Believe it or not, the color of skin remains a very defining character in a human being’s life, despite liberal ideals and politically correct slogans. Race relations is the subject and concern of the Western world and its importance will only increase in the times to come. That’s because Western countries are the only countries where racial diversity is found because of their history, colonial past, globalization, immigration and interracial couples. One may argue there are lots of races or ethnicities in non Wester countries. Yes, but those are more like sub ethnicities or sub races that have- more or less- resembling cultures and customs, as in China, India, Indonesia, African countries.
But in the Western World probably there is no country in the world where race seems to matter more than in America. This is not because Americans are racist (they’re much less racist and least xenophobic than most countries of the world) but because America is racially and demographically too diverse. But as other races have managed to assimilate into Americana, the Blacks or Afro Americans have always stood out and remained isolated. There are barely any bridges between Black and White in America. They live in their own universes, for better or worse.
But I want to dig a bit deeper and understand the psychology of this racial isolation and refusal to cross over to the other sides of their own race, Black or Afro American in this case. I remember watching great Larry David’s (creator of Seinfeld) wonderful comedy program on DVD called ‘‘Curb Your Enthusiasm” in which Larry plays the real life Larry in comic style. Larry David and his wife also have a Black woman friend (played by Wanda Sykes). Often race is used in the sitcom for humorous effect and sarcasm. In one episode Wanda wants Larry’s reference to get a job. One day they meet on the street in LA and Wanda asks if Larry has already put in a good word for her. Then Wanda complains how come Larry forgot to mention that she was a Black woman with Brown skin. I think it was just a priceless satire. Kudos to Larry David, Wanda Sykes and the rest of the crew.
Obama is not Black, not enough- And here I come almost to the final paragraph. What is a Black American then? Do you know, in American Presidential campaign there are more Black voters who are voting for Hilary Clinton than Barack Obama, who in return is gaining a lot of White votes. Why? Is it so that despite the media coverage that tags Obama as the Black Presidential candidate is actually a person of mixed race? Let’s say bi-racial, who has a White mother and a Black (Kenyan African) father. Naturally, Obama is brown and biracial not Black. Maybe he is not fit enough to represent the Blacks. Here is the New York Times Op-ed that produced this post from me: ”Obama’s Color line”. It notes, ”The alienation, anger and pessimism that mark speeches from major black American leaders are missing from Mr. Obama’s speeches.
Is Being Alienated, angry and pessimistic, being Black? Why is it that when Blacks become successful, ”they act White” and are not Blacks anymore. Colin Powell was never touted as a Black hero. But wait, his skin is too light. Let’s look elsewhere… Condoleezza Rice? But she ain’t much popular Black hero either. Then, I suppose, she must be acting White….
