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What Obama’s Victory Does Not Mean
The historic significance of President-Elect Obama’s victory cannot be overstated; words cannot really express the sense of pride I feel. Still, America is one of the most racially polarized nations in the world. The painful effects of slavery and Jim Crow, arguably, still can be observed in the lives of African Americans. But on Tuesday, the unthinkable happened. A black man got elected to the nation’s highest office. As I sat watching the commentary, and reading the articles on NYtimes.com, it was clear that America has not missed the significance of this day. NYTimes noted that 143 years ago, Barack would have been considered property. Damn.
I am truly excited by Obama’s victory but, I am still pensive. I fear the backlash. Today, everything is cool. Black folks and white folks are standing arm in arm, celebrating. I’m sure is a beautiful sight.
While Barack Obama has made it to the White House, black folks have not made it yet. President-Elect Obama is somewhere between an exception and the creation of a new rule. His story is familiar to many of us. However, he is an extraordinary man. Not to be read “an extraordinary black man.” He has achieved what most people, regardless of race, will never achieve. Ever. True, he is a product of a single family home. He also has two Ivy League degrees, was president of the Harvard Law Review, and served as a Senator. The average American, black or white, will never achieve any of those things.
The stakes have been raised. The a new bar has been set. As an educated woman, I feel pressure. I feel like now, I have real work to do. Yeah, being a CEO is cool, but a black man will be sworn in as President in January. Achievement has new meaning.
Even with this, my fear is that people will begin to forget. They will forget about the institutional barriers that still exist for black Americans. They will forget about the overt barriers that plague black communities. Now, people will look to our President and say, “See if he can do it, why can’t you?” A CNN correspondent stated, that from this point on, there can be no excuses.
I don’t condone excuses, but I am big fan of reality. Reality bites for so many.
As we rejoice and basque in the victory, let us not forget about the state of our communities. Let us not forget that black children disproportionally underperform their majority peers. Let us not forget about the staggering number of black men in prison. We still have work to do.
The worst thing anyone can do now is become complacent and consider the race over. This historic time can do one of two things for people: give them a reason to relax and think the fight is over, or motivate people to be better than what they thought they could ever be. I’m hoping the latter prevails.
The starting line is still not equal, and if anything, a new race has just begun. Get your Gatorade ready and tie up those laces. We still have some running to do.
Sowhatiff “I got on my kicks ” Jenkins
50 Responses to “What Obama’s Victory Does Not Mean”
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I have to disagree with “America is one of the most racially polarized nations in the world.” I’ve traveled to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji and we are lightyears ahead of Australia. New Zealand and Fiji for the most part are just not very diverse to begin with. I haven’t yet been to Europe or South Africa, but good friends have told me about them being very segregated in most areas. Especially South Africa. Pretty much all of Asia is very adverse to different ethnicities. I don’t think I even have to mention the middle east.
I am in no way saying “we made it,” but we have definitely come a LONG way.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 9:47 am
I will not pretend that I have been other places, but what makes America polarized isn’t the overt stuff that may be visible in some of the places you’ve mentioned. Here, the racial tensions are unspoken, and often ignored or downplayed, but are very real for those on the receiving end. Its the institutionalized stuff that polarizes us the most, in my view.
I do agree though, we have come a very long way.
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Steph Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Racial tension whether overt or unspoken is unfortunate. However, I do think that this election is incredibly symbolic and powerful. It is a statement to the world that we demand change. There is no way a racist, a conservative, a republican, or anyone who did not support Obama for any reason can say that this was a fluke. America spoke load and clear.
That, to me, is a hell of a lot more than a baby step.
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LilBrownSkin Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Nah…I’m gonna have to disagree. In the grand scheme of inherent attitudes, and the fact that most of America is rural and conservative…this is a baby step. People still hate, and look down on Black people. Barack was the better candidate, and that was painfully obvious, but I still don’t think that means that largely, attitudes will change about Blacks. This is just a reason to look at us more pitifully if/when we don’t advance ourselves. “See, Barack did it, what’s wrong w/you guys?” When in actuality, as SoTiff said…Barack has done more than most Whites.
