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….
Take it from someone who knows. “Alienation, anger and pessimism” are only going to bring you more reasons for more of the same, and that has nothing to do with race – it’s only the way the universe works.
I’m sure that Obama knows that. He knows that if people don’t like him for whatever reason, that it’s their problem. Perhaps his mother protected him from their making it HIS problem, which is sadly what tends to happen in places like Bangor,Maine.
And he’s not acting white. He’s acting intelligent, because that’s what he is.
Obama, Condoleeza, Colin, these people not being black enough does not have anything to do with skin color nor with “acting white”, especially since acting white is not even a real statement to most blacks. The reason these people aren’t black enough is because they choose or have chosen to decide that black issues are no longer their issues. If issues concerning people like yourself are not of interest to you then what is of interest to you.
So when people are labeling Obama as not black enough they are saying that he is just like all the other candidates as far as none of them will do anything to end the status quo and get blacks from making 58% of their white counterparts to the same amount etc. They will work to protect white privilege and that includes Obama.
What we need is a president no matter what color who will work towards total equality, until then there is no presidential candidate that isn’t working to protect white privilege in America and that does nothing for the black population. Also, I haven’t heard this not black enough statement anywhere in the black community only from the media.
After reading your article, I had to read your profile to know whether you actually reside in America. America is less racist and xenophobic than WHERE?? HA! Talk to a dark skinned Mexican. Ask an Arab-American. Do you live in a “flower child” like commune?
Well, as a female and an ethnic minority, I can tell you UNEQUIVOCALLY that racism and sexism are alive and very very well EVERYWHERE in America. Life is challenging for a female and ethnic minority in the USA. However, there are laws AND good people who refuse to follow the accepted attitude. It is those laws and the good people—especially those who admit to being prejudiced–who have all but obliterated our need to stay angry over such challenges.
In reality, no matter what the media promotes, there is no such thing as not being black enough. It is a stereotype which has been promoted by the usual suspects/fear brokers in our community. These fear brokers are flying on the coat tails of past civil rights gains and do nothing but politicize ancillary issues while the REAL issues are ignored.
Race has a political face and is manipulated by both political parties and the media, the to the detriment of an unthinking, fearful and prejudiced populace (both black and white)…
In truth, I do not think other politicians like Jesse Jackson are truly angry; afterall they are getting well paid to put on a good show. And also, if they were all so angry about the injustices meted out to minorities like myself, WHY have they not vigorously resisted attempts to dismantle laws which protect us??
Politicians on both sides of the divide need fear brokers like Jesse Jackson and his cohorts on the democratic side, and the so called Christian extremists and Trent Lott types on the republican side. The fear generally serves a political and social purpose; because if the truth came out that Blacks and Whites are not really that different, MANY politicians (white and black) and organizations—including many in the media– would become ABSOLUTELY irrelevant! Our entire social system might even crumble because it is founded on fear, oppression and distrust!
Despite the media propaganda, Obama and the esteemed Dr. Rice are not oddities within the enlightened and thinking African American community. The opinions of the rest of us moderates in the Black community gets subsumed by the town criers/fear brokers who choose to focus on nonsense, while the Supreme court strikes down law after law and leaves the Black community, and us minority females, more and more unprotected and vulnerable with every ruling!
theblacksentinel — I would say Obama and Rice have moved on from race politics. And in any case, if someone needs to talk about the poor and the underdog, why not talk about all of them, regardless of which race they come from (Black, Latino, White, mixed races)? ”Our people” , ”their people” phrases are not only divisive but also too selfish and self-centered.
PrettyBrowngirl– I wonder how come I can’t visit your page. Your URL makes you a Tricky Brown girl. But anyway, I thank you for your detailed and intelligent comment. If you look at the bigger international picture you would certainly realize, America is very unique and least xenophobic (fear of foreigners) country. Large Afro American population and now Latino population further makes America more multi-racial. Multi-racial societies are not likely to be Xenophobic.
You ask me ”less racist and xenophobic than where?” I give you this post link that I wrote. Read the ”Scram the Swiss Cheese” section and also my debate in the comments section. Here is the link:http://emberglow.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/its-not-the-muslims-but-its-the-mexicans-stupid-and-say-no-to-swiss-cheese/
America does have pockets of strong racist elements, Klu Klux Klan, Neo Nazis but rarely do they get widespread acceptance or credibility unlike in many European (even Western and Scandinavian!) countries where they have also become partners with federal government. This is extreme.
