What a Black President Means to "Racism"

[The Straight Story]

What a Black President Means to "Racism"

Considering "president of the United States" is without a doubt one of the hardest jobs in the world, everyone knows the heavy load that Barack Obama is preparing to take onto his shoulders.

...

The question: Is the black community prepared to recognize its own new level of responsibility that the "First Brotha in the White House" will undoubtedly create?

In short, fairly or unfairly, African Americans as a group will be seen in a different light now. Already, there is an undercurrent within the media that, "Obama's elected; racism as a problem for blacks is over!" While that's not an accurate reality, there is a kernel of truth to it. To the extent that racism exists -- and traditional black organizations feel the need to address it -- it had better be real egregious cases.

....

There's an old saying that's appropriate here: "Living well is the best revenge." As president of the United States, Barack Obama is about ready to be living well -- and living large. The Trail Maids grow more antiquated every day Obama lives in the White House.

On the other hand, things like black poverty, illiteracy, unwed pregnancies, shrinking black women -- and other ills bedeviling the community still linger. The Trail Maids have nothing to do with them. A President Obama can only do so much to address them. Contrarily, state-level organizations -- such as the Alabama NAACP -- just like their parent group might want to use the existence of a black president as an inspirational focus to battle those social ills.

The goal being to ensure that Barack Obama isn't just a "one and done" black president, but the first of many.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/us_world/Facing-The-Obama-Challenge.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. Only to the ignorant will black Americans be seen differently. The rest of us..

have seen black generals, admirals, NFL head coaches, governors, mayors, professors, etc.

[nini]

2. great answer

:thumbsup:

[Captain Hilts]

6. Keep the faith!

[monmouth]

3. I stopped thinking of the Obamas as "black" or anything else ages ago.

They are just young brilliant folks who have stolen my heart and will hopefully make my remaining years a joy. Having said that, one would hope and pray that the lives of blacks will be greatly improved for those who need it. His inspiration will be the focus for many generations to come..

[The Straight Story]

4. Amen to that, racism hasn't ended, it has just had another of what I hope is many setbacks

:)

[PM Martin]

5. I do not believe the American people are racist.

This election proves that is so.

[Captain Hilts]

7. they're more classist. Colin Powell's polling numbers proved that to me in the 90s. nt

[PM Martin]

10. I agree. Economic class divides society more

than skin color, gender, and religion.

REPEAT:
Economic class divides society more than skin color, gender, and religion.

[Deja Q]

14. Excellent point

[Raineyb]

9. This election proves no such thing

I have no idea where you'd get such an idea.

Regards

[readmoreoften]

11. Yes that was what many white people were hoping when they pulled the lever.

And then got in their cars and locked the door as soon as they saw a young black man in hip-hop clothing.

[TahitiNut]

8. The biggest difference is that it doesn't make a difference.

That's as succinct a way as I can put it, even knowing how many ways DU can quibble with that. In effect, I'm seeing (and rejoicing in) the "difference within a differnce" -- and the sense that 'everything contains its opposite.'

Just barely peeking over the horizon is the Dream that 'race' is merely of passing interest, like hair color or eye color or whatever. It's the Dream about "content of character" ... which is EXACTLY what I'm seeing. Peeking over the horizon and coming into our everyday experience. It's that it DOESN'T make a (critical?) difference that's the difference ... and I get blurry-eyed and choked up when I think about it. It's been a long time coming. I've wanted to see it peek above the horizon for a long, long time. I feel like it's been a long journey and the destination (promised land) is finally, at long last, within sight.

So, the biggest difference is that it doesn't make a difference. :shrug:

[ProgressiveProfessor]

12. Some will use it as the touchstone to declare racism dead and dismantle any race concious remedies

currently in place.

[McCamy Taylor]

13. If it makes people realize that "racism" is really a class/poverty/economic issue it will help.

Because you can not change people's skin pigmentation, but you can makes changes that lead to economic justice. Calling the problem "racism" provides an easy way for people to say "too bad there is nothing we can do about it."

[PM Martin]

15. True.

Economic justice trumps all in this world.