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Cheekie Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Yeah, I gotta go with Sowhatiff on this one. While the term “baby step” may seem to underestimate the importance of this event, this one event IS just one step to a long journey. Hundreds of years can’t be erased nor concluded with one big event, even it it is a HUGE event.
Yes, America spoke loud and clear. But under what circumstances? Was it because of our “rock bottom” status in the economy, record numbers of war fatalities, thousands of deaths in New Orleans with little to no productive assistance, and many more aspects that has caused our current President to reach new lows in approval ratings? I don’t want to be too cynical because Mr. Obama has increased my hope in ways I’ve never would’ve imagined, but I can’t help but wonder: Did many people vote for him thinking, “Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!” Also, I always have to consider how absolutely horrendous the attacks were made about him that would’ve have been even considered if he were a white man. Yeah, it’s great that he won DESPITE those silly claims, but it’s a shame that he HAD to overcome them at all.
Anyhow, on a more positive note, can’t wait to hear that presidential theme song that I’ve always hated with Bush, but will soon love when Obama enters the room.
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Peyso Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I am almost positive that most white folk who voted for him were in the “Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!”
I think the break down is :
20% Simply vote democratic
20% Like his policies
10% like the idea of a black president
25% still racist but not racist enough to not put food on the table
15% in love with the black man
10% b/c all their friends would look down on them
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Southern Belle Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I disagree that, “most white folk who voted for him were in the ‘Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!”
Statistically, 43% of the votes for Obama came from the white population, the same percentage of white votes received by President Clinton in 1996. Therefore, statistically, it cannot be said that race was a major factor in this election. Now you can speak for the Arab down the street at the store who gives you a hard time when you want to buy cigarettes, or Mary Jo who lives next door and calls the cops whenever there is more than 2 cars in your drive way and say that they clearly have an issue with race, however you cannot speak for the nation as a whole when you see such statistics. Watching a clip from Grant Park in Chicago or in front of the White House in Washington, D.C, as a non-Black voter I can say by looking at the demographics of people on that night that people judged a man “not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.” (MLKJr.)
Obama walked away with 53% of the actual vote, more than Bush. This means that 64,101,234 people decided that x issue was greater than race and they had a civic duty to vote for Barack Obama; 53% of voters are open to Change. Part of the work lies in bringing the other 47% up to a level where they rise above such a trivial mindset, and I think part of President-elect Barack Obama’s message was that it is possible to change the way people think.
(Stats from C-SPAN)
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Steph Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Thank you, Southern Bell. VERY well put!
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Steph Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 11:59 am
The statement of “most of American is rural and conservative,” may be true, but look at the results….CLEARLY rural America didn’t win. Ignorance did not win. Racism did not win. Also just because someone lives in rural America doesn’t make them republican, vast majority appear to be, but I myself grew up in rural America. I grew up on a farm and guess what, I am not some ignorant redneck. Nor are my parents.
I am not saying racism is over. I agree with Sowhatiff’s post!!!
It’s sad to me that people think Obama winning in a landslide victory despite all he overcame as Cheekie pointed out is a baby step. What better accomplishment for any human being to win, especially someone like Obama who many people would’ve thought NEVER could be elected simply because of his race.
Even if Obama were a white man, this victory was still HUGE. He won historically republican states like Virginia and North Carolina.
Maybe it’s because I’m naturally an optimist but I’m going to continue feeling extremely happy and proud that America voted for change.
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LilBrownSkin Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I don’t think there’s any disagreement with being extremely happy that America voted for change. I am elated! I think the disagreement lies in the fact that, yes, this is HUGE, but you cannot change inherent or learned prejudice. That’s all.
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Steph Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
No, I agree with you on that LilBrownSkin!
Fortunately though for all of us, “those people” (meaning the racist or ignorant) were significantly out numbered this time around.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I didn’t mean to imply that progress has not been made. But, one black man in the White House does not change or evaporate the barriers that exist that will keep so many others from making it there, or even out of the hood for that matter.
Southern Belle, biggups for the stats. I was watching CNN, and they too talked about how statistically race did not play a factor. I’m not one to argue with numbers cuz I’m not good with math and such. However, there are a lot of confounding factors that may have played into those stats (Cheekie raised some of them).
All I’m saying is don’t sleep.
