Perpetuating Racism
I’m sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight to Atlanta, then eventually Southern California, watching CNN on the screen in the boarding area. Obviously the majority of the talk is about the presidential race, sprinkled with the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr..
Naturally the brilliant minds at CNN have connected the two pointing out that the movement that Martin Luther King Jr. started so long ago has made way for there to be an African American on the ballot for Presidency. I can connect that also, and think that there is absolutely some legitimacy to that. Way to go CNN. Then they put up this poll. A poll that asked Americans if “America is ready for an African American President”. The result? Are you ready for this? 48% say “Yes”, America is ready for an African American President. What’s that leave? 52%. Fifty. Two. Percent! 52% say “No”, America is not ready for an African American President. What?!! Seriously?
I don’t really understand racism. I have never understood it, but do you think America and CNN are focussing too much on pointing out that an African American is running for President? Is it perpetuating the focus of racism in America pointing it out over and over? Not to mention putting out polls like that? What do you think?
I gotta go.
I think a person is a person regardless of race, age, or gender. Some may have more experience than others and are more qualified, but a color doesn’t determine that. What matters is their ability and how they use it. Race is nothing. God is everything.
Somehow I think a poll done by CNN doesn’t entirely accurately reflect America’s population. There’s no such thing as a “general audience” anymore when it comes to television. Unless the poll was done by an outside source and not CNN, then it may be legit.
Good point though…I always thought it odd when someone would be awarded or recognized for something, then they announce, “He/she is the first African American to do this…”
I realized that I have more to say about this but am pressed for time. Sorry.
One point I’d like to make. I’ve heard a lot of people here in CA make the statement “I don’t think that middle America is ready for a black president.”
But in my experience is almost always an egotistical and derogatory remark. Basically what they’re saying is “I personally (as forward thinking and intelligent human being) am completely ready for a black president. But all the nose picking Neanderthals in middle America are still to racist to know what’s good for them.”
All I’m saying is, all the people saying “America’s not ready” might not necessarily not be talking about themselves… instead they’re making assumptions about what they think “other” Americans are capable of.
Something subtle but important here, and Daniel already noticed it: The poll basically asked if you think other Americans are ready, not if you are yourself.
When you’re constantly bombarded with the idea that you are surrounded by unenlightened people, you start to believe it. Even if your actual personal experience is not accurately reflected in that notion.
There’s a whole lot of deliberately instilled “Us vs Them” going on, because it benefits people that know how to manipulate it, on both sides of any given issue.
Well, I think CNN, the news anywhere, will continue to focus on race in this issue because it’s better T.V.
But there is something to it. It’s a fact that Obama is black. It’s a fact that America has a history of racism and prejudice toward African Americans. And it’s also a fact that America has overcome, or is overcoming, that prejudice, and that things are far different for a black man today than they were in the past. I know, until now, that Obama hasn’t focused on race in his campaign. But I think he’d say something to the same extent.
It’s very interesting. Here in NYC I see more segregation of blacks and whites than TX (from where we moved) or Oklahoma, where my grandparents still live. I see prejudices from both sides: blacks and whites. I would even say that I have actually experienced prejudices from black women, once when I visited my friend in Harlem.
So I think the fact that Obama is running says something HUGE about our country regarding race, and I don’t think that fact should be overlooked. I think it’s a situation that fosters hope and restoration. It is pretty revolutionary considering our past.
i just found it odd that I was sitting in my room watching the movie Crash and then come to your blog and see a post about racism….
I don’t care that Obama is half-black, I wouldn’t care if he were all black. All I can about is what the man stands for, which is crap. Maybe people were thinking “do we want obama as president?” while they were taking the poll…. b/c I know I sure wouldn’t.
Some point, some day, we’ll live in a world where it won’t be an issue. I don’t think it’s an issue today, except that the CNN’s of the world make it an issue.
Does the fact that Obama’s black play into my decision on who I’ll vote for? No.
Does the fact that Hillary’s a woman play into my decision? No.
Does the fact that McCain’s a white guy play into it? No.
Most people really truly don’t care . . . I’d like to know where that poll was conducted . . .
I would have to disagree with Travis. Racism will never go away, for one reason. It satisfies the selfish motivations of our sinnful nature. Every one wants to feel superior one way or another. Whether it’s based on skin color, performance, or on the level of their “compassion”, it’s all based on the need to feel that “I am better than you.” On top of that, racism removes the necessity of forgivness as a foundational building block of morality. If you can negate forgivness as an essential need in morality, you can also negate it as an need in spirituality.
I’m going to stop now before I get into trouble.
I do think that the crutial word in the poll question is “ready”. Ready to what? Ready “for” what? Were we somehow incomplete before this? What is it that would qualify Americans as ready?
Fancy Pants says it well, the fact that he is even running is huge.
