, envy the American people and am most happy and grateful for the historic choice they made.

Will never forget that night!

I agree. Berlusconi is not racist. He is just an idiot.

This was within a context of talking with Medvedev. Berlusconi is not the man who will filtrate what to say at on/off camera. So he said to Russian why he will like Obama just like he likes Medvedev.

Europeans were amazed Bush won a second term in America in 2004, but we are a lot more amazed how Italians could vote Berlusconi back in power in Italy. The country is the biggest joke in Europe. I don't believe a Berlusconi type of politician could ever win an election in any other Euro country. Having said that, Berlusconi is not racist. But clearly a speak-first, think-second kind of person. Also it is quite baffling that he fails to recognize what kind of history the American people have made by electing Barack Obama President. An example Europe should follow. In my opinion the most important event since the Allied defeat of NAZI Germany. It is painful that Berlusconi could not say more than mentioning the colour of Obama's skin.

he isn't racist, he used to say blunders

Berluskoni is simply a fascist that tried to change its skin according to our years. Fascist is the great portion of the people that supports his government (AN is the political development of that people that fought against allied in the II world war) and mainly fascist and racist are the people of Lega Nord supporting his government. A very bad politician and government.

As an Italian American I find Berlusconi's remarks about Obama an embarrassment to both Italians and Americans. He clearly was unable to see past the obvious skin color of Barack Obama and failed to hear what Obama really represents in these very serous times we live in. What a shame.

As a U.S. citizen living in Italy for the last twelve years I can understand how someone from Prime Minister Berlusconi's generation could actually say what the P.M. said without being a racist and also without having the capacity to understand how it could possibly be interpreted as offensive while the younger generations might be more sensitive. I have always been fascinated by the idea of race and racism in Italy and my personal observation is that most Italians do demonstrate a certain amount of racism, but it is usually towards Italians from other regions and all others, black or white, are just foreigners.

He's not a racist, but no one has actually used that term describing him.. After all, what can we expect? He is not a politician, he's a former pots&pans seller who somehow made a fortune on real estate and other questionable ways.

It's not his fault he speaks the way he does: it's my people's fault for having voted for him once again.

Have to agree with Vinci. Berlusconi is not racist in the Old South traditional way: he would never go out and physically hurt people from a minority. He is, on the other hand, such a self-centered man that he is unable to understand that his jokes and pranks would be barely acceptable from a teenager, let alone from the Prime Minister of a country unable (thanks to him in no little part) to understand the meaning of the word "crisis".

You present NO EVIDENCE of him being a NON-RACIST. You talk as if you have personally known him for years.

You just come across as an apologist.

Today racism is hidden under the surface but it's still there. In these politically correct times, it occasionally comes out in the form of comments and actions.

I personally don't know if Mr.Berlusconi is a RACIST but i also don't know if he is NOT A RACIST. One cannot extrapolate from a comment either way.

he is a racist......and he made his point in a jokingly way

Embarrassing, stupid and naive. But not racist. In this case, anyway.

Berlusconi missed the opportunity to say something profound and meaningful[...].

Berlusconi missed the opportunity to keep his mouth closed, since everytime he opens it he can just insult people...
And Berlusconi IS racist, the worst kind of it: the one who thinks he is so superior and so good hearted that he can patronize those inferior beings.
As Italian I left my country 8 years ago desperate at foreseeing what unfortunately my country would become. Gold help Italy, we don't have any Obama in sight.

I am sick and tired of political correctness. But when something gets repeated ad nauseam the pattern starts to emerge.
Berlusconi is not a racist. He honestly does not understand what the problem is with his comments. And there have been many (domestic ones by far outnumber those on international scene). He also thinks that he is the funniest man alive (among numerous self-illusions, e.g. being tall etc), while in reality his humor is old-fashioned and lacks any wittiness. That is how he will be remembered one day.
But does that excuse him? Two of his close collaborators and MPs still use, publicly, expressions like "bingo-bongo" when referring to black people. Berlusconi tolerates this and has never clearly condemned their comments.
Berlusconi is not racist? Give me a break.

I am surprised you used so many paragraphs to defend Berlusconi rather than placing his recent comment in the context as to why he is unfit to rule a G7 country. Just to confirm, is Italy still a member of the G7?

As usual ,one of my favourite CNN reporter has the perfect picture of "our" PM ; its comments are not racists but childish and we just have to wait to listen to the next remarks because he will never learn . Without daring to compare him to the iranian President , this events reminds me of the remarks of Ahmadinejad in the US when he said "we don't have homosexuals in Iran " like he was speaking of a kind of vegetable that grows only in a given climate condition . Go on Silvio in such difficult times, make us laught again !

From Italy : No, Berlusconi is not a racist, but if you lived in Italy you would not agree. His party members have proved many times to be racist. His party members have often invoked racist policies against peopl from different religions, gender, skin colour , nationality.
Berlusconi though is not racist. But he bringing Italy into a difficult situation. Our media are quite servants of the government policies, the very few newspapers left that still comment on news, are quite resilient on asking questions to govenrment officers. they simply avoid to ask some questions that may piss them off. I am a journalist and I work in England, and journalist job is to discover truth in an objective way and report it. It Italy, it's been a while they are not doing that anymore.

Berlusconi is more than stupid he is also racist. His party represents the more religious and conservative party and his cabinet members are part of the Northern League which have followers who have brutally killed an innocent African Italian in Milan, as well as African immigrants in Naples. Some other hate crimes included are also other black immigrants who have been beaten violently with a baseball bat, black woman strip searched and humiliated and one recent incident of a Chinese immigrant being beaten by a gang. Berlusconi's government is intolerant and racist and they this so called gaffe outed how ignorant and racist he really is. Don't try to excuse his poor behavior.