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Cheekie Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I think LilBrownSkin brought something interesting with this simple statement: “I think the disagreement lies in the fact that, yes, this is HUGE, but you cannot change inherent or learned prejudice.”
Given how long it took for the effects of racism to develop, one event just can’t wash it away. I think the term “baby step” is used not because it is in insignificant step, but because the steps required to take are damn near infinite. The people who call it a “baby step” are looking at the big picture. Hundreds of years (and still going…) of deep-rooted racism will take a very long time to rectify. In the big grand scheme of things, it does seem like a “baby step” to some because we do have a LONG way to go. Maybe it’s all in perspective. Maybe that term is used not to undermine Barack’s achivement, but to make sure racism as an issue is not underestimated or thrown to the side as finished business.
Southern Belle, the statistics you’ve pointed out DOES equal change, but I do want to point out that while you say that you can’t speak for the country as a whole, saying they may still have issues with race based on those statistics, you also can’t speak for the country as a whole and say that there are NO issues with race just because those votes are there. Like I raised in my question, how do you know what these people were thinking when they cast their ballot? I think a lot of people were just sick and tired of the state of this country. We were DONE. And money? Well, we all know money trumps everything in this country and yeah, even race. Which, is interesting because the very foundation of racism/slavey starts with money, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic.
Seriously, I think Sowhatiff summed it up nicely when she said “Don’t sleep”. Bingo. This major step is the beginning, not the conclusion. And I’m looking forward to, well, moving forward.
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Southern Belle Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I also disagree with the latter part of your statement LilBrownSkin, inherent or learned prejudice can be changed. My parent’s were taught to be prejudice towards certain groups by their narrow minded family members, and I was taught to be prejudice toward others by my peers and environment. Many of my family members would not vote for Obama because of his Muslim middle name, and that causes an ethnic conflict. I was raised with the same mindset yet still voted for Obama. Individuals can overcome prejudice, we just have to educate ourselves. The resources are available to us if we want to accept diversity, the difference between us as intelligent people is whether or not we choose to use them.
What is inherent prejudice? Prejudice is taught, it’s a socially constructed idea.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
November 7th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I would argue that prejudice can become inherent when it has been woven into the institutional fabric of systems in America. True, prejudice is socially constructed. People are socialized and can learn prejudice. Systems are designed by and are composed of people. Once a system is created by people with prejudices, that system reflects the prejudices of those who built it. Thus, the system has inherent prejudices simply because those who created it learned prejudice from somewhere.
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I am so glad you started this topic! I had to leave work early yesterday because my coworkers were trying to ruin Obama Day. My work environment is a mix of McCain supporting good ‘ole boys (including a former Governor, former State Supreme Court Justice, and former State Legislator) and young white democrats (who even worked with the Obama campaign). Yet I am the only person of color and one of two women.
Yesterday at lunch we discussed the election and I heard arguments that this election is indicative of the fact that racism is not real and only perpetuated in the minds of black people. YES, that is what they said. They went on to explain since 63% of white people voted for Obama; white people are obviously not racist anymore. Further, they argue Obama’s white supporters were never skeptical about his victory and the only people who think this is so amazing and would never have happened are Blacks.
Some may argue this is the end of “white guilt,” but many people, white and black, think this is it. Whoopi said she can put her suitcase down because we have arrived. Yet, I completely agree with you. This is not the end. This is an amazing time, and I don’t know if or when I will stop waking up thinking, oh my god, Obama won. But racism is far from over. We are far from equality and justice for all in this country.
Condoleezza Rice, told reporters: “As an African-American, I’m especially proud because this is a country that has been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wrongs and making race not the factor in our lives. That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward.”
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I feel you on the we haven’t made it yet, but we have come a long way and that is to be celebrated. We just got to keep fighting.
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Wow…to say that this is the end of White guilt is very scary. I hope to God that they don’t think people are not still vehemently racist. Well…baby steps. This is only the beginning and I hope that it will only go up from here…
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Slim Jackson Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am
This will be the situation brought up time and time again when that affirmative action debates sparks up in classrooms or wherever. “You people can do anything now. Times are completely different.”
