Can White Americans Criticize President Obama and Not be labeled A Racist?
75Is The Shoe Now On The Other Foot?
Since the early settlers from England first landed on Georgetown they have been blamed for all that is wrong with the country. Four hundred plus years later it has been the favored past time of White American liberals, African American radicals and the disenfranchised to continue to blame White Americans for the ills of America. Open criticism of White American leaders has become an intricate part of the American political fabric. Even during the presidential primaries, the American media, and the world was focused on the White American vote to see where they really stood on the issues of race relations and if they could really get past their racial biases and actually vote a African American man into the highest office of the land. If they voted against Obama, or criticized him publicly it was seen as a racist act and somewhat expected. If they verbally supported him it was viewed as nothing more than a deterrent thereby avoiding the racist label while exercising their true feelings at the voting booth. It was in fact, a no win situation for most White Americans, particularly those above the age of 40 years - and perhaps the most difficult election process for them in the history of American presidential elections.
Now that President Obama has survived his first 100 days in the Oval Office, for the majority of White Americans in the United States, this does not mean the conversation on race is over, nor does it mean we as Americans are past race as a polarizing issue. And finally, it does not give any White American a free ticket to make the claim that "I'm fine with race since I voted for Obama". Even though Barack Obama won the presidential election on the majority of the White American vote can White Americans safely criticise him publicly – without being labeled a racist?
This is a fair question because contrary to popular belief it was not the African American or the Hispanic vote that ushered Obama into the White House, although they did help significantly in delivering key states the Democrats would have lost under normal circumstances. Barack Obama ultimately won the White House on the backs of the White Suburban female, and a significant percentage of the corporate White male. The White Suburban female for an example, gave him numbers much larger than Al Gore's and John Kerry's combined. This group also helped him win critical states such as Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana. Overall, it was the White Suburban female or former Clintonites who put Obama in the White House. However, African Americans claim Obama as their man of the century and will not tolerate any negative criticism of him – Black or White, not even from another African American favorite – talk show host Tavis Smiley. Tavis Smiley once criticised Obama during the Democratic primary and was swiftly condemned by the African American community from coast to coast. Jesse Jackson made negative comments about Obama and found himself on the wrong side of the African American community – although the African American community owe him a great debt for his sacrifices during the Civil Rights Movement - - the movement which allowed Obama the freedom to run for election. World renowned comedian and scholar Bill Cosby once criticised the lack of African American male involvement in stabilizing the African American community and was chastised for his remarks while Obama was praised for the same perception.
Apparently, the task of scrutinizing the new president is apparently left to those, White or Black, with sworn allegiance to Republican or conservative ideologies. However, In order to move forward, and perhaps closer to the post-racial era that Americans have been striving for – supporters of Barack Obama, particularly African American supporters, must learn that every time someone – particularly White Americans harshly criticises him, it's not racist and doesn't necessarily reflect racism. If the African American community insist on using the “race card” as a political defense against criticism of President Obama, White Americans will ultimately throw in the towel and say "enough is enough" and re-unite around issues of race thereby setting the stage to wipe out potential Democratic gains in 2010 and setting the stage for a defeat of President Obama in 2012. To keep things in perspective, this sense of protection is not necessarily a bad thing - in fact it’s quite common however, it can become a bit excessive thereby insulating the President from a level of scrutiny he needs to be effective. Ardent African American supporters of Obama must understand that if Obama is to make any significant changes to the African American’s plight, whether social, economic, or political - that plight, such as it is, will change only inasmuch as that of all Americans. On the other hand those who do critizise him must understand that motivating the President cannot be accomplished by attacking him personally. Attacks are best served if they are made against policies and not personalities.