I was talking with a student this week who is terrified of him winning. I was surprised, she’s one of my Mexican students. So I think there are people who aren’t ready and people who might say they are ready and are not, and then people who are totally with it who might not appear to be.
I am always surprised by existing racism as well, but Chinese Australian friend pointed out to me that it is because I am white.
I couldn’t care less what color the next president is. I care what’s in his heart, that he leads with integrity in all things, and knows without a doubt that he answers to God. The Lord Almighty; not allah, buddah, the dali lama, or big bird. I say “his” because I honestly believe that God called men to be the leaders of our homes, our churches and our governments. The feminist movement has served to undermine God’s role for men in leadership and much to foster the misconception that men and women are alike except in the ability to bear children. That’s been proven wrong so many times in so many different ways, yet it’s so ingrained that it’s considered almost blasphemy to say so. I’m sure I’ll take some hits here for it too, but that’s OK. It won’t be the first time or the last time either I’m sure.
I do not plan on voting for Obama because I see him misaligned with scripture in too many vital areas. I won’t vote for Clinton because she’s a woman and even further misaligned than Obama. Besides, she’s already been in the White House for 8 years. Wasn’t that enough? I don’t know where I stand on McCain honestly. Not sure I’ll vote at all at this point. I’m still debating that with myself and praying it over thoroughly as well.
Beth
RE: not voting: There is always someone you can vote for. He may not be the nominee or even from a mainstream party. Heck, he may be your dad, but that is what write in line is for, right? I don’t understand getting to a place where one doesn’t even vote just because one can’t got with the guys getting the press (nor do I understand voting for someone just because they are your party’s nominee). Just because the person you voted for doesn’t win does not mean a vote is wasted. Sorry, I get pretty passionate about voting. I paid big money for that poli sci degree to be a stay at home mom!
I don’t think that America is concerned with Obama being black. Specifically, I believe that one of the only reasons why he may not win by a landslide is the “muddy water” around his name and religious heritage.
If he had a non muslim -ish name and were a “mainstream” type christian, it would be over all ready.
Just my .02.
C
To the person who said “it isn’t an issue” (regarding race)…
It is. I didn’t realize how big an issue race was in America still until recently, to be honest. A friend is adopting kids of another color from another country and the response from a generation older than ours has been surprisingly abhorrent. “Do they even have any pretty ones?”
Seriously. They said that. Race is still an issue with some folks. And those folks, who don’t think a “colored” orphan is worthy of a mom and dad sure won’t be voting for a “colored” president.
I don’t know if the number of racists in America is as high (or higher) as any poll would suggest, but they’re out there.
I forgot to say something last night that was probably more in line with the post’s original intent as far as I can tell.
Racism is perpetuated in the country largely by the media and to some extent by those who seem to think that EVERYTHING has to do with race. If more than one person applies for a job and a white individual gets it, it’s racist. If a jury convicts a non-white of a crime, it’s racist, etc. I’ll be the first to admit that many times, maybe even the majority of times, racism is in fact the reason. However, this isn’t ALWAYS the case. In fact, right now in the US, if a white male and a non-white male apply for the same position and are EQUALLY qualified, the non-white will get the job. Why? So companies do not appear racist. It’s racism in reverse so to speak.
Having lived overseas for many years, I can say that the discrimination against African-Americans in the US seems somewhat unique. Culture has a lot to do with it I think. Blacks in America act, dress and speak completely different than Blacks in England or Germany for instance.
Understand that I am ONLY voicing MY opinion after lots of observation and I’m NOT in any way implying that any of what I’m saying has been studied or determined to be factual by anyone.
SOME individuals of “color” (meaning anyone who isn’t Caucasian), behave, speak, dress, sing, dance, etc. in such ways, for whatever reasons, that lead to the perpetuation of certain stereotypes and expectations.
I think that if you think you are discriminated against and you act like you are and expect to continue to be, then maybe you will be. Not doing those things or believing that may not end the discrimination, but it may change the way you choose to deal with it or way you go about trying to change it.
As for voting or not voting, for me it has NOTHING to do with whether or not “my” choice would be on the ballot or not. It has everything to do with where and in whom I place my allegiance. While I am certainly grateful to be living in a country that afford me the freedoms it does, I am NOT a citizen of the US in the long run; as in eternity. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a responsibility to act in a prudent manner and to respect those whom God has placed in authority over me. I do know for certain that God is in control and no one will be in the White House who isn’t supposed to be there. I may not know the reasons, but I know who makes it all possible. Having said that, I will certainly respect and lawfully abide here as I’m supposed to (unless I’m told to do something against God’s will or law). I will continue to pray daily for those in our government, our military, etc. My husband is in his 21st year in the Air Force. I served 10 myself and am a Gulf War vet. No regrets. LOTS of changed thinking, but no regrets.