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU PEOPLE?!?!? **Knife drawn**
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Obama or any president doesnt control the racist CEO, the racist professor, the racist lady who follows you in the store. He doesnt even control the young girl who voted for him who is bound to say something really stupid.
All this election proves is that great things can be done by a black man in spite of racism; it doesn’t prove the absence of racism.
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1.) I think this is a great accomplishment that will act as a catalyst to push us all. I think we as a people have lost momentum lately. MLK and Malcolm were distant figures that many of our and subsequent generations could not relate with. Obama has sparked something in a lot of people and will give folks of our age something to aspire to.
2.) With that said, I don’t think there are any excuses anymore. Blaming “The Man” was, in my opinion, bullsh*t from the get go. Just have to “make it happen.” America doesn’t owe us anything and they’re damn sure not going to give it to us (pause). We have to take it. Excuses are for the weak.
Now if there’s a racist CEO blatantly not hiring you because you’re dark and didn’t just return from Saint Tropez, than that’s a different story. But I don’t think we can any longer rest on the laurels of slavery and racism. It’s time to make some things happen. Time to take care of ourselves, as well as our people, and do what’s right. Racism still does exist and it will for awhile. But I’m tired of hearing folks use that as an excuse as to why they can’t do something. Can’t isn’t in my vocabulary and after Obama’s win, it shouldn’t be in anyone’s anymore.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Seattle secretly voted for John McCain. His closet is full of red instead of blue. Ohhhh, the irony!
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Seattle Washington Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I’m also Laying Pipe for Palin. Where do you think she got the line “Drill Baby, Drill!” Whoo Ahhh!
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Steph Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
LOL, thanks for bringing the humor back into this blog.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Can people blame racism (an intangible idea) or the barriers that racism has created over time?
I don’t think people should make excuses, and blame the man for every little thing that is or isn’t happening for them. However, what people like us (i.e. those on the way to “making it”) should remember that there are very real systemic forces at play in this country that we have learned to navigate for a number of reasons. Its a thin line to walk.
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Good job on this article. I really hope us as a people (not just black people but the NATION) can start to make some progressive strides racially. Rome wasn’t built in a day but it never hurts to start.
I agree that reality bites but let’s keep it funky, we as Black people definitely can’t complain about the “THE MAN”. This win could be used in many cases as a key examples our community in particular. As Seattle said, America doesn’t owe us sh*t so let’s start taking it.
This win isn’t just some hand me a bone moment but more of inspiration. Whether Obama does well in his tenure or not this has to be some form of a motivator for anyone. And Tiff, we should not fear pressure because it can bring out extraordinary things out of human beings. Embrace the pressure.
We should not forget the past or the barriers ahead of us but what are barriers? When you see something that we all thought was a joke and a moment that would happen when we were pushing retirement. The time that we all have been yearning for years is here.
No one is saying to forget the past, current barriers and the kids but lets cut out the whining and tighen up the BOOTS AND STEP THE F UP!!! If some of our timeless black heroes can come up from being raised as sharecroppers, being told to take a back seat or settle to drink out of a different water fountain, we should take in this moment and appreciate the current time we are in and get our feet moving!!!
Barriers and obstacles can be man made but the will, drive and heart is instilled within an individual.
Peace in Bahgdad
-BBW
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Southern Belle replied “Southern Belle Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I disagree that, “most white folk who voted for him were in the ‘Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!”
Statistically, 43% of the votes for Obama came from the white population, the same percentage of white votes received by President Clinton in 1996. Therefore, statistically, it cannot be said that race was a major factor in this election. Now you can speak for the Arab down the street at the store who gives you a hard time when you want to buy cigarettes, or Mary Jo who lives next door and calls the cops whenever there is more than 2 cars in your drive way and say that they clearly have an issue with race, however you cannot speak for the nation as a whole when you see such statistics. Watching a clip from Grant Park in Chicago or in front of the White House in Washington, D.C, as a non-Black voter I can say by looking at the demographics of people on that night that people judged a man “not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.” (MLKJr.)
Obama walked away with 53% of the actual vote, more than Bush. This means that 64,101,234 people decided that x issue was greater than race and they had a civic duty to vote for Barack Obama; 53% of voters are open to Change. Part of the work lies in bringing the other 47% up to a level where they rise above such a trivial mindset, and I think part of President-elect Barack Obama’s message was that it is possible to change the way people think.