There is a cultural difference among African and White Americans in the area of criticism which suggests that in the African American community, criticism is presented and received personally, regardless of its objective. By the same token within the White American community, professional or political combatants of one moment are often seen drinking together soon after. African Americans view this act as hypocritical while White Americans see it as quite normal. Illinois Professor Kochman, in his book, “African American and White American Conflict in Styles”, argues that White Americans debate the idea, while African Americans debate the person debating the idea, which is a significant distinction not fully understood among the races. The majority of African Americans must understand that they can, and in fact they have the right to disagree with the president, tossing away the rose-colored glasses that may blind them to Obama’s bad decisions which may eventually hurt their community and ultimately the country if he is not called on them. This is not to imply that African Americans are incapable of critiquing the president. There were certainly a significant number of African Americans who did not vote for President Obama. It must be understood that African Americans are not a monogamous community. They are as diverse in their thinking and philosophy as other communities. This was recently demonstrated during the general election as we saw numerous African Americans supporting both John McCain and Hillary Clinton, although a significant number rallied behind Obama during the primary against John McCain. However, a large percentage although a minority number among the African American population as a whole, supported John McCain as the Republican candidate.
How will President Obama encourage an atmosphere of open criticism for White Americans? Well, one of his missions is to restore American prestige and good will around the world thereby raising the level of worldwide appreciation of diversity and the multi-cultural make up of the United States – subsequently elevating the understanding and tolerance of racial issues in the United States. Another consideration is to launch a nationwide series of Town Halls meetings to foster open discussions of race relations – encouraging John McCain and perhaps Sara Palin’s participation among others.
In the meantime – White Americans should feel free to openly critique President Obama without fear of being labeled a racist. Just as all Americans – it’s your right and obligation under the First amendment guaranteeing free speech! White American leaders have been openly criticized for hundreds of years and the result has been improved living conditions and race relations for all Americans. It’s now time for African Americans to move beyond the protectionist mentality and accept the reality that one of their own is now a world leader and must now face the opposing viewpoints of a world wide jury. This is the only way to ensure that President Obama is truly a President for all Americans and a respective representative of a free and powerful nation.
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Thanks for the feedback RK, I really appreciate it!
Wow...
My attention span here lately has been short. I have been saturated to my capacity with those issues that interest me (politics, religion... Anything controversial, I suppose!) and so I have been doing limited reading and a good deal more writing. The more I write, the more room I make for new ideas. Therefore, the more I can read.
I almost overlooked this hub when I was looking at my hubtivity. I very nearly skimmed through it, seeing as I am a young white female. A conservative young white female at that. I have become especially accustomed to being criticized from the place I stand on so many issues that I tend to be very careful what I put into my brain.
I'm glad I put you into my brain this afternoon, jxb7076. I consider myself fairly intelligent with a wide range of interests. One of those interests (and the thing I majored in during my brief period in college) is anthropology. I am fascinated with the differences in culture, and I try to stand back and not be ethnocentric. During a seminar I took during my one semester, we discussed the way in which African American students perceived several benign actions, including prolonged looks from white students. I didn't understand, honestly, until I read this hub. It makes sense that if the African American culture is such that our black comrades feel that it is the *person* rather than the idea or ideal, being debated, that they might also perceive other actions as being intensely personal as well.
Fascinating stuff, really.
I wonder, though. Where does this culture come from? Our culture isn't built into the color of our skin. It isn't something we are born with, but something that we learn from birth (and can adapt). We are all Americans, and yet we perceive ourselves and express ourselves so differently!
Is the key that unlocks this door white oppression, perhaps? I have known Native Americans who seem to have the same experiences, depending upon their own tribal culture. Is it therefore similar, or is there something I am overlooking in my quest to better understand our American culture?
Good stuff!
Everyday Miracles - thanks for the kind comments. While I am not an expert on African American Culture as it's as diverse as others, however, living the experience has offered me certain opinions on its challenges. To attempt to answer your question "I wonder, though. Where does this culture come from" it need to be understood that at a historical point in the American experience African Americans were killed for no other reason than being black. They committed no crime - they were just the wrong color. These acts of violence often resulted after the white perpentators starred at them for a significant period of time. As a result, Black Americans learned to not trust long stares from White Americans and when engaged in long stares the results were often negative.