Never under estimate the danger that is in Berlusconi's words. He is not a statesman, but his not an idiot either. Behind his jokes, if you can tell that sentence a funny joke, there's something more dangerous. It's a sort of not expressed racism. A very subtile form of superiority, Berlusconi likes to be liked by common people, in this period of economic crises it is easy to attack minorities, immigrants and yes black people. That's what is happening in Italy, people are becoming more and more afraid and more and more racist. Berlusconi knows that. Those are the ears he wanted to be funny to.

All,

To me Berlusconi is a BIG racist. His hart has spoken when he was asked for his reaction about Obamas election. However this is just another victory because at this time what is now important is to support Obama in accomplishing his mission. One of Obama s mission is to make sure that at least Berlusconi's children or grandchildren will know better. They should be intelligent enough to demistify this race issue.

I am embarassed to be an italian. The sad thing is that this happens often lately. The fact that Berlusconi often says unacceptable or just incredibly stupid things makes things worse, should be no consolation.

His racism it's the worst kind because it is "burned in", he does not even realize he is a racist, he thinks he is funny and even thought he said something friendly.

by the way, after Berlusconi and most of his political associates endorsed Obama, why nobody replayed the many videoclips of him talking of "my good friend George" or even the one in which he wished McCain would be elected...because he then would not be the eldest guy at the G8?

We italians are, by now, somewhat used to mr. Berlusconi's silly sense of humour. The worst thing about it is that he actually thinks his japes are smart. Anyway, over here, some still criticize him for this dubious sense of humour, some actually appreciate him for it (!), but most of us have just yielded to the simple fact that he's gonna be there for some more years and we'll have to stand him just as he is. But it's when his gaffes reach an international audience as broad as this time, well, this is the time when a lot of italians, I for instance, feel the urge to say aloud: "I AM NOT LIKE HIM!". I really ain't. =)

Why is this even a newsworthy item ? When will this exaggerated sensitivity and false sense of outrage – for bland remarks – stop ?
Thank God you can still talk freely in EU, as opposed to the US where media attacks every aspect of the very freedom of speech they are supposed to protect.
Pretty soon the only risk-free conversations will be about weather – at all society levels – anything else being offensive to some group.
And liberals (the left) will enter history as the ones who started suppressing the liberty of speech ... not mentioning the freedom of association.

I think it's kind of funny and really shouldn't be taken too seriously.

Obviously, it makes it harder to take a head of state seriously when comments like that spew out of their mouth. It's gratifying to know we have a new elected official with more eloquence, intelligence, and overall appeal than that guy will ever hope to have. He's just as divisive as Bush.

In a word, leaders like that are just pathetic.

Just to confirm: Italy is still a G7 nation. Why ?? Why not China or India or Brazil? Just what is the G7?

He is not a racist , but this goes to show how italians view imigrate with disdain.they are not open minded i experience it while i was in italy they still think we are the era of roman empire .i hope they should wake up from their naivetivity.

The issue is that Mr. Berlusconi happily confuses excercise of power and statemanship. Or maybe he never knew the latter. He likes to throw his weight around. He likes to joke and to clap his friends on the shoulder. Least we collectively forget his histrionic origins – he used to entertain on cruise ships. That's where he honed his skills that every news agency in the world immediately recognizes as a sort of trademark of his. His fans adore him – he's the golden boy with the golden touch, that lights up every party with his entertaining jokes and innuendoes. Makes the man in the street feel good, makes his secretaries and starlets feel cool, and generally reminds everyone that life is anything but the grim reality that everyone, including his colleagues, seems to wallow in.
So be kind with Mr. Berlusconi. He's the only one capable of bringing about the change this world really needs – with a joke.

Hello from Spain – he's just an old men who needs Faceliftings and Hairimplants to alter his ego – he has no respect because nobody in Europe respects him,nobody likes him.Poor Italy,if that is all that you can get.He realy think's because he's one of the richest men in Italy he can do whatever he likes.See his History of failed Politics and his intends to screw up the Judges so he can get away with his corrupt behavior not only during this legislation.He might be rich,but he is very stupid too

Obama is the best what could happend to the World – but beware ! there is terrible much Work to do and nobody not even Obama can do it alone.The Criminal Bush Regime has broken down so much thaht it will be very very difficult for the new White House Team to fix up that trash

That's the point. He's not racist but he doesn't understand that his way of joking may sound offensive to other people.
Even worse, if someone tries to explain him the mistake he gets annoyed and starts to blame back.
He's not a racist but such a kind of man is ruling my country. There is no way I may feel be represented by him.

Like many people in Italy he is racist but he does not know it. He thinks it is "cute" the same way as people here (in Italy where I live) look at my adopted daughter and say what a sweet little chocolate drop. They do not know how incredibly backward and offensive they are and then they hide behind the fact that it was "just a joke" or just "cute". Italy elected him and, sadly, he reflects the people.

i guess he is fool... democracy always tends to through up a clown once in a while... i guess he had been overshadowed by bush till now.... now he has the stage all to himself...

I'm Italian. I'm ashamed that Italy has a similar Premier. Nearly all the italians have a big hope in Obama.