(Stats from C-SPAN)”
I disagree. Your point doesnt address the idea of race playing a factor in this election. Your reasoning is because it didnt before it must not have this time. Also, comparing the outcome and statistics of this election to the way society acts in everyday life leads one to believe they “Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!”
There have been well spoken clean cut black guys with great ideas before, they have existed since the time of Frederick Douglass and DuBois, but they didnt do anything to change the mindsets of people. We may win individual battles but it is and will always be present as an institution. This election is not going to stop the professor from treating me like a dumb black jock when I met the same requirements for admission as everyone else. It wont stop the short Italian lady from following me around the Polo store (I shop here every week, you know I know where everything is, I dont need your help. Help the asian girl over there who actually looks lost). It wont stop the lady from clutching her purse when my articulate, Ivy League educated, finely tailored suit, briefcase sporting, clearly makes more money than her so I’m not going to rob her, gets on the elevator. Racism is still alive and well and quite frankily I dont think its ever going to go away. But what is truly inspiring about this election is that people can see past their preconceived notions and do what is best for them. In the past, there were times when a white man would cut his nose to spite his face. Meaning he wouldn’t sell his goods to a black man and thus earn less money due to his own racism; showing us how racism can be victimizing to both the receiver and the supplier. We are in a time when people realize how stupid those ideas are. Their racist views are not being held over what is best for their family and what is best for their country. That is what is inspiring and that is the change that I believe Obama was preaching.
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Cheekie Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Well put, Peyso. Especially that last paragraph. You put into coherent sentences, what I was trying to scramble up together.
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Southern Belle Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I believe you’re misunderstanding the logical flow of my conclusion from the premises I put forth. My reasoning is that, statistically (with factual evidence) one cannot say that race mattered. You could stop me and say, “Hey! The majority of white people voted for the other guy because Obama’s Black!” and then I’d say, “Well show me proof.” You might show me the statistic of how 55% of white people voted for McCain, and then I’d serve you my stat in return with my Clinton stat as well. K.O. It would then become very clear that due to your educated assessment of the environment you live in, you felt that the 55%/43% vote is indicative of a race factor, when statistically it is not.
“There have been well spoken clean cut black guys with great ideas before, they have existed since the time of Frederick Douglass and DuBois, but they didnt do anything to change the mindsets of people.”
On what scale do you make such a comment? These people paved the way, and they made monumental changes in their own societies. With regard to Dubois, Douglass, even Sharpton who ran for president not too long ago, and Shirley Chisholm (first Black female to run for president in 1972)–while statistically race may have worked against them, we have to look at the times now. The most important factor affecting people’s voting choice was the economy, my point is that the majority of people in this country put x issue before race, if race even mattered to them at all. I’m not ignoring that race could have been a factor, I’m acknowledging that Obama won this race on an unrivaled political strategy and a presence comparable to that of John F. Kennedy’s. Anyone who tries to bring race against him as a negative factor will do so inefficiently and without empirical evidence.
As for the comment that has sparked such an intelligently articulated discussion, sir, “Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!” I will respond by saying this:
1.) Substitute the word “Black” (which should be capitalized since they are a group of people not a color, and since we’re in the business of being meticulous I got you) with the words “Catholic, divorced, ugly, Jewish, female, etc…” all words of prejudice. People have voted according to the above formula since elections were created, they’re called ignorant voters, but hey, we got their vote. There is something to be said when one man can convince a society held down by racial tension that he can be their hope; give the small percent of ignorant Barack supporters credit for choosing to vote for reasons greater than the triviality of race, and give ignorant Hillary supporters credit for choosing to vote for reasons greater than gender, etc.
While racism still exists and prejudice too, you signed up for a campaign that believes in Change, and by doing so you show support for the changes that have been made over the last 100 years and pledge to be a part of so much more in the 100 years to come. Luckily for me, you ended your comment in support of my original conclusion, “people voted for Obama because they believed that x issue was greater than race.”
“Their racist views are not being held over what is best for their family and what is best for their country. That is what is inspiring and that is the change that I believe Obama was preaching.” -PEYSO.