The issue of personal attacks resulted from the same circumstance. Blacks were accused of various crimes both minor and major which they did not commit and therefore they learn to take things very personal. While African Americans do debate ideas, their focus is more on the individual than the idea because the idea originated with the individual and therefore they want to ensure that the individual is committed and not just simply leading them down a dreary road of defeat.
One reason for this is because of the political atmosphere of the southern states during the turn of the century. White , and black politicians offered great ideas of wealth and prosperity to blacks which never panned out. Therefore, Black Americans learn to hold the individual accountable for the idea thereby debating the individual rather than the idea itself.
One thing that I regret is that we are sometimes boxed in by our own experiences. For example, being a white female I will never have the experience that you do as a black male. Some people might be surprised to discover that I wish I could have that same experience!
I wonder if the issue of making things personal (regardless of race) is the reason why there is such a prevelance of flame wars in internet forums. I have often made the rule that one must debate the issue, not the person. But I think that women (in general) often have the same problem of taking things personally. I know I do sometimes and I consider myself an intelligent person who is able to engage in a debate. Under the right circumstances! ;)
However, one thing that only just occurred to me about your article here: When I speak about the president, I try to always ensure that the person to whom I am speaking knows that the issue is not personal. I am sure that Barack Obama is a great person, a wonderul father and that he tries to be a good man. Regardless, I still don't like his politics and that isn't very likely at all to change. I have learned through years of experience to be as sensitive as possible to the feelings of other people.
Everyday Miracles - I really appreciate your honesty and openess. I was raised a conservative by my father who was a retired military policeman from the Korean War era. One thing I learned at an early age was to take people at face value - not reading anything into them that wasn't there. Outside the historical properties of Obama's election I quite personally see him as just another politician. I admire him and respect him dearly and I pray for his success however, perhaps I am a pessimist but I don't see him as a political savior. Discussing him in mixed racial environments is like discussiing religion in a multi-denominational environment - someone is going to take it personally as opposed to simply stating their viewpoint and moving on. Thanks for the feedback.
I for one am going to find something to make fun of him and criticize him for, but the only thing so far that I find worthy to make note of- are his ears
goldentoad - I think we can all agree that the brother has very large ears. Can you imagine what his baby picture look like. I am picturing dumbo the elephant!!! Thanks for the feedback.
interesting insight -- this will sound simplistic in comparison, but i often found that African Americans would take their grades more personally than others, which was very frustrating for me.
A very Insightful hub . One thing about human beings that will never change Is that when they disagree they automatically have to put a label on the other person regardless of race . One thing I do have a problem with was when the President In one of his campaign speeches used the sentence clinging to their guns and religion.
He Immediately slapped a group of people In the face for their belief system , that was completely out of line . I think George Bush was the best thing that happened to Democrats , because that administration was so bad you knew a democrat was a shoo In .
I voted for Obama too. Only because I did believe In the message of change . And I was tired of the old guard In Washington DC . For me I think he should admonish Napalitano , who Is using Bush administration type tactics . And It would help If his cabinet payed their taxes too .
Teresa - Perhaps they were challenging you to ensure that the grade was in fact, the right grade to give. African Americans are not concerned about the grade as oppose to the person giving the grade. As mentioned in the article it's not the idea, but the person presenting the idea. The person carries more weight than the idea itself. If the person is creditable, then the idea will be as well. If they feel you're honest in your grading then they are more willing to accept the grade.
Managing those moments must have been a challenge!
Thanks for the feedback.
Tony0724 - I agree, that comment was way out of line and based on the state he made it in, it appeared to apply directly to White Americans thereby labeling them as gun-toting religious fanatics. That was almost a career ending comment. I support Obama but I am not seeing many new changes although I must admit that I wasn't expecting too much in the first year. Perhaps we will see his dream revealed in the second year. That income tax issue was a real joke
Thanks for the feedback.
Great Hub Page! I especially was enlightened by your point about the difference between the way folks of different races experience debate. Thomas Sowell had a different take on this in his book "Black Rednecks and White Liberals."