Beth
Well said, Beth! As an African born gal, a fellow African lady actually complimented me that I do not look or behave like them…hmmm? Anyhow, I will stop at that because racism exists everywhere unfortunately after the fall, even in like community, it boils down to the choices we make. I thank God for Him because He is the reason to keep going…
Is it widely held belief among the readers here, or Americans in general, that racism won’t go away and that’s just how it is and how it always will be? (I guess specifically I’m addressing Matt, but wondering what everyone else thinks…if I may, Brody.)
That kind of mentality, to me, seems to produce a lax attitude toward change. Maybe even a refusal to try to change?
I really don’t think I’m being ignorantly optimistic here. It’s like saying poverty’s here, that’s just how it is and how it always will be. That’s too bad. As I sip my martini.
The fact that Obama is black is a BIG deal. It means hundreds and thousands of voters have denied what they were taught by their grandparents, their parents, and trusted a black man to govern them. It’s a step, a LEAP, in a positive direction regarding race. Considering blacks, at one time, were not even allowed to vote in our country.
And the reason why, Rachel, it’s not odd when someone announces the African American as the first to do something is because that family had to overcome years of hatred and cultural negativism (within their own community) to achieve whatever it is he/she has achieved.
Now c’mon. And I’m a white girl, y’all.
Go Fancy, loving your enthusiasm!!!! When friends ask me, I often say I am korean at heart…then I say, I am everything because we are one race in Christ. It may make me a novice but God loves children (and I love being His endeared child) for they are innocent–yet wise as serpent and peaceful as doves. I really do thank God for Him because HE is moving in mysterious ways and bringing us together under His name…By the way, by the time my conversation/laughs with friends usually conclude, they often join the club of we are one in Christ Jesus.
I agree that Obama and Clinton running and getting this far in a presidential race is BIG. It’s very big. Women didn’t used to be able to vote in this country either; and still aren’t able in many other countries. I guess what I’m trying to say is that by constantly focusing on race as THE central issue (and it is, that’s for sure) we make it a bigger deal than it needs to be, thereby continuing the racist attitudes, etc. If we accept it as the norm, rather than HUGE, then maybe the idea that Blacks can be president or anything else for that matter WILL become the norm and racism will be defeated.
Ask anyone on the street if holding a “Latino Heritage” parade, “African-American Pride week”, or whatever is racist or wrong and chances are they’d say no. Even if they didn’t agree with it, chances are they wouldn’t admit it for fear of being labeled a racist. Everyone should be able to celebrate their heritage, regardless of what it is. Try, however to organize a “White Pride” week and see how far you get. It would be seen as racist, elitist, arrogant, extremely discriminatory and possibly illegal. While we have worked hard, and need to continue to work harder to end racism, reverse discrimination is alive and well and cannot be addressed because it’s “racist.”
I have always wondered why we feel compelled to “sort” Americans into groups like African-American, Korean-American, Latin-American, etc. Why can’t we just be American? There are so many people in the US that can’t begin to name anyone in their family line that came from Africa, Korea, Mexico, or wherever, yet, they feel compelled to identify with something other than just American. I’m not criticizing, just wondering why it’s necessary. I don’t label myself as “Swedish-American,” or “Irish-American” or “Anglo-American.” I’m just American. My dad would say we’re a “Heinz 57″ race ’cause we came from all over. I guess I’ll be part of the “mutt” race then.
Beth
Beth, I agree with you to an extent.
I think you’re right that reverse racial discrimination exists. Which is another reason why Obama in this election is a positive step.
What I think we can’t do, though, is pretend that America’s past doesn’t hold what it holds. It shouldn’t be all we think about. But I think we have to look realistically where we are, and then from there make positive choices, individually and in our communities, to overcome prejudices. Having a “White Pride” week would be disrespectful and unnecessary.
I don’t believe that overcoming prejudice will occur by forgetting or overlooking our differences. It’s actually about seeing the differences and accepting and embracing them. I think we sort Americans into groups because the groups have different cultures and histories within the same nation, and that’s OK. It’s just not OK to hate the other group.
I see Obama as a testimony to the fact that things can be different regarding the oppression of the black individual. Oppression that sometimes comes from within the black community. Obama himself didn’t discuss race in the primaries until now because it was important to run as an American first. The reality is that he is an American and half-black, and America has never had a black president before. Polling America about whether it’s “ready” or not is in a way, realistically looking at our current position and questioning it.
I taught for a year in an inner city school system, where 95% of my students were not white. I attended a black church in TX for a number of years. I have a best friend who is black. My experiences have shown me that Americans of different race can accept and love each other while respecting each other’s differences.
found your blog via Carlos (I’m from ATL).
Really interesting post. I honestly haven’t decided where I stand as a voter for the next president, but I can say that it doesn’t have anything to do with color. It is so sad that CNN honestly could sit in a room brainstorming content and think that a poll questioning “is america ready for an African American…” would not be as ridiculous as it comes across…
it’s such a crowd leading piece of information too. why would they think that it’s appropriate as “responsible journalists” who supposedly cover both sides.