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Peyso Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I guess we’re not arguing the conclusion but how we are getting there (I’m not really sure if I want to say we are arguing premises). I guess we should be happy that people can put their silly views to the side and do what is best for all.
You are right, based on the aforementioned statistics you cannot say that race played a factor in this election, however, based on those same statistics you cannot say race did not matter. Like I said before, and please correct me if my interpretation is wrong, but your argument does not address mine. What I am saying when I say “‘I am almost positive that most white folk who voted for him were in the “Hey, I’m not quite comfortable with a black president, but man I have to feed my kids and I’m tired of this war! I might as well vote for him!’” is that RACE DID NOT PLAY A FACTOR but it is still prevalent in our lives outside of this election. Now with that said, it may sound that I am contradicting myself, I was just pointing out what I saw to be a fallacy in your argument.
The main point of what I am trying to say and my interpretation of Sowhat’s entry is that though we have an interracial man, which for all intents and purposes is a black man and historically has been considered a black man, racism is not dead and the institution lives on. It will occasionally rear its proverbial ugly head but hopefully less frequently with every baby step huge leap.
You are very right, we can argue that ignorant voters have always existed and will always exist. I’m sure many people, both black and white, voted for him because he was black. Hell, I’ll admit the first thing I liked was that he looked like me the rest of the world. But I am glad that I have the opportunity, like the rest of America, to be ignorant .
I disagree with your idea that “While racism still exists and prejudice too, you signed up for a campaign that believes in Change, and by doing so you show support for the changes that have been made over the last 100 years and pledge to be a part of so much more in the 100 years to come.” I think many people plan to be apart of this change until their economy is fixed and the war in Iraq is done. Then it is business as usual. Do you think that without these extraordinary circumstances, (economic crisis, social security crisis, Iraq War) Obama would have been able to be elected to serve?
Maybe I am just jaded on the motives of the American people. I wouldn’t mind being proven wrong.
And since we’re being punctilious, “meticulous I got you” needs a comma.
jk lol
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Southern Belle Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
We weren’t being punctilious, we were being thorough. With that being said, you still didn’t capitalize those B’s! I’m going to go back and insert the comma, because I’m going to give you credit for being right…
…but that’s all you’re right about.
JOKES!
Oh Peyso, different folk different stroke (pause).
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Peyso Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
O I can show you, (no pause)
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Cheekie Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
“I believe you’re misunderstanding the logical flow of my conclusion from the premises I put forth. My reasoning is that, statistically (with factual evidence) one cannot say that race mattered.”
What those statistic prove is not that “race doesn’t matter”, it’s that race didn’t matter ABOVE all of the other factors of choosing a president. When we choose presidents, usually we don’t agree with EVERYthing they propose, but we take other things into consideration. The question here is that just because a white person voted for Obama, does that mean they didn’t have one ounce of predjudice or racism in regards to his skin color? My argument is that the economy’s (hell, the country’s, period) dire state trumped predjudice/racism, but it didn’t erase it. Peyso cited a lot of those “cutting the nose to spite the face” examples above.
Again, I want to make clear that I’ve celebrated and is still celebrating this monumental achievement. But, you have to take note that if you want to go fo change, you also have to acknowledge what needs changing. Moving forward includes addressing the very issue that is hindering you from moving forward and correcting it. And as far as racism goes, it will take many, many “baby steps” to get there due to its significance. To steal a poignant metaphor from Obama when he used it for addressing the war, we have to use a “scalpel”.
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Damn, I can’t even get down on this topic right now. Too much intellect brewing in here. Good work Sowhatiff!
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If your worried about people forgetting about the barriers blocking black folks, that may be a good thing. The number one barrier blocking our people is the barrier in our mind.
Some people, me included, feel that Barrack being raised by a white women gave him the ability to dream bigger. His ascension COULD help erase that mental block of low aspirations from a whole generation of black folks. Conservatives always suggested that all other barriers would fall once we addressed that problem.
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Shelia Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
“The number one barrier blocking our people is the barrier in our mind. ”
I think Obama becoming President will help remove that barrier. A generation without hope will die and we all know that the younger generation lived as if they had no hope. Hope has been restored.