I've read many of Thomas Sowell's writings and have always been facinated by his conservative viewpoints. He was one of my favorite authors while growing up in the South. He does an excellent job at dispelling racial myths - although I must admit that I have not read any of his writings in a few years. Another one of my favorite authors on race relations was Frantz Fannon - the Martinique author who wrote the book "Black Skin, White Masks" which was a compelling phychoanalysis of hidden social feelings about black and whites.
Thanks for the comments
You are welcome and I will check out the book you mentioned. I look forward to reading more of your work.
very nice article good hub
Thanks for the feedback Lgali!
Its rather funny that people think Obama is Black, when in fact he had a white mother and a black father and was raised in Indonesia by an Indonesian father.
So blacks should see him as white and not only black, and whites should see him as a white and not only black strange that both have to see him the same heh.
HOOWANTSTONO - I think Obama called himself a mutt, a combination of various DNA's. Perhaps this is why so many people like him. Everyone can claim a hereditary piece of him - even Dick Cheney!!
:)
Very well worded and spokin,..I so enjoy your hubs.
Army Infantry Mom: Thanks for the kind words. How's your son doing?!
I think that he's going to bring about the end of the civilized world.
My president is Charlton Heston!
Charlton Heston?! Isn't he Moses from the movie - "The 10 Commandments" ....and isn't he dead?! Good choice. At least we don't have to worry about him screwing up the country!
LOL
It was OK for some to cry Impeach Bush, - because some were from Hollywood, and he wasn't supported by Hollywood, too conservative for their tastes. Now "their" man is in the White House and a conservative speaks the SAME WORDS and he becomes a raciest - as if to shut down the person voicing an opinion. Guess the knife of opinion can only cut one way.
Hello E Fox - I guess the knife of opinion only swings both ways among mature Americans with an objective viewpoint. Unfortunately they are few and in between.
Thanks for the comment.
I saw the title to this hub a few days ago and could not find it again, I was looking at your profile and discovered it. I would never have imagined that any criticism about Obama would ever be about anything other than his policies. But then again I am one of those fair minded guys. I didn't vote for him and I wouldn't vote for him based upon what I knew before and certainly what I know after the election.
I too am a fan of Thomas Sowell as well as Walter E Williams and am glad to know there are others among Hub pages. This was a brilliant article if for no other reason than the insight you gave into thought processes among blacks and whites.
It is well after the 100 days and we have gained a bit of insight into Obama's thinking, this episode with Prof. Gates and the Cambridge police officer seems to identify Obama's true feelings on race, immediately blaming the Police was the wrong thing to do especially after you say "I don't have all the information" If you get the chance to read my Hub titled "lets talk about race in America" you will find that I experienced the same exact thing as Gates and handled it quite different. Great Hub!
Thanks A Texan
I agree that Obama's response to the gates incident was politically a bad choice. He should have remained neutral on the subject until more evidence was revealed. I hope he learned from the error as there will be many, many more opportunities during his shift.
Thanks for the comment and I look forward to reading your hub on race in America.
I voted 4 Obama- it had nothing 2 do with anything other than he was our best hope - Recently the cartoon of him dressed as the jokers face appalled me. The picture of him – on the Job papers made me laugh. I personally find it ridiculous when anyone plays a race card either way. That is so last century. Really awesome hub.
Tiara - thanks for the candid comment. I think sometines people go to the extreme to make a point. Sometimes they go just a little too far. However, every president was made fun of and now Obama has the target on his chest - or his ears! I am OK with it as long as the pundits keep it clean and avoid any racial connotations.
Thanks for stopping by.
jxb
Another good one, and I agree with it.
Perhaps, a hub on what women should do because a man go into the office they were so close to getting themselves, might also be interesting.
Responding to the guy asking about why people see Obama as black.