I have not met many Italians who are fond of tanned people though, so I do think this is offensive.

he's not racist he is just a caricature of the ignorance turned into stupidity. And that it's what concerns and scary me: he's ignorance of everything his lack of category to be in his place . As spaniard, as a fellow european i can't understand how italian's (country that i do admire) could choose him as PM.

I agree with you ojong: he is out of tune.
I agree with The Economist: he is unfit.

Being tan for Berlusconi is a value.
I was born in Italy, I live in Italy, I have Italian passport.
And I can't say "I am Italian".
I just can't.

At least now with Obama we can, again, say that if the situation degenerates too much here in Italy we can always escape to the US. This would not have been the case with Bush or with McCain/Palin (especially Palin). By the way, on the other hand, she would have competed with Berlusconi on guinness book worthy gaffes!

It is sad to see that a country like Itlay has no alternatives when it comes to finding an inteligent leader. This man represents one of the oldest cultures in Europe. Unbeleavably incompetent and really stupid...

I have never expected anything "profound" from Berlusconi. His comments about Mr. Obama is exactly how he thinks -always being frivolous. I had foolishly expected a little bit of maturity and good sense. It is interesting to note that amongst Obama's calls to head of states of OECD counties, Italy was singularly absent – I am very happy about that. As somebody pointed out in this column, Berlusconi would never have been elected in any other Euro country. This just goes to show, how very misguided and downright stupid the Italian electorate is, and to have him elected again is mind boggling. They got what they rightly deserve, and is a blatant expression of bigotry and narrow mindedness that must be pervasive in Italy. I will be surprised if there is any rebuke of Berlusconi's comment in Italy – I am sure they all think its is a bit of joke.

Dear Silvio Berlusconi,

you are a complete JOKE! stop embarrasing me and my country!

italy isn't a factor worldwide right now and you're making things way more difficult with your fascist antics.

i'm ashamed of living in this antiquated and racist country called italy...and i'm ashamed of being italian!

Mr.Obama, i wish i could call you MY PRESIDENT.

As an Italian from Italy I can only apologize. What a shame for Italians.
Alessio Vinci (amazing correspondent) should have explained that racism in Italy is not, and cannot be, what racism is in the US.
We will know in the future whether there is racism in Italy (and the first signs are pretty bad thanks to Berlusconi's close to fascist covernment), but Italy was not confronted historically with a clash of different races. This made us cultarally less aware of the racial issue in general. This does not make us racists. Political correctness is unknown. My dad who is certainly not racist uses the word "negro" because this is the word in Italian and there was no cultural reason/pressure to realize that "coloured" is a better word. We call "filippino" houservants and "rabbino" anybody who is stingy and there is no aware implication that all philippinos are low class or that all jews are stingy. Even the connection with people from Philippines, or from Jew religious leaders, is completely lost in this expressions. While somebody from the US might consider these expressions as racist, precisely the fact that we use them completely unintentionally and unawaringly, shows that there is no racism.
Nonetheless, Berlusconi leads a government with many openly xenophobe poeple in it and his policy recently has been fascist.
These are very, very sad years – not for "comunists" or "imbecills" as Berlusconi claims, but for honest and open-minded Italians who are suffering tremendously for the image that Berlusconi is portraying on behalf of Italy.
A different blog should be devoted to how this could possibly happen....

From Italy: First of all, I would like to express my most heartfelt excuses to all US citizens on behalf of all the Italians that would not dream to be associate to a person like Berlusconi. I'm simply ashamed to share nationality with a person so rude, ignorant and arrogant as he is.

Sorry, but I firmly believe that Berlusconi IS not just stupid, but also a racist. To be a racist doesn't mean to walk around with a KKK outfit. We all know the kind of racism that smiles, looks friendly and tolerant, but would never regard another person as important as oneself. Berlusconi is a typical example of that kind of “frivolous” humor that conceals contempt and negativity to others, being them black or any other color.

Making such an offensive statement, Berlusconi is just telling his Italian supporters “I'm better than he is, he's just been elected because he's cute and could have the blacks vote for him. I'm a rich man who can buy any black man's position” In his complete demagogy, intolerance and stupidity he believes that he can be patronizing a person just because he's white and wealthy. Racism is demagogical, intolerant and stupid. This IS racism.

Please, do not forget that Berlusconi has become what he is today because of his ties to the mafia. The court cases proving this have been closed down with tailor-made laws created by him for himself! The mafia is not really the best friend of the minorities, should I go to remind you that?

I'm very sorry that an Italian has been able to insult such a great, great person as Barack Obama. I watched his inaugural speech and I wept. I recalled JFK and Rev. King and renewed my hopes in your great nation and your deep sense of justice and democracy. I'm simply so ashamed.

He is a BAD person! He notices Obama is black and made a comment that he was suntanned . As a USA person, I am HIGHLY offended. I must sue Italy, for my emotional pain, and they should be kicked out of G7 and the EU!!!!!! If Palin was in office, he also would have noticed she is a woman and might have said' she is pretty' ! Highly sexist! He should be kicked from holding any office and imprisoned! HE IS A HORROR!

Mr Berlusconi is not naive, he is just too ignorant to be Italy's president, i'm non proud of beeing Italian since he show with his empty party, please save us for all of his shame. I moved to France becouse I can't stand it anymore........ President Obama please don't call him

No one knows whether he's a rascist or not but the bottomline is who cares....now that we have shown them that anyone, black, white, asian or whatever who believes and aspires for greatness can be great...next we'll show that a government by the people for the people can brighten all spheres of our existence – difficult it is but yes we can!!

Let send CNN, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, LA Times, and the entire Main Stream Media to Italy to defend Obama.