Racism is still alive and well however, this was a step in the right direction.
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I would like to piggyback off of Cheekz$ comment.
While Black America does have a barrier, it is the barrier of an impoverished mind. We are cynical, and rightfully so. We were raised to be leery of the promises of America, because they were not developed with us in mind. The election of Barack Obama does not erase the pain of racism, but rather the POWER of racism. Because while we all know it exists, it has been proven that it is an obstacle that can be overcome.
Barack Obama became President because he is indeed an extraordinary man. But instead of using that as an excuse to not achieve, use his example as a reason to BE EXTRAORDINARY. What makes this wonderful is that there is a generation of children who will know nothing other than that they can achieve great things if they tap into the best of themselves. We now have an opportunity to break the chains of an impoverished mindset, that is what Obama’s victory means.
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Insomnia, don’t let anyone steal your joy! Good for you for leaving work. I think everyone should take the time to take in this moment… because it will be fleeting (sad, but true).
We have a lot of work to do, and our journey with our new President and our struggle as black people is far from over.
On the first level, voting is only step one in political involvement. I am so proud of my peers, young black kids who are getting motivated and the elders for holding on to hope and jumping into action for this election. However, yay we voted but, hell… we’re SUPPOSED TO DO THAT!!! Nobody deserves any slack just cause they voted.
Obama can’t do this by himself, he’s gonna need help from the House, the Senate and local gov’t. It’s up to us to stay engaged and make sure our state and local officials are on board with the changes he’s proposing and make sure they feel the fire.
As black people we have a lot of work to do. For years I’ve heard people say that we need the next Martin or Malcolm to step forward. People are always saying “do better black people”, and now is the time to do it. There is an infectious energy in the air and we all need to tap into it and use it to our advantage.
Malcolm X said:
“Think of the image of a someone sitting. An old woman can sit. An old man can sit. A chump can sit. A coward can sit. Anything can sit. Well you and I been sitting long enough, and it’s time today for us to start doing some standing, and some fighting to back that up.”
In his victory speech Obama asked us not to sit. He gave us a call to action. He reminded us that this IS our country. I spoke to a friend last night about finally feeling some pride in my country. Finally feeling some attachment to America that isn’t rooted in childhood naiveté. I sat and thought about one of those songs I learned in elementary school… This is my country, land of my birth, this is my country, grandest on earth… that never really resonated with me until yesterday.
This OUR country and it’s our responsibility to take an active role in shaping it. Starting over the weekend and up to the time I left work on Tuesday I decided to immerse myself with black thought and music and tune out all the chatter on the news and one thing that really hit home with me on Tuesday was Malcolm X’s speech about the Ballot or the Bullet. I’ve heard it many times before but it really gave me pause on Election Day.
I’m all for unity and was happy to see people of all races and backgrounds overjoyed on Tuesday, but it’s time to see some Black Nationalism. Obama has just given more Power to the People. We’ve got the ball, let’s run with it!
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THIS IS GREAT DIALOGUE!
As an AMERICAN, i’m happy Barack won! As a Black Man, i’m inspired to reach even higher and go even further than before. The thing I wonder about is, what will happen from here? Will you study a little harder, work a little more, give back more often, help others besides you (no matter race, class, religion or any other barrier)? How do we get the public schools better so that we can educate our children about the 44 Presidents (BARACK = 44)?
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How do we mentor our youth so that they have the tools necessary to do anything they want? How do we uplift our communities which are still full of drugs and gunz? How do we financially educate the people in the community so that they SAVE and spend responsibly?
PERHAPS WE NEED MORE COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS, TEACHERS, FINANCIAL ADVISERS, LAWYERS. WHAT WILL YOUR PART BE SHOULD BE THE QUESTION YOU ASK! HOW WILL YOU HELP BECAUSE YOU’RE ONLY AS STRONG AS YOUR WEAKEST LINK AND RIGHT NOW, OUR COMMUNITIES ARE STILL WEAK.
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::insert applause::
This is a great conversation. Thank you all for sharing your intellect and opinions thus far. Send this one to your friends (even though I know many of you do already.)