We have a history in this country of treating anyone with anyone black in their ancestry as black. If a person had a single black great great grandparent, and everyone else in line was white, no matter how "white" the person actually looked, they were black, and treated (by whites) as other blacks (which is to say pretty shittily).
Of course (and I say this very sarcastically), now that we have a person that is half black half white, not even a quarter or 8th or anything for which we have actually created words to describe (quadroon for example), white people want to suddenly claim that Obama is white and not black?
I'm tempted to say it is ironic, but it isn't. Calling it ironic means that I can laugh about it and go on. But I cannot laugh about something where the immediate interpretation is that white people (this is a bit weird because I'm not speaking about white people in general. . .perhaps this just covers those who would claim that Obama is really "white" instead of black) - so let me change it to racists (specifically white racists) - white racists are so willing to marginalize blacks in any way, that they are willing to claim a man as their own whom four years previously, they would have instantly unquestioningly "denounced" him as being different.
When I hear/read of a white person claiming that Obama is really "white" and not black, to me it is akin to having a sibling that I always tell others is not part of my family and I join in with others in taunting and beating him, then when he wins the lottery, I suddenly start acting as if he was a cherished brother that I always loved.
Thus, my overwhelming instinct is immediately distrust and dislike anyone who makes such a statement.
opinion duck - you have the privilege of writing that hub. It should be an interesting one. lol
I wish America had no minority status that it felt necessary to bestow on people. I wish we were all just Americans with no prefixes or suffixes. I think that all of our attentions on race (and really it is more on political persuaion than race) are misguided and only serve to keep our differences in front of us instead of the overwhelming similarities.
But what chance is there of killing the closet industry of race that keeps certian groups in power. Sigh
Only we the people can really change anything in this country and we need to understand that and put the government back in its proper place.
Jxb-nice hub. I appreciate your willingness to step out and say enough with playing the race card. The color of his skin and his dna make-up or what color his parents were is irrelevant in my opinion. My husband and I are conservative white christians and we voted for Alan Keyes in the primary because we agreed with his platform and ideals. I do not like Obama because of his policies, his association with radicals such as his pastor and others, his ties to people of questionable backgrounds and character. His socialistic view frightens me. I do not perceive myself as a racist, but I know that other people might think that about me. I am past the point of caring what others think though. I am entitled to my opinion, I have the right to voice my opinion and I plan on doing just that. I appreciate your hub. Thanks so much.
Christian Walker - I agree that's its more about politics than race. People like to exploit race for politival gain particularly during national elections. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
rsmallory - The idea candidate for me would have been Colin Powell but I am afraid his creditability was tainted by the Iraq war. I like Alan Keys but my concern was that his philosophy is too rooted in the era of his time. I think you should express your feelings despite what others think. I was raised in the south during the rise of the civli rights movement and I spent 25 years in the Army. I have come to understand the difference between an opinionated person and a racist and the two are as different as night and day. I am humbled that you enjoyed the hub and I think you should speak your mind whenever possible.
Thanks for the comments and stopping by.
Very nice article!
dashingclaire - thanks for stopping by and commenting. I read your article on beastiality and found it very disturbing but factual. You did your research well. This happens in washington state outside seattle but unfortunately up to 2006 there were no enforceable laws against such acts. The first case was tried in 2006 but the acts continues as noted in the article at the link below. http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-14
Thanks for opening our eyes to this autrosity.
jxb, very nice Hub. I agree with you, in that most people support candidates based upon political philosophies.
I also see you are from Seattle. Twenty years ago, I worked for a defense company that sent me to Puget Sound for two months. It rained almost every day except for a few. I hope you guys get more sun these days.
You guys are awesome! Keep up the great work and if you ever need a white running mate hit me up. LOL. No for real. Anyway God bless. I am an ardent Alan Keyes supporter and have been for a number of years which begs the question. Is Alan Keyes too black or to godly for the Democratic party?
hglick - thanks for stopping by and commenting. Politics is what it is and you're correct in that everyone make their choices based on their own political philosophies.
