2008 election « Let’s Talk about Race

Have we overcome?

Posted by admin in Current Events, Racism/Discrimination on January 21st, 2009

Is Barack Obama’s presidency an indication that racism is dead? It seems a lot of discussion is circling around this question. Should I, as a black woman breathe a sigh of relief because America has finally elected a black president?

Sure, President Obama certainly reminds us that we have come a long way from “colored” water fountains, water hoses and Jim Crow. But have we overcome racism?

When people assume racism is over because things are different today than they were 40, or even 20 years ago, I get frustrated. It implies that we can let our guard down, that we can move on with the next issue of the day because this black/white/brown/yellow thing is dead.

I’m sorry, but I don’t see that as the case at all. Yes we’re further along than we used to be, but in my opinion we still have a ways to go. When we equate racism with the images of the past, we do race relations and conversations an injustice.

No, I’m not afraid of a lynching but my experience is…

…my son’s classmate says the technology school accepted my son only because he’s black, not because of his grades and personality.

…I watch a television report of discrimination against blacks when hidden cameras record how differently interviewers treat applicants based on color.

…I see the media frenzy when a blond haired, blue eyed white girl is missing and nothing when someone abducts a black child.

…my brother tells me the police stopped him for no reason except driving a sports car.

… my husband and I get poor service in a restaurant and we’re not quite sure why.

…my friend tells me I should call the police on my Mexican neighbors for drinking beer in their back yard. The don’t speak English and she’s concerned they might be terrorists.

I know that racism is still here. My race affects the way I do business with the world. My race affects the way the world does business with me. It just does. Are we further along? Absolutely. Have we overcome? Absolutely not.

What do you think? Is racism dead? Let’s talk…

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2 Comments

I Didn’t Vote for Obama

Posted by admin in Building Bridges, Current Events, Stereotypes on December 22nd, 2008

I’m black and I didn’t vote for Obama. OK - there, I said it. I am one of the 4-6% of African Americans (according to the exit polls) who did not vote for Obama. However, I’m not so sure about that statistic. My 73 year old uncle was undecided but did say if anyone asked who he voted for he would never admit to NOT voting for Obama. Interesting, but that’s because black people won’t let us say we voted for anyone else without an argument. Even now I feel like I have to explain my vote. Many in the African American community assume I voted for Obama. One friend asked, “Why did you change your mind about Obama?” That was an interesting question especially since I never told her I supported Obama.

Another acquaintance was angrily shouted, “How could I vote for John McCain?” Again, interesting because I never told him I voted for McCain.

Let me explain why I didn’t vote for Obama. First, I am unashamedly pro life. Second, I want a president who has more experience. It really is that simple. Those were my two issues and Obama failed miserably (in my opinion) on both of them.

I don’t need rehab, I didn’t neglect my race. I made an informed decision based on two issues important to me. You want to hear something crazy - race had nothing to do with my vote.

Please know that I respect the office of President of the United States. As a black woman I am extremely proud that our country has entered into this historic stage. I wish Obama the best and I pray for him and his family almost daily.

Now that you know where I stand, let me hear from you. Why are black people so bothered about me not voting for Obama? Do you think I should have voted for him because he’s black? Let’s talk….