Berlusconi isn't racist, Berlusconi is an old man in a new world. This world requires men like Obama, men concerned about environment, about social issues, about reform of the capitalism. Berlusconi is 72 year old, he wants to lead Italy into the future, but he is to old and he won't see this future. Obama is a leader, he is the president of all americans. Berlusconi is only concerned about the lobbies he represents. Obama is here and now, Berlusconi lives in other times and places in respect to the italian society.

As an Italian leaving in the US for over 20 years, I must say that it shocked me as well. But please, let’s not jump to conclusions. Humor is different everywhere in the world. I sometimes had to learn it the hard way. One word can have different meanings depending on how it’s used, but more often than not, it may also change depending on where you are. In this case, however, I must admit that Berlusconi’s “Gaffe” is not racist, but is also not appropriate, as he is representing Italy to the world, and as such, he must be aware of “basic” politically correct behavior. This isn’t his first time, and it won’t be his last. Some Italians admire him for he worked hard in his life, and starting from nothing he became a billionaire. Others cannot stand him, as they define him a corrupt politician, getting to where he is today through not so “legal” methods. This last episode is perhaps proof that he may have risen to power through corruption and NOT intelligence, as if he had any to use, he would be a smart man. Smart men do not make such mistakes. Finally, all reasonably intelligent people understand that what one individual may say or do is not representative of his/her people. Italy loves Obama. Celebrations were seen all over Italy, proving that the people of Italy have the most admiration for the next President of the United States of America. Rick

I think that Berlusconis comment was simply a joke because after all, he's a 72 year old man who has had a hair transplant with facelift to go along with it, so appearances seem to be more important to him rather than more serious aspects to politics in this day and age. By the way…he looks great!

Sorry for my english! Berlusconi is not a raciste: he is only a first class "gaffeur", a person who don't understand the very big importance – to the world and to America – of the election of Barak Obama as president of the United States. I apologize for what Berlusconi said with all the americans.

Let's just lay off with all this stuff about racism. It is way to one-sided.
Obama , the white African American. That is funny.He is open to jokes and humor just like any other president.

Both the US and Italy are guilty of being racist however since the Lega Nord has been voted into government it is criminal how they are going after African Italians, poor immigrants from different countries as well as the gypsies. While I was in Italy this last summer I've witness Italian authorities verbally abuse and fine immigrants on the trains for no reason even if they are legally living in Italy. The carabinieri are always going after black community. Berlusconi's statement was stupid however he should not be excused. Italians know he is disrespectful, irresponsible and corrupt and that being said he shouldn't be a leader to any county.

Well, Berlusconi uttered that what he meant. No joke. He still believes the have is superior and that the skin color is the determinant of human competence. He is a stupid guy, incredibly idiot and corrupt.

Berlusconi 's comments does not indicate he is a racist but it does suggest he is a fool. We just came back from a visit to Italy where we met some really nice people. Berlusconi's remarks would be an embarrasment to the Italian people. How fools like this ever gets elected is difficult to comprehend. But then again the US elected W twice but made up for those errors in judgment by electing Obama.

I don't think it was his intention to offend anybody and I wouldn't call Berlusconi a racist. His lack of sensitivity on racial issues is simply a consequence of his vanity. Trying much too hard – almost convulsively – to be funny, he once more showed that he's simply fallen too much for his own voice. He should keep his hands off funny stuff because he isn't just funny. The poor remainder of these efforts is a remarkable lack of self-control and diplomatic skills that has brought him lots of trouble in the past, and it will do so in the future.

Discussing on the alleged racism of Berlusconi I am hear seeing evident and intolerable racism against Italians. Italians have been here described as stupid, narrow-minded, naive, "the biggest joke in Europe", half mafia and half fascist and, of course, racist. To the point of attributing to institutional racism six black Africans killed near Naples by members of organized crime. Fantastic. As good old Luke used to say, "how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?".

Dirk van Zanten, Nederland

Berlusconi not racist? Tu sei pazzo, come lui!!!!! And let no one tell you that half of Italy – especially the northern part – is not racist. Their record is well documented.
Let no one become complacent simply because the new US president happens to be Black. Racism still exists.

I am an American living in Italy and one who also voted for Obama. I can assure you that Berlsuconi's comment was compliment. By the way, Italians adore tans. If someone in Italy tells you you look tanned...its a compliement. He said it with a sense of humour. Its completely ridiculous to make this into a "scandal". Dont you people have something else more constructive to do then look for problems which really dont exist.

This meatball not a racist? gimme a break. he's not stupid either you don't get that far being dumb. he just needs to shut his pie hole and keep eating his spagetti

Racism is perhaps too strong a word but careless sure fits.

What is troubling is the following: whereas Americans who are often critisized for their ignorance and stupidity have been able to see beyond the color of Obama's skin, it appears that Berlusconi feels that 'young, handsome and even tanned', are appropriate adjectives.

It's a superficial view that reflects poorly on this man's depth of thought.

I have dual citizenship Italian and USA and I voted for Obama. I am offended by Berlusconi remarks. He think I am an imbecile. He is an imbecile baboon.

What came to my mind when watching how history happened in the States, can be summed up in a movie title; 'No country for old men'

Albeit in the sense that, at last, democracy in the USA has prevailed over Stupid White Men's thinking and actions.

Berlusconi is not an imbecile, because I don't want to join him on his same lowly violent communication style. He 'sounds' more like a jobless angry xenophobe italian sipping his morning espresso while watching the news about someone who looks and acts very like him.

