The dawn of a new era has settled upon us. As millions of viewers tuned in to witness a historical moment in our history when Barack Obama was elected as the president of the United States of America, millions more shed tears of pure exhilarated joy that finally, after years of struggle, a Black man made his way into the White House and into the most powerful position of not only the very country where the last lynching took place less than 30 years ago, but the world.
But how much is too much? It seems that every station I tune in to, every paper I read through, every headline I glance over, reads something to the effect of: "Barack Obama: First African American president in the U.S." or "The first Black man in U.S. history as president." The recurring statements just keep on coming. Whether its through the excited voices of African Americans proclaiming their pride or in running commentaries headlining Obama's race. I very much agree with something former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview with CNN saying that "President-elect Obama is going to be a president for all of America", although he happens to be Black. I like that. "Happens to be Black". We, as a people, cannot be confused. Mr. Obama was not running as a Black president, he ran as a President. Plain and simple. The only way the U.S. can break free of the racial divide that has become so embedded in society is to quit the labeling. It's easier said than done, I know. But it gets a little much when I see the ample exposure that is just NOW being shed on the fact that the President-Elect is...BLACK! CNN International, God love them, did a whole piece on it. Went to the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. Interviewed various African Americans, devoted a lot of time to honor the struggle that was endured in this long journey for Black people in America.
.....really?! Come on. I don't want to sound cynical, but where was all this pre-Obama? Did it JUST dawn on someone that slavery was outlawed, like, less than 50 years ago?! I'm going on a tangent, but if you, me, the media, African Americans, Caucasians, want to celebrate the victory of Mr. Obama, fine. But please, PLEASE don't celebrate it on account that he is Black. That does not, I repeat, DOES NOT, mean that he will be a wonderful leader. And it's going to backfire. It's going to perpetuate the color divide among us. We cannot focus on that, Mr. Rupert Murdoch, or whoever controls the media.
And to my fellow Black people (I'm saying Black, not only African Americans), do not linger in this aspect. Do not, please, over dose on the race card. It is indeed a fantastic, joyous occasion that America could look beyond color in electing their president, but do not show that that is the ONLY thing you are proud of. He will be president of the UNITED States of America. It's not "President-elect Obama, welcome to the Black House!" It's not "We got a BLACK man in charge now", no. Let's not walk 50 years back mentally; let's see this victory for what it truly is, an EDUCATED, FORWARD-THINKING, DEDICATED, HUMBLE, INSPIRING leader has been elected.....who just happens to be Black.
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2 comments:
Excellent work Noon! I think just like Obama-mania, we are experiencing "OUR PRESIDENT IS BLACK"-mania. With it being three days afterwards I think thats alright. We (young african-americans) from birth through societal norms learned that we are black first. Black man, black woman. Not a man that is black. So I think we are just rejoicing that someone that looks like us has achieved the ultimate goal fair and sqaure on the merit of his attributes and intellect. Not because he dribles a ball, or writes a lyric. But I agree, he is not the black president but rather the president of the United States. Once he is sworn in, I think it will start to return to business as usual. Also, (last point), black people can not think everything is going to be 'ok' now. Like you said he has a monumental task ahead. Rather we should use his achievement as a spring-board in our own lives to better ourselves, further education, achieve our goals and become viable citizens. -Bucka
Great point! Thank you,Noon.
In my view, the significance of this election is that the American people finally stood together and said "no". No to the usual political games, no to slandering ads, no to politics of fear. They said 'yes' to change and voted for a new, unique, and forward thinking leader. A leader who believes that anything is possible as long as we work 'TOGEHTER'. The fact that Obama is Black is a bonus.
After 8 years of Bush I honestly didnt think we could do that.
(Keep it flowing, Noon)
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