Yes, I am living in Seattle and yes we still have our share of rain. Although it was really hot here a month ago with temperature reaching close to 100 degrees. It toally freaked us out and you could not by an air conditioner anywhere in the state (within a reasonable price). It was totally miserable. But we're back to light rain now and IT FEELS GOOD! We can't handle the sun - strange huh!!!?
Excluding the rain, did you enjoy your stay and would you return?
Tackle This - your comment "Is Alan Keyes too black or to godly for the Democratic party?" Alan Keys problem is that he's a black conservative and according to the liberal press he's not exciting enough and his message is too logical. Black people are suppose to be liberals with an entitlement mentality but Alan does not buy into that philosophy so he's not noticed or taken serious enough. He's too logical and unpredictable for the Republicans and too outspoken for the democrats. He would do much better as an independent running on a conservative platform. Perhaps if he wore a dashiki during his campaign and gave the black power sign a few times while talking down werfare and talking up corporate write-offs he will be noticed! just kidding!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
jxb - I loved it in Bremerton (where I was staying), and it actually was a consideration of mine for a place to live, except the rain ruined it. At the time, I worked as a contractor at the Naval Air Supply Center, on loan from Harris Corp.(A defense company). I was there to report and fix problems on an inventory System that we installed called NISTARS (Naval Integrated Storage and Retrieval System). It was nice work. We got to visit Pensacola, Puget Sound and Pearl Harbor, all pretty nice locations.
Bremerton is really nice. It appear that you worked there in the late 80"s when the the Naval Base moved from Seattle to Bremerton. They hired quite a few contractors during that time and if I am not mistaken I believe the Haris Corporation worked with Boeing on a few military contracts as well during that time frame. It sounds like it was a great assignment, especially having a chance to visit those great places! too bad the rain scared you away. You have to give the city another chance. Come between July and September. Did you consider visiting Canada and Alaska while you were here? I am originally from North Carolina but have been out here since 1976.
say j,
your opinions here expressed are insightful and concise.
I could only wish that whomsoever placed the ads upon this page had read it also...their targeting seems to me contrary 2 the theme...so b it I suppose.
I appreciate the courage of your conviction and your ability to counter controversy....it would seem to me that u have learned the trick of leading a horse to water and encouraging it 2 drink..no mean feat for sure..
thanks 4 allowing me to share your opinion and to comment.
peace 4 u and yours
john guilfoyle - thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think there is to much at stake to be playing the politics of race. I am also aware that it's as common in America as a McDonalds Big Mac.
I noticed the ads also and thought they were way out of place for the content of the srticle. I may review my tag lines to take out any words that may attract the ads.
Thanks again for your open comments.
Jxb, No Canada and Alaska were not on the agenda, however I did notice a ton of those Alaska airlines aircraft with the image of the eskimo on it's side. I guess Alaska was just a hop and skip away. Maybe someday
Correct - you were just a hop and a skip away. However, Alaska is no place you go for the sake of going. It's best to have a purpose and destination as there is not a lot to see unless you're going for the wild life and glaciers. Other than that the cities are the same as the USA - Large, crowded, and dangerous.
What a well written hub! Thanks for bringing these issues into the open to allow discussion!! As a person who did not grow up here in the USA, I may not necessarily understand the issues that relate to racism and therefore feel free to speak my mind. For people to move forward with success, the issue of race has to be left behind and the focus should be what does the word of God say. He is not pro any skin color - Jesus was a Jew from the middle east so what was His skin color - likely not white or black but a combination. Kimberly Daniels is a great woman of God who said she would love to have a black man in the white house, but he (Obama) contradicted everything in God's word therefore she had no choice but to vote against him. http://kimberlydaniels.com/
Thanks again for a great and outspoken hub!!
BJC - Thanks for your honest opinion on the subject. I think we humans just love to make things more complicated than necessary.
Really insightful. Thank you for an objective article on this matter.
donotfear - I am glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Wonderfully written. Bravo.
JTT - thanks for stopping by and commenting.