No, I categorize him as a specimen of a larger lot with the same characteristics. And around Europe we have plenty like him. He is in good company.

We Europeans always boast that America may be more advanced in science but we are the mother of the major part of its western heritage and culture, a mature union 'known' of its european diplomacy and courtesy.

Thank you Berlusconi. You really showed it again. In your role not only as the italian president but as the European Head for the current term you have not only insulted a country and its president elect, but also me and all fellow europeans who think alike.

I used to be ashamed of the USA during the W. era, my late fathers newly found home. Now you made me ashamed of my europe.

Democracy is a fragile form of government, we as citizens of europe have to fight for this right everyday, But when apathy, greed, and a feeling of helplessness just to name a few, all woven into the broader fabric of a people's motives and demeanour, get the overhand, they go and place stupid but powerful white men in government representing them. And when they do that, the same people go and defend them when they insult others.

An insult is an insult, interpreting it as racism would be judging. A joke can be made at home or between friends but not on the political stage in public.

If we excuse this with how Berlusconi or politicians like him all over Europe (and we europeans have our specimens sitting in all of our countries) are 'just joking', then we take responsibility from them. Thus we who elected them or excuse them make them irresponsible.

So there you go, he is just doing what we expect from him. Namely nothing.

As a european community it's time that we wake up in the light of this historic moment and realize that we can truly learn from this beginning of change as Obama said, if not at least for once, that if we join our forces and overcome our political apathy and realize that we also deserve leaders of Obama's caliber, then everything is possible. We need no irresponsible clowns, no stupid white men. We need to listen to what they have to say but if they cross the borders of ethics then we must say 'No'. If we don't, people like him push and dissolve that border even more. And what is a joke today becomes a habit tomorrow and people get accustomed to it and find it even 'normal' in the future.

Europe is 'No country for stupid white men'.

And if Berlusconi and others excuse it as a joke then I have one thing to say to you:

'Stay with your opinion, it fits to you.'

But turn down the volume, I am not listening to you.

As Einstein once said, a lie stays a lie even if millions keep on believing it.

Italy, what a shame you reelected this person... What is happening with your country? You seem out of touch with reality... This dirty right-wing will lead you nowhere...

Berlusconi is not a racist, he just made an entushiastic comment, maybe to “destress” USA-Russian relationships .
"young,hand some, tanned", where is the insult?
Maybe he could have said something different and meaningful about this election.
Most of the Berlusconi critics came from center-left political parties in Italy who try to exploit each Berlusconi gaffes to try to overthurn their electoral defeat at last elections.
I think Berlusconi is doing a good job in italy and not doing just "proclams" and "promises" like most of the politicians always do, but real facts and solutions ( like the garbage problem in Naples).
Like many people in the world i,m enthusiastic about the new elected U.S president Barack Obama becouse i,m full of hope he will really change America in a positive way and the rest of the free world.
And as italian I,m proud of Mr. Berlusconi as my president.

Max
Italy

Obama is a nice white guy with a good tan, basta!

BTW: there is no such thing as race, according to DNA.

It WAS pretty funny - in a "cute" way. Get over it!

What happened to free speech? Well, in the U.S., it is forbidden, but this is the EU.....

berlusconi s party is well known and well documented this is not much different then during the 30s if that guy had his way he would probably try colonize ethiopia again..

He may not be a racist but actually the words is undeniably a little sarcastic and some people may find it offensive. One man's food is another man's poison. It may be a joke to him but to the others, perhaps to Mr. President Obama, this is offensive. Being a leader of a nation, why not say something which is constructive rather than uttering something which may cause provocation and misunderstandings?

Oh, come on people, brighten up! I live in a resort town in the Caribbean frequented by Italians. They stay in the sun until they are tanned enough to pass as one of the natives. Whenever they can manage, they marry our women, whom they think are the most beautiful in the world! For Italians, tanned is actually a compliment, even if some people in the political world are trying to give it a different meaning. But I know better, I see it every day. As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Berlusconi's comments were taken way out of context. And I still belive President-Elect Obama is young, smart, tanned and very, very handsome!! Over here, we don't care if he's tanned or not – we just wish he will fulfill everyone's hopes. Peace out.

I did live in U.S for ten years and my husband is an american citizen.
Based on my knoweledge I think our P.M had no intention to offend Mr. Obama,.
He only made a joke. ! It is only a joke ! He do think every thing is a joke !

by the way
Let' s publish a book containing all the comments submited so far!

Hello everyone. I am an italian which married an american and now after 8 year in the USA has moved...immigrate to her native nation. There are several immigration problems in Italy at the moment. The unstable situation in Africa causes people to leave and reach for a better life in Europe, and due to geagraphy and to italian non-existing-immigration policy causes a large amount of africans to arrive on the italian coast. Italy due to this big wave of immigration is becoming very disgustilngly racist, and you would thing that a goverment that will not inforce immigration regulation, will at least not fuel its spirits. It was very embarassing as an italian to hear those words. I am sure....or let say I hope.....Berlusconi meant to say such a term as a joke, but he should have known better than to talk like an old-time-buddy with a new president elected which he has never met or ever spoke with GOOD WAY TO START!!!! I really believe that Berlusconi should apologize or at least explain his situation on a international stage. Let's in a better tomorrow.

