Nov 05 2008
Why Race Still Matters
I was extremely surprised to see several emails today saying we should stop talking about Barack Obama’s race. “He’s just a man, it doesn’t matter. Stop talking about it,” said one comment. I could not disagree more. Obama’s race is still VERY significant - and, worth celebrating for at least a little while longer.
It seems some people in this country have forgotten about the history of race relations in this country. Only 44 years ago, the Civil Rights Act was passed. It was 1956 (after both my parents were born) that Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman. It was 1963 - still in our very recent past - that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech” from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. And, just five years ago - right here in the Inland Northwest - I interviewed Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler when he decided to run for mayor. I knew that day racism was alive and well in this country; I stared it right in the face. And, don’t forget… there are people in this country who are just a generation or two removed from relatives who were brought to this country chained to the bottom of ships; brought here as slaves from their homes in Africa. Electing a black president is a very big deal.
I’m not saying any of us should carry any amount of guilt for the racism that has existed in this country. Unless you are racist yourself, you should not be held accountable for the actions of ignorant people. But, to say race does not matter - that we should “stop talking about it” misses the point of this historic day. Yes, eventually we will see Obama as just another president. But, for now, he is a symbol of how far we’ve come as a nation.
(7 votes, average: 3.43 out of 5)
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Well written Melissa!
You are right in the points you bring up. Living here in the D.C. area where whites are the minority does give you some perspective.
What has to happen now is that you and others in the media cover this man the same way you cover a white politician. Warts and all. He did get a pretty free ride from the mainstream media which even Democrats and Independents admitted to in a recent poll.
It also showed why most people have lost confidence and trust in the “media”.
Do you honestly think McCain would have gotten away with sitting in Richard Butlers church for years and then conveniently quitting when the heat started? Obama was allowed to stay in Wrights and get a free pass. Thats water under the bridge now.
I’m not crazy about his policies but I’m also not a zealot who will dismiss him and all he represents as he is in the other party. Most Americans will give him the chance and hope he does well. I’ve been wrong before especially when Tony Blair came to power but admit I was wrong about him. I will wait and see who he appoints to positions and how his policies will affect me and my family. If I think he’s wrong, I will be part of the loyal opposition and try to get change…….
……but it won’t be due to the fact he’s black.
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