As a person of color you are much more likely to be feared, hated, looked at with contempt in many European countries than U.S. Let’s dig a bit deeper. Colored and other religious minorities meet horrible discrimination, and outright persecution all over the world: Gypsies or Roma in modern Europe, Kurds in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Untouchables or dalits in India, Blacks and non Muslims in Sudan (darfur), Muslims and other colored people in many parts of Russia.
All these countries don’t have Conodoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Barack Obama, Jazz musicians, very successful writers, music, movie and sports (Mohammed Ali!) stars and other artists and celebrities etc. And certainly not Oprah! And now… maybe the President who is not only the most powerful man in America but also the whole world.
Outsider222- Sorry I just got your comment as for some reason I just found it in Spam! I’m glad you think Obama is acting intelligent. Though I just read some stuff that actually shows though Blacks are not supporting him overwhelmingly, he is definitely going out to them. He is also happily married to a 100% Black woman and has Black kids, i.e. Afro-Americans.
I was not aware of this incident you mention. I will look into it. But as I mentioned in my previous comments I don’t deny at all that pockets of extreme racism do not exists in America. Such criminal behevior will always be there, somewhere. But it will never become the mainstream thing in the US. Of that I’m sure.
Unfortunately, this is the way the world works. If you don’t stand up for yourself no one else will. I know that in a “perfect” world people wouldn’t need the “us”, “them”, etc but we do. Since that seems to be the way politics is set up. You yourself are doing it. Why aren’t blacks supporting Obama 100%, why should they? Is there some unwritten law that says blacks “have to” or “should” support a candidate simply because he is black. Should whites not support Obama and only support the white candidates because they are white? See that sounds nuts. People black or white or whatever support candidates based on their views on issues.
I feel that it is pretty racist for people to automatically think that Obama should automatically get the black vote simply by skin color alone. I don’t just want a black face in the white house, I want a person who shares my concerns, views and issues. Since I have no doubt that person does not exist, I will have to go with the next best thing and that does not necessarily mean Obama.
Just think about what you are saying with regards to race and voting. It makes no sense, unless blacks don’t really have minds they just vote with their eyes. Also, there are a LOT more pockets of racism that exist beside the KKK and the lot. What about the closet racists who deny people jobs, adequate healthcare and other things.
Thanks.
theblacksentinel- You wrote, ”I know that in a “perfect” world people wouldn’t need the “us”, “them”, etc but we do. Since that seems to be the way politics is set up. You yourself are doing it.”
I think I can agree with you there. But initially one of the things my post wondered about was exactly what you said later, ”people voting with their eyes”. I think lots of Blacks want to vote with their eyes and do not understand a candidates’ real issues. But I would be very unjust if I would single Blacks out. I know Whites are as much ”blind”, if not more. All most Republicans care about is which Christian tag their candidate has or how much of White concerns are his (no ”her” to be considered) concerns. I think this is pretty much how politics work everywhere.
Voters are not journalists, researchers and academics. Most of them don’t get alternative news, they rarely listen to C-Span or National Public Radio. The ones that do consume news media, have their minds made up: Democrats (New York Times, National Public Radio etc.) Republicans (National Review, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh etc.) I wish people were more discerning and independent.
But still there are some discerning voters who cross race lines and focus on the issues instead. I think Bobby Jindal becoming the Governor in Louisiana is a case study! Also, White voters supporting Obama and Blacks supporting Hilary Clinton are crossing the race lines. This is interesting.
It’s interesting because to a lot of younger people, race is starting to become a non-issue, actually. I think it’s a good thing. I hate to see female, black or gay republicans, because I think that party stands for racist, homophoic, anti-woman rhetoric but there are plenty of women, gays and blacks who do buy into some part of what that party is saying (for whatever reason). There is a lot more to voting than race. It’s a factor, but not the only one for sure. Except maybe for rich white males – in that case I’d say more of them would feel threatened by and vote against any woman, black or gay candidate as there is more a chance that candidate would change their status quo (which let’s face it is still ‘on top’) in a negative way. Not the same for a middle class black person choosing between two democrats in Hillary and Barack, which in either case they can be sure either candidate is more likely to speak to their issues and raise their status quo than a republican would.