An Italian that claims to be ashamed of being Italian because of the words of someonelse, even his/her own PM, is a sad timewaster biased by the left wing destructive attitude that set in my country over the years. What did Prodi do as PM? His last "gaffe" allowed millions of personal data to be posted online on the internet, displaying a great deal of total lack of common sense and intelligence. It is outrageous to waste time winging about an unfortunate joke, but iot is typical of the left doers to talk and do nothing good for the country. Let's not forget that Berlusconi was voted democratically and he would have not won if the left had offered a decent alternative or simply governed efficiently when they had their chance with Prodi.

It is a shame that most of the Italian press is controlled by the left wing supporters.

Last but not least I wonder how many people out there suffer from "racial innocence syndrome" which leads to worse than pretend colourblindness under a politically correct attitude. Read below and judge for yourself.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Yjk1ZjUy OGFlNDlhODg0ZWEzZTE5YzhjZTBjZDk2ZTc=#more.

Berlusconi's comment wasn't racist, it was just stupid. The guy is very arrogant, he is used to be worshiped by those around him because of his money and power, and he just doesn't think about the aftermaths of his actions.

For him, giving an interview to an international newspaper or chatting around a table are just the same thing. He can say whatever he likes and those around him will keep praising him because they worship his wealth. He cannot accept his mistakes since he is used to this kind of general approbation. That's way all those that criticize him are stupids, or communists, or idiots, or enemies of the freedom, or whatever insult he can come up with. Because since he cannot be wrong, if you criticize him for sure you must have a hidden agenda.

I totally agree with those who say that someone's skin color is something we should feel free to joke about, it is no more than a genetic trait, just as build or eyes shape. But it is a genetic trait that has a heavy burden of history, culture and crimes against humanity, and as such the topic should be dealt with with some more care. You would expect this kind of tact from a prime minister (capitalization is willingly omitted).

And though I think the comment itself is not racist, I think that Mr. B. is. He doesn't have specific problems with the color of people's skin, he is racist in the very deep sense of the word. He is one who attaches labels to groups and individuals without trying to understand the entity and relevance of the differences. You do not agree with his remarks, you're a stupid. You did not vote for him, you're an idiot and do not deserve his respect.

He is a man without a real culture. I mean maybe he read the books but he didn't really try to understand them. Why to learn history when you can change the culture of your country with your money and TV network?

I really don't care about the looks of PMs. I care about their wits, their capabilities, their culture, their humanity, their sensitivity. Well, maybe their age, I'd like wise young people to guide their countries. Mr. B. is deficient in all these aspects. No surprise that he is envious of Obama and tries to come to terms with it telling "amusing" jokes.

I totally agree with the comment stressing the fact that Italians tend to joke about serious matters to defuse them. It's true, and they are not alone : "Some subjects are so serious that one can only joke about them" wrote the father of modern phisics, Niels Bohr. Furthermore, I think that the President-elect will find less offensive (if offensive at all) this joke than other episodes involving the italian left wing, of wich I see here many "unbiased" comments. I refer to the episodes, during the Prodi's governement, in wich members of a party of the ruling coalition burned American flags on the streets iranian-style (of course alongside of those of Israel). The same people are those that yell "racist" if one protest if an (illegal) immigrant or gipsy rob his home.

stefano -
Apology accepted (at last from this American who voted for Obama).
I can believe it was not meant in the way it came across. Don't feel too bad about Berlusconi. At least he did not take you into a crazy war!
Ciao!

No, I agree, he's not a racist. I think actually he was just trying to lighten the mood, and make a joke. The problem is that journalists around the world want to make stories out of non-stories. True, some of his comments are very inflammatory, unprofessional, but racism involves hatred, or at the very least ignorance that promotes hatred. His comment about Obama doesn't even come close.

Based on the definition below, Berlusconi is a racist. He promotes racism as a way of ruling. He taps in to the fears of a nation to enact legislation that undermines minorities in Italy and then he tries to be "cute" by using humour as a mask for his and his nation's dark side. And the Italians keep going back for more..meanwhile the country's economy is one of the lowest in the EU, corruption is rife and immigrants are not even classed as citizens but who cares right? Because on the catwalks of Milan the Italians rule. What a joke Berlusconi is! Vergogna.

Racism: a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

Berlusconi's remark is probably one of envy seeing that recently he hasn't been sporting his rigorous tan of the past; furthermore, it is obvious that before appearing on TV, he always paints his head black with what looks like shoe polish. In fact, there is an Italian saying: his judgement is under the soles of his shoes – exactly where Berlusconi's judgement seem to be, for apparently he's confused his head with his shoes.

I would like to ask to the commentator that have said: "NO EVIDENCE of him being a NON-RACIST" (i.e. "no evidence of innocence, in absent being guilty") where he is from, North Korea?

I am Italian and I am not ashamed of being Italian. Berlusconi is free to say what he wants, ... and by the way that was not a racist comment, it is being taken out of context and blown up by the left in Italy. I never supported Berlusconi, but I believe that political correctness is gone really out of all proportions. I work with black guys that are not worried about being called black because that's reality like I am white, we joke about each other and laugh we are good friends and we do not see each other by the colour of the skin but for the human beings that we are, and we do not bother about "lables" because this is what these words are. We are what we are and who we are is what we care. ... and I do not have to apologise for anyone or anything... especially for being Italian.

Just a question: why the connection G7 (maybe G8) with the phrase of Berlusconi? We are not speaking about a Country but about its leader... yes, many italians voted him but it's because someone thought he can change things. We need new young people!
Anyway Italy is a country with a great past who gave bases to many modern countries and we have many resources, we haven't only mafia fascist etc. and I think more democratic than other countries. So, stop, the discussion will be too long .. Berlusconi (and I want to say I don't like him) used to say blunders, he said that in a wrong moment as he wasn't with some friends of him but I'm sure he didn't want to offend the President ..
ciao Debora

He is racist and even jelous of Mr President Obama.If he wasn't he would never thouth such comment,printed in his heart.
As italian citizen I fell ashame and I beg pardon to the American people .