Keep em coming! (pause)
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Peyso Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
This is much better than legal writing… Or so I’m told
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Cheekz brought up the good point that Barack grew up different from us. To expound on that, I was thinking about this the other day and finally found an article that sums up my thoughts surrounding his paving the way:
“As we congratulate ourselves for overcoming four centuries of racial oppression, we need to recognize the extent to which Barack Obama also stands outside of that history. Barack Obama stands tall as a symbol of black achievement but he does so as a man with no roots in those aspects of the Black American experience that have poisoned American race relations. He has no roots in American slavery, the era of Jim Crow, or urban ghettos. Is it possible that the only African-American who could cross the fragile bridge across the racial divide was a man unassociated with the great crucibles of African-American life?”
I’m sure the above quote can be mistaken as one that questions Barack’s “blackness.” So let me make this clear: That’s not up for debate. In fact, I don’t agree with the rhetoric posed at the end. While Barack’s family roots and his childhood may not represent that of the typical African-American struggle, I’m sure his adult-life did. No matter the circumstances of his childhood, once he came of age, people saw a Black man. At that point, his life was very much associated with the crucibles of African-American life. (I will say, though, that Michelle’s life/family is a fair representation of what the writer suggests.)
Nonetheless, this is something to think about and definitely brings to the forefront the idea (posed by many) that this election is just one baby step on a very long journey. I’m excited to be a part of this history, and I smile when I reflect on how far we’ve come as a people. But rather than simply suggesting that there’s much more to be done, let’s 1) basque in the achievements that have already been made, 2) realize that while Barack Obama represents the first baby step, his plan for change may mark steps two, three, and maybe even four, and 3) continue to build on the idea of change with actual/tangible plans of action and strategy. Otherwise, we end up like the folk who don’t vote but complain all the time.
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I could not have said it better myself!
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Slim Jackson Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Prometheus!
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Prometheus Reply:
November 7th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
What up Slim? I finally followed you over to your new spot. I’m enjoying myself thus far. Life has been so busy since the summer ended but I hope to keep myself a little more engaged these days!
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I’m gonna have to follow up with the issue that Ife and Brooklyn were getting at: how do we sustain and continue this progress. The truth remains that pressure needs to remain and grow. We need to keep up the social awareness that exploded with this presidential campaign, not necessarily for a better economy/health care/ education but more so that we set a strong example for the kids following us.
How many people took a good look at the young’uns these last couple of months? They were just as excited about the race. Why? I think it is due to the energy that the people older than them were exuding; they could feel that this was important. If we teach the youth that being active in your politics is important, the change that has started with Obama can continue. The same way the older generation helped fire up the youth during the civil rights movement should we do for the youth today.
I believe I can safely say that everyone commenting/viewing this site is a leader in his/her own right. Well, we need to lead by example in this aspect of life. Stay active as you can and don’t be afraid to spread the word!
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Oh, and grab some knuckle head kid and mentor him/her. Be it a cousin/sibling/kid ’round the corner: They all need a positive adult in their life outside the traditional parent role. It doesn’t have to be much, a half hour talk every week or meeting up after school every day. Just help point our future in the right direction. Thats my two cent for now
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yes people, President Obama can’t do it alone… we need to do what we can to help eachother out, black and whites (and asian and latino) alike!
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Indeed we have a lot of work to do. Obama’s victory is just like 9/11 in that everyone has a this new sense of unity that will soon fade and everyone will be back on their usual grind. First off, one thing Obama’s presidency definitely does not mean is that all the current powers that be in business, politics and education are automatically replaced by black folks. This is still a democracy. Other races will not automatically bow down to us now. We can remain optimistic that the rest of the nation and the world will take notice of the potential of the black community, but this will not diminish the fact that if you break down any racist their hate is based on fear. Our entire constitution is based on fear. The turnout and the support from all facets of the community for Obama does show that our society is not as far to the right as we may have previously suspected, but that does not negate the fact that the right still exists. As well as the FAR right, which is primarily where much of the hate and prejudice resides. An Obama presidency is not going to endear them to us. The biggest lesson we should take from Obama being president is that all we need to worry about is being judged on the content of our character, because just like the color of my skin, ignorant racist sentiment will not change anytime soon.
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