This really is an issue for me since I tend to be critical of the president. However, I can't tell you how difficult it is for me when someone calls me racist which has happened so many times. Women do take things personal. I know I try not to but it's difficult. I'm amazed when someone calls me racist and they don't even know me. If they did, they would realize that 3 out of 4 of my best friends are African American and that I even ended a serious relationship because he said my African American friends couldn't be at out wedding if we had one. My mission now is to get people away from looking at the color but rather the decisions and actions of the person. Also, to stop listening to the media as they are all bias.
Thanks for the hub...It really taught me quite a few things.
I think it's hard to disagree with what you say! Yes, he's survived the first few months of his term, but look at all the blowback from his winning a Nobel Peace Prize! Ouch.
glassvisage - I have some real mixed feelings about the award. He has certainly met the requirements for receiving the award according to the standards set by the committee. However, from a realistic point of view I think it was a little early. But then again, his entire political career has been one unexpected success after the other.
Hi JXB, I was in the military for a couple of years too. Ft. Bragg dentist. 80's.
Ted Hayes, an African American activist from San Francisco says that Obama is 'bamboozling"Afro-Americans". First of all, he is, more accurately, Arab american. His paternal lineage, being Muslim, were slave traders, his maternal lineage, slave-owners. There is no way he can truly empathize with the plight of AA, since he has never born the hardship of "coming up from slavery."
Vrajavala - Thanks for your service as well. I served from 1975 – 2001 with a short stay at Ft. Bragg
Comment by Ted Hayes: “….There is no way he can truly empathize with the plight of AA, since he has never born the hardship of "coming up from slavery."
We can apply the same comment to pretty much 100% of Americans living today both black and white…including Ted Hayes.
If you were to talk privately (one on one) with the majority of African Americans in this country, and if you are able to peel away the layers and layers of black pride, getting down to their deep rooted expectations each one of them would tell you that they do not expect Obama to change their social or economic plight. Therefore, they neither feel that Obama is bamboozling them or that he has a strong connection to their struggles from a generational perspective. What they really see in Obama is a changing of the Old Guard – from the elite white political establishment to the common man, who incidentally look like them – and they could care less where he’s from, or his background, or that his mother was white. As far as they’re concerned relating to this matter, black blood was distorted generations ago due to the atrocities of slavery.
Therefore, Obama's background is a mute point to them. He looks like them, act like them, and share enough of their core values to be accepted by them as their own which gives them a sense of profound hope - hope for generations of African Americans yet unborn. His position set the stage and the atmosphere for young African Americans to follow suit as he has opened major doors only dreamt of just four years ago.
Therefore, for Ted Hayes or anyone to suggest that Obama is bamboozling African Americans based on nationality or disconnection from their troubled social past is really underestimating black intelligence and their real motivation for supporting Obama.
African Americans did not support Obama simply because he looks like them as they could have rallied behind Alan Keys, Jesse Jackson etc., for that cause. They rallied behind Obama mainly because he did not represent the past - a past they would rather forget in exchange for a better future. They wanted to move beyond the Dr. King era of social justice into a new era of political and economic empowerment. I think Ted Hays is on point in his analysis however, I think Ted’s opinion is rooted in the era of his time which gives little creditability to the modern day political philosophy among the black masses, and their expectations.
Contrary to popular belief most African Americans are conservative by nature but liberal in their politics as they have always been champions of the underdogs. Obama to them is an underdog who happens to look like them and one who does not carry the baggage of the civil rights movement which has crippled most 21st century black leaders of the Ted Hayes era. Not that its bad baggage, its time has come and gone and Blacks are ready to move to the next level.
Nevertheless, among the many races of people in the US Black Americans are the most judgmental towards each other and therefore, if Obama make their plight harder than it already is you can bet they will rally behind someone else in 2012, despite the candidate’s color. The Ted Hayes of the world would then complain that African Americans do not support their own people.
RKHenry says:
8 months ago
Could'nt have said it better myself. Thanks for the insightful viewpoint.