I think the Italian P.M couldn't be called a racist. The only reason being that he has made other political comments which have betrayed the true picture of him: he is the most tactless president of the century. Having no presidential bearings or carriage in his person. And unfortunately he lacks it even in speech. Poor italy. I think they get what they deserve. A country' leader is often a reflection of . . .

no Leaslie, you are wrong and you offend italians, I don't feel like Berlusconi ..
just another question? Why american comics didn't imitate Obama? scared to be racists?

Sandra (Australia)

In that case all anglo-saxons are racists as they label italians, spaniards, blacks yellows and anyone different with a label like wop, wog etc. Please, Berlusconi is not a ra cist, he promotes nothing of the kind, and italians keep on going back for more because they have a rotten "class" of politicians. I would be judged a terrorist/ anarchists if I said all italian politicians should just pack their bags.

If it is true that Pres. Obama did not call Berlusconi for what he said, I think that he should go back to basis, he is the pres of country and a politician, he cannot ignore Italy or the Italian PM. He should be bigger than Berlusconi. If does not do that...then what he said should be taken with a pinch of salt. But, I believe that he is greater than that.

...Remember it is much easier to criticise than actually providing resolutions. So Italy, because of the italians keep on surviving in spite of their politician "class'

Nothing compared to Fox News' mostly veiled and ocassionally glaring racist attacks against Obama. It's everyone's right to take sides, but then sly and foxy-foxy Fox News has to pevertedly make the ludicrous claim that its reporting is "fair and balanced".

Mr Vinci,

I have many friends, all over Italy, who routinely express disgust, disdain, disappointment, and despair about this toothache of a Berlusconi.

Italy, Siclily, and Sardinia have my sympathies, and understanding. I lived in the USA for forty years. I met many people online who judged me, just because the USA has an embarrassing President (and that's just George Bush - I travelled extensively, during the Nixon and Ford Administrations... that was great fun. Fortunately, I carried a British passport!)

Berlusconi must have been the lesser of two evils, to win the election.

I hate to think what his opponent was like.

As a person of colour, who lives in the UK - which grows daily MORE racist - who lived in the USA through schools-desegregation - and who would have had to carry a pass, in Old South Africa, I know racism when I see it.

I don't see it in Sylvio Berlusconi. A 'racist' is a person of deep convictions. I am not convinced that Berlusconi is CAPABLE of 'deep convictions'! He seems shallow, belligerent, and rather proud of being 'controversial'.

Tony Blair's Deputy Prime-Minister, John Prescott, was a womanising, rude, crude, vulgar, stupid, uninformed, lazy, hostile, drunken, angry buffoon, who made his first impression by punching a reporter, and continued in that vein, until Blair finally was forced to sack the old fool. John Prescott was morbidly POPULAR here, in the sense that people were always entertained by, and speculating upon, what moronic thing he was likely to do next!

He said unfortunate things, every time he opened his mouth. Is he racist? No. He's too DIM, and far too shallow, to be racist. He's a typical British xenophobe, but that's no crime in Britain. Whether or not it should be, is open for discussion.

The racism here is the British National Party. They are neo-fascists, are SERIOUS, and are gaining support.

Doubtless Italy has some sort of equivalent lunatic-fringe Party. Those people are worrying. Berlusconi is just embarrassing!

Mr. Berlusconi you nigth don't know the meaning of ethical.
you missed an opportunity to shut your mouth.
your comment sounds racist.

Hehe, this guy sure make alot of mistakes/comments :)
Always fun to check out what he says on different topics and just wait for a mistake :)
That being said, the whole racist thing is being blown up big time after Obama entered the presidental race.
He is definitly not an racist though, just a dumb guy in a high office, just like bubba-bush :D

@ GFunk1967

You said:
That is funny. The American political correctness has gotten out of control. 30 years ago the US had a sense of humor, everyone teased everyone else, it made for a sense of lightheartedness.

Were you IN the USA in 1978? I was. Thirty years ago, the US still had race-riots. Thirty years ago, African-American kids were still in the most substandard schools in the country - and they still are. Thirty years ago, all housing was Officially 'desegregated', but if an African-American family moved into a White neighbourhood, they could count on harassment and hostility, at best, and crosses burning on their lawns, at worst.

Many would agree, that the 'political-correctness' of speech, which did start in the USA, has got out-of-hand.

Those people who agree with you have never been on the RECEIVING end of HATE-CRIME, which is what the limitations on speech are aimed at combating.

If people have to THINK, before they talk, about whether their words
might cause HARM, in theory, it helps them learn that all people deserve RESPECT. Obviously, it doesn't work on people like you, who obviously do not respect all human beings equally.

Oh yeah, it was such 'teasing and good fun'. You either have no clue what you are talking about, or do not care how offensive your views are.

Now we overanalyze everything.

Ahh, the ole anti-intellectual spirit! What a Good Ole Boy.

Everything that does not make us feel superior is considered “hate speech” and I find that silly.

You obviously don't understand the meaning of 'Hate-Speech'. It is speech used to express a feeling of superiority - like when Italians moved to the USA, the Irish, who had been the bottom of the social scale before them, used ugly words 'w–', etc, to put the Italian immigrants down. It wasn't ONLY Irish-Americans, but it was a way for them to feel superior to somebody, because everybody ELSE dumped on the Irish, until a new wave of Immigrants arrived.

Hate-SPEECH is the theory. Hate-CRIME is the practice.

Be funny tease others and keep things light and fun.

Oh yes, godsforbid anyone should be SERIOUS about the issues. Are you old enough to remember the hyper-inflation of the Italian Lira? It wasn't funny. It was misery, and poverty, and dark times in Italian history.

What are you so desperate to hide from? Why are you so insistent that nobody should THINK?

We have forgotten that. Seems like the only sane Americans (those with enough self-confidence to take a joke) is white southern males…they love the sterotypes and find them funny.

WHOA! White, Southern Males BELIEVE the stereotypes. (Not MOST White, Southern men, thank the gods, but the ones YOU mean) They don't find themselves funny. They DO find burning down African-American churches funny. They DO find spray-painting swastikas on synagogues funny. They DEFINITELY find chasing young, African-American girls into the woods, and tying them to trees, and gang-raping them HILARIOUS. The serious neo-fascists don't find anything 'funny' unless it involves violence and humiliation of people they call 'mud-people'.

You are one sick, twisted individual. Your 'joking' completely fails to hide a strong and disgusting Neo-Fascist streak. I know Neo-Fascism is rising all over Europe. You are an example... and I am profoundly disgusted... You, and those like you, and those who are WORSE, would be strung from trees, as 'dirty w–s; by those White, Southern men, whom you so admire.

I am struggling to find a good reason why that would be a Bad Thing... Oh, right, because LYNCHING is WRONG, even if the person who is being lynched is social POISON.

Berlusconi's remark was very astute and purposely made to come across as confusing and ambiguous; purposely made to be interpreted as offensive by some and as "just a joke" to others; purposely made while in Moscow with his old friend VLadimir immediately after the US election results; purposely made to steal international attention in a somberly important moment for humanity; and purposely meant distract Italians from financial legislation issues. WAKE UP WORLD AND READ THE SUBTLE MESSAGES!!!! Dear Uma, keep up the good thinking work. I have trouble with dates and details, thanks for reminding me and take a look at my above comment.

II agree with Chelle 63 !!!
and i do confirm that it was just a joke to distract italian people away from our domestic problems !

I read above some comments that are enlightening on the ever-increasing conspiracist mood in politics: those people has forgot the wise words of William of Ockham: "All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best." (this is also an answer to Uma – UK, it's not anti-intellectual spirit, it's wisdom!).
I am not sure if abroad is so clear, as is from within, the "little game" of Italian left-wing of routinely labelling "a fascist" (or, lately, a "racist" or "xenophobe") anyone who does not subscribe to their "enlightened" ideas. This game is very dangerous, indeed, and some consequences are already showing.
Fascist is someone who behave as a fascist, and most examples of this behavior we found today in the Italian opposition, who, having many troubles winning any argument on their own merit (and by the vote), clung on the tactic of demonizing their opponents instead. This is carried on preferably by the services of colleagues, comrades, friends, party journalists, and assorted sympathizers abroad to machinate lynchings of the representants democratically elected by the people, and backed by the consensus of nearly 70% of the electorate.
In the words of Italian screenwriter, playwright, novelist, journalist and drama critic Ennio Flaiano: "In Italy, fascists divide themselves into two categories: fascists and antifascists". "True" fascists are less and less …

BERLUSCONI, IS NOT A RACIST, HE IS JUST ITALIAN. ALL ITALIAN'S SHOW SIGNS OF HANNIBAL'S INFLUENCE. RUDDY COMPLEXION, NAPPY HAIR, THIS WAS NOT AN INSULT, BUT A COMPLIMENT, THAT WHITE FOLK HERE, CAN'T UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NEVER ACCEPTED THEIR BLACKNESS. ITALIAN'S KNOW WHAT EFFECT THE MOORS HAD ON THEIR CULTURE. ALL WHITE FOLK WANT TO BE TALL, DARK, AND HANDSOME. THIS IS A GENERALLY ACCEPTED PHRASE, BUT NOT EXPLAINED DUE TO RACISM. ME, I'VE BEEN CALLED TEASY, TAN PUERTO RICAN, AND I AIN'T FROM PUERTO RICO, BUT I' NOT STUPID ENUFF TO THINK IT IS AN INSULT.
IT IS A SYMPTON OF RACISM, SEEK HELP, YOUR TIME HAS COME TO AN END. THANK YOU FATHER. PRINT THIS CNN (CRACKER NEWS NETWORK).

Come on Italians! What are you ashamed of? The man made a comment comparing two young new leaders in an effort to be "corny" and it backfired! It is not so terrible! Lighten up for goodness sake! I am sure that Mr Obama did not take offense at all, he is much too level headed for that. And as for Berlusconi being accused of being a racist because he is trying to put a stop to illegal immigration from Africa, is wrong! Leadership of countries have an obligation to protect their own citizens right to work, living space, culture etc from foreigners who more often than not, becomes more of a burden than an asset. I live in South Africa and we are getting thousands of Zimbabweans, Mozambiguans, Somalis coming into our country where we have enough unemployment and poverty amongst our own people and so these illegal immigrants put a huge strain on our resources and causes tensions amongst citizens and immigrants. I wish we had a stricter immigratio policy and could stop these people swarming over our borders!!

And Uma, please this is for blogging, not for newspaper writing. You write such long diatribe that one just cannot take it all in when there are other people with short, smart blog writing to read. Please stop!!